A Cara do Pai

Talk about an undiscovered gem. I never knew this film existed. Denzel Washington's first film role. You could see the potential for greatness even then. Yes, I know that is easy to say now, but I really mean it. Even in this small role, he was great.

My personal connection to this film aside, it really hit home the problem in this country. The divide is so great that only the election of Obama will begin to heal it. We still have the separate communities displayed here, and we still have the separate attitudes. George Segal really did a good job in displaying the angst of the two worlds that divide us.

Most of the credit has to go to Oscar-winner Stanley Shapiro, for writing and producing this film. He used humor very creatively to spotlight a real problem that has plagued us for many many years.

Walter Whitney has a mansion in San Marino and a great job that comes with a Rolls Royce and numerous credit cards. Hisd life isn't quite perfect, since his uptight wife Vivian won't let him touch her or even let him see her without her clothes on. And her daughter Mary Ann won't accept Walter as her father, even though he adopted her when he married her mother. Mary Ann considers herself to be engaged to her boyfriend, but apparently this isn't important enough to tell Walter.

Nelson, Vivian's father and Walter's boss, has a talk with Walter because he is concerned that his daughter isn't happy. But this is the least of Walter's problems. It seems that when he was in college at Northwestern, Walter lived with a black woman. And that woman's son Roger is here to see him. His mother is now deceased, and Roger feels the need to find his father. Guess who it is!

The opening credits said "Introducing Denzel Washington". This respected and usually serious actor comes across more like Will Smith in TV's "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"--appealing, smart-alecky, intelligent though apparently not book-smart (and we know Smith progressed from that image to a career similar to Washington's, though in less serious roles). Washington does show potential here, though it's not immediately obvious he will someday win an Oscar. He does comedy well, but he also has at least one fine dramatic scene.

But this is not "Fresh Prince". On that show, only Carlton and Hilary thought they were better than everyone else. Their parents never forgot where they came from. In this movie, Vivian, Mary Ann, Nelson, and even the family doctor and pastor think blacks are inferior, and that Walter has done something unthinkable. And wait until you find out the hilarious consequences!

Most of the leading actors here give good performances. Dick Martin is funny as Walter's pot-smoking best friend and lawyer, and Paul Winfield does a good job as another lawyer.

One of the many highlights: Roger's '59 Chevy, which makes Al Bundy's Dodge Dart look like a BMW. The only movie car more pathetic that I can remember was one of the cop cars in "Smokey and the Bandit", but that was only after numerous wrecks.

And you have to see how Walter and Vivian solved their difficulties in the bedroom!

Eventually, lessons about prejudice are learned, but not by all. Those who don't think there should be racial prejudice should keep in mind what was said about Archie Bunker. We learn prejudice is wrong by making fun of it.

The ending was not neat and tidy, but it showed promise.

This was very good.

White corporation man George Segal gets a rude awakening when he finds out that he has an illegitimate son who happens to be black (our first real theatrical look at Hollywood icon Denzel Washington). Naturally Segal's Beverly Hills life turns topsy-turvy with wife Susan Saint James and father-in-law Jack Warden complicating the situation by forcing Segal into a life of degradation and poverty with usually hilarious results. Pure early-1980s fluff here as Washington puts that bright smile of his on and steals every scene from veteran Segal. Segal though does an admirable job and feeds off the film effectively. Ultimately though the substance is lacking and the typical comedic situations eventually end up being predictable and sometimes stale. The late drama also feels forced and somewhat unnecessary. Still a watchable piece of entertainment for its two leads. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

I was very surprised to see this movie today on a channel that plays lots of familiar movies. I had never heard of this one before, but I figured with Denzel Washington how could I go wrong? Yes, Carbon Copy is over-the-top in its depiction of snooty racists, and some of the comedy borders on slapstick. But if you concentrate on the relationship between the Denzel Washington and George Segal characters, you're in for a real treat. They are truly wonderful together and Denzel, especially considering this is one of his earliest roles, has all the charisma, polish, and depth we have come to expect from him. Bonus points for some really funny lines and a serious point that is made with heart.

Before watching this, I feared I was in for some cringy, eye rolling moments. Not as many racial slurs as I'd thought, plus two great actors (Denzel Washington and George Segal) starring in this. I was thrilled that I was about to witness Denzel's film debut, and I'd hoped it wasn't as offensive as I'd imagined. I mean, for young Denzel to be in such a film? I had expected something... better.

There were a few poignant moments between father and son. At the heart of this 80s film, it became more of a son trying to connect with the father he never knew, and they made some discoveries. In the end though, it's all about what the white person learns about other people. I understand who this film is aimed at, which is common. Still, it was better than I realized. It looked for something redeeming and the moments at the prison had Denzel's Roger give a good moment. It was good that George's. Walter gained insight too: loved that. I won't get into the awful supporting characters (I've met too many people in real life like that), but overall, I'd challenge people to find some worthy moments in this. At least it's not "Soul Man"!