The Escape Artist (1982)

The teenage son (Griffin O'Neal, son of Ryan) of a famous but deceased magician desires to follow in his father's footsteps. He runs off to Ohio to join his uncle (Gabriel Dell) and aunt (Joan Hackett) in their magic act. But he unintentionally becomes involved in the town's corrupt administration. Based on the novel by David Wagoner and directed by cinematographer Caleb Deschanel (THE BLACK STALLION). Originally filmed in 1980 but not released for two years as it went under extensive re-editing. I have no idea what the original cut was like but what we have here is a murky ill defined film that ultimately comes across as pointless. Sadly, this was the final film for several of its cast members (Joan Hackett, Desi Arnaz, Jackie Coogan, Gabriel Dell) so it's a pity that it isn't better. Even the normally reliable composer Georges Delerue (JULES AND JIM) can't seem to summon up any enthusiasm with his underscore. The talent is there, both in front and behind the camera, so what happened? With Raul Julia, Teri Garr (wasted), John P. Ryan, David Clennon, Margaret Ladd, Carlin Glynn, Richard Bradford and Isabel Cooley.