Max Dugan
Returns—surprise—turns into a terrific little entertainment
piece with Jason Robards, Matthew Broderick, Marsha Mason, and Donald
Sutherland. It’s one of those ‘wow treats’, easily missed because of its low
key presentation. Like a show from the 1960s, it has a smooth, inviting feel,
all the more enhanced with the caricature and playful music that introduce the
movie. Very nicely done.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Nora McPhee (Marsha Mason) and her son Michael (Matthew Broderick) are the typical single mother trying to raise a good son when that son comes packaged with his own ideas and preferences that run against his mother’s wishes. After Nora’s car is stolen, she reports it to a conscientious policeman named Brian Costello (Donald Sutherland) who falls in love with Nora. Unexpectedly, Nora’s father Max Dugan (Jason Robards) returns to her life, tells her he has only a few months to live, and that he has money for her inheritance. When she hears his whole story she doesn’t want anything to do with him, but after turning him out in the night rain, she feels compassion and asks him to return for one night and the story is on as the whole family starts to bond.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director
Herbert Ross for his efforts in directing this film. Thank you to Executive
Producers Roger M. Rothstein for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Michael McPhee (Matthew Broderick), Mrs. Litke (Dody
Goodman), Coach Roy (Sal Viscuso), Luis (Panchito Gómez), Charley Lau (
Charley Lau), Pat (Mari Gorman), Kevin Costello (Brian Part), Older Woman
(Billie Bird), Blond at Shoe Store (Tessa Richarde), Man At Shoe Store (Jim
Staahl), and Teacher (Duke Stroud).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No Maybe?
Yes. It’s an entertainment treat for the whole family.
Video Critique Available Here:
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