Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx

Waris Hussein is a talented director but not someone I would pick to helm a quirky, romantic comedy-drama. Hussein's films, such as this one or "The Possession of Joel Delaney", clearly pinpoint the stamp he likes to leave: peculiar plot structures, depressed or otherwise forlorn characters, bleak and muted surroundings. In "Quackser Fortune" (how's that for a title?), Gene Wilder is self-employed in Dublin, scooping up horse droppings from the carriages to use as fertilizer; he eventually meets university student Margot Kidder, who is sort of a displaced hippie. I saw this in 1975 when it played a double-bill with "The Other Side Of The Mountain"; it came on second and proceeded to empty out the theater. I was glad I stayed to watch because it's so very unusual. However, it is such an oddity that even when A&E's Biography did an hour on Margot Kidder's career, it wasn't even mentioned. ** from ****

I saw this particular movie in a Dublin theatre way back in the early 1970's and I found it to be a very memorable film about a working class lad who couldn't bring himself to follow in his father's footsteps and work in the factory punching a clock. When his livelihood dries up with the retirement of horse drawn wagons, he attempts to go to the factory but ends up making his own way in the end. Ah, yes, there is a love interest as well, which keeps the story interesting. Not many movies stick with me so that's saying something for me. It was the first time I noticed Gene Wilder in a film (though I'm sure I saw him in Bonnie and Clyde) and I thought he was very good - and genuine. His success doesn't surprise me. It's an "off the beaten path" kind of movie in a way - but not in the wild and crazy sense. And I would recommend it if you can find a copy somewhere.

It has been over 30 years since I came across this almost perfect tribute to freedom,love and magic! This movie had a profound impact on my young life. All movie creator's could learn a great deal about how to tell a story at the same time actors are providing dialog...The images that are cast behind the characters and plot clearly create a lot more of a story than is being understood by other contributers? This is Wilders greatest achievement as a work of "art". Tightly wrapped tale on par with apt.0! This flick deserves to be understood as a statement of innocence vs. intelligence, the "happy ending" representing that both are fleeting. More of a movie then is credited for, symbolism is profound. Best seen alone.

Gene Wilder went full Irish in 1970 with the release of Waris Hussein's feature Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx. Despite its long seemingly absurd name, the film packs quite a punch of commentary on social issues that resonate today, nearly 50 years after its release. The story of a humble man who must fall in love to inspire him to experience the world is one that any audience can relate to. We all start out as trailblazers, never bending to the wills of society, and if we have fortunate, we stay that way.

Quackser (Aloysius) Fortune (Gene Wilder) has an unusual job around his Dublin home. He follows the horses that make deliveries around the city, collecting their manure and selling it to the housewives in the village. One day on his ride around collecting, he is nearly trampled by an American student studying at the prestigious Trinity College in Dublin. After she apologizes and the two go on their way, the student, Zazel (Margot Kidder) tracks Quackser down to properly apologize. The two develop a friendship and begin spending time together. Quackser's family, desperate for him to get a "real job" are enthused about the prospect of him meeting someone and marrying and advancing his life. As Quackser and Zazel continue to spend time together, even becoming romantic, their differences become more apparent. Quackser is looked down upon due to his job and humble upbringing, as his family has little money. Amidst all that exists to separate them, the two love struck young people seem committed to making a relationship work. One day, after ignoring several warnings from his family, Quackser's livelihood comes crashing down when the horse-drawn carriages are banned in Dublin. Seeing his financial stability come crashing down at the same time that his romantic relationship is ending with the completion of Zazel's semester, Quackser is forced to make big decisions about his life, that may include leaving it all behind for a foray into the Bronx.

It must be noted, that Gene Wilder maintains a wonderful Irish accent all throughout the film. It is all too common to be pulled out of a film by a bad accent job on the part of the principle actors, but Quackser Fortune never falls to this problem because of Wilder's exceptional job with the accent. An economically disadvantaged guy pushes a cart full of poop around for a living; the story on its own doesn't do much to pull in the audience. Add to it, though, the fierce determination to not live one's life only by the standards of other people and you have a quirky film with an important message. Waris Hussein never strays from real human emotions in this film. His film faces head on, the problems with the union between Quackser and Zazel, and refuses to cave to the easy ending. Disregard the silly title, and give Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx a chance, it packs a more powerful punch than you'd anticipate.

Another lead role for Gene Wilder, just 3 years after his first time on screen, certainly a feat not enjoyed by every actor. With the added difficulty of filming on location and maintaining a very dominant accent, this lead role was no slouch. It was great to see Wilder carrying a film as he shared the lead role with larger-than- life Zero Mostel in The Producers. Being a fan of WIlder's work, this film was a brilliant surprise as I had missed it previously while watching his filmography. Quackser is a standout performance for Wilder and one that should not be missed.

An odd little film. A romantic comedy, I suppose, but the comedy is more whimsy than anything else. Good job on the accent by Gene Wilder. And Margot Kidder was so beautiful then. She and Wilder both turn in good erformances, and the photography of Dublin is fairly interesting. I found the film slow and not terribly interesting. Recommended only to fans of the two principals.