The Troublemaker

I saw the movie on cable last night, but could not find it in the TV listing, ironically enough. I didn't catch the entire film, maybe about an hour's worth, but it is definitely one of the most offbeat films from the era. Buck Henry came off as a cross between Jack Lemmon and Steve Allen, with Tom Aldredge as a Gene Wilder type.

The entire ambience was reminiscent of Dobie Gillis and there is a very New York-sensibility throughout. Actually it almost seemed like the cinematic bonding of Woody Allen and Maynard G. Krebs.

It also seemed to foreshadow the coming free love movement of the latter part of the 60s with a very frank look at sexual openness in relationships.

Surprising, quirky and original. I would love to own it on DVD if it ever becomes available. Wishful thinking? Well, it is being played on cable, so who knows?