Friday, April 16, 2021

A King in New York (1957)


Director
Charlie Chaplin

Cast
Charlie Chaplin - King Shahdov
Dawn Addams - Ann Kay
Oliver Johnston - Ambassador Jaume
Michael Chaplin - Rupert Macabee


Former New York Times film critic Eugene Archer said in his review of Charlie Chaplin's 1957 film A King in New York, "The works of genius are frequently difficult to understand, and the films of Charles Chaplin, operating simultaneously on several levels of meaning, present a critical problem of particular complexity."
For me, this film is a mess of cynicism, satire, frustration, let down and commentary on the social garishness and political obsessions of the U.S. during the 1950s from a jilted comedian.
I wanted to review a Charlie Chaplin film on this blog for sometime, but I couldn't narrow my options down to one. 
As a long time admirer of Charlie Chaplin, and I still am, from his first screen appearance in Making a  Living (1914) to his later films, The Great Dictator (1941), Monsieur Verdoux (1947), and Limelight (1952), A King in New York is a movie I wanted to see for years, but simply hadn't. 
I stumbled upon it on HBO Max recently, and figured it was as good an opportunity as any to finally sit and watch it.
Known for his iconic character, "The Little Tramp," Chaplin was a genius when it comes to story telling. I immensely admire his films City Lights (1931) and Modern Times (1936) particularly. With the latter, I look past the tinge of Marxist overtones to appreciate and admire the innocent, ingenious comedy and romance within.
Chaplin wrote, produced, directed, and scored many of his movies, including this one. 
These two silent movies were made after the advent of talking movies. As Chaplin felt sound would be a passing fad, these films prove he could tell a story with comedy, tragedy, and romance without having to speak. 
But even Chaplin had to keep up with modern times, though he was reluctant to have the Little Tramp speak.
He eventually did, however, in his first full talking film The Great Dictator where he played dual roles. First, he played the Little Tramp for the last time in the role of Jewish barber. Chaplin also played a satirical version of Adolf Hitler. Hence, the movie's title. 
Chaplin was exiled from the United States in 1952. By this time, his innocent "Little Tramp" character, loved by millions worldwide, was involved in a paternity suit. The public began to see an actor straying far from the innocent Tramp to a person who chased young girls and seemed irresponsible.
Above this, his loyalties were in question as this was a time when anti-Communism was at its zenith in America. 
Chaplin opposed the House Un-American Activities Commission as they questioned many notable individuals about their loyalties towards Communism. Attorney General James McGranery didn't take kindly to his opposition and said Chaplin would only be granted a Visa if he could "prove his worth and right to reenter the U.S."
While sailing to his home country of England, the U.S. Government decided to deny Chaplin re-entry.
He ended up residing in Switzerland for the remainder of his years, but did return to the United States in 1972 to receive an Honorary Oscar. Chaplin received a deserved standing ovation that lasted 12 minutes during that ceremony. 
Filmed in the U.K., A King in New York is his first after his exile, and wasn't released in the U.S. until 1972.
In A King in New York, Chaplin plays King Igor Shahdov who flees from his country of Estrovia to New York City after he's deposed from his throne following a revolution.
Once in New York City, the king wants to experience the American way of life. He moves into an upscale hotel room where his Ambassador, Jaume (Oliver Johnston), becomes his personal assistant.
His money situation is meager as his former Prime Minister stole his funds.
Shahdov tries contacting the Atomic Energy Commission with plans for using atomic energy for the sake of creating a utopia.
All the while, the king realizes he can't keep up with the fast paced raucous life in the Big Apple.
Several producers approach him to film commercials for various products, and are willing to pay him handsomely.
He's also invited to a dinner party, but declines the offer until he runs into a gorgeous woman named Ann Kay who's using a shared bathroom between their rooms.
Charlie Chaplin as King Shahdov in A King in New York
In an awkward meeting, the two start talking and she encourages him to attend the party. Of course he agrees knowing she'll be there.
Little does he know the party is a secretly televised program set up by Kay.
Shahdov learns this after the fact and is less than pleased knowing he was tricked to appear on television.
Still, Kay encourages him to accept television offers, and do whatever he can to look good on American T.V., including a little plastic surgery. 
With funds depleted, Shahdov agrees to do a few commercials for payment. 
He's also invited to speak at a progressive boy's school where he meets a 10-year old named Rupert Macabee (played by Chaplin's son, Michael Chaplin), whose mind is wrapped in more political thought than a child's mind should be. 
Macabee lectures Shahdov about freedom and rule in a rather Marxist style. 
The king learns the boy's parents are both Communists jailed for not giving names during a hearing similar to the McCarthy hearings held during this decade. 
Later on, Shahdov finds Macabee aimlessly wondering the snowy streets of the city. 
The kid ended up running away from his school. So, Shahdov takes him up to his room to give the boy food and shelter. 
The king has to step out for a few hours, leaving Macabee behind. 
While he's gone, some officials come to the king's room and Macabee lets them in. 
He tells the officials that Shahdov is his uncle. They grow shocked as soon as this kid starts proselytizing his Marxist ideas. The press catches on to Shahdov affiliating with Macabee, and the king is soon suspected of being Communist himself.
So, Shahdov has to face hearings in front of a panel similar to the real House Committee of Un-American Activities. 
As all this is going on, authorities make Macabee reveal the names that his parents wouldn't tell.
He's presented to the king afterwards to demonstrate what a patriot looks like, but the kid feels heavy with guilt. 
Shahdov invites Macabee and his parents to travel to Europe with him.
"The madness won't go on forever," the king tells a weeping Macabee. "There's no reason for despair." 
To those unfamiliar with Chaplin's life, A King in New York may come across as as a mere cynical picture, convoluted at times, running long at other times, and with a few funny bits here and there.
It's irksome to watch Chaplin, "the king," lecture American leadership about freedom while sympathizing for those adhering to a system that doesn't tolerate opposition in thought and deed - ideas that ultimately oppose freedom.  
In a recorded interview in 2013 Michael Chaplin says there was no proof his father had any ties with Communists or the Communist party. I'm not claiming anything contrary. 
In this movie, Chaplin tries to show American leadership the American optimism surrounding freedom and liberty which he, it seems, thinks the HUAC doesn't share. 
The political aspect of this movie comes out when the king visits the progressive boy's school.
Michael Chaplin as Rupert Macabee 
In the scene where Shahdov first meets Macabee, he finds the boy quietly reading. When asked what he's reading, Macabee responds nonchalantly "Karl Marx."
"Surely you're not a Communist," the king replies.
"Do I have to be a Communist to read Karl Marx?" 
"That's a valid answer," Shahdov says. "Well, if you're not a Communist, what are you?"
"Nothing. I dislike all forms of government." 
"Well, somebody must rule."
Macabee says he doesn't like the word "rule" and begins a tirade about "human dignity destroyed by political power" because it antagonizes the people, and violates their "natural rights." 
He uses the concept of passport regulations to prove his point, wagging his finger with each declaration while speaking mechanically without letting the king get a word in edgewise. The king practically begs him to let him talk.
"And free speech, does that exist?" Macabee asks.
"No, you've got it all!"
I don't know what to make of this scene as there's a lot happening here.  
The encounter is mixed with some slapstick humor as other students play small pranks on Shahdov as he's engaging with Macabee. The entire scene concludes with Shahdov sitting on a cake.
Nothing Macabee dictates really moves the king.
But when we meet Macabee again, he's a hungry pitiful boy stranded out in the freezing cold. And the king then takes sympathy on him.
Macabee later identifies as a Communist because, as he claims, society makes it advantageous not to be one. 
Shahdov later calls Macabee, "the most obnoxious child I ever met, but a genius."
Archer was on to something when he wrote that Chaplin operates simultaneously on several levels of meaning. Complexity indeed!
Based on how the scene plays out, I'm left thinking it's a depiction of where Chaplin stands in the midst of the political climate of his day.
He's not persuaded by Communism but still pities those who are Communist and have been questioned  by the HCUA. Chaplin was a self-described humanitarian, and this sentiment of his popped up before in the speech he gave in The Great Dictator. 
Nevertheless, the satire in the movie's depiction of American life is played out well in this movie. It's where the movie shines the most. Americans of the day were already riled up dancing the aisles of rock concerts, mesmerized by the glare of movie screens, instantly sold by advertisements, and constantly surrounded by noise of music, media, traffic, and constant chatter. Nothing has changed much since then. 
As far as the story goes, the movie is all over the place, tripping over itself with a drawn out narrative mixed with political commentary, satire, and a taste of silly humor. 
By the third act, A King in New York slows down. The satire is used up in the previous acts. The story begins turning convoluted. The motivation just feels forced as though Chaplin is chastising the American system of the day, swatting it on the nose with a rolled up newspaper because the system booted him out.
No doubt Chaplin had a lot to say after being kicked out of the nation that helped make him the cultural icon he is to this day. His work is still loved and admired here and abroad.
Fans of Chaplin who take an interest in his life and work are more likely to appreciate this film rather than those who simply aren't interested.  
Chaplin and Dawn Addams (right)
I understand his displeasure. That frustration is depicted in a scene where Shahdov comically sprays a firehose at the House Un-American Activities Commission. Never make enemies with a writer! 
It's not the first time in his career Chaplin used American officials as the punch line of his humor and satire. 
In his 1917 silent movie The Immigrant, Chaplin kicks a rather pushy immigration officer up the backside. A foreigner making a mockery of the American governmental system wasn't taken kindly back then. Personally, I think it's hilarious.
I believe this early scene was later used as evidence to "prove" Chaplin was "anti-American." I am willing to bet all my Chaplin movies that Charlie was anything but anti-American. Far from it.
It was a time though, after all, when American patriotism was high, as it should be. 
But Chaplin's comedy works in his facial expressions which made me laugh. In the dinner party scene, while he sits next to Kay at the table and flirts with her, she randomly breaks into advertising slogans. 
Shadhov has a confused look on his face as he glances around behind a smiling Kay who's looking towards the camera Shahdhov can't see. 
I still maintain my love and appreciation for Chaplin as an artist. I love the satire in this film. It's a sort of  "a funny thing happened on the way to the House Un-American Activities Commission" scenario.
My displeasure is where Chaplin depicts his preachy toleration. You can't tolerate everything, even in the name of "humanity." We should respect people. We shouldn't respect bad ideas. 
This is a movie made from the mind and view of a jilted man, broken over a major rejection after a relationship between himself and the United States that lasted several decades.
To put it in modern terminology, the HCUA in the 1950s was simply trying to cancel Communists because Americans generally don't like people trying to overturn American culture.
While Chaplin seems to support even Communist thought to flow freely like all other thoughts, I have to side with G.K. Chesterton on this one who says "there's a thought that stops thought. That is the only thought that ought to be stopped."

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss (1988)


Director
Dick Bartlett

Cast
Jean Shepherd - Adult Ralph Parker/ Scott
Jerry O'Connell - Young Ralph Parker
Dorothy Lyman - Mrs. Parker
James B. Sikking - Mr. Parker
Jason Clarke Adams - Randy Parker
Cameron Johann - Flick
Ross Eldridge - Schwartz

I'm finally covering this rare gem of a flick. I've mentioned it several times before as it's based on the writing of humorist Jean Shepherd.
Also, more than twice, I've discussed the 1983 Christmas staple, A Christmas Story, the movie about Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Red Ryder BB Gun, based on the book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Shepherd.
Back in November 2019, I shared my thoughts as to whether A Christmas Story is a stupid movie or not. 
I then reviewed its 1994 sequel It Runs in the Family (aka My Summer Story) which not a lot of audiences know about. 
Sometime after that, I attempted to make a comparison between A Christmas Story and the 2010 movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It's a stretch, but I did it anyways.
I then discovered a few made-for-TV films about Ralphie and the Parker family also based on the works of Jean Shepherd. Most of them predate A Christmas Story - The Phantom of the Open Hearth (1976)The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters (1982), and The Star-Crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski (1985). I watched. I reviewed. So, check those out!
I honestly thought that was going to be it for Jean Shepherd content. But... here we are! 
Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss is the second movie to follow A Christmas Story. 
The Star-Crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski is the first - technically. I say "technically" because it was released the year after A Christmas Story.
But unlike its holiday predecessor, you won't find Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss playing on TNT or TBS in a 24-hour loop.  
Incidentally, I intended to watch and review 2012's A Christmas Story 2 - the most unnecessary of sequels - last January. Other reviews got in the way. So, it'll have to wait until next Christmas.
Hopefully that'll give my readers something to look forward to.
By the way, A Christmas Story 2 claims to be "the" sequel. Balderdash, I say!
Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss is a made-for-TV film, co-produced by The Disney Channel and PBS. It aired in that order and was released onto VHS by Disney Home Video in 1993. Today, finding that VHS copy will run you nearly three digits. 
I watched a copy included in a set of Jean Shepherd films distributed by a company called "Onesmedia."
The quality seems as though it was recorded to disc from a VHS tape.
The movie starts with black and white images of "wage slaves" burdened by the heavy drudgery of work, work, work. The footage was taken from the silent movie Metropolis. 
Shepherd narrates about the sweat and toil of every working human. It's accompanied by a rather high-pitched rendition of Hi Ho from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as people march to perform their manual tasks in unison. 
Ralph (Jerry O' Connell- Stand By Me) and his buddies, Flick (Cameron Johann) and Schwartz (Ross Eldridge) endure the incessantly cruel boredom of waiting at the employment office to finally obtain their working papers which Ralph has been eager to have. 
To them, work leads to wealth.  
They finally get their papers and find an opportunity for gainful employment at Scott's Used Furniture Palace.
They're quickly interviewed by Scott himself (Jean Shepherd), whom Ralph describes as a cross between Rasputin and the Wolfman. All three of them are hired on the spot, fueling each of their fantasies of wealth. 
They all celebrate their victory with a soda and talk about what they'll do with the heaps of money they think they're all in for.
Meanwhile, as Ralph shares the news with his family at the breakfast table that he's joined the working class, the family dog Fuzzhead hasn't returned home from his usual morning stroll to...wherever he wanders each day.
Mrs. Parker (Dorothy Lyman - Mama's Family) starts to worry. She tells Mr. Parker (James B. Sikking - Hill Street Blues) that she won't go on the family trip without Fuzzhead. 
James Sikking, Jerry O'Connell, and Dorothy Lyman in
Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss

Meanwhile, clocking into their first day at the Used Furniture Palace, the boys are told to haul a heavy refrigerator up several flights of stairs in an apartment building. It's a scene reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy shoving a piano up a long flight. As they struggle, sweat, and swear, it's clear this isn't what they had in mind when joining the ranks of the working class.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Parker makes several "lost dog" posters with some of Ralph's brother, Randy's (Jason Clarke Adams) crayons, and posts them around town.
She offers a reward, though isn't certain what that reward will be.
Soon, people from all over Hohman, Indiana stop by their front porch with all kinds of dogs. Sadly, Fuzzhead isn't among them. 
Elsewhere, sore in parts he didn't know could actually become sore, Ralph has a nightmare about a looming refrigerator haunting him in his bedroom.
The next day, he and his two coworkers have to lift the same kind of fridge up another set of apartment stairs. Being a "galley slave" is hell after all, despite the paycheck.
For two weeks, Ralph works under the thumb of Scott in his palace of used furniture only to meet with the fate of being fired - $2 deducted from his paycheck for the work gloves. 
Later, while out driving, Mr. Parker spots Fuzzhead in the back seat of a luxurious Rolls Royce driving in front of them.
He chases the car down to a huge estate where a wealthy woman gets out with Fuzzhead.
At first, she's reluctant to give up her newly found poopsy-woopsie, but realizes it's best the dog goes back with its rightful family.
And Fuzzhead is left with his memories of the decadent life of prepared steaks and soft pillows as he returns to cheap canned dogfood and sleeping on the floor.
As the family is ready to take a trip, but worried how they'll manage to do so with Ralph's job, he tells them at dinner that he quit. 
When they ask why, he says he wanted to spend more time with his family.
So, they pack up the Chevy Sedan and head to a cabin at Clear Lake near Lake Michigan. 
Mr. Parker is anxious to catch some fish. And Mrs. Parker is anxious to just get away.
Their road trip includes the common setbacks such as the persistent whining from the kids, Randy's car sickness, Mr. Parker running out of gas because he'll only fuel up with Texas Royal Supreme Blue gasoline, and Mrs. Parker stopping at roadside shops and stands for useless kitsch décor. On top of all that, Ralph admits he forgot to pack the fishing tackle. 
When they finally make it to Ollie's Haven of Bliss cabins and campsite, they stay at the cabin named "Maria" as they're accustomed to. But Mr. Parker learns the fish have stopped biting.
Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss is a wistful movie than utilizes some of the same style as A Christmas Story. 
In one scene Ralph breaks the fourth wall for a brief moment as Shepherd narrates what he's thinking, just as he did in the Christmas movie. 
In another scene that might be the only nod to A Christmas Story, the Old Man gets a flat tire. Ralph sticks his head out of the car window and asks "Can I help?" 
Mr. Parker responds with, "Are you kidding me?" 
I also caught another scene scored with music from Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, just as A Christmas Story did.   
The actual vacation half of the movie felt a little like a diluted National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), though much of the content is based on stories by Shepherd that were first published in Playboy magazine back in the 1960s. They were later published in his collection of short stories called Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories in 1971
The movie is a bit corny at times. I still find it entertaining enough with several relatable scenarios and anecdotes.
I can imagine fans of A Christmas Story finding the most joy out of this film. 
The cast is well assembled, making the story of the all too familiar family road trip synonymous with comedy. It's a decent enough follow-up to the holiday classic regardless if it intends to be a follow-up or not.
Sikking plays Ralph's Old Man in a style that closely resembles Darren McGavin's performance in A Christmas Story.
To most audiences, McGavin is "the Old Man." 
Sikking fills the role well, with an ever-present look of confusion mixed with stern intent on his face. 
I also liked the relationship depicted between Ralph and his father. There seems to be a little more closeness between the two. 
Considering that Ralph's dad bought him his coveted Red Ryder BB gun in the previous film (the one person he didn't directly ask) it's a nice, subtle touch for the two to have a little closer relationship.   
Shepherd knows how to capture the world through the eyes of a kid facing the hard truth, with no soft way of putting it, that despite all of our plans and goals and fantasies, life is way too heavy for us to force and push it in the direction we want it to go. Only by luck or by chance will it cooperate with our demands.
It's the daily grind that makes vacation glamorous. The more we work, the more we yearn for and appreciate vacation. You can't have rest and relaxation without putting in your 40-hours a week. 
For many, the trek to our vacation spot is half of the burden.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

" There might be a lot we don't know about each other. You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of thing...