this is woody allens most under valued film.the story of a low level theatrical agent who becomes involved with a gangsters moll may be low on allens trade mark wit,but this is more in the vain of manhattan than annie hall. lovingly shot in black and white with an acordian score creates an air of romantic melancholy that perfectly suits the story.romantic,funny and a happy ending what more could you want from woody.
My favourite Woody Allen film. It's a mystery why this warm and very funny morality tale isn't more widely loved. A group of comedians in a delicatessen spend an evening reminiscing and telling stories about Danny Rose, a theatrical manager. The central anecdote takes place around New York in about 1970.
Danny handles unpropitious acts- like his blind xylophone player or a skating penguin- who he promotes with extraordinary commitment and optimism. He signs an overweight Italian night club crooner who might be about to breakout. The story relates Danny's adventure escorting the singer's other woman, a noisy blonde, to a key show.
Mia Farrow is fun as this intractably pragmatic former mafia moll. And Woody is immensely sympathetic as the devoted champion of lost causes. But the most stunning performance is by Nick Apollo Forte as the alcoholic ex-teen star looking for a second chance. He even wrote, and performs, a couple of perfect supper room ballads.
Gordon Willis' black and white New York is a dream. The screenplay is inspired. The brilliant last scene at the Thanksgiving dinner is a heartbreaker. It ends outside the very deli where this story will one day be told. One of the best films I've ever seen. And I swear, my hand to god, you will love stuttering ventriloquist Barney Dunn