So Fine

'So Fine'(1981) Absolutely hysterical comedy about a college professor forced by one- syllable mobster( played perfectly by 7'2'' giant Richard Kiel)to join his manufacturer father in the garment industry and inadvertently invents see-through jeans that become a national rage. Ryan O'Neal( believe it or not) is very good as the flustered professor and the great Jack Warden as the father, all but steals the film. Non- stop laughs for 90 minutes

Ryan O'Neal gives a weak, forgettable performance, but "So Fine" is saved by Jack Warden's excellence as the beleaguered garment manufacturer. Mariangela Melato is extremely sexy, while Richard Kiel is extremely intimidating as Melato's jealous husband. Unfortunately, whenever O'Neal is on screen, which is often, the film grinds to a halt. If you enjoyed Jack Warden in "Used Cars", this is a must see. The writing is a mixed bag, though at times surprisingly clever (the see through jeans). There are also some slapstick scenes that fall flat. If Alan Arkin had been cast in Ryan O'Neal's part, this could have been a classic. - MERK

What makes this movie a comedy classic are the sub-plots involving Ryan O'Neal as a straight laced academic who gets involved with a sexy woman who is the girl friend of Big Eddie (the biggest bad guy you will ever met). While I wouldn't want to compare Ryan O'Neal with Cary Grant there is a feel of some of the Grant roles where he plays the shy awkward guy rather than his normal sophisticated role. This movie has the feel of an old time screwball comedy but with some scenes that only could be shown in a more modern movie. I will never forget the passionate couch scene where the girl breaks out in opera.

Well worth the viewing if you can find it.

Unfortunately it is not available on DVD yet... that needs to change!

this movie is a modern remake of Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice", with Eddie as Shylock. Other references to Shakespeare in this movie include the "pound of flesh" quotation during the scene where the professor is being grilled by the university board, the professor's various "Henry IV" quotations to the employees of the dress store ("we the happy few..."), the Othello production, and the ending -- which takes place, of course, in Venice.

Hm, anybody else see the "pound of flesh" reference flashing through some see-through jeans?

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When I saw this movie, I laughed "sew" hard I split my pants! I mean it! As a member of a family in that's been in the clothing business for three generations, I think I'm qualified to say that this is the most realistic depiction of the tailor industry that I have ever seen. And it's "sew" funny becuase its true! The best part is when Ryan O'Neil walks around in those giant pants. I never saw anything "sew" funny in my whole life! Even if you don't really like tailor movies that much, you should still watch "Sew Fine" as soon as you can.

They should make more movies like this one.