The Rowdyman (1972): Dir: Peter Carter / Cast: Gordon Pinsent, Frank Converse, Will Geer, Linda Goranson, Stuart Gillard: Often funny comedy set in Newfoundland about a personality so reckless that it refuses to grow up. It stars Gordon Pinsent as Will Cole who never matured and is always on the wrong side of the law. In fact, the film opens with an amusing scene where he is being pursued on foot by the local Sheriff and he sees it more as a game of tag than unlawful foul play. He lives with his mother and boozes with his friends by night but one young female still holds out for him even when the Sheriff is dragging him off to the station. Very intriguing despite its drab location shots it is detailed in structure but unsatisfactory in its conclusion especially when it seems that Will has learned nothing. Despite its hilarity there is something sad about the life presented here and director Peter Carter does a fine job exploring it. Hilarious performance by Pinsent who holds the film together with bursts of energy. Frank Converse plays his newly wedded best friend who is growing distant of him. Will Geer plays an elderly whom presents Will with a box. Linda Goranson plays the one woman who saw potential but also the need to move on. Stuart Gillard plays Constable Bill who is involved in comic moments chasing Pinsent about. Well made film about damaged adolescence. Score: 8 / 10
Review of The Rowdyman
