The Frisco Kid

Gene Wilder's greatest performance in a role that seems he was he was born to play, a rabbi of course. THE MOVIE IS HISTERICAL!!!!!

FINALLY ON DVD!!!!

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This is one of those gems, that strangely enough was completely overlooked in its theatrical release. With the talent of Wilder & Harrison playing off each other beautifully, a top director in Aldrich, the public stayed away in droves, and the critics dismissed it as slow, and not working. Forget all that and enjoy the magic of the rabbi and the bandit, as they set about travelling across the USA - the best and warmest buddy movie of them all. A pleasure loaded with warmth - a true feel-good movie.

"The Frisco Kid" has never gotten a lot of acclaim, and over the years, has been pretty thoroughly neglected, but this is an absolute gem of a movie; it's been on my short list of all-time favorite movies since the first time I saw it, and I like it better every time I see it.

Of course, the humor of the main story line involves the various incongruities of a Polish rabbi traveling in the Old West (the classic "American-journey" theme line), and his unlikely friendship with a cowboy-outlaw (with the requisite heart of gold). But woven throughout the film are themes of integrity, loyalty, and courage that give the film depth far beyond first appearances. I found myself actually being inspired as, over and over, in ways large and small, Avram conducted himself as being accountable to something (Someone?) greater than himself. And his dialogue with Tom near the end contains a profound and thought-provoking twist.

Like other reviewers, I am grateful to finally have "The Frisco Kid" available on DVD. This is a wonderful movie that deserves to be better-known.

I too am utterly delighted to learn that The Frisco Kid is about to be released on DVD. Gene Wilder is simply wonderful as a lovable Polish rabbi on the wild frontier, with a young Harrison Ford as his traveling buddy. It has always been one of my favorite films. As a professor, I love showing the clip of the odd pair as captives of an Indian tribe. The chief is classic, particularly in the moment when he speaks his first line, to Rabbi Avram: "You don't speak English very well."

The little theological conversation between our "Wilder West" Rabbi and the chief regarding God's role in making rain is a hoot. "It's not his department! He gives us courage when we are afraid; he gives us compassion when all we feel is hatred . . ."
{KA-BOOM! Thunder clap, ensuing rain...}
"And then, sometimes, he just changes his mind . . ."
Great stuff. Very rabbinic. :-)

I have been waiting for this movie to come out on DVD for so long! I grew up watching this and the VHS copy we had was viewed so many times it wore out.
I highly recommend this for any Wilder or Ford fans - it's a must own.