This film has everything. A tight and tense script from the early career of Oscar winning writer/director Curtis Hanson. A terrific, understated performance from Elliott Gould. Christopher Plummer as the villain/criminal mastermind. The type of crime against their employer that almost everyone has wished for at some point in their working career. It was filmed in the 70s so everyone is sleeping around and bras are nowhere to be seen. John Candy, in a very small part, gets the beautiful girl. Just enough violence to keep you wondering about the fate of our anti-hero. Verisimilitude abounds. It seemed an entirely plausible crime to me. 1978’s ‘The Silent Partner’ has plenty of tension, plot-twists, solid acting, taut direction and Christopher Plummer in drag. What more could you want in a crime thriller that you might have missed?

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Elliott Gould portrays Miles Cullen. He is the senior teller at a large bank in Toronto. He notices some suspicious behavior and believes the bank is about to be robbed. But instead of notifying the police he decides to keep some of the bank's cash for himself. The robbery takes place, the bank robber gets a little money and Gould gets a lot of money. Gould is elated. His life has been very sedate, almost boring, and the excitement of being a thief, along with the cash, has brought him a new interest in life.

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A few nights later his phone rings. The bank robber has figured out that Gould kept most of the proceeds of his robbery and he wants the money. Now! And so the game of cat and mouse begins. Plummer, playing the bank robber, is his most menacing self. Can Gould outsmart Plummer and keep the money without being caught or killed?

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Both the writer and the director deserve lots of credit for making 1978’s ‘The Silent Partner’ such a good film. Writer Curtis Hanson adapted the Anders Bodelson novel 'Think of a Number' into a nice, tight package. You can see the beginnings of the career that would later lead to the film noir masterpiece ‘L.A. Confidential’. Director Daryl Duke takes the script and films a wonderfully compact movie. There are few extraneous happenings. Just plot and character development that moves the story along. Duke also gets a top-notch performance out of both Elliott Gould and Christopher Plummer. Gould plays the bank teller with an understated ease. You are never sure of his motives or plans. Plummer is the embodiment of quiet evil. He is menacing from the very first time you hear his voice.

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As of today, there are no streaming services that are offering ‘The Silent Partner’. You can rent it on Google Play or Amazon Prime or purchase the DVD on Amazon/eBay.

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Side notes: Writer Hanson finished the directing of this film. Director Duke walked off the set towards the end and Hanson had to step in. Also, the film won 6 of Canada’s version of the Oscars including Best Feature Film and Best Direction.

1979’s ‘Quadrophenia’ uses the transcendent double album by The Who to weave a tale of a young man looking for his place in the world. I love The Who. The soundtrack and performance footage alone make this film worth seeing. But add the tunes, a wonderful story of 'Jimmy’, played perfectly by Phil Daniels (‘EastEnders’ & ‘House of the Dragon’) in a very early role, and a deep young cast together to obtain a deep, introspective film with lots for everyone. ‘Quadrophenia’ looks at jobs, girls, drugs, music, scooters. All the choices that, in our own way, we all faced during our turbulent adolescent years.

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Director Franc Roddam does a terrific job with this "angry young man" story that is inspired by the Pete Townsend rock opera of the same name. Phil Daniels carries the angst in every scene. I root for him to succeed, find love, mature and enjoy life. For him, as for most young adults, it is a difficult journey. But well worth sharing. For me it was the Punks vs. Rockers in the 70's, but the film's transcendent storyline really strikes home.

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Another reason to check out this flick is the acting debut of Sting. The lead singer of The Police does a terrific job as Ace, the idol of all the mods. He lives and works in Brighton and is a central figure in the second half. I remain impressed with Sting's screen presence. All the actors do fine work. They give this film a very authentic mood. When this was filmed very few people had heard of The Police. But, by the release of ‘Quadrophenia’ they had become world stars. You get an early look at this rock icon.

This is a hidden treasure. The story, the scenery, the scooters and the soundtrack make ‘Quadrophenia’ a film worth enjoying!

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Side notes: It is currently available on MAX, Tubi and Pluto. Also, the producers originally wanted John Lydon to play the lead. You may better know him as Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols. When no one would insure him they moved on to Daniels. Personally I am a huge fan of the scooters featured throughout the movie. They were a key aspect to the rivalry between The Mods and The Rockers of the time. Great fun to see them here.

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Weir made two of the most acclaimed films ever: ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ and ‘The Truman Show’. Both of these wonderful movies are rated above 8 on IMDB and are in the top 200 films of all-time according to voters. Along with ‘Witness’ and ‘Master and Commander’ they earned Weir four Best Director Oscar nominations. Today, let’s look at five other films by this fantastic director that you should check out:

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I just finished this interesting documentary from India. ‘All that Breathes’ tells the story of 2 brothers in New Delhi, India. They have dedicated their lives to helping the injured and sick raptors, particularly Black Kites, of their city. A multi-layered film that you might have missed!

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Currently nominated for Best Documentary Feature, ‘All that Breathes’ speaks to the viewers on many levels. The main focus, the care for the injured, invokes the DNA encoded desire to help those in need. In this case it is the Black Kites of New Delhi. The brothers have spent years struggling to assist these beautiful creatures. Creatures that are suffering from the rampant pollution and loss of habitat prevalent in India today.

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The documentary also features the difficulties, both financially and within their family, of these efforts. There is never enough money nor time to help all the birds that need them. This pressure bubbles to the surface in a variety of ways. We see the arguments and the rifts that arise from these pressures. But, we also are witness to the love and support their family provides. A real statement to the power and pressure of family and brotherhood.

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Perhaps the most interesting layer of ‘All that Breathes’ is the effort by director Shaunak Sen to give us a glimpse of all the life that breathes in and around New Delhi. He uses a change in focus/perspective to unveil for us turtles, insects, rats, dogs, frogs, wild hogs and many other non-human residents of this city of 33 million people and untold millions of other living and breathing natives. This insight is fascinating and used throughout the movie. A delightful filmmaking technique.

The film also touches on the current religious tensions in India. We see the women of their neighborhood in their fight against Prime Minister Modi and his BJP Party. The BJP is very nationalist and very Hindu. It appears that the BJP is making it difficult for many minorities, but particularly the Muslims, to thrive in India. There is danger, even rioting, throughout the area. One of the brother’s wife wants her husband to help with these protests, but his focus is entirely upon the Kites. We also learn of the financial redtape with which they must fight. It was nice to see a way to help at the end of the documentary.

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‘All that Breathes’ presents to us people who care about the birds around them. It also opens our eyes to the richness of life hidden in an urban environment. I found it warm, touching and interesting. I hope you do as well. It is currently available on HBOMax.

Side note: This film has won almost 20 awards at film festivals around the world and is the front-runner for the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Editor’s note:This film did not win the Oscar. The award went instead to ‘Navalny’, A fascinating film about Russian dissident Alexei Navalny.

Everyone has those parties. The ones, looking back, they wish they had attended, but they somehow missed. From small parties with friends that are now epic, to big parties like Woodstock, we all have that moment. This documentary is about an epic party that went off the rails. Way off. Before it happened many wished to go. Afterwards all attendees were outraged that they went. Here is a great documentary about a fabulous, must-attend party that you should be glad you missed. The party might have been horrible, but the film is fascinating. A terrible party, but a great film that you might have missed!

2019’s ‘Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened’ chronicles the run-up, hype, hypocrisy and failure of the Fyre Festival. Promoted as the luxury event of the millennium by organizers Billy McFarland and Rapper Ja Rule, it became an entertainment disaster and an out-and-out fraud. McFarland paid “influencers” to hype the concert. They showered the internet with beautiful videos of the private Bahamian island that was to host acts like Tyga, Blink-182, Major Lazer and 30 other huge performers to amaze the guests while they enjoyed cuisine prepared by international celebrity chefs. All the while they would be staying in luxury domes built just for this event.

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Of course, none of this actually happened. McFarland went to prison, Ja Rule disavowed any involvement, the “influencers” (Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski and more) admitted they had been paid a fortune and the lawsuits piled up.

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‘Fyre’ chronicles the lies, mistakes, frauds and corruption that plagued the event from day one. A fascinating look at modern crime, the power of the web, the desperate desire to belong and the deep “need” of a generation to become famous. Fascinating and, at times, mindboggling, ‘Fyre’ is well worth a viewing!

One interesting note: This film was produced by Jerry Media, the social media firm that was involved in promoting the festival and covering up the fraud. It was also produced by MATTE productions who made the videos used by the influencers to publicize the event. They made tons of money on the “event” and continue to make money after the fraud ends.

‘Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened’ is currently on NETFLIX.

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It is true that this film hinges upon the performance of Jane Fonda. She wins her first of two Best Actress Oscars for her amazing work in this movie. As I said in my tweet (@movieguysteve), it is amazing how she was willing to be so unglamorous. Bree Daniels is a manipulative call girl. But Fonda's portrayal shows her to be an insecure woman who is attempting to live her life to the best of her abilities. She wants more, like most of us, but her frailties and faults get in the way, again just like most of us. You should watch this film just for her acting. During the denouement the camera focuses upon her face as she listens to a tape of the murder of her friend. You can feel the growing fear and disgust that Fonda expresses with just slight movements of her facial features. She is fantastic. It is sometimes forgotten what a fabulous career she has had. Jane Fonda can act!

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The other performers in 1971’s ‘Klute’ are also terrific. Donald Sutherland, in the role of the lead detective, shows little emotion. Just a drive to find the facts and solve the case. Roy Scheider is so sleazy as Bree's agent (pimp) that I squirm, just a little, while he is on screen. Look for familiar faces Charles Cioffi and Dorothy Tristan who both do fine work.

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The script, written by Andy and David Lewis, is straightforward. A man goes missing and his wife wants him found. The police, after finding a note to a prostitute in his desk, assume that he has run away. His employer and wife hire Klute to go to New York and locate the man and the truth. There he finds that the prostitute (Bree) has been receiving obscene phone calls and feels that she is being watched. Is this the man that Klute is looking for? His efforts lead to the discovery of multiple murders and endangers Bree's life. Private Detective Klute pushes against all those involved in an effort to solve these crimes.

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’Klute’ is an excellent piece of film making. Director Alan J. Pakula moves the film along. I do find it interesting, however, that for a film about the killing of prostitutes there is very little violence or sex. That makes this film very different from most. Many writers and/or directors would have chosen to play up the sex and violence. Not Pakula. He keeps the film intelligent and stays away from gratuitous nudity or violence. You can view the film on Tubi for free!

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Side notes: In her autobiography, Fonda says that she spent time on the streets with prostitutes before filming ‘Klute’. After this experience she felt that she was not attractive enough and that she should be replaced by Faye Dunaway. I am very glad that the producers convinced her to continue on. This film is much better for her performance. Also, Sylvester Stallone is an extra. Look for him dancing in front of the organ pipes in the disco sequence. And, Fonda’s haircut became quite the rage. The “Klute cut” was very popular in the 1970s. This is the first in Pakula’s “paranoia trilogy”. ‘The Parallax View’ and ‘All the President’s Men’ complete the trilogy.

Many films are called "Dramedy" because they want you to believe that the film is both a comedy and a drama. It’s an appeal to a bigger audience and, therefore, more bucks for the studio. This film is one of the few films that honestly deserves the title. You will be laughing during many scenes and then your heartstrings will be pulled in others. This is a film for everyone who likes movies. Henry Fonda, James Cagney, Jack Lemmon and William Powell. Great Cast! Directed by John Ford and Mervyn LeRoy. Fantastic Directors! Based upon the hit Broadway play written by Joshua Logan and Thomas Heggen. Great Script! All that talent shows up on the screen each time I watch this great movie. It is funny and sad. All in a movie that you might have missed!

The title character in 1955’s ‘Mister Roberts’ is played by Henry Fonda. Mr. Roberts is a cargo officer on a supply ship during World War Two. The Captain of the ship, portrayed by James Cagney, is a tyrant who rides the men to their breaking point. None of the men have been off the ship in 14 months. Fonda acts as a buffer between the men and the Captain. Jack Lemmon, in one of his earliest big parts, plays Ensign Pulver. Pulver means well but is quite afraid of the Captain. He has many big plans for upsetting the status on board, but he never seems to follow through. Lemmon won the best supporting actor academy award for this film. William Powell portrays the ship's Doctor and is Fonda's lone confidant.

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‘Mister Roberts’ follows the battle between Fonda and Cagney, but also shows the boredom and tedium that many people experienced behind the lines in the War. They all served important roles in the fight, but many felt that they had been "left behind". Mister Roberts desperately wants to "get into the war". We recognize the men and women who fight on the front, but often forget all those behind the scenes that carry on as well. While this classic film is set during World War II, the themes of perseverance, boredom, desperation and self-sacrifice ring true in any time or place.

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‘Mister Roberts’ is highly entertaining. Both moving and funny, touching without being sappy. All in all a great film that makes for a wonderful viewing experience. Excellent from start to finish.

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Side note: This is the final film of William Powell’s career. His age and poor health had finally caught up with him. He decided to retire after this film was made. For a look at another fantastic William Powell outing, check out:

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The Manchurian Candidate (1962 with an IMDB viewer rating of 7.9)

Based on a novel by Richard Condon, the plot is straightforward. A group of American soldiers are captured during the Korean War. A few days later they escape and return to the West. One of them has been brainwashed by the Communists and is sent on a mission to kill a leading American Presidential candidate as a precursor to a Communist uprising.

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Even though the story is fairly simple, it is the direction of Frankenheimer of the outstanding cast that makes ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ one of the greatest and creepiest thrillers ever made. To this day I still get creeped out whenever I see Angela Lansbury in this role. She received, and deserved, an Oscar nomination for her amazing performance.

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The script flows through dynamic twists and turns on the way to a formidable finish. Released at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, this cinema classic shocked audiences then and continues to shock viewers today. Start your visit to the Frankenheimer Paranoia Trilogy with this great movie! Available on Tubi for free or on Amazon with a subscription.

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Seven Days in May (1964 with an IMDB rating of 7.8)

Frankenheimer expanded on his “paranoia” concept with this thriller about the takeover of the US Federal Government in a coup. Just as timely today as it was in 1964. It is only available for rent/purchase.

For an in-depth look at this great movie please follow the link below:

Seconds (1966 with an IMDB rating of 7.6)

This final chapter is the least seen of the three Frankenheimer Paranoia Trilogy movies. A great sci-fi film with, of all people, Rock Hudson, as the lead. Unfortunately this is only available for rent or purchase. Well worth a few bucks for an unexpected classic.

You can read my full newsletter about this fantastic film by clicking below:

This 1989 film brought two young actors to international prominence. A story of dread & despair that leads to a confrontation for everything you may be. A now classic of cinema, with breakthrough performances by big stars to be, that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. A thriller story of survival on the open seas that you might have missed!

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Today Nicole Kidman is a worldwide star. But in 1989 she was not known outside of her native Australia. She had been on Aussie TV and at the young age of only 19 she would get the break all actors crave. The starring role in a movie that shows off her strengths as an actor. ‘Dead Calm’ stars Kidman as the young, heartbroken woman Rae. Along with her husband John, powerfully played by Sam Neill, she has just lost her young child. To help with the grief the couple have taken their sailboat out for an extended voyage of escape. Escape from the horror of losing a son.

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Little did they know that horror was going to find them again. This time in the form of Billy Zane’s character Hughie. John is a naval officer and he and Rae come across a derelict yacht. Rowing towards the couple is a dingy propelled, most anxiously, by Zane. Taking him aboard turns out to be the worst decision they have ever made. ‘Dead Calm’ tells the story of Neill being set adrift and Zane terrorizing Kidman. She must use all her physical and psychological strength to battle this “monster”.

This incredibly small cast does wonders in portraying tension, despair, insanity, strength and survival within an incredibly small setting. All we know is the boats. In the middle of the ocean with no land nor person in sight. Director Phillip Noyce, best known for his direction of two Jack Ryan films, does a fantastic job in using the small space of the boat within the vastness of open ocean to create tension in the viewer. Screenplay author Terry Hayes adapts the novel by Charles Williams with aplomb. But it is Kidman who truly shines. She may be only 19, but her power as an actor shines throughout ‘Dead Calm’. Along with Zane and Neill, Kidman is the reason to check out this Aussie classic!

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1989’s ‘Dead Calm’ is not on any streaming service. Occasionally it is shown on TCM. You can rent or purchase it at all the usual places. UPDATE: ‘Dead Calm is now available, for free, on Tubi. Please check it out!

Side notes: Kidman was 19 and Neill 39 during filming. Neill has expressed his discomfort with such an age difference for a married couple. ‘Dead Calm’ was made by the Australian studio Kennedy Miller Mitchell. They are a powerhouse of Australian entertainment. They made the ‘Mad Max’ films, along with the ‘Babe’ movies and hundreds of other movies, tv shows and video games. George Miller even directed the scenes of Neill attempting to fix the repaired yacht. Kidman learned to sail for this film. The scenes of her operating the sailboat are authentic.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Do not continue unless you wish to have some details explained/questioned.

The original ending of ‘Dead Calm’ was changed at the behest of the American distributors Warner Brothers. The first ending filmed was felt to be too “ambiguous” for audiences. The studio insisted on the very clear outcome seen in the version that was released in 1989 and that you see today. Originally, Rae (Kidman) hit Hughie (Zane) over the head, splitting him open & presumed dead, and setting him adrift in a dinghy. The current ending, with his very clear death, is to show Rae’s closure. Which ending do you prefer?