The Crazy World of Julius Vrooder

Modern day whimsical tale about a offbeat Vietnam vet who resides at the local V.A. Hospital. He escapes and builds a underground fortress in a wooded area next to the highway. The place looks cleaner and better furnished than most people's apartments. He concocts a scheme that allows him to steal both electrical and phone service. This is a major consternation to the heads of the local phone and electrical company. They go on a mission to find out who he is and how he is doing it. They even go through a list of mug shots consisting of 'dangerous' looking people known to have stolen service. This actually proves to be the films funniest moment (though the tired, elderly vets who have to do a perpetual ten gun salute isn't bad either). He also creates a romantic bond with his doctors fiancee (Hershey).

The film does try to have it's serious moments, but they tend to be clumsy and draggy. However on the charm scale this thing scores very close to the bullseye. There is even a touching performance by 83 year old veteran director Marshall. Though the material is just not enough for feature film length, 1 in 20 people will probably fall in love with it. It can probably best be described as a poor man's version of A THOUSAND CLOWNS, but without the satire or sharp dialogue.

Produced by, of all people, Hugh Hefner.