The Escape Artist is a 1982 film starring Griffin O'Neal and Raúl Juliá. It was based on a book by David Wagoner, and was the feature film directorial debut of Caleb Deschanel. It was the final film of Joan Hackett, Desi Arnaz, and Gabriel Dell, and the film debut of Harry Anderson. It was also the final film performance of Jackie Coogan, though one film he had shot earlier (The Prey, which was shot in 1979) was not released until 1983, as well as the final performance of Arnaz before his death in 1986.
Contents
Plot
Young and self-confident Danny Masters is the teen-aged son of the late Harry Masters, the "greatest escape artist except for Houdini". Danny himself is an accomplished magician and escape artist. He leaves home to join Uncle Burke and Aunt Sibyl in their magic/mentalist act; Sibyl welcomes him, but Burke is unenthusiastic.
Danny soon finds himself embroiled with Stu Quiñones, corrupt son of Mayor Leon Quiñones. The quest for a missing wallet (pick-pocketed by Danny) leads to the comeuppance of the crooked mayor, and separately of his vindictive and out-of-control son. Along the way, Danny comes to terms with the death of his father, the circumstances of which he did not previously know.
Cast
Raúl Juliá as Stu Quiñones
Griffin O'Neal as Danny Masters
Desi Arnaz as Mayor Leon Quiñones
Teri Garr as Arlene
Joan Hackett as Aunt Sibyl
Gabriel Dell as Uncle Burke
John P. Ryan as Vernon
Elizabeth Daily as Sandra
M. Emmet Walsh as Fritz
Jackie Coogan as Magic Shop Owner
Hal Williams as Cop At Mayor's Office
Helen Page Camp as Neighbor
David Clennon as Newspaper Editor
Huntz Hall as Turnkey
Harry Anderson as Harry Masters
Isabel Cooley as Secretary
Carlin Glynn as Treasurer's Secretary
Margaret Ladd as Reporter
Garry Marshall as Drummer
Doug McGrath as The Photographer
Richard Bradford as Sam City Treasurer (uncredited)
Production notes
This film was shot in 1980, but remained unreleased for two years as it underwent extensive re-editing. The cast includes two members of the 1930s troupe the Dead End Kids: Gabriel Dell and Huntz Hall.
Reception
The film received mixed to poor reviews, with critics generally praising the performances, but finding the script elements unfocused. Vincent Canby of the New York Times noted that the finished film "represents a lot more talent than is ever demonstrated on the screen."