The North Avenue Irregulars

The North Avenue Irregulars, released in 1979, starring Edward Herrmann, Barbara Harris, and Susan Clark, is an amusing, family-friendly caper that seamlessly weaves elements of action, comedy, and suspense. Produced by Walt Disney, this captivating adventure follows a diverse group of suburban churchgoing women who find themselves ensnared in a thrilling endeavor to expose a local gambling ring. This charming comedy-drama is a delightful slice of late 70s Disney cinema that offers an engaging mixture of lighthearted humor combined with exciting chase scenes, parodying crime and spy films of the era.

Edward Herrmann, best known for his roles in high-profile films like "The Lost Boys" and the television series "Gilmore Girls", takes center stage as Reverend Michael Hill, newly appointed pastor of North Avenue Presbyterian Church. Herrmann brings his trademark charm and sincerity to the character, portraying Reverend Hill as a compassionate and well-meaning pastor eager to make a difference in his new community. However, the Reverend soon finds that his quiet suburban parish is not as peaceful as it appears.

Barbara Harris, the Tony award-winning actress, and Susan Clark, known for her commanding performances, portray two of the church's parishioners who inadvertently become involved in Reverend Hill's efforts to break up a gambling racket. Known collectively as the 'Irregulars', the group includes a variety of colorful characters from stereotypical demure housewives to quirky eccentrics, each bringing their unique personalities and unexpected resources to the table.

The narrative kicks off when Reverend Hill, seeking ways to pay for the Church's mounting bills and renovation costs, decides to sponsor a troupe of boy scouts for a fundraising event. However, an unfortunate mix-up sees the church funds inadvertently laundered through a local bookie run by criminal elements, leading to an unlikely partnership between the Church and the local Treasury Department. Before long, the gentle Reverend finds himself pushed into the alarming underbelly of organized crime, along with his motley crew.

The North Avenue Irregulars is a fast-paced, action-filled comedy that escalates from the small-town crime investigation into a massive operation involving car chases, cross-dressing, and a cast of shady underworld figures. Given the Disney signature treatment, these scenarios are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny rather than menacing, adding charm and approachability to the tale.

Underneath the car crashes and slapstick humor, however, the movie finds room for subtler, more heartfelt moments. It explores the tension between the women's roles as homemakers and mothers versus their newfound bravery and commitment to a larger cause. This compelling dynamic adds depth to the storyline, highlighting the teamwork and courage of these unlikely heroes, inadvertently transforming their sleepy suburb into a battlefield of action, humor, and suburban righteousness.

The North Avenue Irregulars offers an ensemble of actors who shine in creating the chicanery upon which this adventure is forged. Alongside Herrmann, Harris, and Clark, the film also features Karen Valentine, Michael Constantine, Patsy Kelly, and Cloris Leachman, among others, who all excel in bringing this comedic story to life, each contributing their share of warm humor and captivating performances.

The film is renowned for its memorable car chase scenes involving a whole range of vehicles, from a garbage truck to an ice cream van, all portrayed with charismatic 70's style and cinematic humor that provides thrills and spills along the way.

From the perspective of the era it was made, The North Avenue Irregulars is a profound representation of women straying from typical roles and stepping into the unexpected world of high-stakes crime busting. It strayed significantly from the conventional female characterizations seen in most movies, thus sneakily transforming it into a feminist film disguised as a rollicking comedic caper.

Based on the book "The North Avenue Irregulars" by Rev. Albert Fay Hill, the film was directed by Bruce Bilson, with the script penned by Don Tait. An enjoyable watch for the whole family, this movie is ripe with adventure, packed with comedy, and invokes a dose of nostalgia with its late 70s backdrop.

In essence, The North Avenue Irregulars is a charmingly energetic and unpredictable comedy-drama that offers a lively mix of sleek action sequences, broad comedy, rib-tickling humor, close-knit camaraderie, and spirited performances, embodied in a feel-good Disney production. It's an underrated gem from a time when wholesome family movies provided hearty laughs whilst showcasing the power of unity when battling against seemingly insurmountable odds.