Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Woody Allen | ... | ||
Mia Farrow | ... | ||
Nick Apollo Forte | ... | ||
Sandy Baron | ... | ||
Corbett Monica | ... | ||
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Jackie Gayle | ... | |
Morty Gunty | ... | ||
Will Jordan | ... | ||
Howard Storm | ... |
Howard Storm
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Jack Rollins | ... |
Jack Rollins
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Milton Berle | ... |
Milton Berle
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Craig Vandenburgh | ... |
Ray Webb
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Herb Reynolds | ... | |
Paul Greco | ... |
Vito Rispoli
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Frank Renzulli | ... |
Joe Rispoli
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Danny Rose is a manager of artists, and although he's not very successful, he nevertheless goes out of his way to help his acts. So when Lou Canova, a singer who has a chance of making a come-back, asks Danny to help him with a problem, Danny helps him. This problem is Lou's mistress Tina. Lou wants Tina to be at his concerts, otherwise he can't perform, but he's married, so Danny has to take her along as if she was his girlfriend. Danny however gets more than he has bargained for when two mobsters come looking for the guy who has hurt their brother by stealing the heart of Tina, the girl he loves. Written by Leon Wolters <wolters@strw.LeidenUniv.nl>
This was never embraced as one of Woody Allen's best pictures, but it certainly ranks alongside Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters and Annie Hall, although it is far removed in subject matter from any of these. Danny Rose is an empathatic character whose heart goes out to the underdog. He is a former comic who becomes an agent, representing acts that no one else will touch. He has been kicked down many times, but he continues to plod along, always believing he will hit the big time with a special act. But late in this story, told by a comic to fellow comics who know Danny Rose, he comes to the realization that his life is going nowhere. That scene, on Thanksgiving Day, is filled with pathos. Mixed with the comedy throughout, that one scene makes this one of the most touching films imaginable. Mia Farrow gives a strong performance as the would-be interior decorator who is having an affair with a Rose client, a has-been, one-hit wonder from the '50s played by Nick Apollo Forte. This is a must-see for Allen fans, and would be a good introductory film for those not familiar with his work.