The Kid and the Forgotten Masterpiece

As I slowly kick this Canadian buzz caused from high doses of Canadian Club and Curling I thought I would give a few movie reviews. But first I want to thank the Lodge for making the weekend happen.

So, I find my self watching Comcast Digital Channel 501 (Turner Classic Movies) more and more thanks to the DVR. I recommend everyone in the lodge record at least one classic a week cause you might catch one of those movies that you always have heard about but never have seen. I say this because this is what I do and what I do works just trust me.

I caught two movies that I thought were appropriate for the Lodge. The first was The Cincinnati Kid starring Steve McQueen, with a supporting cast of Edward G Robinson, Karl Malden and Rip Torn. The setup is this McQueen plays Cincinnati the up and coming 5 card stud player in the New Orleans area in the 1930’s; cut to Robinson “The Man” Lancey Howard checking into an upscale Orleans Hotel. Howard is what you would say the reigning poker champ of the underground. The short and simple plot is this; Cincinnati and Howard work toward the inevitable marathon stud poker game in a smoke filled hotel room. It has that subtle 60’s movie feel that only Norman Jewison can create. Don’t look for a fast pace here the movie builds and admittedly has a slow pace but the acting is great and so is the suspense. I think any so called poker aficionado should watch this. Also look for a nice cameo from the Scat Man himself Cab Calloway and the theme song written and sung by Ray Charles.

The second feature of my double bill is Coppola’s forgotten masterpiece The Conversation starring Gene Hackman. This film was sandwiched between Godfather I and II. For the reason alone most forget it was even made although it was nominated for best picture along with Godfather II a feat never done again by a director and proving that Coppola can bring it or could bring it in the 70’s. The short of it is this Hackman plays Harry Caul an introverted surveillance expert who works the corporate espionage world; stealing secrets from companies for companies. The movie starts with Cual and his men watching and listening to a man and woman (played by Cindy Williams) discussing a situation that has them in hot water. Nothing is explained and is mostly veiled and lost on the viewer. We find that Caul has been hired by Martin Stett (Harrison Ford) who works for the “director”. Caul realizes something is fishy here and goes on a personal crusade to learn just what this conversation is about and if it will lead to murder. Coppola slowly builds Caul’s paranoia and amps up the tension as Caul goes mad not knowing who is on his side and who is watching him. Look for Fredo Corleone in a small role as Caul’s assistant. This movie is again slow but pays off in the end. I recommend you find this and watch it. I know why this movie fell through the cracks but it needs to be recognized and one of the 70’s best films.