Harper (1966)

Paul Newman is ice cool in Harper

This is an interesting film. Newman plays Lew Harper who is kind of like a groovy 60's version of Phillip Marlowe; sardonic, tough, irresistable to women. While the movie is dated and sexist, it is well worth viewing, not just for Newman's charismatic performance but for some brilliant supporting roles. Janet Leigh plays his bitter estranged wife, Shelley Winters is poignant as a sloppy barroom slattern, Robert Wagner is a breezy, easy and amoral but hides an unexpected secret. Best of all is Lauren Bacall who purrs, growls and hisses in a scene stealing performance as the cynical woman who enlists Harper's services. Not a perfect movie but immensely entertaining. September 18, 2008

An Infectious Gem from the 1960s

I recall seeing Harper on the big screen when it came out in '66, and have owned the VHS tape. The new DVD release is a joy: the incredibly cinematography looks gorgous, the award-winning soundtrack pops, and the commentary from William Goldman adds new insights to this unappreciated classic.

Harper is a classic, very funny, character-driven private eye yarn with a great cast set against the hopped-up world of mid 1960's LA. Sure, maybe a few things are dated but this film stands up very well after more than 40 years. The truths of Harper (people are crazier than bedbugs, they lie, surface appearances deceive, but once in awhile honor prevails) remain valid. More important, this film is "a gas" (in 60's parlance) to watch. The only thing missing from this package is a CD with Johnny Mandel's complete score (I know this is out on vinyl but haven't tracked down the CD -- yet). June 2, 2008

"He's fuzz, Puddler. Private."

Not a classic, but fun and Paul is clearly having a blast.
On the commentary track Goldman covers much of the anecdotes and opinions those who've read his books are familiar with. The bombshell is his revelation that he wrote a follow-up adaptation of The Chill - maybe the best detective novel by an American. It never happened. Why? So Paul could make The Secret War of Harry Frigg? Oh, the pangs.
August 12, 2007

Harper

Based on Ross MacDonald's novel, this big-city thriller is notable for two reasons: It marks the debut of Newman's ultra-cool Lew Harper character (later seen to lesser effect in "The Drowning Pool") and was William Goldman's maiden voyage as a screenwriter. Peppered with witty dialogue and immersed in the sex-and-drugs cult weirdness of mid-sixties California, "Harper" is directed with flair by Jack Smight. Shelley Winters, Janet Leigh, Robert Wagner, Julie Harris, and Bacall all contribute choice characterizations, but the center of gravity here is Newman's Harper, never hipper nor more determined to finish the job. Here's another chance to catch Newman in his pri June 27, 2007

Fun whodunnit, with a superb cast and an intriguing plot

Like so many movies, I just picked this one up on a whim off the shelves of our local library (Netflix will never get my business until I've gone through every enticing movie at the libs which, truth to tell, I don't see ever happening).

At any rate, it was a fun movie, not only because of its storyline, but also because of the cast: Paul Newman, Shelley Winters, Julie Harris, Robert Wagner, Janet Leigh--all in top form and having a blast with their noir roles. Newman is the lead and with his charming ways he keeps you entertained the whole time.

The story revolves around the kidnapping of an obnoxious zillionaire and the questions, of course, are--Who among the totally nefarious cast of characters is/are involved and, Will Newman get the criminals before they "do in" the kidnap victim?

Along the way, we see all sorts deliciously seedy sections of L.A. and encounter numerous colorful characters.

R. Baker's Rule--"Just about everything-be it film, book, play, or party-is 20% too long"--applies here. A few mintues trimmed out of this film would definitely have increased it's star rating by at least .25!! :)

Anyway, when you're in the mood for a good detective story, this should fill the bill. June 5, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...