Mr. Sycamore

This film for the longest time made me think I was loosing my mind. I remember watching it on television long long ago as a little child with my mother. Her and I commented on the film all throughout the length of the movie at how wonderful it was.

Years and years later, I brought it up to her, "Hey mom, remember that movie we watched about the old guy who wanted to become a tree so he planted his feet in the backyard?" She had no freegin clue what I was talking about. I insisted we had seen the movie, and told her I even remember where we were sitting in the living room that night. She was clueless. So for a looong time afterwards I really truly thought I had imagined this story in my mind.

Finally, one day a friend and I were talking movies, and I joked with him about how I had created this weird story in my head about this movie about a guy who wants to be a tree, and all nonchalantly he was like, "Oh yeah, Mr. Sycamore... that was a pretty decent flick." WHHATTT?!! There really IS A MOVIE ABOUT THAT!!! And then I come to find out it was Jason Robarts who actually played the part.

I know, this wasn't even a movie review at all, and I have no idea where to find the movie now to watch it again and give it an honest vote out of 10. So I'll leave my story at that. :)

OMG!!! I could have reviewed the previous comment MYSELF. My husband even asked was I sure that I didn't write it b'cause it is one of my favorite all time childhood movies..... watched it with my mom.... she swears she's never heard of anything like it but I remember every scene. Since I grew up with a vivid imagination. I too though was either going crazy or had made it up. I am so glad to have found out that it does exist. If anyone knows where to get it, please let me know. I also remember a scene where the very concerned wife goes to a country church alone and they were singing HOLY HOLY HOLY. By the way, my husband asked me that because I have spoken about it for the 6years we have been married.

Deserves to be more known. I imagine if Ozu or the Italians made it everyone would know about the movie. Magic realism is seldom takes hold in American film because we are too practical and literal-minded. This movie is about the acting though. Sandy Dennis elevated everything she was in. She was especially good at playing alongside crazy men. She doesn't even play straight against them, she is always offbeat too. Jason Robards also elevated everything he's in. This film shows what a perfect actor he is, with a charm and weariness that can sell you a whole universe. Whatever are the weaknesses of the story, it somehow feels completely right due to these performances. You really don't question any of it. You may ask why this was made. I think it makes you see the world in a different light. There is something as well to the mailman walking and walking, and deciding to... well.

I saw this film back in '76 and it made such an impression on me that I've NEVER forgotten it. It touched me and I really did want to be a tree after I saw it-in fact, I still have dreams of being a tree because of this lovely film. I absolutely loved it-it was beautiful. I have been looking for it, wanting to see it again for years. Anyone who says this is a bad film and a waste of time has no imagination or heart. I thought it was well cast. Especially Jason Robards. His portrayal of a mail man who wants something more from life is memorable. I usually don't much care for Sandy Dennis, but she was good in the role of Robard's wife.

Get in touch with your inner child and give this film a chance, it's well worth it.

Flop Broadway play from 1942 becomes unsuccessful movie, though one not without some eccentric charm. Small town postman, who writes poetry and talks to the trees along his mail route, chucks his job one afternoon to become a tree himself. Fascinated with metamorphosis, as well as by an ancient legend that had lovers being turned into trees by the gods, our hero digs a hole in his backyard and promptly plants himself, much to the concern of his wife, his clergy and neighbors (one of whom tells him to beware of boll weevils!). Playwright Ketti Frings, who co-adapted her play with director Pancho Kohner from a story by Robert Ayre, is obviously in love with absurdist comedy, and some of her early scenes do get laughs; however, this is short subject material, not a feature film. Kohner attempts to stretch the plot out with a needless milk truck chase and asides with sanitarium workers, to no avail. Good cast including Jason Robards, Sandy Dennis, Jean Simmons, and a snarky Robert Easton nearly makes it tolerable. *1/2 from ****