Putney Swope (1969)

Edited not the same film as original

They edited this version and changed the ending from the original. Like a nonstop flight. t was stated as unedited when I ordered it. I would return it but to who? December 31, 2008

Politically incorrect, and then some

Not long into "Putney Swope" does one figure out that in no way, shape or form could this film be made today. It is irreverent, politically incorrect to the hilt, evocative of the 1960s and often funny as hell.

When Putney (Arnold Johnson) becomes the chairman of the board of an all-white advertising company, things change. The dialogue is stiltingly absurd but the real "star" is Putney, himself. His other-worldly voice has a raspy and cutting edge charm and he dispenses logic and advice like an edge of a ripsaw. Robert Downey created a masterpiece with "Putney Swope" and even though it won't be everyone's cup of tea, taken in context of the times in which it was made, it is refreshingly candid, downright offensive and wonderfully made. April 13, 2008

Doesn't live up to the hype.

Based on the reviews on the DVD jacket, I expected this movie to be edgy, and speak more to the ills of racism of corporate america in the 70s. Instead is was just senseless. April 11, 2008

What Was I Thinking!

When I first saw this movie I must have been on a contact high from the people getting stoned in the "art" theater I saw it in. I thought in 1969 it was brilliant. Then each ensuing decade I would try to watch it at least once every 10 years. Well to my surprise the movie has a consistant nature to it. It gets progressively worse with each viewing! In short; terrible camera work, bad sound, bad acting, bad direction, amateur editing, crass, vulgar, irritating, unfunny, distorted cynical view of life. A waste of Allen Garfield who is the only one who comes away unscathed by this "B" movie (well add a couple of token hot women to that list). Other than that don't waste your life on this "soul song" that hits a very sour note! Disposable art! March 8, 2008

Art imitating life

I first saw Putney Swope in England in 1970. It's wit, cynicism, and humour knocked me out. As a professional photographer working in Sydney (Australia) in the mid 70s, I tracked down a 16mm print and hired a projector for a Friday night showing to a bunch of friends, mainly art directors in the ad business.

As the movie started an account executive from O&M arriving late, introduced a couple of strangers and settled down to watch. Fifteen minutes later, I noticed they had left. I rang the AE the next morning to find out what happened. He said, "You invite me over to see a movie and then show THAT film? I was with two of the executives from my best client. That film almost lost me the account!" That's when I knew it was REALLY good.

The photographer Marcus Focus in the "go-see" with Putney Swope just cracks me up every time. I've just watched it five times on YouTube.

This is a great film...inspired and still caustic. September 8, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...