11 HARROWHOUSE
UK, 1974, 95 minutes, Panavision.
Charles Grodin, Candice Bergen, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, James Mason, Helen Cherry.
Directed by Aram Avakian.
11 Harrowhouse is another Aram Avakian fantastic robbery: $10,000,000 in Cops and Robbers, doubled now, at least, in diamonds. Most of this film is stylish comedy robbery, robbery disarmingly easy and enjoyable. It is also stylish in its excellent use of Charles Grodin's voice-over commentary, in hilarious deadpan, on the differences between his acting and his thinking. The film also attacks the injustices of financial systems. James Mason and John Gielgud gives excellent performances in this area of the international diamond world. The film then goes berserk in a long chase, spoofing cars, Western pursuits and the English hunt. Trevor Howard adds eccentricity. A very enjoyable robbery caper.
1. How successful a robbery caper was this film? How enjoyable? How did it compare with the caper films of the early 70's?
2. The film placed an emphasis on style. How was this evident in the film? 11 Harrowhouse itself the English style, Sir John Gielgud, the diamond world English aristocracy, a very skilful robbery. How did this all contribute to the atmosphere and flavour of the film?
3. How important was the sardonic hero for the success of the film? How successful was the device of voicing over his comments? The tone of his comments, the realistic irony, his real behaviour? How important was this device for the total success of the film? How different would the film have been without it?
4. The film, via the sardonic tone, was not only a robbery but a satire. How successful was the satire? what were the satire's main targets? How did the film satirize robberies (the ease with which hero and heroine take so many diamonds)? The satire on the Western and the English hunt in the final chase?
5. How interesting was the picture of the diamond world given in the film? 11 Harrowhouse and its policies? Its security and intelligence? The personalities involved and their snobbery? Mr. Watts as an expert and yet a victim? The background of the economy of diamonds and the world market?
6. Much was said about the system in the film. what criticisms were made of the system and its economic regard for the rest of the world? Mr. Watts as a victim of the system and his just criticisms? How did they link with Chesser's criticism of the system? Was it something to be overthrown? The system as a challenge? The very English nature of the system and the reaction of an American? How clearly was this brought out in the film? Especially Chesser's initial visit to Harrowhouse?
7. How engaging a hero was Chesser? The background of his father as a diamond merchant. the criticism by Meacham of Chesser in contrast with his father. his being victimised by the English? How engaging was he as a hero because of the voice-over commentary? The sardonic humour about himself? And yet.. by the end of the film he had achieved one of the greatest robberies in screen history? His relationship with other people, with Massey, with Maren?
8. Was Maren an attractive heroine? The personality and verve of Candice Bergen? The fact that she was rich, the challenge to Chesser because of wealth and love, her ability to drive and its subsequent use in the film? Why did she co-operate with Chesser in the robbery. as a game, as something real for her?
9. How central was Mr. Watts for the film? James Mason's portrayal of the civil servant? Ageing,, illness,, a victim of injustice, disregarded by Meacham, the lack of humanity that he experienced? What motivated him to join in the robbery? His pride and skill in achieving the robbery? The sequence of his getting the diamonds by suction? His final confrontation with the authorities, his death? How did Mr. Watts add a human dimension to this caper film?
10. What were your reactions to Meacham and Company? Their style, their snobbery, arrogance? The other people working at 11 Harrowhouse, the people at the door, the greetings etc.? Was there some satisfaction for the audience in the system being beaten? Meacham's loss for words in confronting Watts etc.?
11. Comment on the presentation of Clyde Massey. The arrogant newly-rich aristocrat? Playing God and ruling people's lives? His arrogance as regards Chesser? His ambitions for robbery? was he a caricature or a character? The importance of Lady Boulding in the film? Her relationship to Massey, to Maren, her inevitable helping them to escape?
12. How well filmed was the robbery itself? Did it look too easy? Massey's help with money? (The background and preparation in the robbery of the diamond from Chesser in Holland?) The plan and its execution, the daring and the danger? How satisfying was it when the diamonds were all taken?
13. Was the chase well filmed? Critics said that it was much too overdone. Do you agree? Why? (Or could it have been exaggerated for satirical points?)
14. How satisfying was the ending, the concealing of the diamonds, world economy not being changed? The hero and heroine getting away with the wealth? The amorality of the whole thing? (Was this important?)
