University of Virginia Library

'Gypsy Moths': Film About Personal
Problems Of Nomadic Sky Divers

By Steve Wells
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

What is courage? This is the
question which director John
Frankenheimer poses in his new
film, "The Gypsy Moths." Or, more
precisely, he seems to be asking
whether it takes more courage to
live or to die when one's future
holds little real promise.

The gypsy moths of the title are
daredevil sky divers who travel
from town to town performing for
local audiences. The film examines
in detail their profession and, more
important, their distinct personalities.

Burt Lancaster, Gene Hackman,
and Scott Wilson portray the aerial
acrobats who spend an eventful
Fourth of July weekend in the
home of Mr. Wilson's aunt and
uncle, played by Deborah Kerr and
William Windom. While preparing
for their big Sunday performance,
they each go through a series of
confrontations, the results of which
drastically change their future as a
team as well as individually.

On a first level basis, "The
Gypsy Moths" is unusually compelling.
William Hanley's screenplay
moves forward with hardly a stall.
The characters have a recognizable
degree of dramatic potencey the
fact that they could have had even
more had they been developed with
greater care is beside the point.

The film's ultimate success is
muchly due to Mr. Frankenheimer's
knack for initiating an element of
terror. "The Gypsy Moths" contains
more thrills than a three-ring
circus. During the two climactic sky
dives you will find yourself sitting
on the edge of your seat with your
heart thumping.

Second Level

On the second level - and Mr.
Frankenheimer definitely means
for there to be one - "The Gypsy
Moths" goes somewhat astray. The
director's point - or controlling
purpose if you wish - is never
made totally clear. Much of what
the movie has to say about courage
comes out somewhat garbled
because the characters' actions at
times lack full motivation and once
or twice come close to defying
reason.

Top acting honors go to Mr.
Hackman, whose performance as
the whore-hunting, fun-loving, outgoing
member of the trio should
enhance his position as one of
Hollywood's rising stars, Mr. Lancaster
does a commendable job in
the part of the accomplished leader
of the troupe who likes "women
with class" and for one night has
one. Mr. Wilson is the youngest of
the three and, in a deceptively key
role, excellently conveys a kid-brother
image as he idolizes Mr.
Lancaster's character.

Womanly Handsomeness

Miss Kerr has the distinguished
womanly handsomeness that is vital
to the society matron whose life is
far from fulfilled. Mr. Windom gives
his usual first-rate performance as
her sedate partner in an unhappy
marriage. Bonnie Bedelia does as
much as anyone could with the
underwritten part of a girl student
who lives with them.

Underrated Film

I strongly suspect that M-G-M is
not promoting "The Gypsy Moths"
correctly. It is certainly an underrated
film which deserves a better
fate. I advise, however, that you
not be overly concerned with its
meaning, but rather accept it on its
entertainment values. Without
being exceptional, it is a film of
surprising strength.

* * *

The Paramount Theatre, where
"The Gypsy Moths" is currently
being shown, has altered it's
schedule and will play "The Boston
Strangler" Sunday, Monday, and
Tuesday.

In case you missed this film
when it was first released, it would
be to your advantage to see it this
time around. Highlighted by the
fine performances of Tony Curtis
and Henry Fonda, it is an interesting
and valid examination of the
criminal mind.

"The Gypsy Moths" will run
through Saturday.