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      The Whole Shootin' Match

      Released Mar 19, 1978 1h 41m Comedy Drama List
      100% 6 Reviews Tomatometer 88% 100+ Ratings Audience Score Lloyd (Lou Perry) and Frank (Sonny Carl Davis), two lifelong friends and self-styled entrepreneurs in Austin, try to find the get-rich-quick scheme that will actually get them rich. Lloyd has developed a new invention that he's sure will finally lead to the success he and Frank have been chasing their whole lives. Their golden ticket is a combination mop, vacuum cleaner and floor polisher, but before prosperity arrives, reality intrudes on their plans. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

      View All (6) Critics Reviews
      Vincent Canby New York Times A loving, indulgent, funny, very casual movie about the ups and downs of a couple of innocent, self-defeating American clowns. Apr 2, 2020 Full Review J. R. Jones Chicago Reader Like his hero John Ford, Pennell understands how much self-doubt lies beneath the rituals of manhood. Apr 2, 2020 Full Review Richard Brody New Yorker Even Pennell's indoor scenes feel as spacious as landscapes, rooting his characters firmly in the places they inhabit. Apr 2, 2020 Full Review TV Guide Staff TV Guide Though technically this is not a great film, it is rich in characterizations and warmth. Rated: 3/5 Apr 2, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (8) audience reviews
      Audience Member Nails the blue-collar persona without condescension, is an interesting portrait of Austin in the '70s, but above all is an impeccable character study of two resilient friends who overcome despair despite everything pointing towards it. Great film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Enter the world of two lovable natural born losers, Frank and Lloyd and follow them through the hatching of numerous schemes designed to raise their status in life, and laugh as the schemes inevitably fail. What makes this film so great is that it stays true to life without being boring. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/27/23 Full Review Audience Member You probably have never have heard of it, but this little gem has had a decisive influence on American independent film of the past 30 years. Priceless. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member More fresh and unexpected than truly good but I was happy to be introduced to "regional independent American cinema". This story of two friends struggling their way to the next beer, the next girl and the next dollar that will pay the rent or buy a bike for the son made me think a lot about Monte Hellman. Pennell is interested in the unsung comical heroes that are the backbone of rural America. The two main characters drift through life in a fashion that a critics branded "Texistentialism". The camera work is pleasant enough ans often very interesting, the story is often highly humorous but gets at times a bit too long. Overall, I'd say it is a must see for whoever is interested in independent US cinema. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the most unpretensiously great movies I've ever seen. Each line of dialogue, each gesture, and each scene rings totally true to life while also being constructed and implemented with a brilliant sense of artistic economy. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Laconic whimsy before a backdrop of alcoholism and poverty? Yes. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The Whole Shootin' Match

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Lloyd (Lou Perry) and Frank (Sonny Carl Davis), two lifelong friends and self-styled entrepreneurs in Austin, try to find the get-rich-quick scheme that will actually get them rich. Lloyd has developed a new invention that he's sure will finally lead to the success he and Frank have been chasing their whole lives. Their golden ticket is a combination mop, vacuum cleaner and floor polisher, but before prosperity arrives, reality intrudes on their plans.
      Director
      Eagle Pennell
      Genre
      Comedy, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Mar 19, 1978, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Apr 17, 2020
      Runtime
      1h 41m