Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
See Jack N. ......Way Back When, September 11, 2004
Based on the book by James T. Farrell, "Studs Lonigan"(1960) is a kind of rebel story, as we follow the life of a young man for a decade, through the roaring 20's and prohibition, and through the depression. William "Studs" Lonigan(Christopher Knight), from the slums of Chicago, can't seem to find any direction in life. He hangs out with "pool room bums", drinks heavily, lusts after the women in his life, but cannot commit to either a relationship or a job. He and his buddies, try get rich quick schemes,his stormy relationship with his father is explored, and he finds himself always unsuccessful in life and love situations. As the years pass he seems to sink deeper and deeper into a pit of frustration and depression. Nearing the age of thirty he must take a look at himself and decide which path to take.
Although this film is not quite up there on a level with "Rebel Without A Cause", it's a good character study on the growing pains of young adults trying to find their way in life, no matter the era it is set in.
Christopher Knight seems to dig deep and find the angst "Studs" is feeling, although, when checking over at the Movie Base, I could not find any other feature films he has been in. Now for Jack Nicholson fans...Jack, in his early 20's, has a meaty supporting role as one of the gang of streetwise punks going bad, and even way back then makes the most of his role, turning in a performance that probably led to some of his bigger parts. A young Frank Gorshin also displays his talents, and the lovely Helen Westcott is the "older" woman, who's arms Studs find comfort in. The great character actor Jay C. Flippen is also included as the Priest trying to set Studs on the right path.
The film is in black and white, which adds to the feeling of the era.
This film may also be found on a DVD included in "Classic Literature On Film". It's a set of 10 films(5 discs) from Brentwood Home Videos(BCIEclipse), with some great old films based on literary works(Farewell to Arms, and Of Human Bondage, just to name a couple).
Enjoy....Laurie
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1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting early Nicholson., September 28, 1999
By A Customer
Interesting film about a sexually active man, Studs Lonigan, in Chicago, during the roaring 20's. Christopher Knight is miscast as Studs Lonigan. This was one of Jack Nicholson's first performance's.
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DVD ~ Tony Doyle
DVD ~ Francis Capra
