Fools' Parade

Fools' Parade is a gripping 1971 American crime drama that brings together an impressive cast of Hollywood heavyweights. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and based on the eponymous novel by Davis Grubb, the film weaves a narrative surrounding the tragicomic travails of three newly released prisoners striving to open a bank account and start an honest living.

James Stewart plays the role of Mattie Appleyard, a principled, aging ex-convict who spent over forty years behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit. Even as he prepares to start his life anew, his character reflects the determination and dignity of a man who desires nothing more than to live the rest of his days in peace, far from the tribulations of his past.

In stark contrast, Stewart is joined by George Kennedy and Strother Martin who, together, form a trio of differing aspirations and motivations. Kennedy, as the cynical and street-smart ‘Chains’ Cooper, delivers a solid performance of a character who played by the rules only to realize that they are often skewed against people like him.

Martin, on the other hand, is the comedic and naive 'Lee Cottrill'. His comedic timing and earnest portrayal add levity to the otherwise serious narrative. Nevertheless, his wide-eyed purpose depicts the idealistic yet simple life that ex-convicts, despite all odds, still hope to achieve.

Anne Baxter, the only major female character in the movie, plays Cleo, a madam who operates a brothel located on a river barge. Despite the character's dubious profession, Baxter's portrayal highlights the complexity of a woman forced to make ends meet in the only way made available to her during the era.

The plot follows the trio after their release, carrying a bit over $25,000 among them, which was painstakingly saved from their prison earnings. Their goal is simple: deposit the money into a bank and live off the interest. However, they soon find themselves being pursued by a corrupt banker and a sadistic, psychotic lawman who are hell-bent on taking the money for themselves.

The trio's journey through the West Virginia backwaters forms the crux of Fools' Parade. Theirs is not an easy path, strewn as it is with violent confrontations, double-crossing, and the ever-looming shadow of their criminal pasts. However, despite the challenges, they persist in their fight for a decent life.

The film masterfully underscores the themes of redemption, revenge, friendship, and greed. It laces its main narrative with a searing commentary on the institutional corruption and lack of empathy for convicted criminals who paid their dues to society and seek to rebuild their lives.

The atmospheric set-pieces and excellent production values add to the film's thematic tone, capturing 1930s Americana with an attention to period detail. From the authentic portrayal of West Virginia's rustic landscape to the aged steam-powered trains, everything fits perfectly.

Essentially, Fools' Parade is a contemplative reflection on society's treatment of ex-convicts and the struggle of an old, stubborn man to hold onto his decency in a world fraught with moral corruption.

McLaglen's expert direction, coupled with Grubb's raw storytelling, creates a movie experience that seamlessly transitions between moments of levity and tension. The dialogue is sharp and thoughtful, reflecting the noir-style narration that mirrors the internal dilemmas of the main characters.

The film also features a memorable performance by Kurt Russell, who, although young at the time, managed to hold his own against the heavyweights, playing an ambitious yet principled bank clerk caught up in the unscrupulous machinations.

Fools' Parade is a compelling exploration of hope against despair, honesty against greed, and principle against convenience. It spotlights the societal facets that often draw a veil over the inherent humane nature of individuals deemed as criminals. It is, without doubt, a classic piece of cinema that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

It may be a story set in a bygone era, but Fools' Parade’s themes still resonate today, proving that this 1971 spectacle is truly timeless.