a5c7b9f00b Completely innocent man, Michael Jordon, is drawn into a web of government secrets when a girl carrying a mysterious package gets into a taxi with him. When she's later murdered, Michael becomes the chief suspect and goes on the run. Architect Michael Jordan, a Chicago Architect, is New York on business. A beautiful stranger identifying herselfJanet Dunn, runs into the taxi cab he's using. He volunteers to put a package into the mailbox for her after she hastily addresses the envelope. Infatuated with her goes to see her at her hotel. She brushes him off and closes the door in his face. He is about to leave when he hears a shot. Janet opens the door and falls into his arms dead. Now everyone believes that he's the killer. A mysterious group that's after the package is now after him. His only ally is Kate Hellman, who has secrets of her own. To clear his name they have to find out what was in the package, who wants it and why. "Hanky Panky" was a big box-office failure, perhaps because it was mismarketed (and mistitled)a comedy. There are sporadic comedic moments, but the balance is tipped heavily in favor of the thriller aspect (in fact, there is a disturbingly violent fight scene between Richard Widmark and Kathleen Quinlan, in which he punches her brutally in the face). The material is pretty stale, but the film is crisply and skillfully directed by Sidney Poitier, who takes several pages out of the Alfred Hitchcock guidebook (the opening sequence, the chases in public places, the apartment gas murder, etc.), and is helped along by on-location shooting and a choice cast. The film should have been shorter, though. **1/2 out of 4. The movie, Hanky Panky, is probably best enjoyed by those who are 30 and older and are a fan of Gene Wilder. I normally do enjoy seeing Gene Wilder, but this movie is not the typical Gene Wilder type movie. I expected this movie to have more comedic moments especially with a co-star like Gilda Radner. Although the movie does have its comedic moments, it is a bit too serious for a Gene Wilder flick. I was surprised to see Richard Widmark in such a movie. There is a bit of over-dramatized acting. The musical background is a bit over the top and could have been toned down. This is a good afternoon or late night movie. The pace of the movie is a bit slow at times. I should have rated the movie down a notch or two, but it does have Gene Wilder and Richard Widmark in it. Enjoy with popcorn or a sandwich.
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