Perhaps most notable for an an early appearance by a very young and bearded John Cazale (who even sports a full head of hair!), this delightfully sprightly and nutty comedy short pokes merry anarchistic fun at such quintessential American institutions as mom, baseball, and apple pie. The best, most inspired, and uproarious gags feature Cazale as some sort of bumbling beatnik terrorist who makes faltering attempts at blowing up Yankee Stadium, a bakeshop, a display of Mother's day cards, and a fire hydrant (however, this jolly wacko does eventually succeed at making all of New York City explode!). Another gut-busting set piece has an old guy trying to read a newspaper while surrounded by a gaggle of amorous kissing young people. Director Marvin Starkman maintains a constant brisk pace and an infectiously loopy tone throughout. Starkly shot in grainy black and white, greatly enlivened by rousing classical music cues from such famous compositions as "A Night on Bald Mountain" and "The Nutcracker," and brimming with a certain engagingly kooky and mischievous energy, this sidesplitting little riot makes for extremely enjoyable viewing. Fortunately, it's available as an extra on the DVD release for the excellent documentary "I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale."
Review of The American Way
