Product Description

Deftly directed by Mark Rydell, this poignant romantic drama features a stunning all-star cast that includes James Caan, Marsha Mason, Eli Wallach, Burt Young, Sally Kirkland and Dabney Coleman.

His ship docked in Seattle, Navy man John Baggs Jr. (Caan) has a Â"Cinderella LibertyÂ" pass, meaning he can be out until midnight – so he intends to make the most of his evening. And things are clearly going his way when he "wins" call girl Maggie Paul (Mason) in a pool game. But once Baggs finds out that Maggie has an 11 year-old son and another baby on the way, he backs off – anxious to rid himself of complications he just canÂ't contend with. That is – until he falls in love.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17649 in DVD
• Brand: Twentieth Century Fox
• Released on: 2007-03-06
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 116 minutes

Amazon.com
James Caan was at a peak of early career anticipation when he impressed everyone as an up-and-coming Paul Newman in Mark Rydell’s 1973 Cinderella Liberty. Indeed, Caan’s low-key, self-effacing performance was equally warm and self-involved, in a way that only '70s anti-heroes could be, both a little detached while making one care. In Cinderella Liberty he plays John Baggs Jr., a US Navy sailor who takes a brief leave in Seattle and "wins" Maggie (Marsha Mason), a prostitute, in a pool game, then turns down easy sex when he discovers she has an 11-year-old son (Kirk Calloway) at home and a baby on the way. Instead, John ends up marrying her, but has to fight to keep her when tragedy intervenes. The script is well-written by Darryl Ponicsan, who adapted his novel of the same title, and Caan’s co-stars--Mason, Calloway, Eli Wallach, Burt Young--are quite strong. Rydell’s direction of the cast is a little more assured than his sense of atmosphere, but his vision of the seamy side of Seattle in the early 1970s still looks, in cinematic terms, deservedly like a popular touchstone. Special features include a running commentary by Rydell. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

One of Marsha Mason's Best
I remember watching this movie when it first came to the theater and thinking that the actors were exactly as I had envisioned them while I was reading the book. Great movie. Marsha Mason is a delight and deservedly got the Oscar nomination. James Caan is perfect as the put-upon sailor whose records have been misplaced causing him to be land-locked. Mason is wonderful as a hooker who is perpetually down-on-her-luck. This movie should be on DVD. I'll add it to my collection.

Love, with an Edge.
The uncertainty of life in the early 70's is on display in this movie and James Caan and Marsha Mason handle the tough assigment with outstanding performances. This is not a formula romantic comedy by any stretch of the imagination and thank goodness for that.

Caan stars as John Baggs Jr, a Navy man, who finds the freedom of life on the seas very much to his liking. That is, until he meets Marsha Mason's character Maggie (possibly named after Stephen Crane's charater Maggie: A Girl of the Streets) a troubled single mother and barfly. The two meet naturally enough in a bar, end up at Maggie's place for what both accept will be a one night stand, but turns into a real relationship soon afterwards. It's at this point when the movie really excels and allows the two stars to work their craft. Many issues are tackled and the director pulls no punches in illustrating life at the bottom of the socio-economic level.

This movie is a must see for anyone interested in seeing two actors who can really act, in a story that makes you think, and is well supported by several fine supporting actors (especially the boy playing Maggie's son).

Liberty, love, and the facts of life!
I love navy movies like this because I grew up hearing my grandfather's stories of life in the navy during WW2. James Caan plays a sailor who's required to leave his ship because of a minor medical problem. Because of missing paperwork, however, he's forced to remain on shore as his beloved ship departs on its latest voyage. Although he's stuck on shore, he makes the most of his situation and heads for the nearest bar!

It's at the bar that he spots sexy Marsha Hunt, who's known for her sexual exploits with sailors. After he hustles her in a pool game, they both leave the bar and head to her apartment where he "collects" his payment (you know what I mean!). While there he discovers she has a young son (Kirk Calloway) who has a major attitude problem.

Despite the boy's attitude, Caan starts spending more and more of his free time trying to earn the boy's trust. He also realizes that he's falling in love with Hunt. Despite her initial protests, he tries his best to help her change her lifestyle and become a better parent to her troubled child (who drinks alcohol and chews tobacco).

Learning that Hunt is pregnant from another man, Caan bravely chooses to marry her so that she'll be supported by his navy benefits. Her baby dies shortly after death, however, and her depression drives them apart. Caan must then choose between returning to the navy or trying to patch up their relationship. I won't spoil the ending, although I must say I thought it was rather unconvincing.

I don't know why this is called a comedy on the video jacket, although there are humorous scenes. Some of the best scenes involve Caan and his former drill instructor (Eli Wallach). By the way, I was surprised to discover that Glenn Buttkus ("Sailor on the Ward") has a small role in this movie. If I'm not mistaken, that's the same Glenn Buttkus who does fabulous movie lists on Amazon.com! While this movie isn't quite as good as "The Last Detail", I still highly recommend it.