Silver Streak

Starring: Gene Wilder, Jill Clayburgh, Richard Pryor, Ned Beatty, Clifton James, Patrick McGoohan
Directed by: Arthur Hiller
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Mystery
1976

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: An ordinary book editor (Gene Wilder) takes a relaxing trip on a train. However, as he gets involved with a beautiful woman (Jill Clayburgh), he witnesses a murder, is hunted by the murderers and the police (who now think he may be guilty of the crime). He jumps on and off the train and eventually teams up with a thief (Richard Pryor) to help him set everything straight.

Review:

Tim: This is a very enjoyable film that owes it success to the great performance of Gene Wilder. Silver Streak is part Hitchcockian thriller, part drama, and part comedy. There are so many different elements and they add up to a pretty entertaining time.

Wilder is extremely likeable. He has some uncanny charm that makes him fun to watch no matter what he does. He plays the serious, inquisitive persona tracking down the killer just as well as he plays a bumbling fool pretending to be black. He gives a completely energetic performance.

Wilder has a great partner in Richard Pryor. Pryor is such a legend, and the two are just incredible together. They have an inexplicable chemistry that just clicks every time they are together. Jill Clayburgh and Ned Beatty round out a pretty strong supporting cast.

The film is actually quite exciting. The mystery and the reasons for the kidnappings and killings make for a very fun time. Wilder jumps in and off the train and tries desperately to get back on, all the while dealing with killers, federal agents, police, a secretary, and much more.

This is a crazy adventure that is quite memorable and entertaining. You really can't go wrong with this movie. Wilder and Pryor are terrific in a very fun movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles, Brewster's Millions; Hear No Evil, See No Evil