Interestingly, the movie was not adapted from a Neil Simon play, but was written as an original screenplay.
The Out-of-Towners is absolutely hysterical thanks to Jack Lemmon's magnificent performance. He and Sandy Dennis play George and Gwen Kellerman, a couple from Ohio who are visiting New York City where George is meeting with the New York Division of his company to discuss a job promotion and relocation.
The Kellermans experience one nightmare after another -- losing their hotel reservation, getting mugged, no transportation, no luggage, breaking a heel, losing a tooth, running from the police. They have no place to sleep, no clean clothes, no money to call for help.
I would say this rates as one of the funniest movies of all time.
What movie inspires you?
Although I love both Neil Simon and Jack Lemmon with a love that is manly and appropriate, I haven't seen The Out-of-Towners. Judging from your review, I'd love it - but then I don't think I've seen a movie involving either of those two that I didn't love...
ReplyDeleteAs for what movie has inspired me - that's difficult. Several have impressed me, many have entertained me, but... inspired? The iconoclastic John Keating in Dead Poets' Society may qualify as an inspiration - in fact, I could more accurately cite the arc of roles taken by Robin Williams since The World According to Garp, and perhaps extend that to what seems to be a similar trajectory followed by Jim Carrey.
Quite what that is inspiring me to do, Heaven knows...
Mojo: If you like Jack Lemmon you'll like ths movie. Very funny stuff indeed. I'm inspired by many types of movies, both comedy and drama, as well as memorable characters like Keating in Dead Poets Society as you mentioned. I'm also a Jim Carey fan, most notabley The Truman Show for drama and Fun with Dick and Jane for comedy.
ReplyDeleteI actually got taken to this movie in the theater - I had just turned three - it may or may not have been the first movie my parents to me to, but it's the oldest one I remember. I had no idea what was going on - but I knew the people in the movie were very upset. I haven't seen the movie again in the 41 years since...maybe it's time to take a look at it again, hey?
ReplyDeleteCraig: Yep, I agree. It's time to take another look-see. I know you'll enjoy it. I really enjoyed the church scene where Gwen and George went into the church to pray...very funny.
ReplyDelete