Sterling Hayden, Eric Roberts, Shelly Winters, a very beautiful Susan Sarandon, Judd Hirsch, Annie Potts and the guy who played Frank Pentangele in “Godfather II.” Plus a frequently onscreen band featuring Stephane Grapelli and David Grisman. And the first forty minutes are absolutely fantastic — as American gypsy life in the late 50s into the mid 60s is detailed with all of its music, arguing, cons and put-ons. As the movie slips into “today” (early 70s) it gets tangled up in a seen-it-before generational-shift plot line. By the last reel, you can’t wait for the damned thing to end. But very interesting. Are there still gypsies caravaning around the country? Only NPR knows for sure.
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Welcome
Jordan Hoffman is a New York-based writer and film critic working for The Guardian, Vanity Fair, Thrillist, Times of Israel, NY Daily News and elsewhere.
He is the host of ENGAGE: The Official Star Trek Podcast, a member of the New York Film Critics Circle and challenges you to a game of backgammon.
To answer your question, yes — whether or not in caravans, I don’t know. But about once or twice a year, there is an article in my home county newspaper back in PA about “the gypsies” coming to town, which means them pulling into various small towns in their used cars and trying to rip off senior citizens foolish enough to open the doors of their homes to let them “use the telephone” or some other such ruse. I guarantee you, they’re still around.
How does this movie compare in the Eric Roberts over-acting department? Wasn’t Brooke Shields also in this?
By Eric Roberts standards, the overacting is fairly light. Yes, Brooke Sheilds is in this — but she barely speaks (she’s, like, ten — and is basically a walking symbol of “Our Future.”)
This movie wants so hard to be The Godfather and it just isn’t cutting the mustard. Apparantly, Peter Maas’ book — same title — is non fiction. I’m sure it is fascinating.
Also fascinating was this particular screening. Dug out of the back of my parents’ VHS collection — the ABC Sunday Night Movie circa 1982 — commercials INTACT! (Best one — the new McRib! Come in for your free sample.)