Why Gump, Why Now? (1994)
"Siskel & Ebert & the Movies" Why Gump, Why Now? (original title)

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert try to figure out what has made Forrest Gump such a surprise success.

Stars:

Gene Siskel, Roger Ebert, Andy Griffith

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Gene Siskel	...	Himself - Host
Roger Ebert	...	Himself - Host
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Andy Griffith	...	Himself - Comedian: 'What It Was, Was Football' (archive sound)

Storyline

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert try to figure out what has made Forrest Gump such a surprise success. Gene Siskel first points out that Tom Hanks is coming off three big successes in a row: A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle and Philadelphia. He goes on to say that the movie is almost a religious experience for American audiences who haven't come to grips with the last thirty years in their tumultuous history. It works like a bedtime story or a parable. Ebert points out the brilliant device of having the title character narrate the story from a park bench. He says the technique of the narrator who knows less than we do dates back to Mark Twain and reminds him especially of Andy Griffith's comedy album, "What It Was, Was Football". He credits the amazing special effects that add Gump to historical footage. Siskel credits the writers, especially their technique of adding a joke at just the right moment. The critics examine the early career of Tom Hanks and then spotlight the fables...

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Genres:

Talk-Show

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Details

Release Date:

1994 (USA)

Company Credits

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Being There (1979)

User Reviews