Cannery Row

I find it easy to believe that many critics panned this movie, after all as William Peter Blatty once said about critics: "They neither reap, nor sow, nor harvest. They are malignant lilies of the field." For the most part, they are smart a--es who like to be cute and only have praise for "important films". Those of us who actually buy tickets prefer good movies and this was one.

For those who disliked this wonderful (and I truly mean filled with wonder) movie because it was different from the book (or books) I can only say a book is a book, a movie is a movie. It was delightful from beginning to end filled with likable characters. I remember when I first saw it, looking at the Cannery Row denizens with a feeling of envy. They had nothing, but somehow knew how to live.

Typically I only comment when I can make the following statement, which I now make unhesitatingly:

If you have a heart, it will be touched.

a Steinbeck adaptation. and little more. because the atmosphere, the acting, the voice of John Huston, the details, the precise adaptation and the images and music are good pillars for a pure delight. a classic who preserves its special charm and delicate manner to give force to each character. one of most impressive roles of Nick Nolte and beautiful science to translate flavor of text lines not only in images but in a sort of touching metaphors. a magic film and this fact gives to it extraordinary nuances not only as frame of a picture from South or illustration for a great American writer work spirit but for a mirror-film who gives more than status than reader who becomes viewer to its public. a special contribution has Audra Lindley in this memorable embroidery of emotions and Steinbeck credo.

The first time I saw this movie, I almost walked out of the room (watching on a laser disc), but I decided to stay...and I'm glad I did. The film spends the first half developing the characters, among which are a PHD doing research on "Octopii" (Nick Nolte), a group of "ladies of the night", and a group of "bums". All of this is taking place around an old sardine cannery plant that is no longer in operation.

The movie begins to pick up steam toward the second half and is filled with laughs and giggles. The bums steal the show when they go frog hunting...hoping to sell the frogs to "Doc" so that they can have a party (for Doc). "Hazel" is hilarious and "Mac" (the head bum) has a unique approach to philosophy.

The bottom line is that the movie will make you laugh and has a happy ending. When (if) the movie comes out on DVD, I will buy it for my collection of classics.

PS: The film is narrated throughout, but the narration actually adds to the movie.

I rented this film on a recommendation of a friend. I really love this movie and as I've noticed others say, I would watch it again. One thing that I like about this movie is that there isn't anything pretentious. All the characters come across with excellent harmony as real people in a movie and also as characters in a film. The tone is totally natural. The real beautiful part about the people in this film is that they enjoy their surroundings and even though Cannery Row has seen much better times, everyone is content with their lives and it comes across brilliantly. Kudos to all involved. I love it and hope you will watch it and enjoy it as much as I. I give this one a definite ten out of ten stars!

There were a few newspapers, here and there, that named CANNERY ROW as one of the Best of the Year, and they were the few that truly appreciated what is one of the finest capturing of Steinbeck ever on the screen. The film unites a couple of Steinbeck works that also became the book for Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Pipe Dream". Unfortunately, Steinbeck goes in and out of favor, and, at the moment, he is not lionized. But CANNERY ROW is a total delight -- replete with an extraordinary capture of the Steinbeck dialogue, a magnificent mise en scene of coastal California, a delicious group of characters captured to perfection, exquisite photography, and a soundtrack that united Bach with a melodic and playful score that deserved soundtrack status. Everything works... the humor is handled with a touch of wonderful madness by Nick Nolte, Debra Winger, and a gleeful bunch of farceurs playing giddy prostitutes and aging drop-outs who live along the desolate Cannary Row. Classic moments include the jitterbug between Nolte and Winger that temporarily interrupts their insults; the infamous frog hunt; Doc's special treat at the diner.... This David Ward film should be elevated to a classic status. It must be rediscovered so that audiences can delight in it for ages to come. See it..... Relax... Enjoy....and listen to the narration of John Huston - another element that is right on the mark !!!