MISFITS Video Pick for January 30, 2000

The Great Escape pick by Roger Pavelle

This is one of those movies that you hear about but, for some reason, never get around to seeing, then, after the first viewing, keep going back to. I finally caught this on cable a couple of months ago and was amazed. Start with a cast that features Steve McQueen, James Garner, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, Richard Attenborough, Donald Pleasance, and more. Throw in a fact based story about a WWII prison escape (the one requirement for making the movie was not changing the ending from what actually happened). Add a dash or two of suspense and a hint of comic relief and you end up with a great movie.

This is one that is definitely worth seeing.

Father Goose (1964) pick by Pat Wick

Starring: Cary Grant & Leslie Caron

Directed by: Ralph Nelson

Set during W.W.II, Walter Eckland, a rough, tough loner (Cary Grant) is 'persuaded' to live on an isolated island in the south pacific and spot aircraft for the RAF. Soon he finds himself rescuing and then responsible for a teacher (Leslie Caron) and several young students, all female.

This is vintage Cary Grant, reminiscent of his earlier romantic comedies. Leslie Caron is excellent and funny as the teacher. She sets out to change Walter "for the sake of the girls" by pouring out all his whiskey. One of the best scenes in the film comes when Leslie Caron is supposedly bitten by a snake (a stick) and Walter gets her drunk to ease the pain of her dying. This is great comedy. This film is a MUST SEE for Grant fans.