THE CHRISTIAN LICORICE STORE (1971)

  

 

Title: THE CHRISTIAN LICORICE STORE

Year of Release: 1971

Director: James Frawley

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: A professional tennis player takes the road of drink and drugs as his career begins to flourish.

Within a film history context: Over the years there has been a film genre which deal with characters on the road to ruin, presenting life lessons to viewers within their particular contexts. Films around this time period such as Mark Robson's VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1967), detailing an actress' descent into drugs and promiscuity, is a melodramatic variation of the type. Jerry Schatzberg's PUZZLE OF A DOWNFALL CHILD (1970) is similar in nature and thematic content, but in this instance charting a high fashion model's fall from grace. Further back in time films such as WRITTEN ON THE WIND (1956) and the many versions of MADAME X could be seen as the predecessors of the 1970s road to ruin films. THE CHRISTIAN LICORICE STORE added an art-house, introspective style to the genre, but, compared to the other films had a lack of overt melodrama. It is also different in that it concentrates upon a male protagonist, unlike the other films which often had female central characters.

Overview: Director James Frawley directed only five cinema feature films in his career, the majority spent in television series and telemovies. He also helmed films as diverse as western KID BLUE (1973), and Mr Frawley's final three motion pictures were all comedic in nature - THE BIG BUS (1976), THE MUPPET MOVIE (1979), and the raucous FRATERNITY VACATION (1985). THE CHRISTIAN LICORICE STORE was his first feature film, and probably his most serious work in terms of themes. The rise and fall of a pro-tennis star is well-handled in this film by the director, if often there could have been more explanation of the protagonist's actions and motivations, which would have made these more understandable to the viewer. The relationship between coach and player is nicely acted, the chemistry between Beau Bridges and Gilbert Roland highly palpable. The romance between Beau Bridges' and Maud Adams' characters is also well fleshed out, and receives a proper resolution in the story. As with many films of the 1970s events are handled in a sombre, symbolic tone, leaving events for the viewer to interpret as they wish. The movie would have been better to deepen understanding of the main character by presenting his psychological urges more, and Mr Bridges' interpretation in turn would have benefited further from this.

Acting: The performances in this film are very good. Beau Bridges is always great to watch, a personable, well-spoken performer who did his best in the movie to make his character believable. He had the look and mannerisms to convey his character's shallowness and self-absorption, particularly in the film's second half. Maud Adams is a suitable match for Beau Bridges physically, and carries off her role with an intriguing and subtle sensuality, despite the role being of a secondary nature to her co-star's. The film's most striking performance, though, is by Gilbert Roland as Beau Bridges' tennis coach. Infusing his role with humour, panache, and a tidy moustache, Mr Roland added a certain je ne sais quoi to the movie which is more marked especially after his scenes end.

Soundtrack: The instrumental score by Lalo Schifrin is understated and classy, perfectly complementing the scenes in the film without being overpowering in any way. There is also the use of several songs which have a light, ethereal quality to them, commenting about the characters and action in the film. Apart from this there is a short scene of Tim Buckley singing in a nightclub which lends a psychedelic tone to the movie, and telegraphing the protagonist's eventual downfall.

Mise-en-scene: The movie showcases many locations which appropriately furnish the story for the viewer, such as tennis courts, locker rooms, and the homes of the lead characters. The carefully directed party scene is also adept at presenting an array of personalities to the viewer which provides an artsy, amusing angle to the movie. The photo shoot scenes where Maud Adams' character takes images of a fruit market and its employees are also well done, assisting in establishing her character's occupation for the viewer. Apart from this, the screening of a movie at the beginning of the film affords an opportunity to display THE CHRISTIAN LICORICE STORE's credits in an inventive, unconventional manner.

Award-worthy performances in my opinion: Beau Bridges, Gilbert Roland.

Suitability for young viewers: Parental discretion advised. Infrequent coarse language, brief male nudity, adult themes, stylized drug use.

Overall Grade: C

Link: IMDB Page