Inside Moves (1980)

After a failed suicide attempt leaves him partially crippled, Rory begins spending a lot of time at a neighborhood bar full of interesting misfits. When Jerry the bartender suddenly finds ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Donner

Writers:

Todd Walton (based on the novel by), Valerie Curtin (screenplay),

Stars:

John Savage, David Morse, Diana Scarwid

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Savage	...	Roary
David Morse	...	Jerry Maxwell
Diana Scarwid	...	Louise
Amy Wright	...	Anne
Tony Burton	...	Lucius
Bill Henderson	...	Blue Lewis
Steve Kahan	...	Burt
Jack O'Leary	...	Max
Bert Remsen	...	Stinky
Harold Russell	...	Wings
Pepe Serna	...	Herrada
Harold Sylvester	...	Alvin Martin
Arnold Williams	...	Benny
George Brenlin	...	Gil
Gerri Dean	...	Hooker

Storyline

After a failed suicide attempt leaves him partially crippled, Rory begins spending a lot of time at a neighborhood bar full of interesting misfits. When Jerry the bartender suddenly finds himself playing basketball for the Golden State Warriors, Rory and the rest of the bar regulars hope his success will provide a lift to their sagging spirits. Will Jerry forget his friends? What about his junkie hooker girlfriend and her pimp?

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Plot Keywords:

bar | bartender | failed suicide | basketball | jumping out a window | 

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Taglines:

A film to make you feel good again... Step INSIDE Max's bar... It will be one of the best MOVES you've ever made!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 August 1981 (Argentina)

Also Known As:

Sueños de triunfo

Filming Locations:

Echo Park, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Goodmark Productions Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Morse's first film.

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Quotes

Blue Lewis: [reading a story] Her huge melons glistened in the moonlight, she smiled, taunting him- then slowly, ever so slowly she began to undo... underher...
Stinky: Undulate?
Blue Lewis: Undulate...
Stinky: Undulate what? Her hips?
Blue Lewis: Yes, yes, her hips.
Stinky: Go ahead! Go ahead!
Blue Lewis: As her breasts moved towards him bubbling in the night air, he couldn't help but notice how she had grown from that small child from whom he had once babysat.
[shakes his head]
Blue Lewis: He reached out...
Stinky: Go ahead! Go ahead!
[...]

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Connections

References Superman (1978)

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Soundtracks

"Just Be Free"
Performed by The Spinners
Words and music by Alvin Fields & Michael Zager
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation

User Reviews

Soulful masterpiece.

It's been many years since I've seen this film, but I've never forgotten it. There's little I can offer in terms of praise that hasn't already been posted here by other commentators.

It's a film about adversity, finding friendship, and finding the inner strength to rebuild and embrace life for what it is. It's a film that shows people with physical disabilities in a very normal light, showing them to be neither noble-handicaps nor pitiful cripples, but as normal everyday folks with all the faults and good points of humanity. It's a film about coping with one's own decisions, and overcoming life's challenges.

There's some mild profanity, and references to adult situations, as well as some violence, so be warned ahead of time. It's a film the likes of which I have not seen since, and am hopeful that it'll see a DVD release someday. Until then we'll just have to wait :-(

In the meantime if you get a chance to view it, then do so :-)