18 AGAIN

US, 1988, 95 minutes, Colour.
George Burns, Charlie Schlatter, Tony Roberts, Anita Morris, Red Buttons.
Directed by Paul Flaherty.

18 Again was one of several role reversal films of 1987-1988i Others included Vice Versa, Like Father Like Son, Big. This is a comedy vehicle for George Burns - although most of the film has to stand on the shoulders of Charlie Schlatter, who has to house the 81-year-old Burns character. There is a good supporting cast including Tony Roberts, Miriam Flynn, Anita Morris (doing variations on her sexpot performance in Ruthless People, Hotel New Hampshire).

There is nothing particularly startling in the film; it is pleasant to see George Burns; there is the usual moralising and understanding when one person takes the place of another.

1. The popularity of the vice versa theme in the late '80s? The title, the reverse of 81? George Burns singing the title song?

2. A piece of Americana, the American city, homes, business, college?

3. The film as a George Burns vehicle, his comedy style and presence, one-liners, cigar, etc? Charlie Schlatter having to sustain the movie - with George Burns' voice inside him?

4. The introduction to David: the painting, awkwardness, the push-ups and the students pressurising him, writing their essays? Good at track but falling? His job, clashes with his father? In class, the attraction to Robin? His friend? Going to see his grandfather? Arriving at the party?

5. The introduction to Jack: 81, his relationship with David, ignoring Arnold,' Madeleine installed, the party, the innuendo, going out with David, the crash? Jack coming back in David's body? The techniques to make it plausible? David's body, Jack's voice? The reaction of his parents? Concern? His party wish coming true? meeting with Russ and the other students and discovering the pressure on David, the push-ups? The track event and his winning a place? The class about Truman and Jack in David's body being himself, telling stories about Truman, one-upping the lecturer? The art class and the nude model, the Picasso drawing? His nightmares and his going to Robin's house, the reaction of her parents, his George Burns appearance? Going to the party, discovering Madeleine, her attempted seduction of David? His memories about his nonplatonic relationship with Madeleine? Going to the office, listening to Arnold for the first time? Meeting Charlie, trying to persuade him, sharing memories, the song? The bowls and his force? Cartwheels round the oval? Going to the poker and bluffing, the bet about the race?

6. The rock 'n roll nightclub and the fight with Russ? With Robin? The plan-for the Charleston and the '20s party, Russ and the gatecrashing, humiliation? The question of pulling the plug and his rushing to save David? His return? His old self? The benefit of the experience, love for Arnold and taking notice of him - warning him about David, talking with David to have faith in himself, giving him the running shoes? The final comments about Truman?

7. David and his recovery. nice, out of it, running, stumbling, Jack and the shoes, having faith in him, the coach, Robin and her love, winning? Puzzle about Russ and the $1000, asking for information about Truman?

8. Charlie as a friend, age, sharing, knowing the truth about Jack, the bowls, concerned about saving David's life?

9. Arnold, his being hurt by his father, his skills, proper, his shock about David's seeming behaviour, the mother and her love for her husband and son, their comments on Madeleine? Sadness about their father's death, reminiscing in the office, his father's appearance? Proud of David?

10. Madeleine and her go-getting, sex, her manner, singing 'Happy Birthday,' attempting to seduce David, warning Jack, the party, being ousted - and the relish of the butler?

11. Russ and the jocks, bullies, the track events, the poker game, the party and their being ousted, come-uppance?

12. The lecturer on Truman and his manner, with Robin? The art class?

13. Robin as attractive, with the teacher, with Russ, attracted towards David, listening to the stories about Truman, the outings, supporting him in the race?

14. Comedy, one-liners, George Burns as a sex symbol, pathos, characters, what if ... ?