Cast
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Edward Herrmann
as Michael Hill
Barbara Harris
as Vickie
Susan Clark
as Anne
Karen Valentine
as Jane
Cloris Leachman
as Claire
Patsy Kelly
as Rose
Virginia Capers
as Cleo
Douglas Fowley
as Delaney
Michael Constantine
as Marv
Steve Franken
as Tom
Marjorie Bennett
as Mother Thurber
Bobby Rolofson
as Dean
Alan Hale Jr.
as Harry, the Hat (as Alan Hale)
Ruth Buzzi
as Dr. Rheems
Dick Fuchs
as Howard
Crew
Director
- Bruce Bilson
Producer
- Ron Miller
Reviews
r96sk
What a pleasant surprise.
Given it has one of the least exciting titles out there and, on Prime Video anyway, a poor cover (the actual cover is neat, tbf) I wasn't expecting much from <em>'The North Avenue Irregulars'</em>. However, I'm pleased to say I had a fun time watching it.
First things first: The plot. It's manic and rather bonkers, but they execute it nicely. I found the humour suitably amusing, while the main characters are all likeable. The run time perhaps overruns by 5-10mins, though that's nothing serious. The ending is mad, in a positive way.
The cast are good. Barbara Harris, who is terrific in 1976's <em>'Freaky Friday'</em>, stars alongside a whole host of other women - something I only state as it's unusual for this era of Disney. Those alongside Harris include Cloris Leachman, Virginia Capers, Susan Clark, Karen Valentine and Patsy Kelly. Elsewhere, Edward Herrmann and Michael Constantine do fine jobs.
A fun, shenanigan-filled film from 1979.
Jan 30, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Family/Action/Comedy/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The North Avenue Irregulars distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Bruce Bilson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The North Avenue Irregulars took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The North Avenue Irregulars shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Henry Poole Is Here, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The North Avenue Irregulars subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Big Stan and The Olsen Gang in a Fix explore similar territory, The North Avenue Irregulars stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 9, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 40m
