Review of "The Escape Artist" by

This amazingly delightful Coppola film was produced about twenty-five years ago. I saw it then almost by mistake, and was enchanted by the acting and the story. Now it is available on DVD and I can enjoy seeing it again. The stars in the film are led by a young Griffin O’Neal making his film debut. Along with Griffin playing the lead are Raul Julia, Teri Gar and Joan Hackett.

The story is about a young man named Danny Masters. Danny is the son of the late magician Harry Masters who was famous for one of his major magic tricks. Danny is a teenager who is running loose. He is very clever at slight of hand and pickpocketing. Danny has a run-in with the son of the Mayor of New Orleans, played by Raul Julia. Stu, the mayor's son, is spoiled, and Danny has stolen something he wants back. Stu is a nasty sort, but at every turn Danny beats him to the draw and makes him look foolish. Desi Arnaz plays the corrupt mayor who fathered this spoiled villain. Eventually the mayor's son and Danny work together on a scam to expose the father's corruption, and Danny finds out how his father really died.

Not to worry. It all ends very well. It's a wonderful scam that will tickle the viewer. It's a treat to see Harry Anderson of "Night Court" fame, in the flashbacks of Danny's father as he performs his stage magic. "The Escape Artist" was a good little film then, and it still is, so enjoy it