CRY UNCLE (1971)

Directed, Cinematography & Edited By: John G. Avildsen 
Written By: David Odell 
Based On The Novel By: Michael Brett 


Cast: Allen Garfield, Paul Sorovino, Debbi Morgan, Madeline Le Roux, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Lloyd Kaufman, Frank Vitale, Melvin Stuart 

 A Private detective takes on a case and gets mixed up in murder, sex and blackmail.

I am sure times were different when this movie came out. As this film seems more on the side of exploitation or maybe even could count as a sex comedy of it’s time period.

As this is a film that runs the barrier between porn and a comedy feature. As it has so much sex and nudity. It lacks enough hardcore action to be a complete porn film And it has too much narrative and plot to truly be a full on porn film.

Which is partly a shame as it is kind of sleazy but also is one of the few films that character actor Allen Garfield ever got to be a leading man in. Now he has appeared in many major motion pictures such as THE CONVERSATION usually in Minor to supporting roles usually playing sleazy or evil types. He is recognizable and the role he plays here fits.

It’s just that the film is fairly predictable obviously low budget. Half of the entertainment is in knowing that there are quite a few people involved in this film who went onto bigger and better things. Actor Paul Sorovino, director John G. Avildsen (ROCKY)

If you like low brow exploitive and sometimes downright offensive comedy and movies then maybe this is the film for you. As one can see why The infamous Troma Studios produced this film. One could even deal with the film no matter how many times they choose to show Mr. Garfield naked. Except for one scene in which the film goes to far that involves a junkie passed out and the lead taking Advantage of her. At that point any redeeming value this film had went right out the window for me. It truly taints the film. Making it more of a gag then anything Serious. --Before that it was a film about a nebbish yet horny detective who even though women insult his attractiveness. They all end up sleeping with him for whatever reasons.

In the middle of all of this there is a mystery that seems only there to link the scenes and events. As you pretty much forget it as soon as it is introduced.

Though it’s marketed to an adult audience the only one’s who I could see truly appreciating and liking this film is teenagers. Who by today’s standards might even find this film a little too silly and simple. As while you watch you can just feel it’s obvious exploitation roots.

Troma films seems to prosper in the manner in which they usually find or have produced films in which future stars appear in and then can market off their fame and name. Usually films that the stars wish the films would stay buried as they are that bad or in bad taste.

The one thing I can give the film is that Allen Garfield really goes above and beyond in this role and is totally committed in it.

GRADE: C