Born to Win ** (1971, George Segal, Paula Prentiss, Karen Black, Hector Elizondo, Robert De Niro) – Classic Movie Review 11,216

Director Ivan Passer’s 1971 American crime comedy drama Born to Win stars George Segal, Paula Prentiss, Karen Black, Hector Elizondo and Robert De Niro, which must be a recommendation in itself.

Milos Forman’s Czech emigré friend Passer did not have the luck of his compatriot. Witness this box-office flop comedy-drama (which was Passer’s US debut) about a poor, deluded New York drug addict called Jay Jay (Segal), who steals to pay for his heroin. The cops charge him, but free him as the neighbourhood grass.

This intriguing, little-seen film does not quite hold together but mostly sustains the interest and a compelling Segal leads a fine display of acting from a particularly fascinating cast that includes the eye-catching young De Niro.

The screenplay is by David Scott Milton and Ivan Passer, based on an original story by David Scott Milton.

George Segal died on March 23, 2021, age 87,

RIP George Segal (1934–2021).

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,216

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com