User Reviews

This short is a promo for the 1966 MGM film "Mister Buddwing", and it is occasionally shown on TCM.

This is a rather unusual old film promo and it apparently adopts the tone of the film it promotes. The whole short is in dark and moody tones, with tension, excitement and uncertainty, and appropriate jazz music playing throughout.

The narrator begins by discussing New York City and it's special nature (thus, the titular "special city"). Then we learn that the "searchers" are the director, producer, screenwriter, and cinematographer, who are scouting locations in the city. Director Delbert Mann discusses the reasons for using NYC as the film's setting instead of studio backlots. The plot of the film is briefly described without revealing much, and actress and NY native Suzanne Pleshette briefly discusses the film and city. The short wraps up with video clips from the film showing James Garner wandering the streets of NYC in some kind of daze, arguing with a woman, and generally struggling with things. And there are foreboding shots of things which border on being film spoilers, and all this is set to jazz music with no dialogue.

I'd have to say this promo is still quite effective since watching it made me want to watch a film I had never heard of.

Searchers for a Special City (1965)

*** (out of 4)

This is a rather interesting promotional piece for the film MISTER BUDDWING, which stars James Garner, Suzanne Pleshette and Katharine Ross. The 8-minute piece explains why the location directors are so important because the film really wanted to capture New York City as its own character. We learn why it's so important shooting on the actual locations but also why it's also very challenging because of the sound and of course the crowds who want to see what's going on. Director Delbert Mann is on hand to share a few stories about his experience in the city and we get a few words from Pleshette and Garner as well. There's a very good section where Garner talks about his desire to speak with the crowds who are watching them shoot and why he answered some of their questions. This is a pretty unique little short because not only do we get to see a different part of the Hollywood job but it's also interesting because they really shoot this shot like you'd expect to see a film noir shot from the 1940s. The short is presented in B&W and comes with some very dark and serious narration, which makes for an interesting mix. The film certainly captures a certain atmosphere that would not only draw one in but also make them want to check out the film in question.