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Created Dec 06, 2011 06:15PM PST • Edited Dec 06, 2011 06:15PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Jack Lemmon gives a powerful performance as Harry Stoner, a middle aged business owner who is struggling to make ends meet. Faced with mounting debt, and an increasingly pessimistic view of society, Harry falls into drinking, adultery, and potential criminal action to make ends meet and find happiness. On top of all that, he still harbors unresolved issues from his wartime days, and suffers from flashbacks and hallucinations.

   Lemmon reportedly was so adamant about seeing this low-budget drama make it to the big screen, that he agreed to work on salary, bringing home less than $200 a week while filming. He viewed the film as an important challenge for his career, seeing the role as something that could help him deal with his own struggles with alcohol.

   In many ways, this film could just as easily have taken place in today’s times. With increasing unemployment, people searching for an escape, and more and more business owners struggling, the thematic elements would ring true today.

   This is a taught dramatic piece, that moves along at a deliberate pace. So the potential viewer should understand the time period the film was shot in (1973), as well as be aware of the sometimes dated language. Those looking for action may better be served passing on this flick.

   Great acting by Lemmon makes this film a potential treasure you may not have heard of before.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

   Jack Lemmon gives an Oscar-worthy performance in the lead role. Well done!

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

   Patricia Smith is ok as the emotionally distant wife.

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

   Character actor Jack Gilford gives a nice performance as Phil, the levelheaded business associate, who seems to be the voice of reason that Harry is missing.

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

    John Avildsen does a brilliant job in guiding Lemmon away from his traditional roles. Known for other films such as Rocky, Lean on Me, and The Karate Kid, his success on this film helped launch his career.

12. Play OK 2.5

    Methodical, but entertaining. A deliberate dramatic pace.

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.4

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

    clothed prostitutes, along with a sensual massage

18. Violence Gentle 1.5

19. Rudeness Polite 1.3

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0