Video-store stalwart comes to Blu-ray.
In the same way there are some novels that seem to flow fully-formed from their title, some movies are the perfect encapsulations of their VHS covers. Savannah Smiles is just such a film.
Released in 1982 and staring Bridgette Andersen as the eponymous smiling one, Savannah Smiles took this little girl’s grin and milked a feature length movie out of it. And the thing is, it really is that great of a smile.
Fast-forward and the story turns dark. Bridgette didn’t make it far into her twenties before her life was cut short by a drug overdose. The sweetest little kid doesn’t get a storybook ending.
The new “Collector’s Edition” of Savannah Smiles doesn’t shy away from this tragedy and (along with a cool “faux video-store” cover) includes a short piece about Bridgette’s life from the film’s principals as well as her mother. It’s a nice tribute.
The story centers around an unhappy little rich girl who runs away from home and ends up with a couple of ex-cons who just happen to have hearts of gold. Her father is a candidate for the senate, so her disappearance–and presumed kidnapping–precipitates a huge response from police and other officials.
The film is the brainchild of writer, producer, and star Mark Miller, who has a sort of Buddy Ebsen meets James Garner vibe and based the girl on his own daughter Savannah. His Alvie plays off partner Boots (Donovan Scott) to slapstick comedic effect.
Miller was able to call in some favors as well, thus the inclusion of Peter Graves as a law enforcement expert and Pat Morita as a priest, of all things. (In the “Making of” featurette, Miller claims this role got Morita his long-running gig on Happy Days.)
As an artifact of Reagan’s America, Savannah Smiles delivers wonderfully. As awww-inducing tale of affection between a child and a couple of strangers, it also has a place. The film will appeal to younger viewers who enjoy the story and physical comedy as well as to older viewers with a soft spot for the past.
Contents
- Brand-New 2K High-Definition Transfer from 35mm Original Release Film Print Provided by the Library of Congress
- ‘’The Making of Savannah Smiles’’ brand new documentary about the making of this classic comedy featuring writer/producer Mark Miller, star Donovan Scott, and Teresa Andersen (mother of Bridgette Andersen)
- ‘’Memories of Bridgette Andersen’’ featuring all-new interviews with Teresa Andersen along with Miller and Scott
- ‘’The Songs and Music of Savannah Smiles’’ featuring brand new interview with composer Ken Sutherland
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Collectible Mini- Poster