Mr. North

I watched this movie on cable today, compelled not by the film itself (which sadly isn't up to snuff), but by the story, and especially by the charismatic leading character. The face was vaguely recognizable, as was the warmth and humanity of the actor's performance. Although the film, replete with a sterling cast, fails on many levels, Anthony Edwards' does not. He captures the glow of the title character, and positively shines with compassion. It's an excellent example of a great actor rising above a shoddy script and making a role his own. I give the film 5 stars out of 10 . . . but I give Mr. Edwards a perfect score.

Yes, you've heard the old cliché and I will say it again..."I wasn't sure about watching this after seeing the reviews, but..." But I'm glad I did. This is a very good light-hearted movie for those who want to spend a quiet afternoon watching an interesting piece of ENTERTAINMENT. The cast is excellent, filled with big names who each took small parts and did them in their usual top-notch professional way. This is not "academy award" stuff, so to see the caliber of Lauren Bacall, Robert Mitchum, Angelica Huston in it is surprising, but laudable.

Anthony Edwards as Mr. North is extremely likable and carries the starring role so well. The storyline is a fun and the costuming and sets are equally pleasing. I would recommend this to anyone who just wants a "nice", entertaining film free of vulgarity and the current nonsense.

In the late years of his life, actor Robert Mitchum played a number of roles which in my opinion miss their mark. From his acclaimed mountain man, Moon-shine whiskey runner in 'Thunder Road' to his heroic role in 'Winds of War', he was always a great actor and a bit larger than life. In this movie called " Mr. North " he plays an aging but wealthy patriarch Mr. Bosworth bent on doing something right for the world and his pet project. That project involves a remarkable young man named Theophilus North (Anthony Edwards) who it seems has a special gift and shocking personality which the town finds so incredible. Mrs. Cranston (Lauren Bacall), Henry Simmons (Harry Dean Stanton) and Persis Bosworth Tennyson (Anjelica Huston) find the young man remarkable and personable and seek to help him. In fact, with the exception of Doctor McPherson (David Warner) the town physician, everyone believes he is a natural 'Healer' something he emphatically denies. The movie is slow to develop but is seriously dramatic in that the individual is notably compassionate and wonderfully likable. A good and sincere film and one for Mitchum and Becall fans which make it worth seeing. ****

I loved the choice of actors, the acting itself, the art direction, costuming and most everything about this film...BUT the screenplay. I read the book and remember it as a lively, interesting fast-paced read, but the movie stays lugged down, even despite the best efforts of the actors involved. I was pleased to watch it though, I was, but couldn't help but make the same comparison most do when watching a film adaptation of a favorite book...it couldn't help but pale in contrast. Anthony Edwards did his best, and it was charming, that was worth watching. Lauren Bacall, Mary Stuart Masterson, Virginia Madsen, Anjelica Huston...all so lovely to watch. I think even if I had not read the book I would have found the film sluggish, but it was sweet to watch.

I have to admit that I am fascinated by this movie. It has some of the best acting I ever have seen set beside some of the most ill-at-ease.

You can feel the influence of Thornton Wilder in the dialogue as the words trill across the ear. But it seems at times that the writer started out to write a play & ended up with a movie.

There is an enormous charm to this movie. The writing is a bit ... odd... at times, but creates a compelling story.

The acting is incredibly sweet and natural, for the most part (Mitchum is painfully awkward at first, Bacall overacts, and a couple of small parts are acted like a middle school play).

Anthony Edwards as Mr. North is astoundingly superb. Honestly, I am "shocked" at how charming he makes this character.

The writing may have helped the acting, actually, as it seems that cast must push against the occasionally slow screenplay to make their words more believable. It's almost a marvel to behold how good some of the acting is at times.

I wish my kids would sit still long enough to see a sweet movie like this.

If you want to be in a better mood, watch this charming movie.