Watching "The Magic Christian" and Wondering....

[McCamy Taylor]

....where we went wrong. I saw this movie three times in a row at my local cinema when I was ten. Loved it. But you know what? Watching it tonight, 40 years later, it seems even more timely. Why? In 1969, everyone knew that money could not buy happiness (just a few laughs) and it was better to make love than war. The "message" of the movie seemed so obvious (for its time). It was like kicking a dog when it was down.

Now, we live in a time when Donald Trump is given serious consideration as a presidential candidate, because he is occasionally rich (when he isn't broke). Political candidates are openly bought and sold---with the blessing of the Supreme Court. Paris Hilton's short jail sentence receives more national coverage than the plight of falsely convicted people on death row. And the elderly are told "Get on the damn ice flow, granny! We can't afford you!"

What we need right now on Wall Street are a couple of vats filled with manure, urine and pig intestines. Throw in some suitcases full of money and the champagne sippers on the balcony would dive right in. "Free moneeeyy! Yipeee!"

Where the Hell is Guy Grand when we need him?

[PETRUS]

1. Now you've made me want to re-watch it.

Hadn't thought about that film in years.

[Luminous Animal]

2. I love that movie. But yeah, I agree. We've become a meaner society

over the decades.

[bengalherder]

3. I LOVE that movie!

Especially the bit with the big pit of raw sewage.....

How come I keep seeing that scene juxtaposed with the current denizens of wall st? :)

[McCamy Taylor]

4. "Getting it ready for you." "Almost ready for you."

Trailer here.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdzp6c_the-magic-christian-trailer-1969-ri_shortfilms

[uppityperson]

5. my church youth group went to it. Boy was the chaperon surprised

Love that movie. Money will buy you anything.

If you want it, here it is, come and get it....

[villager]

6. Terry Southern writing. That writer, in that era, also gave us "Dr. Strangelove"

We seemed to know more, then.

The Other Side has succeeded in getting us to "forget..."

[Hissyspit]

7. Badfinger "Magic Christian Music"

Was listening to this just a few months ago and thinking I should put the movie in my Netflix queue. This, after reading a biography of the band. Two lives destroyed by a greedy man.

[Tabasco_Dave]

8. If you loved the movie, you'll really love the book. n/t

[Frank Cannon]

9. I think about that movie all the time. It is more pertinent than ever.

You remind me that I need to rewatch it.



Silent scream!