11 Harrowhouse (1974)

Fresh and Exciting

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

After so many years, I need to acquire a copy of this movie. I was ten years old when I saw it at (what is now) America's oldest drive-in theater (1934), Shankweiler's, in Orefield, Pa. near Allentown (this drive-in theater is still open during the summer and I encourage all enthusiasts and movie buffs to support it).I remember enjoying watching it and as the years have gone by, I seem to imagine that it was even better than I remembered it. I do recall Grodin's voice-over giving me the biggest laughs, and other moments of tension and timing during the heist made it all the more charming.I did have a crush on the younger Candace Bergen and I'm eager to see what she looked like back then. I am curious to see whether or not the 36 years in between will alter my opinion of the movie.

I'm a movie buff in my mid 50's, and though I own many hundreds of movies, this is among my top 10 most enjoyable films to watch and I hate that it is not available on DVD, not to mention BluRay. I own the LaserDisc version in widescreen with the Grodin narration. I re-watch this movie every few years, and enjoy it just as much every time. Grodin and Bergen are extremely charming, and the British supporting cast is world class. Some incorrectly describe this as a spoof, which gives the entirely wrong impression, though it is certainly witty and self-deprecating. It certainly isn't entirely realistic, but the tone, mood and wit of the film are extremely engaging.

Now I don't share the views of that other critic. Many of Grodin's movie characters have similar traits.(See him in Catch-22) Really this is a worthwhile film and a good show. He seems to have left out one of James Mason's darker performances,as he sticks it to his stiff employer! Trevor Howard is delightful as a psychotic,eccentric billionaire.(How much money does the guy need?) The film is narrated by Grodin in a matter-of-fact way that adds to the dry humor. All of the actors pull off their characters well...P.S. I watch a great deal of movies.

The only redeeming feature of this movie is that it ends. It's a complete waste of time. The film is wretchedly photographed. The music often sounds as though it emanated from a high school group. Long car chases, exploding cars. Charles Grodin has exactly one facial expression. Candice Bergen has two. Sexless. Humorless. Adventureless. Not even the fifteen-year-old males for which the film is obviously ended could keep from falling asleep. It should have aired only on the USA channel.Leonard Maltin gave this three stars. He couldn't possibly have sat through it. I, alas, did. And the ending is the most absurd part of the film. Spare yourself. You could better spend your time in a chat room.