In 1910 a new show, Nickelodeon, was born. It is called that because people paid 5 cents to see it. Then, Buck (Burt Reynolds) and lawyer Leo (Ryan O'Neal) accidentally enter film production in the early days (1910). Lawyer, then writer, then film director, it is the career of the shy Leo Harrigan. But Leo also has problems, such as being hopelessly in love with his leading lady (Jane Hitchcock), who decides to reward his attentions by hooking up with Harrigan's vulgar leading man, Buck Greenaway. Dreams. 5 cents. Love. Action. Comedy. Suspense. Excitement. Before Rhett kissed Scarlett. Before Laurel met Hardy. Before Butch Cassidy met the Sundance Kid. Before any movie made you laugh, cry or fall in love. There were a handful of adventurers who made flickering images that could be viewed for five cents.
An engaging 1970s comedy in the spirit of silent cinema but made by Peter Bogdanovich, featuring laughter, confusion, funny scenes, entertainment and great fun. Set between 1910 and 1915, it spends years confusing the protagonists' lives and their suitcases before they set out to make films. One ridiculous and absurd situation after another adds to the high-speed fun. The film successfully brought together famous stars and earned a moderate gross at the box office. Despite some hilarious intentions, the film takes itself too seriously as a tribute to film pioneers. But with Peter Bognadovich's wistful nostalgia partially lacking in perspective, this uneven reenactment becomes entirely a work of times past; there's certainly enough wit, rhythm or verve to suggest it's alive. There are funny sketches and cute sets about the silent filming with a series of anecdotes highlighting the mistakes, failures and upheavals. However, in some scenes, several actors are completely exposed, mugging in a clumsy and charming manner. Throughout all its outlandish incidents, this wacky comedy about early silent films rarely manages to elicit laughs. Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich's pacing seems a mistake and his actors could be acceptable when trying to record real roles. There are acceptable actors paying silent film clichés and especially paying homage to The Birth of the Nation or The Clansman, the silent film masterpiece of the great D. W. Griffith and actors of the time such as Mary Pickford, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton.
The main and supporting cast give decent performances, such as: Ryan O'Neal as the headstrong lawyer trying to achieve fame and fortune in the world of cinema, Burt Reynolds acting in his usual style, the inexperienced protagonist Jane Hitchcock of short career is a washout, Tatum O'Neal escapes the clutches of the script to provide a genuine spark. Along with other nice supporting characters, they are all in nice shape, including: Brian Keith, Stella Stevens, John Ritter, George Gaynes, M. Emmet Walsh, Brion James.
It contains admirable and evocative cinematography by Laszlo Kovaks. The film is acceptable and passable, it is professionally directed, although it is terribly pedantic for a comedy. Peter Bognadovich achieves the uneven balance between chaos and control, adding sparkling dialogue and disconcerting incidents. Peter was one of Hollywood's greatest directors. He directed 6 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Ben Johnson, Jeff Bridges, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Tatum O'Neal and Madeline Kahn. Johnson, Leachman and O'Neal won Oscars for their performances. Peter made some masterpieces and directed all kinds of genres with a predilection for Comedy, such as The last Picture Show, Targets, Paper Moon, Daisy Miller, Saint jack, Everybody laughed, Mask, Illegally yours, Texasville, Noises OFF, A thing. Called Love, A Saintly Switch, among others. Bognadovich was offered the opportunity to direct The Godfather (1972) and Chinatown (1974). It's definitely a must-see for Peter Bogdanovich enthusiasts and he's sure to make you fall off your seat with slight laughter. It's a true family film that will appeal to fans of Ryan O'Neal and Burt Reynolds.
An engaging 1970s comedy in the spirit of silent cinema but made by Peter Bogdanovich, featuring laughter, confusion, funny scenes, entertainment and great fun. Set between 1910 and 1915, it spends years confusing the protagonists' lives and their suitcases before they set out to make films. One ridiculous and absurd situation after another adds to the high-speed fun. The film successfully brought together famous stars and earned a moderate gross at the box office. Despite some hilarious intentions, the film takes itself too seriously as a tribute to film pioneers. But with Peter Bognadovich's wistful nostalgia partially lacking in perspective, this uneven reenactment becomes entirely a work of times past; there's certainly enough wit, rhythm or verve to suggest it's alive. There are funny sketches and cute sets about the silent filming with a series of anecdotes highlighting the mistakes, failures and upheavals. However, in some scenes, several actors are completely exposed, mugging in a clumsy and charming manner. Throughout all its outlandish incidents, this wacky comedy about early silent films rarely manages to elicit laughs. Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich's pacing seems a mistake and his actors could be acceptable when trying to record real roles. There are acceptable actors paying silent film clichés and especially paying homage to The Birth of the Nation or The Clansman, the silent film masterpiece of the great D. W. Griffith and actors of the time such as Mary Pickford, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton.
The main and supporting cast give decent performances, such as: Ryan O'Neal as the headstrong lawyer trying to achieve fame and fortune in the world of cinema, Burt Reynolds acting in his usual style, the inexperienced protagonist Jane Hitchcock of short career is a washout, Tatum O'Neal escapes the clutches of the script to provide a genuine spark. Along with other nice supporting characters, they are all in nice shape, including: Brian Keith, Stella Stevens, John Ritter, George Gaynes, M. Emmet Walsh, Brion James.
It contains admirable and evocative cinematography by Laszlo Kovaks. The film is acceptable and passable, it is professionally directed, although it is terribly pedantic for a comedy. Peter Bognadovich achieves the uneven balance between chaos and control, adding sparkling dialogue and disconcerting incidents. Peter was one of Hollywood's greatest directors. He directed 6 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Ben Johnson, Jeff Bridges, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Tatum O'Neal and Madeline Kahn. Johnson, Leachman and O'Neal won Oscars for their performances. Peter made some masterpieces and directed all kinds of genres with a predilection for Comedy, such as The last Picture Show, Targets, Paper Moon, Daisy Miller, Saint jack, Everybody laughed, Mask, Illegally yours, Texasville, Noises OFF, A thing. Called Love, A Saintly Switch, among others. Bognadovich was offered the opportunity to direct The Godfather (1972) and Chinatown (1974). It's definitely a must-see for Peter Bogdanovich enthusiasts and he's sure to make you fall off your seat with slight laughter. It's a true family film that will appeal to fans of Ryan O'Neal and Burt Reynolds.