Customer Reviews

The Fixer

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This is not the best version of "The Fixer." The Alan Bates/Dirk Bogarde version is the best--when will they put the superior version on DVD? I saw the original movie version of the Bernard Malamud novel during the sixties. I have it on VHS. The great Alan Bates and Dirk Bogarde were excellent, and the entire cast was also great, e.g., Ian Holm, David Warner, etc.Please put the original "The Fixer" on DVD! Also, get David Warner and Ian Holm to do commentary.

The film is set in Chicago. A wealthy man has a problem with his son. At a party he meets other people who have need of his services. [This tells about the lifestyles of the rich and famous that you won't see on TV. A social gathering provides a cover for meetings.] John Killeran has the ability to fix problems for the rich and powerful. [Don't ask how this affects your taxes and costs.] After taking a million to fix a problem he goes for a ride on a new horse. There is an accident. While injured, full recovery is possible. Jack is back in his law office. There are problems to be fixed. Jack wonders how this accident happened. He shows his tapes to his girlfriend, who tells him what would happen if they fell into the wrong hands. [The system would go on with new players.]

Jack visits a very sick man to get him to confess and cover up a murder. But something happens to change Jack's mind. He sees a spiritual advisor; what is the meaning of his life? Jack has a problem with his son; if he hangs out with the wrong people he will get in trouble. [No hypocrisy here!] The airport deal is desired by people who are very powerful. This deal depends on fixing a murder case to save the promoter. Angel reminds Jack of his responsibilities. There is a confrontation at Jack's home. His girl spills the beans!

Killeran talks to an FBI agent; no dice. A reporter explains why his newspaper won't print the story. [It's not the `Washington Post'.] Jack's spiritual advisor has an accident. Jack is abducted and forced to return to his past ways. Guess who told on him? Jack visits a powerful downstate politician to fix the airport deal; someone will be appointed a Judge. There is a meeting among the powerful to fix the murder case; a deal is made. But there is a surprise for Jack, then for his associates. Justice triumphs in the end in this film. Jack explains his change of heart at the trial.
There is no mention of the people who step up the fill the places of the departed. Did anything change? Do you think this only goes in one state? Read your newspaper.