Jason Robards is a man who decides he'd rather be a tree.Jason Robards is a man who decides he'd rather be a tree.Jason Robards is a man who decides he'd rather be a tree.
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Deserves to be more known. I imagine if Ozu or the Italians made it everyone would know about the movie. Magic realism is seldom takes hold in American film because we are too practical and literal-minded. This movie is about the acting though. Sandy Dennis elevated everything she was in. She was especially good at playing alongside crazy men. She doesn't even play straight against them, she is always offbeat too. Jason Robards also elevated everything he's in. This film shows what a perfect actor he is, with a charm and weariness that can sell you a whole universe. Whatever are the weaknesses of the story, it somehow feels completely right due to these performances. You really don't question any of it. You may ask why this was made. I think it makes you see the world in a different light. There is something as well to the mailman walking and walking, and deciding to... well.
Talk about a wasted cast: Jean Simmons, Sandy Dennis and Jason Robards--a mailman who decides to become.....a tree! Director Pancho Kohner, who later made a number of Charles Bronson vigilante films like St. Ives, really went out on a limb to make this dreck. Don't waste your time--this one is SO bad it's not even funny to watch. Really embarrassing.
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.
Get in touch with your inner child and give this film a chance, it's well worth it.
I first saw this movie about 1975 on TV and it made a huge impact on me...so much so that I changed my name to Mr. Sycamore. In 1986 I decided to change my name legally (mainly because I didn't like my dad). My birth name was Thomas Gee, but when I finally decided to make a new name for myself I thought of how I loved this movie and so I changed my name to Tom Sycamore which I have been for the past 22 years).
I have always been a huge fan of Sandy Dennis, and the idea from this movie that one can create your own life (even if it involves becoming a tree) makes this a very special movie.
I have always been a huge fan of Sandy Dennis, and the idea from this movie that one can create your own life (even if it involves becoming a tree) makes this a very special movie.
I screened this movie for possible negative pick up when I worked as Universal's Head of Independent Film Acquisition. First, I have the utmost respect for Jason Robards as an actor. He was one of the best. Having said that he could not save this film which I found meretricious and boring. It was a noble try but for me it just didn't work. I applaud the producers for getting it made. Maybe it would if he was a giant redwood in Muir Woods. A novel like Kafka's Metamorphosis would be more viable due to the symbolism and the verisimiltude. Or, George Orwell's Animal Farm might be another book into film that is viable, But this film is too ripe with faux symbolism and sophistry as well as wooden (no pun intended) to be a movie. Bottom line, Mr.Robards gives it his best effort, but it doesn't save Mr.Sycamore. Perhaps a better title would be Mr. Dendroid.
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the following Broadway production: Mr. Sycamore (1942). Comedy. Written by Ketti Frings, based on a story by Robert Ayre. Scenic Design by Samuel Leve. Costume Design by Emeline Roche. Directed by Lester Vail. Guild Theatre: 13 Nov 1942- 28 Nov 1942 (19 performances). Cast: Stuart Erwin (as "John Gwilt") [Broadway debut], Lillian Gish (as "Jane Gwilt"), Enid Markey (as "Estelle Benlow"), Walter F. Appler, Harry Bellaver (as "Mr. Fink"), Albert Bergh (as "Mr. Oikle"), Helen Brown, Russell Collins (as "Reverand Doctor Doody"), Barbara Dale, Helen Dodson, Jed Dooley, Franklyn Fox (as "Fletcher Pingpank"), Kenneth Hayden, Mary Heckart, Pearl Herzog (as "Daisy Staines"), Otto Hulett, Ray J. Largay, Louise McBride, Peggy Opdycke, John Philliber (as "Abner Coote"), Rupert Pole (as "Third Milkman/People of Smeed"), Leona Powers, Harry Sheppard, Buddy Swan (as "Albert Fernfield"), Ernest Theiss, Harry Townes, Albert Vees. Produced by The Theatre Guild (Theresa Helburn, Lawrence Langner: Administrative Directors). Note: this was one of the biggest flops of the 1942 season.
- ConnectionsReferenced in 10 to Midnight (1983)
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- Venice Canals - Venice, California, USA(As John Gwilt's home and neighborhood.)
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