The "Last Angry Man" directed by Daniel Mann is a human interest story of a doctor practicing medicine for the pure well-being of his patients. That is to say this is the story of a doctor who eschews profit to help those who otherwise would not receive good medical care. Dr. Sam Abelman, an elderly physician came to America and wanted to give more than he received. Abelman's office is in his home located in one of the poorest sections of New York thus being assured of a steady stream of patients who can give him little compensation and even less notoriety. He wants it this way as he firmly believes in taking the oath of his profession to an absolute level - remaining in a level of poverty while doing so. He has the support of a wife who understands, admires and loves him for his wise outlook and compassion. This is the the core of "The Last Angry Man"
Dr. Abelman a well read and highly educated curmudgeon who prefers his life of giving and invisibility. He has little toleration for those who "want something for nothing" yet he selflessly gives to those who have nothing.
The story of a man healing the poor is the core, but not the vehicle which this movie uses. The "Last Angry Man" revolves around a TV producer who is trying to save his career at a nameless (NBC?) network by creating a fresh (reality based) news magazine show showing "unsung heroes" who contribute to others in refreshingly unconventional ways, enriching American life. The show must please both a smarmy TV executive and a sponsor who happens to be the owner of a large pharmaceutical company. If the producer can get the show approved he can keep his job which in turn will allow him to secure the mortgage on the house in the suburbs. When all seems to be lost for the producer, he comes upon the idea to profile Dr. Abelman after reading a newspaper article written by the Dr.'s aspiring nephew. The show gets a green light at the last minute if Woody Thrasher, the producer, can somehow get Dr. Abelman to come out of "hiding" and let his story be told. Dr. Abelman has no interest in cooperating in something that serves to glorify him setting the stage is set for a "battle of wills" between Thrasher and Abelman. Everything works against Thrasher yet he tirelessly pushes forward, but as he gets to know Abelman he respects him and chooses not to compromise only to solve his job-related dilemma. As the show becomes less important, the ideal of service and humility overrides Thrashers career path at the network. Thrasher is a changed man.
Paul Muni came out of retirement to make this film. It was a fitting celluloid swansong as his performance carried it earning an Academy Award nomination for best actor. His performance was such that it made an otherwise maudlin tear-jerking story breath life. Stories abound if one cares to read that Paul Muni was a difficult actor to work with. Exactly why is not known, but he left film and returned to stage as a result. It is good to see that he got the chance to prove the powers that be wrong, he still had the chops. He was a jewel in this role and fit it like "hand-in-glove". It is also notable for the strong supporting roles by David Wayne (Woody Thrasher), Luther Adler (Dr. Max Vogel), and early roles by Billy Dee Williams and Cicely Tyson (un-credited, non-speaking). The movie is entertaining and worth the viewers time. No, they don't make them like this anymore and it's a great capsule of a time gone both in the world in which we live as well as the film making industry. It is a small movie that does not overreach and as a result is well-done. Recommended.
The story of a man healing the poor is the core, but not the vehicle which this movie uses. The "Last Angry Man" revolves around a TV producer who is trying to save his career at a nameless (NBC?) network by creating a fresh (reality based) news magazine show showing "unsung heroes" who contribute to others in refreshingly unconventional ways, enriching American life. The show must please both a smarmy TV executive and a sponsor who happens to be the owner of a large pharmaceutical company. If the producer can get the show approved he can keep his job which in turn will allow him to secure the mortgage on the house in the suburbs. When all seems to be lost for the producer, he comes upon the idea to profile Dr. Abelman after reading a newspaper article written by the Dr.'s aspiring nephew. The show gets a green light at the last minute if Woody Thrasher, the producer, can somehow get Dr. Abelman to come out of "hiding" and let his story be told. Dr. Abelman has no interest in cooperating in something that serves to glorify him setting the stage is set for a "battle of wills" between Thrasher and Abelman. Everything works against Thrasher yet he tirelessly pushes forward, but as he gets to know Abelman he respects him and chooses not to compromise only to solve his job-related dilemma. As the show becomes less important, the ideal of service and humility overrides Thrashers career path at the network. Thrasher is a changed man.
Paul Muni came out of retirement to make this film. It was a fitting celluloid swansong as his performance carried it earning an Academy Award nomination for best actor. His performance was such that it made an otherwise maudlin tear-jerking story breath life. Stories abound if one cares to read that Paul Muni was a difficult actor to work with. Exactly why is not known, but he left film and returned to stage as a result. It is good to see that he got the chance to prove the powers that be wrong, he still had the chops. He was a jewel in this role and fit it like "hand-in-glove". It is also notable for the strong supporting roles by David Wayne (Woody Thrasher), Luther Adler (Dr. Max Vogel), and early roles by Billy Dee Williams and Cicely Tyson (un-credited, non-speaking). The movie is entertaining and worth the viewers time. No, they don't make them like this anymore and it's a great capsule of a time gone both in the world in which we live as well as the film making industry. It is a small movie that does not overreach and as a result is well-done. Recommended.