Customer Reviews

The Golden Boys

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It's the "old guys" who make this film worth watching--David Carradine, Bruce Dern, Rip Torn, and in a smaller role, Charles Durning. Carradine (we will miss him!), Dern, and Torn are all fabulous in their roles as old bachelors/widowers who need a housekeeper and decide one of them must take a mail order bride in order to get one. The whole thing is worth it just for the scene in which the woman they see emerging from the train "does not suit." Watching them scamper away and hide made me laugh out loud. Mariel Hemingway, who plays the woman they do like, is also worth watching. She brings dignity and a sense of mystery to her character. I wish we had seen more development of her character in this film--it felt like there was so much more to tell.

The reason that I only gave this film 3 stars is that if it weren't for the actors, I don't think I would have watched it all the way through. It's very light on plot, and entirely predictable. At times, it felt as if scenes that would have furthered the story were left out, and unnecessary scenes put in. There was plenty of room for more character development scenes with everybody, and a better explanation about a side plot concerning dispute over serving rum at the saloon. It looked and felt to me like this was a very low budget film that one of the guys agreed to do for a novice filmmaker--like for a grandkid or something. I do not know if that was actually the case, but I felt like saying "Not bad for a first try, but . . " This film did not have a professional feel to it, and it could have used more skillful writing/editing and tighenting of the scant story line, while expanding on the character development.

Still, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of any of the stars, or to anyone who wants a sweet, simple, low-tech movie with no violence or profanity.

Three cantankerous old men and a refined lady. A wonderful comedy set on (and filmed) on Cape Cod. For the locals, a challenge at times to locate set locations, but a lot of fun. I watched this being filmed, saw the film at a special screening and can't wait for it's release. And, I believe it was David Carradine's last film. He is very amusing in this as are the others we remember from their younger days.

The first third of this film is hilarious. I just love the way the three old timer sea farers reach the conclusion that one of them has to marry in order that they have a housekeeper to share. The best is the hunt for a bride through the lonely hearts column. The lines are perfectly delivered - the facial expressions a scream to watch as the plan is hatched and an ad placed. But after the mail order bride arrives the movie becomes predictable. It is all grandad's fantasy as young women apparantly fall for 2 old men who look like they won't make their next birthday. Just 3 stars - but worth watching for the very funny first third of the film.

"The Golden Boys" (aka "Chatham")taken place in my favorite place in the world, Cape Cod, and it is fun watching a period piece play out against a backdrop that is so familiar and beautiful to me. And, though simple, the story is touching, honest and hearfelt. And while the veteran cast is star-studded, the real delight for me was to watch David Carradine anchor the film with real tenderness and strength. His performance is really at the center of this film, and the chemistry between him and Mariel Hemingway (who is also excellent), is palpable. Carradine and Hemingway play two characters who want to see together, and who truly deserve one another. This is a fine little film with a slew of wonderful performances by longtime favorite actors.

Now, I'll be honest. This movie isn't exactly in the Casablanca or Gone With The Wind class but I don't think it's really meant to be. It's meant to be the kind of movie that should be watched for enjoyment rather than one that be analyzes the human condition to the Nth degree or is meant to be propoganda for political correctness.

The movie is based on a 1904 story entitled: Cap'n Eri: A story of the Coast by Joseph Crosby Lincoln...and it's a delightful film that any beach/coastal/nautical enthusiast who also enjoys history and romantic comedies would enjoy. Hence the reason I liked it as well as I did.

I felt the director, Daniel Adams, did a pretty good job of translating Lincoln's book into film. I read someplace that Lincoln's literary works could be considered "celebrating Cape Cod" and you can clearly see that in this film. It is a celebration of a specific cultural heritage, plus a labor of love on the part of the director. I wish there would had been more in the movie about the US Lifesaving Service (predecessor of the US Coast Guard), but of course that is a movie-worthy story in itself...perhaps an idea for a future movie for Adams?

All of the actors did their roles, but I particularly enjoyed the acting on the part of the late David Carradine and Mariel Hemingway. The scenery was quite beautiful, and much of the movie was quite hilarious. I laughed my head off when the cat refused to eat the clam fritters. The subplot with the rum house issue was interesting, too. I like the way true friendship was demonstrated in those scenes. Mind you that Web Saunders character needed a kick in the butt, for sure...but even his role was played very well. One of the messages I liked in this movie was re: the treatment of age. Despite being in their 70s, those sea captains still saw themselves as captains, not retirees. They weren't about to be put out to pasture...they still had the opportunity to enjoy life and love and they did. That's a very good message even for today.

In 1905, three sea captains (played by Rip Torn, Brude Dern, and David Carradine), retired and living together, find that they cannot adequately take care of the cooking and housework. They advertise for a wife (to marry the one who loses a coin throw), and that is what most of the story is about: her arrival (she is played by Mariel Hemingway), how she comes to stay with them before she is to marry the loser, and what happens among the three and with her. There are also a few subplots, including one with Charles Durning, another fine actor, all of which contribute to the story.


This movie is very low-key and moves slowly. It reminds me of movies from the 1950s, when time was taken to develop characters and relationships. There is very little drama in this movie; the story is almost entirely about the characters in it. David Carradine speaks slowly and deliberately, which some people, used to the more frenetic pace of most movies today, might not like, but I relished every minute of it. The characters were well realized, and every detail contributes to the overall story. If you are in the mood for a gentle story, gently told, then this might just be your cup of tea.

Want to relax? Wanna have some good entertainment? Want to see so great character study? Wanna see some great actors who are old farts now, still being great actors? Then, this is the flick for you. I was completely taken by surprise when I first viewed this movie! I saw it on one of those pay for view free pixs not knowing what was coming.....

Buy this DVD and have a great time! BUY many and give to friends who like good/ great movies... This was super-duper....

One warning...it's not fast... it is even paced and totally entertaining. Relax and enjoy a really decent movie....one even your kids will enjoy OR your parents or your ex or your dog or ..........!

A wonderfully funny, heartwarming romantic comedy. They don't make films like this anymore. Well acted, well written, well directed. So sad David Carradine died, but he left us a wonderful gift in this performance -- perhaps his best ever. I loved this movie!

I really enjoyed this video. Classic story of retired old sea captains and the problems of having three bachelor men/sailors living together. The things men go through to get out of housework. Good comedy.

funny movie with several good old "bad guy" actors who are playing grumpy old ex fishermen. hee hee! they do a great job on it having grown up on the fishing grounds i can honestly say these are the real article!! Not a fast paced action packed movie, but a good steady humurous way to spend an afternoon.