Rafferty und die wilden Mädchen

I suspected this might not be a good movie since Pauline "Hates Everything Popular" Kael gave it a good review. Still, I gave it a chance, much to my regret. Though it's ostensibly a comedy, there is not one single laugh here - in fact, the movie often seems afraid of trying to generate any humor. None of the three leads is likable - Phillips is annoying, Kellerman bland, and Arkin is so boring it's no wonder we see his character asleep several times in the movie. To top it off, the movie is pretty much plotless, with the movie going whatever way it feels like, with no point in sight. This probably wouldn't have mattered had the movie been funny - but it isn't.

Not bad, not bad at all. Alan Arkin, an actor whose screen persona has been nearly as eccentric as Elliott Gould's, stars as a none too bright driving instructor abducted by a pair of oddball runaways, well played by the underrated Sally Kellerman and the even less appreciated MacKenzie Phillips. They endure each other's company, and along the journey (this is one of those "road" movies) become accomplices in what seems to be their mutual desire to escape from society's norms. I may be reading more into this film that what the writer has written, but it's an entertaining endeavor, mainly due to the cast.

This film has one of Louis Prima's last appearances. (He took ill in 1975). Louis can be seen in the Casino scenes along with longtime backups,Sam Butera and the Witnesses. They perform excerpts of "When Your Lover has Gone", "Che la Luna" and "Got you Under my Skin". Although the sequence is short and peppered with dialog,the old Prima magic shines thru. By this time,Louis was working with Sam and the Witnesses only. Keely Smith had been gone since 1961 and Gia Maione,Louis' singing partner and wife was only appearing with the group occaisinly The film is so-so,but worth staying with to enjoy Louis,Sam and the Band.

"Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins" is a character study, loaded with great character actors. It is also unpredictable, with occasional bursts of outrageous humor. Alan Arkin plays a hard drinking, totally inept, and burned out driving instructor. Sally Kellerman, is a wannabe country singer, accompanied by Mackenzie Phillips, a fifteen year old hustler. These three hit the road for New Orleans, scamming and thieving along the way. The colorful characters they encounter include Alex Rocco as a Las Vegas nut job, Charles Martin Smith as a soldier who gets scammed, and Harry Dean Stanton as a one legged veteran who gets hustled at pool. Also, there is a rather unexpected ending to this road trip of broken dreams. - MERK

This 1970's road movie is very special with likable folks and some weird supporting characters along the way. Alan Arkin was great in the 60's & 70's and this part fits him like a glove. MacKenzie Phillips as Frisbee brings her unique characteristics to her lonely young woman looking to connect. Sally Kellerman was so great in the 70's playing wackos or tight-asses in uniform; always a joy to watch.

A definite 7 out of 10. Best performance = Alan Arkin. There are excellent minor characters played by Alex Rocco and especially Harry Dean Stanton (one of the treasures of American cinema is this man's presence). This film may be too laid-back for most high-charged Americans. Reminiscent of SLITHER (also Sally Kellerman). A hidden gem that was rarely seen at the time. Check it out!