montgomerysue

What makes this work is the chemistry between Dom DeLuise, Suzanne Pleshette, and Jerry Reed. They seem like they got along really well and enjoyed making this film in Miami. It's a screwball story with a lot of familiar faces from TV stopping by as customers at a pawn shop that is a front for the cops (played by Dom, Suzanne, and Jerry, along with a funny Luis Avalos as Ramon). Those TV faces are hilarious, particularly Bill McCutcheon as Paully, Sydney Lassick as Hymie, Pat McCormick as the man with the cigars, and a great schtick by Peppy Fields who comes in to buy an anniversary gift.

It's all good fun and is supposedly based on a true story.

Dom, also the director, works his tail off and his fans will be pleased. Suzanne, at the height of her beauty, is stunning, but, being the excellent actress she always was in any role, you totally believe her as a lady cop who keeps the guys in line. And Jerry, as always, brings some rowdy fun. Surprisingly, there is some very nice chemistry between Suzanne and Jerry, performers who came from very different backgrounds in real life. But, being the talented actors that they were, they carry it off.

Having seen this when it came out in 1979 and then watching it again the other day, I realize that, unlike some other comedies, it really does stand the test of time. Still fun - but kind of sad, too, because it makes you realize how much you miss Dom, Jerry, and particularly Suzanne, with those lovely dark looks and the best sultry female voice that Hollywood ever produced. May they rest in peace.

For her film debut in "Lady Sings The Blues," Diana Ross was nominated for an Oscar, deservedly so. And then Berry Gordy had the idea of creating this vanity piece for her in order to exploit her beauty and talent ? For designing clothes. The result is a complete and utter mess of a movie. What were Gordy and Ross thinking ? The supporting characters played by Anthony Perkins and Jean-Pierre Aumont are embarrassingly bad. Ross' co-star from her first movie, Billy Dee Williams, is on hand but, as much as he tries to elevate the material, it's hopeless. There are so many unintentionally laughable scenes that you are amazed that this was even brought to the screen, particularly when Ross' character drips hot candle wax on herself. Really !!

With an anticlimactic and goofy ending, you are just happy that the whole stupefying thing is over. This movie and 1978's disastrous "The Wiz" put the nails in the coffin of Ross' once promising acting career. A shame really.

This is probably one of the most disappointing sequels ever made. The main problem is the script. It just isn't that interesting or funny.

And the direction has no flair.

Other problems are the acting. George Burns has very little chemistry with Louanne, the girl playing the youngster who is questioning God.

She plays her part fine, but Burns just seems like he is going through the motions and picking up his big pay check.

Another major flaw is the underutilization of their co-star, Suzanne Pleshette. Always an asset in any feature film she appeared in, here, Pleshette is at the height of her beauty and looks stunning, but she is not given anything to do that matches her exceptional acting talents.

Sadly, this would be her last live action feature film, although she would go on to make some excellent, popular television movies that were deserving of her talents. David Birney, a likable actor, is wasted here, too.

All in all, you walk away thinking, why did I sit through that ? You are better off spending your time watching the original "Oh God" movie or any of Suzanne Pleshette's feature or tv movies.