MovieChat Forums > Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? (1971) Discussion > herb gardner

herb gardner

posted 20 years ago by jpgonzo81-1
3 replies | jump to latest

this film rules. maybe not "rules" but its pretty damn good for a literate film that has absolutely nothing to say. and dig that title!!! dustin hoffman (before straw dogs and after little big man) is great as kellerman, as is the supporting cast: harris, deluise, jack warden, and even the great shel silverstein turn in nothing but great performances. herb gardner wrote this film almost 10 years after his first play, "a thousand clowns" and points out many terrific little bits of business concerning new york oddballs. his characters dont just speak, they paint portraits with their tongues. i can see how this film must have been popular with the east coast hippie set back then--dr.hook's and the medicine show's in it, the clothes are colorful, the humor is very "coney island". basically this film is a fable of some poor songwriting shmuck whos ready to get married but cant cuz this guy spreading rumors about him. thats it. but its more than just that. just watch it, youll find something in it that speaks to you.

"be careful not to step on my mother. she lives in the linoleum and moans all night."

[–] WarpedRecord 11 years ago

It's been almost a decade, and it's unfortunate that no one has responded to your post until now. That's an excellent summation about an oddball film that's completely forgotten today – if it even was remembered in 1971 – but nonetheless still feels fresh because it's so insanely individualistic. I indeed found plenty of things here that speak to me, though strangely enough, at the same time I agree that this film has nothing to say.

[–] AccidntlTourist 10 years ago

Barbara’s lamp-holding monologue reminded me of A Thousand Clowns - and sure enough (thank you IMDB) same actress and same writer; powerful dialogue.

[–] jrhpax 9 years ago

I think Barbara Harris is the only reason to see this movie.

I might add: I watched the movie on DVD 45 years after it came out, and because of the title I always assumed the movie was some sort of mystery, possibly involving amnesia. Boy, was I wrong!

At least we find out who Harry Kellerman is.