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Scarecrow (1973)
7/10
Pacino and Hackman in the 70s
24 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Al Pacino in a comedy? Yes, he and Gene Hackman meet and hit it off in what feels like a road movie, because they go from place to place together. The first hour or so I couldn't stop laughing at Pacino's behavior and Gene's peculiarities. How many layers was Gene wearing? Seven, I think.

Ann Wedgeworth from "Three's Company" and "Evening Shade" has a memorable supporting role and, if you blink, you'll miss Eileen Brennan in a small but revealing bit part. Pacino and Hackman land in jail and have a few encounters.

But, then Pacino finally calls his ex of whom he abandoned years ago with her pregnant. She tells him a terrible lie, which drives him over the edge. I read here that this movie didn't do so well with moviegoers at the time. It may be because the ending is so unexpected and totally different in tone from the rest of the picture.

If you dismiss this from one viewing, I would venture to say you're missing the point. I want to see it again, because now I know "Scarecrow" for what it is. I've never been a big fan of Pacino or those 70s movies that broke from the 50s and early 60s fantasy world, but aside from Pacino in "Dick Tracy", this may be my favorite Pacino performance.

"Scarecrow." Don't let the name fool you.
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