This Blu-ray release from Olive Films (www.olivefilms.com – www.facebook.com/olivefilms) will be available for purchase on May 29th.
Did you know that writer/producer/director Norman Lear actually directed a feature film? Maybe you did, but I didn’t. For those unfamiliar with Lear, he worked in television and film for some time before really hitting his stride in the 70s, creating several programs that made a lasting cultural impact. These shows include All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude, Good Times, One Day at a Time, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and The Jeffersons among many others. Most of these sit-coms were noted for featuring “blue collar” lead characters and all dealt with social issues in a progressive way uncommon at the time.
While Lear did write other features (earning an Oscar nomination for the 1967 production of Divorce, American Style), this movie stands as the only film that the noted figure actually directed. Reportedly, it was shot in 1969 and sat on the studio shelf for two years, because executives at United Artists weren’t sure how audiences would respond to its subject matter and social themes. It ended up doing reasonably well when it was eventually released, but disappeared soon after. Over the past few decades or so, the movie hasn’t been easy to come by. Now Cold Turkey is receiving a new high definition upgrade courtesy of Olive Films.
It all starts when a sinister advertising executive named Merwin Wren (Bob Newhart) proposes a unique idea to the board of the Valiant Tobacco company. He suggests that they do something radical to help their public image. Taking inspiration from Alfred Nobel (the armament manufacturer more known for the Nobel Peace Prize than the weapons that helped amass his fortune), he proposes that the firm offer $25 million dollars to any American town that can quit smoking for 30 days. Of course, he convinces company partners that no town will be able to meet the criteria, and that even if they do, smokers won’t be able to give it up for that long a period of time.
What he doesn’t count on is the community of Eagle Rock, Iowa. The town is in the midst of a severe depression. Rev. Clayton Brooks (Dick Van Dyke) is desperate to get out, but needs to impress the church by improving the town’s fortunes in order to earn another post. After Mayor Wappler (Vincent Gardenia) tells Brooks about the Valiant challenge, he convinces the town to take it on. With the $25 million, the reverend hopes that enough upgrades can be made to convince the US military to open an installation in their community. Of course, the challenge itself draws media attention and spectators. It ends up being an extraordinarily difficult endeavor to pull off.
This is a great concept and one that could probably be reused today (although maybe with a different vice, as smoking seems to be on the decline in this era). As expected, the satire and social themes are ever present and effective as the group find their behavior and motivations slowly changed by the prospect of winning and raking in a huge payday. The movie also has some funny moments peppered in here and there as the characters deal with the frustrations of being unable to smoke. There’s a montage of addicted townspeople behaving grouchily as well as interesting (and likely more beneficial) measures to stave off smoking.
The film does have its fair share of issues. It’s nearly 50 years old now and the humor itself is played out in a very broad way. Personally, I think this has more to do with the style of humor and comedic performances of this period. Still, there isn’t a whole lot of subtlety to these characters. They’re all directed to play things out in a pretty big and over-the-top manner. Some of it is effective, but other bits feel too exaggerated for their own good.
Additionally, the cast is huge. Besides those already mentioned, the film features dozens of supporting characters and performers, some of whom would later appear in Lear’s various shows. Actors include Jean Stapleton, Paul Benedict, Tom Poston, Barnard Hughes and Pippa Scott. Because there are so many of them, the movie doesn’t always take full comedic advantage of their quirks and the film’s numerous subplots. In a strange sense, it’s reminiscent of a Robert Altman production; but one that was heavily edited before its release. One gets the sense that a lot more was shot than is seen in the final product.
So, this reviewer enjoyed the film, but did see room for improvement. The issues raised are incredibly important, the concept is fantastic and the final resolution is thoughtful, effective and impressively grim. It does features several funny gags, but nothing that I felt still played as hilarious (I may just have a different sense of humor). Still, it is fascinating to watch and those who remember the film fondly will likely enjoy the wackiness on display.
The movie is quite old and so the print looks slightly aged. Naturally, it is not as sharp as a modern day release. At least image quality improves dramatically when the central town square is turned into a media circus with TV crews, visitors and the cast members running around. These sequences show a vibrant and more dynamic appearance and look much sharper. Overall, this is definitely an upgrade over any previous release.
Cold Turkey is a fascinating film effort from a legendary figure in television. It doesn’t quite hit the mark, but does offer plenty of food for thought and a few laughs over its running time. Those who remember the movie with fondness or have always wanted to check it out have no barriers stopping them now, all thanks to Olive Films.