Harrison Ford and Gene Wilder Unlikely Buddies in “The Frisco Kid” (1979)

Over the last decade or so, I’ve come to the realization that I’m so thankful that I didn’t take an interest in older films back during my childhood, or even into my 20s and 30s. (For context, I’m currently 49 years old). Reason being is that there has been such a massive effort to take original prints of older films, restore them when necessary, and transfer them to a pristine digital copy. When done correctly, it can be so vibrant and detailed that it will look as though it was recently produced, with no hint as to its true age. Another reason I’m thankful pertains to the focus of our review today, The Frisco Kid (1979). It’s very likely I just would not have appreciated this film back when it was initially released.

I’m not saying that back in the late 70s, when this film was released, that it wouldn’t have been of interest to moviegoers – especially given Ford’s first outing as the iconic Han Solo in the original Star Wars that was released only two years prior. But here in 2022, both actors are true Hollywood legends, immortalized on the basis of so many wonderful movies over the course of their respective careers. So seeing this one for the first time, over 40 years later, I not only appreciate it as the film it is, but perhaps far more so, I love the idea of spending a couple of hours in the company of two of my all-time favorite actors. 

Wilder plays a Rabbi who is sent from Poland to the United States – San Francisco, specifically – in order to help a small Jewish community in need. As he comes up against some adversity trying to carry out his trek across mid-19th century America, he crosses paths with Ford, who spends much of his time robbing banks. The two form the proverbial unlikely alliance, teaming up for the  journey to California, and undergoing multiple adventures along the way. In all fairness, it feels at times as though that The Frisco Kid is holding back a bit, but the characters are well-developed and well-portrayed. This is one reason why I feel as though I appreciate the film far more now than I would have then, as any shortcomings with the story take a backseat to the nostalgic fun of seeing these two together in a “buddy film” for, what I believe, was the first and only time. 

Score: 7.2/10

Starring: Gene Wilder, Harrison Ford, Ramon Bieri, and Val Bisoglio

Suggested By: @Hawkeye1x (reminder: Check out The MovieSlap Red Carpet!)

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