Set in 1929 Gotham, pic is a compendium of gangster/Prohibition pic situations and cliches, played tongue-in-cheek by a splendid cast of juves, a veritable casting treasure trove.
Jodie Foster is outstanding as a moll, but so are Scott Baio as Bugsy, John Cassisi as Fat Sam, Florrie Dugger as Blousey, Martin Lev as Dandy Dan, Paul Murphy and Albin Jenkins as, respectively, Leroy and Fizzy. Plus many others.
Writer-director Alan Parker deserves much of the credit for concept and execution, with Paul Williams sharing the spotlight on the strength of his songs (music and lyrics), all pleasantly reminiscent and tinkly.
In short, it’s a brave, funny and winning pic which is nearly – but regrettably not quite – a triumph.
1976: Nomination: Best Adapted Score
