The Gypsy Moths (1969) 6.4
Three skydivers and their travelling thrill show barnstorm through a small midwestern town one Fourth of July weekend. Director:John Frankenheimer |
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The Gypsy Moths (1969) 6.4
Three skydivers and their travelling thrill show barnstorm through a small midwestern town one Fourth of July weekend. Director:John Frankenheimer |
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Complete credited cast: | |||
Burt Lancaster | ... |
Mike Rettig
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Deborah Kerr | ... |
Elizabeth Brandon
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Gene Hackman | ... |
Joe Browdy
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Scott Wilson | ... |
Malcolm Webson
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William Windom | ... |
V. John Brandon
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Bonnie Bedelia | ... |
Annie Burke
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Sheree North | ... |
Waitress
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Carl Reindel | ... |
Pilot
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Ford Rainey | ... |
Stand Owner
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John Napier | ... |
Dick Donford
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On a 4th of July weekend, three barnstorming skydivers arrive to perform in a small Kansas town. They are hosted by the youngest member Webson's aunt, the unhappily married Elizabeth. While Browdy one-nights with a topless dancer, a doomed romance flares up between Elizabeth and Rettig. Tension builds, and explodes with a spectacular skydiving show. Written by Markku Kuoppamäki
Being an aviation enthusiast, but not a jumper - I was drawn to this movie. Burt Lancaster plays "Mike Rettig" in the sort of role he is best at, plenty of action, with an eye for a pretty face. The pretty face in this case being Deborah Kerr. Miss Kerr was approaching 50 years of age when this movie was made, but was able to been seen close-up and naked with Burt Lancaster in what what must be one of the few (if the only) scenes where Miss Kerr reveals all. A far cry from the many Nuns she has played in her career. Compare her in this with "Heaven knows, Mr Allison" with Robert Mitchum. Gene Hackman provides good support as the reckless carefree "Joe Browdy", seeking out the local haunts for loose women. William Windom brilliantly plays Kerr's isolated and betrayed husband. A good film that happily TCM repeats regularly - thank goodness!