I don't know how I missed this film when it was released. It's thoroughly enjoyable on at least two levels: the New Orleans jazz and Allen's comic gifts. There's a third level -- the European scenery. It's interesting as a travelogue, if a bit jerky, which is realistic considering the jumping from one city to the next in so short a time. But the thing that stays with me the most is the high quality of Allen's trenchant observations on the passing parade, on mundane matters, such as his thoughts on the note he composes for inclusion in his hotel laundry. I am not a fan of the slick, glib one-liners Allen became known for early in his career, but in this film we have a more mature person, a man who obviously cherishes the relationship with Soon Yi and who respects his parents after life has smoothed the edges of his angst and has enabled him, it seems, to gain deeper insights into the passing parade.
Review of Wild Man Blues
