Jim on Film - Oct 12, 2004

Jim on Film
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(c) Disney

The North Avenue Irregulars (1979) One of Disney’s greatest comedy gems, The North Avenue Irregulars suffered from its release decade. Infamous not only for car chases and formula but also lackluster marketing and marketing vision, Disney films in the 70s have only managed to rise above their decade because of either their original success (like The Apple Dumpling Gang) or in who starred in them (such as the two Jodie Foster classics Freaky Friday and Candleshoe).

The story concerns Reverend Hill (played by Edward Herrmann), the new minister at the North Avenue Presbyterian Church. When he learns that money laundering and corruption among public officials runs rampant in the city, Reverend Hill decides to take matters into his own hands and stop organized crime. When the men of the church won’t step up to their calling, he gathers the women of the church to save the day. Among them is Barbara Harris, who played the mother in the original Freaky Friday. Here, she’s the scatterbrained mother of small children and some troublesome pets. She’s hilarious. Talented Cloris Leachman is Claire, a single woman looking to spice up her life, and she finds it with her pampered poodle. Karen Valentine is engaged Jane, who gets caught in a bar with an undercover agent, explaining to her fiancé, “It’s just a guy.�? Susan Clark, Patsy Kelly, Virginia Capers, and Douglas Fowley round out the cast of zany church ladies.

Whereas most Disney comedies of this era didn’t need car crash hijinks but have them, in The North Avenue Irregulars, where the women follow the crooks in their cars, it seems not only fitting but necessary. In addition to the truly funny car chase climax, there are great lines that come from the rich character development of the supporting parts. And as in the best Disney comedies, the story of Reverend Hill and the character arc of Susan Clark’s character makes for a satisfying comedy with heart. I love The North Avenue Irregulars, and it belongs beside Disney’s best comedies.


(c) Disney

Tex (1982) It’s been several years since I’ve seen Tex, though it is now available from Disney on DVD; however, it is one of the few strong films from the transitional era of the early 80s. The only worthy adaptation of an S.E. Hinton novel, Tex tells the story of a boy coming to terms with life. With a mother who passed away many years before, Tex struggles with the absence of his father, and with the desire of his older brother and parental figure Mason, who wants to move on in life.

While it may not feel like a Disney story, at heart, the tale of a boy struggling through growing up, is an ideal Disney plot. Like the novel, Tex presents real characters struggling through realistic tough times.

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-- Jim Miles

A graduate of Northwestern College in St. Paul, Jim Miles is an educator, play director, and writer. Recently, he produced a workshop reading for Fire in Berlin, an original musical work for which he is writing the book and lyrics (www.fireinberlin.com). In addition to his column for LaughingPlace.com, he is currently revising an untitled literary mystery/suspense novel; is working on a second musical work, a comedy entitled City of Dreams; and has developed a third musical work which he has yet to announce. After having created theatre curriculum and directed at the high school level, he also writes and directs plays and skits for his church. 

Jim On Film is published every other Thursday.

The opinions expressed by our guest columnists, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

-- Posted October 12, 2004

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