Husbands (1970)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  154 Minutes (Dubbed: 142 Minutes)

Rated: X

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Director: John Cassavetes

Starring: Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk, John Cassavetes, Jenny Runacre, Jenny Lee Wright

IMDB Rank: 7.1 /10

Part 1 Time:  N/A Minutes (Dubbed: 75 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  N/A Minutes (Dubbed: 67 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Harry (Ben Gazzara), Archie (Peter Falk), and Gus (John Cassavetes) are on an airplane en rote to London, England.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Right. How are you, Archie?” asks Gus. Archie replies “Good.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: Plane lands in England. An unnamed female passenger states; “Thank you. I had a wonderful flight.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, the trio continue their grief stricken bender as they travel from New York to London, England. Will this experience will the three men reconsider their lives?

Which part is better? The film is an interesting perspective on grief and life, as three friends in their early forties begin to question their life path. The first half of the film is relatable to many grieving loss. As the friends turn to the over-consumption of alcohol, drinking with strangers and singing songs. The second half takes a more serious tone as the friends travel to London, England participating in adulterous acts. Overall it is hard to find redeeming qualities in the protagonists, they do not seem like ‘husband’ material as is clearly shown in the second half of the film. Part one is given a slight advantage due to it being more relatable and understandable.

Academy Awards: None

Other Awards: 1971 Golden Globes- Best Motion Picture Screenplay (Nominated)