The movies below are among A's most notable. Some are commonly stocked at your local video store, others may have to be ordered, but each of these flicks is worth checking out. This page has more pictures and takes a little longer to set up than most, but we think the extra graphics give you a better sense of a flick's vibe than mere words could ever deliver. If your browser will allow you, you can start scrolling down the page while you wait for the images to kick all the way in. If you have info about other movies with A or info about "Santa Barbara" archives, there are other users who would like to be informed, so please write us. (Our addresses are on the "MAIL" page). Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy this little stroll.....
"ONE NIGHT STAND"
"One Night Stand," a "quirky, erotic thriller," to quote People Magazine, marked Talia Shire's debut as a director. It was produced by her late husband, Jack Schwartzman, who passed away shortly after the film was completed. Mickey Sanderson (Ally Sheedy) meets a man in a bar (A) and spends a memorable night with him. "No names," she says. Does this move, out of character for her, mark the beginning of a healing in her life? Or was it simply the worst mistake she ever made? Daily Variety called the film "an intriguing exploration of the sexuality of a lonely and frustrated woman...Sheedy is fine in a gutsy portrayal." David Shire contributed a moody, sensual score to the piece, which also stars Frederick Forrest, along with Gina Hecht and Don Novello. (New Horizon Home Video - Rated R)
"POWWOW HIGHWAY"
The magical tale of Philbert Bono (the awesome Gary Farmer) and his pal Buddy Red Bow (A) as they travel from the Cheyenne Reserve in Lame Deer, Montana to bail Buddy's sister out of jail in Santa Fe. They make the trip in Philbert's rust-riddled '64 Buick Wildcat, which he introduces to Buddy as "Protector, my trusty war pony." Amanda Wyss and Jonelle Romero co-star, and this delightful flick also included early performances by Graham Greene ("Dances With Wolves") and Wes Studi ("Geronimo"). This movie made many "Ten Best" lists, and enjoys a reputation as one of the all-time cult favorites among video enthusiasts. (Cannon Video - Rated R) If you'd like, take a look at...
ROGER EBERT'S REVIEW
of "POWWOW HIGHWAY""BEYOND THE LIMIT"
This film, based on the Graham Greene novel "The Honorary Consul." stars Richard Gere, Michael Caine, and Bob Hoskins. Shot on location in Veracruz, Mexico, and at Shepperton Studios outside London, A remembers the experience fondly, both for the work on the set and the play after hours. "Joaquim de Almeida and I went to a bar one night in Veracruz with Bob Hoskins. A woman sang a version of the classic song "CuCuRuCuCu Paloma" in the strongest voice I have ever heard. I still get goose bumps thinking of it," he says. In the movie, A plays "Aquino," a Paraguayan revolutionary who helps draw Gere's character into the crisis that finally defines him. (Paramount Video - Rated R)
"SHE-DEVIL"
The amazing adventures of Meryl Streep and Roseanne Barr, wherin we watch Rosie get even with Meryl (a best-selling romance novelist) for stealing her husband (Ed Begley, Jr.) A has said in interviews that he considers Meryl to be the "best actor on the planet," and it was a high point for him to get to work with her. Recently, when A auditioned for "The Cherokee Kid," director Paris Barclay opened the meeting by saying, "People don't usually think of you as funny, but I saw you in 'She-Devil' so I know its POSSIBLE you can be funny here, too." (A got the part). In "She-Devil" A played Meryl's butler/lover "Garcia." Sylvia Miles and Linda Hunt also star. (Orion Home Video - Rated PG-13)
"THE COWBOYS"
John Wayne as cattle rancher Wil Andersen, forced to use young schoolboys to drive his beef to market when all the local hands take off for the Ruby River upon the discovery of gold there. This film, directed by Mark Rydell, boasts Bruce Dern, Roscoe Lee Browne, and Slim Pickens among the cast, and is considered by many fans of the genre to be a classic. A plays the outcast, "Cimarron," who comes to look at "Mr. Andersen" as the father he never had. Wrote Rex Reed of John Wayne's performance, "...in "The Cowboys" all the forces that have made him a dominant personality as well as a major screen presence seem to combine in a most unusual way, providing him with the best role of his career. Old Dusty Britches can act." (PG)
"The Shootist" was yet to come, of course, but anyone who enjoyed "The Duke" and has never seen this film should make it their business to seek it out. He was flat-out great in it.
