Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976)

Harry and Walter Go to New York is a visual treat of a film. Theoni V. Aldredge's period costumes are perfect period. The various set, art and production designers have done a model job of creating a gorgeous 1890s look and feel. And expert cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs has captured it all in creamy-tinged photography that is simply scrumptious. If only the writers and director had bothered to put some laughs in this comedy, Harry would have been a film worth catching. Unfortunately, despite its beautiful visual appeal, Harry is a chore to sit through -- and this despite the presence of a talented cast. Talented -- but not always cast correctly, as is painfully the case with leading actors James Caan and Elliott Gould. Neither one seems to have the slightest idea how to play his character; considering how poorly written they are, this is understandable. But Diane Keaton, Charles Durning and Michael Caine face the same problem, and they manage to at least do decent jobs, if far from their best work. But Caan and Gould are actually painful to watch, and eventually become actively annoying. The real villains, of course, are the writers, who have crafted one of the deadliest comedy scripts in Hollywood history. Not far behind them is director Mark Rydell, who doesn't exhibit the slightest understanding of pacing, comic timing or the art of setting up a gag. Best advice: let Harry and Walter go to New York on their own, without any help from you. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide