The Climb (1998)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Bob Swaim

Writer (WGA):

Vince McKewin (written by)

Release Date:

18 February 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

John Langer, (John Hurt) a crusty old civic engineer, has an arsenal full of memories. With irreverent wit...

Plot Keywords:

Radio Tower | Children | Baltimore Maryland | 1950s | Independent Film

Awards:

6 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

John Hurt	...	Chuck Langer
Gregory Smith	...	Danny Himes
David Strathairn	...	Earl Himes
Stephen McHattie	...	Jack McLaskin
Seth Smith	...	Andy Sweeney
Sarah Buxton	...	Ruth Langer (as Sarah G. Buxton)
Marla Sokoloff	...	Leslie Himes
Matthew Ness	...	Wayne Barto
Michael Saccente	...	Ed Langer
Tina Regtien	...	Eileen Barto
Oliver Hodges	...	Tommy Sweeney
Michael Galvin	...	Father Cronin
Nigel Godfrey	...	Langer's Doctor
Dave Perrett	...	Joe Grace
Peter Rowley	...	Rules Rhodes

Also Known As:

Le défi (France) (dubbed version)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual content and some language.

Runtime:

USA:98 min

Country:

France | New Zealand

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

France:U | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Company:

Ellipse Programme

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Ruth turns on the radio in her bedroom it begins to play immediately, not taking time to warm up like a tube radio from that period would. Either the radio is solid state or, more likely, this reveals the music being added in after the scene.

Quotes:

Danny Himes: Great, so um, maybe you wouldn't mind coming and showing 'em babies to my entire 6th grade class.

1950s American characters, well acted

While some aspects of the plot of "The Climb" may be predictable, this is a character film and the characters are well drawn and well acted. The lead actor, the young Gregory Smith, is especially excellent in the role of a seemingly typical youth of 1959, eager to display his courage in a typical escapade of boys his age: the climbing of a decommissioned radio tower to compete with other kids in the Baltimore neighborhood where the story is set. He is complemented by veteran actor John Hurt as a crusty old neighbor who seeks solace in drink until Gregory's "12-year-old" character comes into his life via an arrow through his window! The two become pals of sorts as Hurt helps young Gregory in his aim to be the first kid to climb the rusty tower, slated for demolition soon. This time-is-of-the-essence element moves the story along as it is also part of Hurt's dying character. This is what keeps the vignettes of 50s America and side lines of the peripheral characters in proper scope and duration. Perhaps the most multilevel performance is that of Gregory's father played by David Stratharin, a man of evident decentness in his portrayal, and, one would think from this, in his personal life as well.

Gregory Smith went on to other films, and is perhaps best known in the TV series "Everwood", but he is at his most attractive and engaging in this role in "The Climb." Dave Stratharin has done many fine performances as his page on this site makes clear, but this is one of his most nuanced roles as others have noted. We could have done without the boobs scene between Hurt's daughter-in-law and the priest, but I suppose it was supposed to lighten up a rather sober story line, and with its omission, this is a also a good film for kids. This flick is neither high drama nor a laugh fest, and it may not be a classic, but it is thoroughly enjoyable as the rich character study it is.