MovieChat Forums > Remember My Name (1978) Discussion > A Modern 'Lost' Classic?

A Modern 'Lost' Classic?

posted 16 years ago by Newz_Dawg
5 replies | jump to latest

At least one book I read (and for the life of me, cannot remember the title of) said this film was a "lost" classic. I doubt if it's "lost" in the sense of nitrate film stock copies of movies which disintegrated over the years until many titles were lost forever, but more likely sitting in the studio vaults, awaiting a public demand so it can be lovingly be brought to light by someone like Quentin Tarantino for a brief theatrical release followed immediately by a special DVD edition. I remember this movie quite well, traveling into NYC because it was in limited release, and very impressed with the quirky plot and stark characters in a fascinating noir excursion into the intricate plottings of a woman scorned. Revenge by manipulating a manipulator, served up cold and sweet. Wake up, Tarantino: here's your chance to bring a true crime classic back to the film-loving public!

"I hate people I don't like."
The Twelve Chairs
Newz Dawg

[–] johnmorghen 15 years ago

I wouldn't classify it as a "lost classic," rather a forgotten or disregarded one. Columbia Pictures never released this film officially to home video, but once in a great while, it would surface on cable. I was lucky enough to see the film in the early '90s, courtesy of Cinemax Vanguard. Had I known it would have a lasting impression on me, I would have had the sense to record it. As far as I know, that was the last time it has ever aired. Why IFC, Sundance or TCM hasn't recognized it's potential and granted it viewings is beyond me.

No one that I know has seen or heard of the film, which is a shame. A few of Tony Perkins films from that era seem to have been ignored, as well. "Pay It As It Lays" and "WUSA" come to mind.

Needless to say, I would love to witness this effective film once again.

[–] jeremyw_90210 14 years ago

saw it at the new beverly cinema tonight. i don't know why this is not on home video.

[–] DC_Collins 14 years ago

Yeah, I saw it there, too. Really good, classic 70s noir, essential Alan Rudolph stuff. Could be some kind of rights dispute keeping it out of dvd circulation, otherwise it's hard to understand the omission.

Ironically, as far as the initial comment goes, New Beverly is apparently owned by Q Tarantino now.

[–] jeremyw_90210 14 years ago

maybe the criterion collection would snatch it up. it seems like it would be an ideal title for them

[–] filmscholar35 14 years ago

I've found a better then decent DVD-r for sale of it and bought it right up. It was probably sourced from a VHS tape that itself was likely recorded from cable TV. But, it is he full film, on a DVD, in quite watchable form. They even made nice DVD package artwork for it!

It'll do until there's ever a proper release.

AND, the same person I bought that from also had "Play It As It Lays" in the same way. "Lays" is even in widescreen!