Mr. Sycamore

This film for the longest time made me think I was loosing my mind. I remember watching it on television long long ago as a little child with my mother. Her and I commented on the film all throughout the length of the movie at how wonderful it was.

Years and years later, I brought it up to her, "Hey mom, remember that movie we watched about the old guy who wanted to become a tree so he planted his feet in the backyard?" She had no freegin clue what I was talking about. I insisted we had seen the movie, and told her I even remember where we were sitting in the living room that night. She was clueless. So for a looong time afterwards I really truly thought I had imagined this story in my mind.

Finally, one day a friend and I were talking movies, and I joked with him about how I had created this weird story in my head about this movie about a guy who wants to be a tree, and all nonchalantly he was like, "Oh yeah, Mr. Sycamore... that was a pretty decent flick." WHHATTT?!! There really IS A MOVIE ABOUT THAT!!! And then I come to find out it was Jason Robarts who actually played the part.

I know, this wasn't even a movie review at all, and I have no idea where to find the movie now to watch it again and give it an honest vote out of 10. So I'll leave my story at that. :)

This is a beautiful, fanciful allegory. Jason Robards, Sandy Dennis, and Jean Simmons were the perfect casting choices. A great movie for all Strangers in a Strange Land. Even the love triangle among the leading characters avoids the formulaic approach of Hollywood.

The premise is totally preposterousness. A man who wants to and tries to become a tree! However it might help us all realize that our own authenticity should be achievable. This is exactly the approach taken by Edward Albee in his latest play, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? The movie is apparently the only one Robert Ayre wrote. And although Pancho Kohner has produced many films, including several Charles Bronson films, he has only directed one film other than Mr. Sycamore, The Bridge in the Jungle.

This is a movie for anyone who cannot accept the judgement of the great unwashed masses. It's for anyone who yearns to express their authentic self. Anyone whose life seems to require constantly swimming upstream will love this movie.

OMG!!! I could have reviewed the previous comment MYSELF. My husband even asked was I sure that I didn't write it b'cause it is one of my favorite all time childhood movies..... watched it with my mom.... she swears she's never heard of anything like it but I remember every scene. Since I grew up with a vivid imagination. I too though was either going crazy or had made it up. I am so glad to have found out that it does exist. If anyone knows where to get it, please let me know. I also remember a scene where the very concerned wife goes to a country church alone and they were singing HOLY HOLY HOLY. By the way, my husband asked me that because I have spoken about it for the 6years we have been married.

The only reason I cannot give this movie a higher or lower rating is that I saw it 20 years ago or so when I was a teenager in an altered state of consciousness. This movie gave me such a wonderful feeling because after all, many of us can relate to wanting to escape this ordinary life of bills and drudgery. I would really like to see it again, of course this time would be a more clearheaded viewing. I think I would still like it though mainly because I haven't given up on movies and music to help escape. This movie did that for me then. I wish I could find a copy on DVD but several attempts to find it have availed nothing. I feel as though this movie viewed with an open heart and open mind, without the typical expectations of a Hollywood film, would be a great movie.

I saw this film back in '76 and it made such an impression on me that I've NEVER forgotten it. It touched me and I really did want to be a tree after I saw it-in fact, I still have dreams of being a tree because of this lovely film. I absolutely loved it-it was beautiful. I have been looking for it, wanting to see it again for years. Anyone who says this is a bad film and a waste of time has no imagination or heart. I thought it was well cast. Especially Jason Robards. His portrayal of a mail man who wants something more from life is memorable. I usually don't much care for Sandy Dennis, but she was good in the role of Robard's wife.

Get in touch with your inner child and give this film a chance, it's well worth it.