Gigò

When I first viewed this film I was only 8 years old. Even at such a young age I was completely moved. The surprising thing is that even now I remember those feelings. For the last few years I have been searching for this film on video, but unable to find it. Whenever I see a movie with Jackie Gleason in it I am always reminded of his character in Gigot, and how I long to see this character again. To some, the film may not have touched their souls, but to me I was totally drawn to this character. To this day I remember the part where Gigot tried to save the child; how much he cared and the risks he took because of his unselfish love. You don't see these kind of films today. It's a shame that inner emotions are no longer captured but over shadowed by destruction and the almighty dollar.

I have seen this movie a few times, and it just grows on you. Gleason shows how powerful a performance one can do without uttering one word.

Many have described this film well. It is a great performance by Gleason, and yes the little girl isn't the cutest, but she wasn't meant to be. It makes his love for her and the mother all the more powerful. The SADDEST part of this film is that it has never been released on Video or DVD yet. Perhaps someday Hollywood will catch up with the people's hearts.

Gleason was at his best in this drama. Never before or since have I found a movie so charming and well done. Virtually "talk free" I was captivated by Gleasons' portrayal. No other actor comes close to his caliber.

Like a person who commented before me, I first saw this movie at 8 or 9 years old on the "Million Dollar Movie" feature on TV. I remember my sisters and I could not stop crying because we were so moved by the storyline. It's been that long since I last saw Gigot but it had to have touched on very deep and moving issues for 3 little girls to ball their eyes out. Looking back, the subject matter is a little adult (the streetwalker planning to run off with her lover & take her little girl, thus leaving Gigot). I have yet to see it on video or even on late night. It is a wonderful, moving movie.

Gleason, too easily typecast for his work with Art Carney, was a powerful dramatic actor. 'Soldier in the Rain' was a role many will more easily relate to. 'Gigot' is a very strange, demanding role, that Gleason masterfully delivers.

His performance is a throwback to Chaplin and Keaton, but with this caveat? In the era where those giants worked, films were more action packed and sub-titles existed.

In 'Gigot' Gleason is faithful to 1920's film constraints, within context of 1960's cinema. The man's facial expressions, body language are unforgettable to anybody who watches 'Gigot' with a careful eye.

Jackie Gleason was a powerful dramatic actor.