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I recently aquired this film newly transfered to Blu-ray, courtesy Kino Lorber. It originally was released in 1971, and I'd viewed it at a small art-house theater in San Francisco sometime after it's first run. At the time, I wasn't particularly 'impressed' with the film, and it slipped from my memory. However, things can change. The film didn't imprss me, not really. But I think, I changed over the decades in ways that made me truly appreciate the uniqueness and overall 'brilliance' of this film. What seemed to have escaped me at the time, it's sense of 'whimsy', 'subtle humor', 'broad humor', 'romance' and 'fantasy', are clearly evident to me now. It has now become 'a favorite' film, it's merits - deeply cherished. I'm not sure, but I don't think it was a fincancial and / or critical success upon it's iniitial release, I could be wrong. Sometimes films, though competently made, are released at 'the wrong time'. This may have been the case for 'They Might be Giants'. George C. Scott who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes is met by his new M.D.. Doctor (Mildred) Watson, Joanne Woodward. You can imagine what craziness ensues. Add to the cast, Jack Gilford, Al Lewis, Rue McClanahan, M.Emmet Walsh and F. Murray Abraham, and you've got a delightful souffle. Directed by Anthony Harvey, (The Lion in Winter) and written by Oscar Winner, James Goldman, perhaps NOW is the right time to discover or, RE-discover this wonderful little film.
Composer John Barry contributes a positively lovely and huanting film score that has never been released, except as a short suite. His music sort of 'gift-wraps' the film in a beautiful way.
I'd have included a trailer here, but what's available on youtube gives too much away, and aren't very good. Though you can hear some of Mr. Barry's music.
Sidenote: New York City in 1971 looks rather frightening in some respects; there are scenes filmed with probably (hidden) cameras right in the middle of 5th Avenue where most of the pedestrians don't realize a film is being made, and that that's George C. Scott in a Sherlock Holmes guise. Or maybe, since it's N.Y.C., no one cared! A surprise though for me: My (argueably) favorite film of all time, 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' is seen as advertising that literally covers up the entire side of a building in the middle of Times Square. Seems to be about a block in length and several stories high. Of no consequence except to probably only myself.
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Aren't we talking about John Barry as the composer here, and not John Addison?
SORRY, my mistake! I've since corrected the name. Thanks Bob!
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Yes.
We discussed this film.and score at length in past threads.
Many folks here, including moi, consider the score a " grail" release.
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