Weird Wednesday: MITCHELL

Rated R; 97min; Director:Andrew McLaglan

This show is a part of the Weird Wednesdays Signature Series, Click to See More

Please note: Schlitz Beer will be available at this screening!

MITCHELL
AUGUST 1 MIDNIGHT FREE DIR. ANDREW MCLAGLAN 1975 97 MIN 35mm R

This movie, which feels like a pilot for a KOJAK or COLOMBO-style cop show, stars the excellent actor Joe Don Baker, who seems to realize that he’s caught up in a very bad movie but strives heroically nonetheless to provide some entertainment value in the cliche-infested “unorthodox detective” story. Baker, who is heavier and more southern than any other leading man I can think of, resembles the fat Elvis. That’s not an insult. I like Joe Don and Elvis a lot. And Baker has a certain Elvis-like charisma that he plays to the hilt here, even though his character is written as a variant on the eternal “fat bastard” archetype. In his quest to nail racist scumbag murderer John Saxon, he (literally) steps on the toes of the wrong people and ends up in the shit with both the police and the mob. Baker is pretty much the whole show here, as he chugs can after can of Schlitz and tries to keep a straight face. There are competent supporting players like Saxon and Martin Balsam but they all look like they’re in a hurry to get to the bank before it closes and cash their checks. Linda Evans is surprisingly likable as Mitchell’s pothead prostitute squeeze. (Lars)

Location: Alamo South Lamar

Kid Policy: 18 and up; Children 6 and up will be allowed only with a parent or guardian. No children under the age of 6 will be allowed.

Screenings (click on a show time to buy tickets):

• Wednesday, August 01, 2007
  • 11:59p