The Escape Artist (1982)

He can get away with anything … that's why they call him The Escape Artist. Griffin O'Neal - the son of Ryan O'Neal and the brother of Tatum - makes his film debut as Danny Masters, the teenage son of the late Harry Masters. Harry was known as "the greatest escape artist, second only to Houdini," and Danny plans to achieve similar fame by attempting to follow in his father's footsteps. After leaving home to join his uncle (Gabriel Dell) and aunt (Joan Hackett) in their magic act, Danny finds himself in a world of trouble when he nonchalantly picks the pocket of Stu Quinones (Raul Julia), the wild, troublesome son of the town's corrupt mayor (Desi Arnaz). While attempting to extract himself from his harrowing predicament, Danny gradually discovers the previously unknown circumstances surrounding his father's death, the extent of the legacy he left behind - as well as the delicate, oftentimes fragile bond between fathers and sons. Product Description

Amazing movie - great acting on all parts

The Escape Artist is a fascinating story about a boy who uses his skills as an escape artist and magician to get revenge on the small town that imprisoned and killed his father. The cast include Raul Julia, Teri Garr, and Desi Arnez, all of whom turn in rich performances. Griffith O'Neal, son of Ryan O'Neal, actually trained with magicians and performed the tricks shown on camera. The music score is worth buying by itself. September 16, 2008

Film has potential, but fails

I was excited to see this film because it dealt with escape artists. Not true.This movie slow, dull,and never comes to any conclusion.The kid is interesting, but they don't develop his charactor much.The storyline is totally unbelievably and acting so-so. Don't waste your time or money on this grooner! June 20, 2008

A Never Ending Sense of magic.

Well what do I have to say about this gem?It is a journey of our five senses into the realms of funny,imaginative,nostalgic,and infinite magic.Five stars are not enough. November 30, 2007

Quirky Film Worth Checking Out

Francis Ford Coppola formed Zoetrope studios with the intent of offering offbeat fare that otherwise would not have received financing by the major studios. This was an eminently noble goal but ultimately it was films like this that did not find an audience or widespread distribution that bankrupted Coppola. This should not be an impediment to any adventurous viewer in checking this film out. Though highly imaginative in part the film's central premise is somewhat slight involving a young magician (Griffin O'Neal) who picks the pocket of the ne'er-do-well son(Raul Julia) of a town's corrupt mayor(Desi Arnaz). What elevates the film is terrific performances by the actors not the least young O'Neal. O'Neal in the title role is magnetic and projects a worldliness that betrays his youth. I can't recall O'Neal in any subsequent films but I do recall his involvement a few years later in a tragic boating accident that took the life of Coppola's son. Julia is terrific as well in a part that a lesser actor would have overplayed. Interesting supporting roles include Jackie Coogan("The Addams Family") as a magic shop owner and Gabriel Dell(the Dead End Kids as O'Neal's uncle. Teri Garr, however, is criminally wasted in the role of Julia's girlfriend. November 11, 2005

A Childhood Dream Come True

One of the first films I saw as a child and I loved it - a true masterpiece. I only ever saw it once and I made a lifelong promise to myself to see it again. Now I hear it may soon go to DVD and the suspense of such a prospect is almost too much to bear! It's a fantastic film, a real treat and a classic well worth adding to any DVD collection. May 24, 2005

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