The Escape Artist

Ryan O'Neal's son Griffin holds his own in this mishmash of vaudeville and small town corruption. Bragging that he will escape a prison sentence within an hour cues a flashback for O'Neal about his childhood in theatre. Exploited by his aunt and uncle, who perform "the best escape act since Houdini" he hones his skills and escapes, lifting the wallet of the vindictive son of the local major, Raul Julia. Julia then sends his goons to threaten the boy. This is a mess of a film and far too formulaic - despite cinematographer turned director Caleb Deschanel's visual skill, which he displayed so brilliantly in The Black Stallion and Being There.