Mr. Sycamore

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.

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.

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.

Flop Broadway play from 1942 becomes unsuccessful movie, though one not without some eccentric charm. Small town postman, who writes poetry and talks to the trees along his mail route, chucks his job one afternoon to become a tree himself. Fascinated with metamorphosis, as well as by an ancient legend that had lovers being turned into trees by the gods, our hero digs a hole in his backyard and promptly plants himself, much to the concern of his wife, his clergy and neighbors (one of whom tells him to beware of boll weevils!). Playwright Ketti Frings, who co-adapted her play with director Pancho Kohner from a story by Robert Ayre, is obviously in love with absurdist comedy, and some of her early scenes do get laughs; however, this is short subject material, not a feature film. Kohner attempts to stretch the plot out with a needless milk truck chase and asides with sanitarium workers, to no avail. Good cast including Jason Robards, Sandy Dennis, Jean Simmons, and a snarky Robert Easton nearly makes it tolerable. *1/2 from ****

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.