WUSA (1970)

[The Burgomaster]

I just bought this DVD and watched it last night.

This is an odd movie full of flawed characters and depressing moments.  An overall bummer really.  But worth watching for some top-notch performances, especially by Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and Anthony Perkins.

Paul Newman plays a hard-drinking drifter who gets a job as a DJ at WUSA, a radical right-wing radio station owned by Pat Hingle.  Surprisingly, very little of the movie actually takes place at the radio station.  Most of it takes place in Newman's apartment or on the streets of New Orleans.

Joanne Woodward plays a reluctant hooker who moves in with Newman.  Anthony Perkins is excellent as a liberal social worker who uncovers a political scam to get minorities kicked off the welfare system.

This is a very dreary, depressing movie with few likeable characters.  Even Newman's character is a cold, self-centered bastard.

Because of it's political messages and conspiracy theory plot, this would make an excellent companion feature for THE PARALLAX VIEW or NASHVILLE.

Don't watch it if you're looking for a movie that will lift your spirits.  As I said, this movie is a real bummer.

The entire movie is currently available on YouTube.  Here's a clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I81L9SRfDa4
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[BoyScoutKevin]

I saw this, but not when it was first released to theaters, but later, when it was shown on late night television. Which may not have been the best time to see it, as it is a hard film to watch. For as The Burgomaster points out, while the acting in it is quite good. There are some really unpleasant characters in it.