Review of They Might Be Giants (1971) by Mike C — 09 May 2009

Eccentric movie w/ a cast of crazies.

This small gem was unappreciated by its studio so was not given much money for production or distribution, but most critics gave it solid reviews.

It's a romantic comedy from 1971 starring George C. Scott (made just after his unaccepted academy award for Patton) and Joanne Woodward.

A lot of my more conventional (aka - normal) acquaintances scratch their heads when I recommend this movie, but I've discovered a pattern amongst the less glamorous, the quirky or those who appreciate the seedy and the gritty. They seem to appreciate this Quixotic metaphor for love.

Something in this movie latches on to the something in the heart that understands that love speaks a language all its own, and only those you love and who love you, can comprehend what that is (I mean - look at Bill and Hillary for God's sake).

Our hero, Justin Playfair is a judge whose wife dies and he consequently goes insane, believing himself to be Sherlock Holmes. At least insanity's the consensus of those around him. He has a sizeable estate and his brother believes it his duty to have Mr. Playfair committed. The brother takes him to a local asylum to get a commitment signature from a psychiatrist, Mildred Watson.

Yep - Doctor Mildred Watson. A small person who hides behind her education and pride as a learned winner of Guggenheims and Rockefellers and other assorted scholastic awards, in order to avoid the complications of the world.

Our man Holmes is of course, matter-of-factly convinced of his genius, "Holmes, why are you never wrong." And consequently knows he's not insane.

After Dr. Watson queries, "Do many people call you Holmes?".

He responds, "No, scarcely anyone.".

"That must make you very alone." she replies.

"It does that. But it doesn't make wrong" I am Sherlock Holmes.".

Adventures (sometines silly) follow as the duo attempt to track down Moriarty in Greenwich Village (one of the "characters" in the movie is New York City). With an early 1970's cast of character actors that are a combination of Dumb and Dumber and a Steinbeck novel, our learned detective helps the fine doctor discover that something in most of us that makes us worthy. Mr. Holmes implores of Dr. Watson."Try saying to yourself - I'm adequate.".

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In one of my favorite scenes, Holmes lets her know timeless values still exist.

"If you look closely Watson you can see principles. You can see the possibility of justice in proportion. You can see men move their own lives. There are no masses in Virginia City, only individuals. Whose will for good or bad can bring them to the ends they ought to have. I like that very much." (and so do I).

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Bonus - some of us older folks (i.e. Baby Boomers) will recognize & reminisce over the dated scenes.