The Happening *** (1967, Anthony Quinn, George Maharis, Michael Parks, Faye Dunaway) – Classic Movie Review 8546

Director Elliot Silverstein’s 1967 dark comedy The Happening takes us back to the Sixties when there were happenings and hippies banded together to abduct businessmen.

The Happening is soppy but cheerful stuff, at least until the caper goes sour in the final reel. A typecast Anthony Quinn stars as the kidnapped Miami gangster, retired Mafia kingpin Roc Delmonico, who takes control of raising the ransom when the hippies find out that he is not wanted back.

The Happening has two claims to fame:

1. It is Faye Dunaway’s début, as Sandy, though she is already too mature for teen shenanigans.
2. The title track theme tune gave The Supremes a chart-topper, The Happening, music by Frank De Vol, lyrics by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland . They also sing the same team’s All I Know About You.

Quinn and Dunaway make notable appearances. Also in the interesting cast are George Maharis, Faye Dunaway, Robert Walker Jr, Oskar Homolka, Milton Berle, Jack Kruschen, Clifton James, Eugene Roche, Luke Askew and Martha Hyer.

The screenplay by Frank R Pierson, James D Buchanan and Ronald Austin is based on a story by James D Buchanan and Ronald Austin.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8546

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