We thought we were free of the Cor-Man, but we’ve decided to do him true honor, we must honor the films that he may not have directed but that are still covered in his sweaty hand-prints, and this week is no different . . . from this week. We’re taking on 1977’s “Grand Theft Auto,” the directorial debut of one Opie Cunningham . . . I mean, Ron Howard! Yes, before he started winning Oscars and Saturn Awards (but after appearing in “Valley of the Giants” and “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” [the movie, not the tv show]) Little Ronnie directed and starred in this car-based romantic comedy action film, written by none other than his dear old dad, the great Rance Howard (R.I.P.), who also appears in the film with his sonny boy. How well does this family affair hold up after so many years? Is this a Corman-esque dud or do we see some of the bright flicker of hope that this young ginger director may one day bring? You know how to find out . . .
Poll question: who was your favorite child star and in what role?
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A Canadian correction… English is spoken here, well proper English with the correct spellings! I don’t speak English much though! I almost exclusively speak Quebec French which I realize now opens me up to all sorts of accents and who knows what else from Max now! I dread the future!
Not a big child actor fan, Ron Howard was good in the twilight Zone episode “walking distance” and of he was a tour de force as “genius” in “Village of the Giants” as you both are well aware of I’m sure which also starred Toni Basil of “Hey Mickey” fame (and she was Bowie’s choreographer). Another Twilight Zone child alumni I really like is Billy Mumy, not a “lost in Space” fan but I loved his adult work as well. Including “Fish heads”.
Sorry for the slow response, Vince; I had to run your comment through Google Translate and it had all sorts of problems with the Canadian text. That whole spelling “color” with a “u” . . . man, how do you make any sense like that? And yes, I will of course be using the fact of your bi-lingual speech to do all sorts of accent jokes once I figure out what a Quebec-French accent actually sounds like. I’m picturing a sort of Bob-and-Doug-Mackenzie crossed with Pepe Le Pew. How close am I?
Little Ronnie Howard was so darn adorable as a child actor, but I’m still glad he chose to move into directing in his later years. Thanks, Vince!
The future is now officially dreaded! I realize i brought this on myself!
OH! I forgot there was no sound fora bit at the start of the episode!