Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx (1970)

hyped garbage

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

For a man who whistles while he collects the piles of horse manure then sells it for fertilizer, Gene wilder enjoys a job that others would turn their noses away from. He is stopped by Irish matrons tending their garden, grabs a slab, sprinkles it generously around, and collects a coin. On occasion, he even gets lucky with the lonely and over heated customers he "serves". On one of these excursions, he encounters young American Margot Kidder who wants to make amends for accidentally causing him to tip over his cart and admits her fascination with his position. A unique friendship is formed, and the viewer gets an insight in on a man who is simply happy living simply. But when he finds that the horse drawn delivery horses have been replaced by trucks, he fears his livelihood that he loves will disappear with them.This sleeper of a light comedy/drama might be a tough decision to give a chance, but films like this end up with cult followings and subjects for film students. Don't expect Quackster to be an earlier version of Forrest Gump or "Rain Man"; he's just unspoiled and free of soul stealing ambitions, and unaffected by the judgmental world around him which is probably why he is so well liked. Sporting just a hint of an Irish accent, Wilder shows why he was one of those unique finds as cinema began to change in a changing world. Filmed on location in Dublin, this was set apart from the truly filthy films of the time that seemed straight out of some writer's drug overdose. The only other adult story I can think of to put in the same category with is "The Sterile Cuckoo" where Liza Minnelli was singularly as innocent and free of the trappings that tear people from who they really are underneath.

Gene Wilder went full Irish in 1970 with the release of Waris Hussein's feature Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx. Despite its long seemingly absurd name, the film packs quite a punch of commentary on social issues that resonate today, nearly 50 years after its release. The story of a humble man who must fall in love to inspire him to experience the world is one that any audience can relate to. We all start out as trailblazers, never bending to the wills of society, and if we have fortunate, we stay that way.Quackser (Aloysius) Fortune (Gene Wilder) has an unusual job around his Dublin home. He follows the horses that make deliveries around the city, collecting their manure and selling it to the housewives in the village. One day on his ride around collecting, he is nearly trampled by an American student studying at the prestigious Trinity College in Dublin. After she apologizes and the two go on their way, the student, Zazel (Margot Kidder) tracks Quackser down to properly apologize. The two develop a friendship and begin spending time together. Quackser's family, desperate for him to get a "real job" are enthused about the prospect of him meeting someone and marrying and advancing his life. As Quackser and Zazel continue to spend time together, even becoming romantic, their differences become more apparent. Quackser is looked down upon due to his job and humble upbringing, as his family has little money. Amidst all that exists to separate them, the two love struck young people seem committed to making a relationship work. One day, after ignoring several warnings from his family, Quackser's livelihood comes crashing down when the horse-drawn carriages are banned in Dublin. Seeing his financial stability come crashing down at the same time that his romantic relationship is ending with the completion of Zazel's semester, Quackser is forced to make big decisions about his life, that may include leaving it all behind for a foray into the Bronx. It must be noted, that Gene Wilder maintains a wonderful Irish accent all throughout the film. It is all too common to be pulled out of a film by a bad accent job on the part of the principle actors, but Quackser Fortune never falls to this problem because of Wilder's exceptional job with the accent. An economically disadvantaged guy pushes a cart full of poop around for a living; the story on its own doesn't do much to pull in the audience. Add to it, though, the fierce determination to not live one's life only by the standards of other people and you have a quirky film with an important message. Waris Hussein never strays from real human emotions in this film. His film faces head on, the problems with the union between Quackser and Zazel, and refuses to cave to the easy ending. Disregard the silly title, and give Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx a chance, it packs a more powerful punch than you'd anticipate. Another lead role for Gene Wilder, just 3 years after his first time on screen, certainly a feat not enjoyed by every actor. With the added difficulty of filming on location and maintaining a very dominant accent, this lead role was no slouch. It was great to see Wilder carrying a film as he shared the lead role with larger-than- life Zero Mostel in The Producers. Being a fan of WIlder's work, this film was a brilliant surprise as I had missed it previously while watching his filmography. Quackser is a standout performance for Wilder and one that should not be missed.

One morning the world changes for Quackser Fortune. There is no horse manure in what must be one the greatest moments in cinema, at least, for me. I know that sounds juvenile or audacious, but many of us have had a moment when our lives change forever. This film is at once a droll, benevolent, and playful movie that is on my top 100 list. I would love to see it again.When I saw it, I had no idea who Gene Wilder or Margot Kidder were. They came as fresh with no echoes of preceding roles. With the location shooting in Ireland, they seemed utterly alive for me. Zazel and Quackster somehow become a couple with an intimacy that invites us into their shared special moment.This is a splendidly crafted film that fulfills a promise often suggested by easy cinematic clichés but rarely realized as it is in the movie. It is on my top 100 list. .

Like another writer said, this was showing as second in a double bill, in 1976 -- but I can't remember the name of the movie my friends and I went to see and stayed for this one, too. Yet I sure remember "Quackser Fortune." I barely knew anything about Gene Wilder at the time, though I had seen Young Frankenstein, and he was entirely believable in the role. It was funny, a little sad, yes, formulaic, but with a pleasantly surprising ending. What I remember best was the interplay between Quackser and his family as he gains a dawning understanding of the world around him, including the charms of a woman. Quackser owns no comb, and must use a toothbrush to primp for his first date. And his manure merchandising around Dublin, calling "Git yer sh --!" was hysterical. I've been to Ireland since, read extensively about the Irish people, and would love to see this one again -- but have yet to see it on HE (How about "aitch-ee" for a new acronym to take in both video and DVD? Quackser would approve -- he was a forward, yet pragmatic, sort of guy.) -- knr