There are many movies which receive much more publicity than they deserve. On the other hand, there are many which due to
a variety of reasons (small budget, bad advertising) died an undeserved premature deah. Certainly Reuben Reuben (1983) would fit into the latter catagory. Starring Tom Conti ( and featuring the debut of Kelly McGillis), the movie revolves around the struggles of Gowan McGland, once an important poet who now is forced to earn his living
giving by giving readings of his works for disntrested patrons of New England ladies' clubs. He is a man whose life is out of control. until he meets the beautiful Geneva Spofford, the woman who may able to pull him out of his tailspin
To divulge any more of th plot of the movie would rob the first time viewer of the joys that it contains.
For although the pace may seem slow to some of today's audience, Reuben Reuben is a movie to be savored.The screenplay by Julius J. Epstein (based on the novel by Peter De Vries) is a perfect blend of humor and drama leading to a final astonishing scene. Directir Robert Ellis Miller gets the most out of a wonderful (if little known ) cast headed by Tom Conti, who was nominated for an acadamy award.
In addition to Mr. Conti, the movie also recieved 3 ,Golden Globe
nominations as well as nominations from the National Board of Review and the American Writer's Guild.
Do not look for this movie on television;for some unknown reason it is seldom shown. It is, however, available on VHS and can be found on many of the online stores. For anyone who has not seen the movie, I would strongly reccommend a viewing. You will not be dissappointed.