davidvincentwolf Review of Bus Riley's Back in Town

Bus Riley's Back in Town (1965)

What was and what could have been.....

[8/10 · 11 July 2014]

I remember this film very well and always had mixed feelings about it. Since my earlier viewings of it years ago, I have learned a little more about what changes were made, and re-shot, having to do largely with protecting, and also projecting a certain image of Ann-Margaret at the time, who was considered a rising star with the studio. First, this film should have made Michael Parks a star, as his work here is outstanding. He was criticized by some as being a James Dean wannabe, in mannerisms and his method acting style, but I honestly feel whatever similarities there may have been were coincidental and unintentional on his part. He was naturally charismatic, and could show great intensity when called for, and also had a gifted sense of humor, and could also be genuinely charming. The film starts out well enough, with his returning home after his hitch in the Navy, he is greeted warmly by his hero-worshiping little sister, played to perfection by Kim Darby. He is then told by his concerned mother that his old girlfriend is now married, and to an older, wealthy and important man in town. Other than an uncomfortable and inevitable confrontation at some point that should have been it regarding the old girlfriend, but, due to her desire and need to still be adored by him, and his inability to let her go and move on, this theme dominates the rest of the film, even though subsequent scenes between them are somewhat erratic and awkward feeling. The better film could have seen him slowly pursue a new relationship with the beautiful, vulnerable, yet troubled Janet Margolin character, who is his sister's best friend and whom you feel some initial chemistry when they first meet. As he struggles to find himself and adjust back to civilian life, this would have made a sweeter, more compelling, and less confusing and more fulfilling story. But then again, they would not have had someone like A-M in a minor role of the old girlfriend, who they were pushing to be the next big thing. Ann Margaret herself said the original film as shot was much different and less confusing, as her character was first portrayed as mean-spirited and almost evil, and certainly less sympathetic than the re-shot scenes would leave one to believe. Although still different that the ideal version I had imagined, at least it would have made more sense than the way they decided to go with this final released version. Even still, through the confusing story lines and other plot inconsistencies, it is a still a very worthwhile watch. Michael Parks does a great job with what he's given, and creates a very likable and interesting character in Bus Riley, and Ann-Margaret for her part, looks beautiful and shows a lot of emotion, though most of her scenes have her come across as very childish, self-absorbed and unstable, which also make their continued relationship seem even more strange and awkward. Janet Margolin also gives a very nice, yet subtle performance here, but sadly was somewhat wasted, as she was capable of so much more. Kim Darby also shines as Bus's happy go lucky little sister, who helps brighten the overall optimistic feel of the film. What you end up with here is a group of impressive young performances, but in a flawed yet still interesting story, and even though it is ultimately entertaining, you can't help but feel like most will come away with their own ideas of how this little film could have been so much more.