Customer Reviews

Skin Game [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the mid-70's James Garner & Louis Gossett teamed up in two memorable episodes of "The Rockford Files". Before that, however, they starred in "The Skin Game" with Susan Clark (best known as the mother on the t.v. show "Webster"). The Skin game is a smart comedy which also functions as an effective critique of the institution of slavery. All three stars are appealing and Garner does what he did best in "Maverick" and Rockford -- the con game. The con here is simple but enjoyable. The movie includes good performances by several familiar character actors of the era and features Ed Asner as the slave-trading bad guy. Due to "political correctness" I don't know if this movie could get made today, which is a shame. Highly recommended!

I was impressed by the willingness of the producers to use the attitudes and language true to the era. Lou Gossett is superb as the "slave" as he switches from groveling chattel to Garner's equal and Edward Asner as the sadistic bully.

James Garner and Louis Gossett are two buddies in 1850s America. The two con men travel to small towns around the south. At each new town Garner sells his "slave" Gossett then later helps him escape. When the two meet an equally brazen con woman and a ruthless runaway slave hunter, their game goes terribly wrong. Both funny and wrenching, this is a different kind of buddy movie.

Garner and Gossit play off each other with the rhythm and nuance of a fine orchestra. I can't think of any reason to give this 4 stars instead of 5 other than the fact that there have been so many GREAT movies that I'm not sure where the cut off should be...perhaps slightly above this fine film? Or perhaps I'm wrong and it qualifies for the 5 star level. In any case, if you have not seen this movie, do so by all means. It is highly entertaining.

As the title implies, Quincy Drew/Capt. Nathaniel Mountjoy, Army Medical Corps (James Garner) travels the south in the slave days. There he sells his slave Jason O'Rourke (Louis Gossett Jr.) Then the slave is dubiously retrieved and sold again. The two plan to split the proceeds when loves intervenes in Jason's life. Things get complicated.

Better, tape your ribs before watching this one.

I saw this movie in the theater when it came out. For me, there's nothing not to like about it. The cast is great - James Garner, Lou Gossett, Jr., ed Asner, Susan Clarke. The plot moves well, the humor is rampant. All-around good fun. Still funny after all these years.

Garner and Gossett Jr. have the perfect scheme pre-civil war south and by selling and reselling they make a fair living. Naturally, things go wrong.

This movie is a great surprise if you have not seen it. It is like seeing the first of any great movie idea. Remember the first "Star Wars?" Or "Support Your Local Sheriff" (1969). Later you are jaded and already used to the type of movie.

This is one up on Garner's character in "Maverick" (1994). In addition, Louis Gossett Jr. excels as he did in "Enemy Mine" (1985) where he is still on the other side of a larger Mason-Dioxin line.

Better, tape your ribs before watching this one.

Support Your Local Sheriff ~ James Garner
Maverick (Snap Case)Mel Gibson
Enemy Mine

This is a delightful movie with a great portrayal of some aspects of slavery in the 1800's. It is mostly a comedy, but a bit of drama also. It may not be entirely "political correct" for this day and age, but if you like to watch movies just for entertainment, this is the one.

a movie ahead of its time....an amazing message in a film filled with laughter, character, entertainment and yet an alarming awareness of a time our country can be most ashamed of. So where has this film been hiding...has its "politically incorrect" structure prevented its bringing to our attention that we still, as a country, have a long way to go. Relax, enjoy, laugh, and then feel embarassment.....as you witness a wonderful film.....so long over due

I had been searching for this movie for my husband; he has since passed on, but I now have the movie. Thank you so very much for burning it for me. The service was excellent and very timely. Thanks again!