US, 1985, 98 minutes, Colour.
Glenn Close, Mandy Patinkin, Ruth Gordon, Valerie Curtin, Barnard Hughes.
Directed by Paul Aaron.
Maxie is a pleasant ghost story in the Topper tradition. It offers Glenn Close an opportunity for comedy - as the rather restrained archbishop's secretary in contrast with the flapper Maxie Malone. She is well-matched in a performance by Mandy Patinkin as her husband. Ruth Gordon, in one of her last films, is the old showgirl from the '20s. Barnard Hughes is the bishop.
The film pays tribute to the old styles of the '20s, the early film-making - as well as having some pleasant spoof shops at contemporary film-making. Direction is by Paul Aaron - probably better noted for action features. The film is based on a novel, 'Marion's Wall' by Jack- Finney.
1. Pleasant comedy? ghost story? Romance?
2. San Francisco and its atmosphere: the city, the old buildings, the bishop's offices, clubs? The focus on film studios and film-making? The musical score?
3. The film as a vehicle for Glenn Close and her comic and serious versatility?
4. The plausibility and implausibility of the plot? Ghosts, possessed houses? With the humorous touch?
5. The focus on the modern marriage, Jan and Nick and their relationship, cool, their different jobs? Jan and her working for the bishop, her prim and orderly style? His assistant with-the roving eye? Efficient, hard-working? Nick and his work in the library? Miss Sheffer and her eye on him? Advances?
6. Their working on the house, the discovery of the wall and the message, Maxie Malone and her heritage? The discussions with Mrs Lavin? The story, Hollywood memories? The song and dance routine of Maxie and Mrs Lavin?
7. The transition for Jan? Maxie taking possession of her? At the party, the drinking and the Charleston? Maxie as, so different from Jan? Jan's reaction when Maxie left her? Nick and his relationship with the two women, having to cope?
8. Nick and the investigation? The decision to help Maxie with the TV commercial, her participating in it - and the humour of commercials-making?
9. The question about Cleopatra? Maxie wanting to have the chance? The audition and screen test? Jan and her decision to let her have the opportunity? The humour of the remake?
10. Maxie happy, making her final-exit? Nick's persuading her? The change in Jan’s attitude? The pleasant happy ending - and future?
