Brimac98

A cross between "Captains Courageous" and "Cocoon" -- highly enjoyable family film, beautifully photographed, great performances -- the duet of Ernest Borgnine and Arte Johnson singing The Rascals' "Good Lovin'" was a highlight -- and a couple of well staged movie in-jokes (the "Apocalypse Now" inspired invasion scene, scaled down and complete with 'Ride of The Valkarys' music, was well done) made seeing this movie a very pleasant surprise.

Sadly this movie did not receive a theatrical release and one would have to look long and hard to find it either on home video or in TV listings -- but do find it as it's well worth it.

One of the most pleasant video experiences in recent years: hop on board "The Sunbum", a customized luxury bus touring the heartland of the US with your driver (and host) Ernest Borgnine and his son Cris. As you tour past the corn fields, down the interstate highways, through the trailer parks, hear Ernest spin stories of Hollywood past - just sit back and relax and take the trip with him.

** Hear how he managed not to be typecast immediately after his 1955 Academy Award performance in "Marty" (no actor these days would be brave enough to do what he did!)

** How he successfully talked himself out of the lead in "McHale's Navy" -- and who made him come to his senses.

** And how he successfully managed to talk himself out of being mentioned in Shelley Winters' autobiographies.

Hear stories about his favorite movies, the people he's worked with and views on life in general as we thunder through Iowa, Milwaukee (including appearing in full clown regalia for his annual appearance in The Great Circus Parade) and the surrounding states and meet many of the locals he comes across in his travels. The one drawback is that one wishes Ernest could tell his stories without the distraction of driving a 40 ton bus at the same time! Don't expect a film as if it was shot by Gregg Toland--the filmic style here is more like an MTV music video (the soundtrack includes songs by The Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive among others)--and it is not judgmental on anyone involved (you will be amazed at the jaw dropping lack of pretense--all lovely people, all funny stories). Whilst it may only be 45 minutes long, Jeff Krulik's "Ernest Borgnine On The Bus" would be a welcome addition to any serious movie buff's home video library--as well as those who want to rent a tape to hear a tale or two, see some great scenery, and have a good laugh on a cold night.

As romantic comedies go,"The April Fools" is one of the undiscovered treasures of the 1960s, comparable to the vanguard of all New York romantic comedies "Breakfast At Tiffany's". This film is far more simplistic (too simplistic it seems for many reviewers in 1969) and perhaps because of this it will strike more of a chord with today's audiences weary of recent ponderous comedies.

Perhaps what sets this movie apart from the others is that it captures - totally - the fashionable corporate high life in the summer of 1969: at the time, this was probably seen as 'production values' added by the producers to give the film a certain style....the producer in this case was Jack Lemmon himself (Jalem Productions). What the film makers have done here is something many have tried in recent years and few have succeeded -- to those who consider "Valley Of The Dolls" as the height of 60s style should brace themselves for the eye-popping title sequence set during a swinging high fashion party thrown by Peter Lawford (some TV prints show this entire section of the movie in 'letterbox' format--if you're lucky enough to see it this way, you're in for a rare treat). Other sequences that capture the era include one set at a 'safari club' ("Bwana want a taxi?") and later in a discotheque (in a scene reminiscent of the rave party sequences from a film made 30 years later - "Go") where Jack Lemmon as Howard Brubaker is reduced to a jived up-jived out wreck in the midst of frenetic dancers and a far-too-psychedelic sound and light show. All are beautifully staged and never detract from the basic romantic story. All the performers are at the height of their powers -- Jack Lemmon giving it all he's got, Catherine Deneuve never more beautiful, Charles Boyer and Myrna Loy having fun with their roles, and a great supporting cast including hilarious performances by Kenneth Mars, Melinda Dillon, and Harvey Korman. Two performances though deserve special mention -- the magnificent Jack Weston as Potter, Brubaker's lawyer and best friend who is swept up in the romance (alcoholic or otherwise) of the moment, and Peter Lawford in his greatest performance as the ultimate suave swinger Gunther ("Gunther's the name, buy you a drink?")....but was it all acting? Could you or I wink like that?!

A great first time musical score by Marvin Hamlisch and a memorable title song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and sung by Dionne Warwick (and featuring a haunting french horn solo that is featured through the entire film). Many would see the 'princess and the frog' analogy as being too corny these days, but in "The April Fools" it is the basis of a delightful romance and a very funny comedy, which I would heartily recommend to all.

Despite the fact that the main premise of the film is a rip off of the 1983 movie "Uncommon Valor" (starring Ernie's 'Poseidon' sparring partner Gene Hackman), this film lacks it's portentous nature and concentrates on non stop action,some great battle scenes (despite what was obviously a limited budget) and a group of veteran actors, knowing full well that this isn't exactly "Shakespere In Love", having fun with their roles: most notably Ernest Borgnine, who gives it everything he's got.

In fact, the ones who will enjoy this movie the most will be fans of the '60s TV sitcom "McHale's Navy" -- or 'mercenary army' in this case. Substituting for Joe Flynn (Capt.Binghampton) is Robert Vaughn playing a German colonel, forever frustrated by the rumors of the approaching army's invasion of the prison fortress and the political prisoners contained within: his constant berating of his assistant Schroeder reminds one of Bob Hastings' Lt.Carpenter in similar circumstances.

Also the mercenaries themselves --(Leon Issac Kennedy plays 'Chuck'....at times one expects Tim Conway to stumble out of a doorway, followed by the inevitable explosion) a religious expert knife thrower, an elder statesman soldier, an explosives expert, a beautiful blonde who can handle herself in a fight and a ninja named Toshiro (no -- no sign of 'Fuji') Led by the Colonel, with the help of a local rebel army, they invade the fortress to rescue the Colonel's CIA operative son -- and pick up anything else that catches their fancy.

A great performance by Ernest Borgnine as the Colonel, in typical 'McHale' wiseguy fashion; his scene of him disguised as a Cuban sergeant and his ordering around of Vaughan's men and later when confronted by an army of angry soldiers is hilarious, reminding one of his 'Cousin Guisippe' twin role on 'McHale'. His scenes with the Angolan rebel leader played by Simon Sabella are beautifully performed and are unlike scenes normally found in action pictures. Also on hand is Herbert Lom as a slightly shifty informer and Oliver Reed as the head of the country's diamond security (The scene when he launches a rocket attack on Borgnine and co. -"Fire! Fire! Kill the bastards!"- is a highlight -- obviously he was looking forward to heading off to the pub when this shot was completed!)

All in all, a pleasant feel good action picture -- and most heartily recommended for all "McHale's Navy" and Ernest Borgnine fans.