It's 1850 and new rabbi Avram Belinski sets out from Philadelphia toward San Francisco. Cowpoke bandit Tom Lillard hasn't seen a rabbi before. But he knows when one needs a heap of help. And getting this tenderfoot to Fris... more »co in one piece will cause a heap of trouble - with the law, Native Americans and a bunch of killers. Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford are one feisty team as rabbi and rescuer in this rough-'n'-ready romp that rivals Wilder's earlier Blazing Saddles in Wild West hilarity. Director Robert Aldrich is a seasoned hand at blending roughhouse and laughter, as fans of his earlier The Dirty Dozen and The Longest Yard will attest. With a full posse of screen talents, The Frisco Kid rides tall in the comedy saddle. Director: Robert Aldrich Starring: Gene Wilder, Harrison Ford, Ramon Bieri« less
Rabbi Yonassan Gershom | Minnesota, USA | 08/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the few films where an Orthodox rabbi isportrayed as a real human being with some depth to him instead of justa stereotype. It's a comedy, yes -- but so much more than a comedy. This film shows us REAL Jewish values -- honesty, devotion, compassion, trust in God, and of course, a sense of humor. I absolutely LOVE this film!"
Even if you don't like westerns, you'll like this one!
Alan R. Holyoak | 05/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Frisco Kid" didn't do much at all at the box office when it came out. The movie-going world was still reeling from the impact of the previous year's offering of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and a western comedy just didn't have the drawing power.If you take the time to watch this show, however, you will find that it is a real treasure! A young student at a rabbical in Poland is enamured with the American west. When he graduates he is given the assignment of his dreams...to take a copy of the Torah with him, sail to America, and lead the fledgling Jewish community in the "village of San Francisco." Where is that? he asks..."By New York." The casting of Gene Wilder as the young rabbi, and Harrison Ford as a rough and tumble, carrousing, card playing, bank robber clicks.The gullible young rabbi is fleeced as soon as he hits American soil, but he is still determined to recover what is his, and to make the cross-country journey to California. One thing leads to another, and the rabbi and cowboy meet up. The best parts of the movie are the conversations the rabbi has with himself, as if he were teaching himself.From mishap to misadventure, this is a real "keeper."I highly recommend this show...it rings authentic in many respects, and has truly funny parts in it. One of my favorite bits is when the rabbi will not ride his horse until the end of the Sabbath, even though there's a posse on their trail. You'll see one perturbed Harrison Ford in that scene.5 stars through and through."
Long Lost Comedy Gem
K. Mollahan | Topeka, KS USA | 11/20/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am sure there are those of you out there that remember this comedy-western form the late 70's. For those of you that don't, I highly recommend this movie. Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford star as an unlikely pair traveling across America in the Old West. Gene Wilder plays a rabbi trying to get to San Francisco for his own wedding. On the way he is robbed by some two-bit thieves. He teams up with Harrison Ford and the two embark on a series of humorous mishaps as they try and get back the rabbi's stolen goods including his Torah. The movie really has some funny moments and even if you are not a big western fan this movie will leave you highly entertained. It will leave you with a "feel good" attitude when the end credits roll. The dance number with Gene Wilder and some Indians is absolutely classic. The movie is a must for Gene Wilder fans. I feel this is one of his best movies. Watch The Frisco Kid today!"
DVD ???
Draac | Boston, Ma | 01/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If anyone is listening out there PUT THIS ON DVD PLEASE ?
It's one funny movie, good clean fun and that's something you don't see in the movies any longer."
Forgotten Gem
Craig K. Galer | Michigan | 02/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Frisco Kid" has never gotten a lot of acclaim, and over the years, has been pretty thoroughly neglected, but this is an absolute gem of a movie; it's been on my short list of all-time favorite movies since the first time I saw it, and I like it better every time I see it.
Of course, the humor of the main story line involves the various incongruities of a Polish rabbi traveling in the Old West (the classic "American-journey" theme line), and his unlikely friendship with a cowboy-outlaw (with the requisite heart of gold). But woven throughout the film are themes of integrity, loyalty, and courage that give the film depth far beyond first appearances. I found myself actually being inspired as, over and over, in ways large and small, Avram conducted himself as being accountable to something (Someone?) greater than himself. And his dialogue with Tom near the end contains a profound and thought-provoking twist.
Like other reviewers, I am grateful to finally have "The Frisco Kid" available on DVD. This is a wonderful movie that deserves to be better-known."