It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time (1975)

Director:

John Trent

Writers:

David Main, John Trent,

Stars:

Anthony Newley, Stefanie Powers, Isaac Hayes

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Anthony Newley	...	Sweeney
Stefanie Powers	...	Georgina
Isaac Hayes	...	Moriarty
Lloyd Bochner	...	Burton
Yvonne De Carlo	...	Julia
Henry Ramer	...	Prince
Lawrence Dane	...	Broom
John Candy	...	Kopek
Moya Fenwick	...	Mrs. Chorley
Anne Marie Sten	...	Big Red (as Anne-Marie Sten)
Robert A. Silverman	...	Lawyer (as Robert Silverman)
Roy Wordsworth	...	Albert

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

female nudity | breasts | independent film

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Good Idea

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 1,200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC), Quadrant Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Mrs. Chorley: As I used to say to my late husband...
[she is poked with a stick]
Mrs. Chorley: don't poke that thing at me!

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits are shown in a zany animation sequence. Towards the end, the voice of star Anthony Newley comments on the names being introduced in these credits. He calls the producer "a funny fella" and mispronounces a slew of other names.

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Connections

Followed by Find the Lady (1976)

User Reviews

I'd like to report a theft...

I was surprised to obtain a DVD as a gift featuring John Candy in a film unknown to me. Now I know why. This is a shameless way to sell film. The movie itself was harmless, and although it featured actors with fine screen credits, the story was too ambiguous to follow. It could be used in film school to illustrate to students how not to edit a film or write a screenplay. A little research showed that none of the actors ever submitted this 1975 excuse for a comedy to their list accomplishments, probably because it stayed in the can until 2004, waiting to cash in on the popularity of John Candy through the deceptive packaging of the DVD. None of the characters are ever developed, Yvonne DeCarlo's character is embarrassingly shallow, given the fact she was a big star in film during the 40's and 50's , her appearance is tantamount to Bela Lugosi's in "Plan 9 From Outer Space". She must have needed the $15 paycheck (Canadian). All the talent was there for a decent film, the director must have had no budget and 3 day rental of equipment. too bad. It only cost $2.99, but I'd rather have my 91 minutes back. This would have been a co-feature at the drive-in. Watchable, but forgettable.