The Villain (1979)

This curiosity from the mid-1970s is breathtaking in its dreadfulness. Directed by Hal Needham, this was an attempt at creating a Roadrunner cartoon with live actors--except that instead of a live actor they got Arnold Schwarzenegger, before Hollywood smoothed his rough edges (and his Austrian accent). He plays the invulnerable sheriff who rides blithely through life, unaware that the evil Kirk Douglas wants to kill him and kidnap his squeeze, Ann-Margret. The stunts are cartoony without being funny and Schwarzenegger shows exactly why he was known as "the Austrian Oak." Douglas works extra hard but effort alone isn't enough to elevate this script. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com

very good

i liked to much very funny
i never sau arnold like a faget in his blue suit
April 4, 2008

Screwball Comedy

Slapstick comedy that keeps you laughing from beginning to end. Definitely a movie that could be watched over and over again for a marathon of laughs. March 29, 2008

Good for a light-hearted laugh

I have had The Villain on VHS for years and have watched it many times. It is good for a slapstick, light-hearted time. I decided to order it on DVD so it would last many more years. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the wily coyote type of humor. March 24, 2008

hilarious

think road runner and wily coyote in human form,with the exception of arnie,(never been quite sure about him).very very funny.dont think,just sit back and enjoy. February 6, 2008

Nostalgia: Memories of Ann-Margret & Old Tucson

As a bit-part traveling salesman in the film, I had the distinct pleasure of having a scene with Ann-Margret where I had to steady her as the train rolls into town (actually just fifty feet back-and-forth for each take). Ann-Margret held a suitcase in each hand, so Hal Needham directed me to stand behind her and hold her by the waist to keep her from falling as the train lurches to a stop. We did about eight takes and I wish there had been a dozen more! Hell, I would have paid them to do this part! What a sweet, endearing lady she was and is, and such a fine actress! On the next day's shoot, I told Arnold that if I had his amazing physique, I could be a star; ever the gracious gentleman, he told me that if he had my accent-free speaking voice, HE could be a star! (Guess who won?) Kirk Douglas was (and is) as charming and kind a gentleman as you'd ever hope to meet--not to mention an amazing actor, to boot! (See *Lonely Are The Brave*) This was not an easy role for a wonderful dramatic actor like Kirk, but he played it perfectly, like the consumate professional he is. After moving from Tucson to LA, I drove limos between acting jobs (ahem!) and became Kirk's regular driver. They just don't come any better than Kirk. Folks, enjoy this simple film for what it is: a wonderfully-directed live-action Road Runner cartoon played to the hilt by some of the country's finest actors and character actors, too. Grab a bag of hot, buttered popcorn and a cold beverage of your choice, then sit back and watch this film for what it is. You'll get a belly full of laughs. How can you not love a horse named Whiskey? Ah, how I miss Old Tucson, a train to nowhere, and one glorious day holding a beautiful starlet by the waist. Didn't think I'd ever wash my hands again... January 30, 2008

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