Poster of "Annie"
courtesy of Columbia Home Entertainment
"Aileen Quinn Is Still A Part of the Biz"

"Annie" was a movie released in 1982. It was the film version of the fantastically popular play that had been wowing Broadway for years. On the stage actresses from Andrea McArdle to Sarah Jessica Parker played the title role. But when John Huston directed the movie version the role went to Aileen Quinn. 

Aileen won the role over 8,000 other star struck little girls. At the time she was chosen she had been playing in a road company of the show. She had the part of the "swing orphan." When I spoke to her recently by phone I asked what that title meant.

"It means I filled in for any 'orphan' who couldn't go on. I was eight years old and I had to know every orphan role," she said. "Sometimes if two were out I had to fill in for both which meant I had to incorporate their parts into one. It was the best training I could have possibly had."

I asked her what it had been like to work for Huston, not a director I would have chosen for a musical or a film involving children. ""He was just like a grandfather to me. In fact he reminded me of my grandfather. So we got along great."

Aileen said that she and Albert Finney still stay in touch. "He was so great to work with and was always trying to help me with my part. John Huston would give some long direction and Albert would translate for me."

She added, "I didn't really know how famous all these people were. I didn't even know Carol (Burnett) had her own show. They were just Albert and Carol to me."

Aileen is still in the business and recently ended a tour with "Saturday Night Fever." "It was great," she said. "I love musical theater and have worked pretty continuously except when I was in college."

Then she concluded, "I am very proud of 'Annie' and am glad I was a part of it. It has really stood the test of time."

Before I hung up I wished her good luck and good fortune. She quickly replied, "From your lips to God's ear."

Make sure you get your copy of "Annie" which is now out in a special DVD set. All the fun, dance, and music is waiting to entertain you.

If you like dark mysteries then you will want to watch "The Last Hand." This movie concerns a man who wins big at gambling and then dies. His son comes to town to find out what happened and gets drawn into a dark world where nothing is as it seems to be.

This video stars Stanley DeSantis, Richard Lineback and Sam Anderson. None of these are well known but they are all competent actors.

Dolph Lundgren has a powerful action film out on video titled "Detention." In this film Lundgren is a teacher who is keeping a group of wild kids in detention. But when the school is taken over by a real criminal gang, the kids and Lundgren have to band together to save the day.

This is one of those crazy movies that is a lot of fun to watch. It has excitement from start to finish and Lundgren makes a pleasing hero. It isn't a great movie but it sure as heck is one that entertains.

Another exciting movie is "The Job" which stars Daryl Hannah as a hitwoman. Her character has decided to end her career but has one more "job" to do. But can she persuade herself to do the deed this one last time or are her body and mind unwilling to cooperate.

In addition to Hannah, this movie stars Brad Renfroe, Dominique Swain and Eric Mabius. They give good support but it is Hannah's movie all the way.

And finally one more movie that is fun to watch. It is titled "And Now Ladies and Gentlemen." This is the story of a romance between a thief (Jeremy Irons) and a singer (Patricia Kaas). The storyline is a little murky but the sights of the Riviera are breathtaking. And Irons is always fun to watch.

Just pop this one in the machine, sit back and let the fun of the story wash over you. Its romance, adventure and mystery rolled into one.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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