PUNCH AND JODY
US, 1974, 78 minutes, Colour.
Glenn Ford, Pam Griffin, Ruth Roman, Kathleen Widdoes, Billy Barty.
Directed by Barry Shear.
A pleasantly predictable film. The difference is its circus setting. Glenn Ford gives a pleasing and strong performance as Punch, the father who discovers that he has a teenage daughter. She is played pertly by Pam Griffin. Ruth Roman gives a rather raucous genial performance as Lil the circus owner and Kathleen Widdowes, the prominent stage actress, features as the hard Mrs Lowell. Direction is by Barry Shear, a television director noted for cinema films with violence like Wild in the streets, The Todd Killings, The Deadly Trackers.
1. A pleasing family film, father and daughter, orphan, father and child getting to know each other? The circus background?
2. A telemovie - the background of California, the travelling? A pleasant circus, the jaunty score?
3. Glenn Ford's style as Punch? His being introduced throwing the daggers, his role in the circus, getting the circus on the move? His reaction to his discovery of his daughter? His relationship with the people in the circus especially Lil? His decision to have the week with Jody? The lack of prospect of their getting to like each other? The discussions driving along the road, playing the game? His response to Jody's interest in the circus, her tidying his caravan? The clash with Mrs Lowell and his telling her the truth about herself? Her visit to the circus, the reconciliation? his relationship with the various members of the circus? The crisis with the tiger, the happy ending? A strongly drawn character? A credible father, the future with his daughter?
4. Jody as a prim young girl, her decision to go with her father, her fads, language etc.? Tidying his room, getting rid of Barbara, her manner with Mrs Lowell and apologising? Life around the circus, friendship with Lil? her being hurt, her telephone call to her aunt, her decision to leave and the happy reconciliation?
5. The portrait of Lil? her running of the circus, the need for business, her diplomacy with Dan, her advice to Punch?
6. Mrs Lowell and her causes, working with the children, her hard attitude towards Punch, her apologies?
7. The picture of the circus people? seeing them at work, their various acts, the crisis with the tiger at the end?
8. The interspersing of the film with the various circus acts - a small circus but genial acts and friendly response from the public?
9. How well did the film briefly indicate lines of relationship of father and daughter, getting to know each other, accepting responsibilities? Did father and daughter have a future together? A satisfying family film?
