This film is very reminiscent of the screwball comedies that Howard Hawkes, Frank Capra, and others in the 1930s and '40s. With Barbara Streisand's unbeatable talent and Ryan O'Neil's understated performance, you can't go wrong. As impressive as that is on its own, possibly the most significant addition to this movie was the scene-stealing performance from Madeline Kahn. That statement is not at all surprising in hindsight, but given that this was her first film, it's worth mentioning. If you like silly, screwball humor, this is one of the best! If you're not sure, Google "screwball comedy" and watch some clips before you buy. While anyone can watch this G-rated movie, THIS GENRE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Peter Bogdanovich at the height of his fame after "The Last Picture Show" created this wonderful comedy in 1972 with Ryan O'Neal at the height of his fame after "Love Story" and with Barbra Streisand at the beginning of her movie fame after "Funny Girl" and "The Way We Were." The plot is madcap! And even if you don't like silly comedies like me, you will be enchanted by this one. Trying to keep 4 identical plaid suitcases in tow will drive you crazy, as well as the antics by Judi Maxwell (Barbra Streisand). She drives geeky Doctor of Music Howard Bannister (Ryan O'Neal)absolutely wild as she without permission tries to help him get a $20,000 grant to pursue his study of the relationship of music and igneous rocks. And Madeline Kahn as Eunice Burns, Howard's fiancee, makes a film debut that propels her screechy antics onto many more movie roles. And Judi imitates Bugs Bunny to the limit--carrots and all! Two side plots include some top secret government files in one of the suitcases and a hotel guest's expensive jewels in one of the other suitcases. The third suitcase includes Howard's rocks and the fourth includes Judi's underwear. When the suitcases all get mixed up, havoc reigns as the cast tries to get them straighted out--especially the crooks. Bogdanovich intended to give homage to "Bringing Up Baby," Howard Hawk's 1940s comedy starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. He succeeded. There are quotes galore to remember. "I am not repeating myself! I am not repeating myself! Yes, I am repeating myself!" and others. And the finale is supreme! Judi says,"Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry." To Which Howard Bannister (Ryan O'Neal, who heard that quote in "Love Story") replies "That is the dumbest thing that I have ever heard!" Ryan O'Neal and Barbra Streisand were such a hit in this movie that they starred in another comedy "The Main Event" in 1979.Read full review
This movie is a hoot - Barbra Striesand plays know-it-all Judy Maxwell, recently returned to San Francisco. Judy meets Howard Bannister (Ryan O'Neal), coming to the city to hopefully win a grant to continue research. She utterly disrupts his life, but in various quite funny ways. At the same time, other plots are afoot - a crooked concierge at the hotel Howard in staying at plans to rob a rich guest, and a government agent attempts to retrieve sensitive information a reporter has gotten his hands on. The three plots come together and things get crazy, ending in a very funny chase through the streets of San Francisco. Eventually, things work out and Howard realizes he loves Judy. I finally decided to buy this movie since I wanted to have it available to watch whenever I wanted. I love it and highly reccommwend it to anyone who likes to laugh. The cast is excellent, including Madeline Khan, Kenneth Mars, and Austin Pendleton. Buck Henry wrote an excellent screenplay.Read full review
I have loved this movie since I saw it when first released in the theaters. Farce is one of my favorite genres, and this is farce at it's best. Hard to believe it was done well in this era, but Bogdonovich gets it right. Ryan O'Neal is a perfect straight man, Babs always did comedy well, Maddy Kahn in one of her first roles ever... it's all hysterical. If you liked Noises Off, you'll love this. Physical comedy, great lines, good characters, and a typically ridiculous farce plot (don't come to this movie if you're looking for logic!) will give any viewer two hours of laughs and a good feeling the rest of the day.
Barbara Streisand,enough said. But I will say this too Barbara IS Absolutely gorgeous, she is a funny yet stunningly beautiful actress. She looks great nowadays just as she did back then. Ryan O'Neal displayed a range of quirkey yet handsome a lead character as I have ever seen. I smiled and laughed through the entire film. I'm sure everyone will enjoy this feature film as much as I did.
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