The Hudsucker Proxy

Despite having possibly the stupidest name in the history of the Cinema, this film opened to great acclaim both in the States and in Britain. It's a sparkling comedy, from the creators of "Barton Fink", set in America in the 1950s. Tim Robbins ("Bob Roberts", "The Player") plays Norville Barnes as a newcomer to the big city, who lands a job in the Hudsucker Corporation as a male delivery boy.

Following the death of the director of the company, scheming advisor Sidney J Mussburger (Paul Newman on orgasmic form) promotes Barnes to Chairman, with the intention of driving stock value down so that he can buy up all the stock and take control.

His plot begins to look rocky with the interference of cynical journalist Amy Archer (played by the bodacious Jennifer Jason Leigh) who refuses to accept that Barnes' appointment was due to merit alone, after only one month with the company.

In addition, Barnes is not exactly what Mussburger expected; by luck or judgement, he invents a new gimmick which makes millions for the company, and drives share prices through the roof.

The ripping comedy element is provided by Robbins, as he incompetently blunders his way through the job. Newman also shows a natural comedy ability. The string plot-line of innocent versus the big, bad company, though not particularly original, is well realised. For those who have enjoyed Robbins' other recent efforts, this is a sure-fire winner.

Come! View! And Enjoy!

Kate Rose (& Sam Hillyard)