On the Nickel (1980)
Directed by Ralph Waite / Robert Waite
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Addiction Drama |
Release Date - May 8, 1980 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 96 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - R
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Synopsis by Eleanor Mannikka
The Skid Row derelicts that occupy most of the screen time in this uneven drama about the effects of alcohol addiction do nothing to gain an audience's sympathy. Sam (Donald Moffat) has kicked his habit and picked himself up out of the gutter only to find that no avenues are open to take him away from the gutter. Then he learns that his friend C.G. (Ralph Waite, also the director) is in trouble. As one sequence of aimless, drunken behavior follows another and the audience is regaled by C.G.'s commentaries delivered in an alcoholic stupor, it is hard to understand why Sam is teetering on the brink of sloshing around in this world again.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
alcoholism, bum, desperation, friendship, lifestyle, rehabilitation [physical therapy], rescue, urban-problems