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Bananas - 1971

Genre: Comedy
Run Time: 82 minutes

Film Remarks:

One of Allen's most enduring and popular comedies. A consumer products tester named Fielding Mellish becomes infatuated with a political activist (Louise Lasser). He attends demonstrations and tries in other ways to convince her that he is worthy of her love, but Nancy wants someone with greater leadership potential. Fielding runs off to San Marcos where he joins the rebels and eventually becomes President of the country.

While on a trip to the United States, he meets Nancy again and she falls for him now that he is a political leader.

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Main Cast:

• Woody Allen .... Fielding Mellish
• Louise Lasser .... Nancy
• Carlos Montalbn .... General Emilio M. Vargas
• Natividad Abascal .... Yolanda
• Jacobo Morales .... Esposito
• Miguel ngel Surez .... Luis (as Miguel Suarez)
• David Ortiz .... Sanchez
• Ren Enrquez .... Diaz (as Rene Enrquez)
• Jack Axelrod .... Arroyo
• Howard Cosell .... Himself
• Roger Grimsby .... Himself
• Don Dunphy .... Himself
• Charlotte Rae .... Mrs. Mellish
• Stanley Ackerman .... Dr. Al Mellish
• Dan Frazer .... Priest

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Editorial:

Woody Allen's second film as a director was a wild, unpredictable, and unlikely comedy about a product-tester named Fielding Mellish (Allen), who can't quite connect with the woman of his dreams (Louise Lasser, Allen's ex-wife). He accidentally winds up in South America as a freedom fighter for a guerrilla leader who looks like Castro.

Once he assumes power, the new dictator quickly goes insane--which leaves Fielding in charge to negotiate with the U.S. The film is chockfull of wonderfully bizarre gags, such as the dreams Fielding recounts to his shrink about dueling crucified messiahs, vying for a parking place near Wall Street. Look for an unknown Sylvester Stallone in a tiny role--but watch this film for Allen's surprisingly physical (and always verbally dexterous) humor.

--Marshall Fine

Film Trivia & Awards: Bananas
Many people know that an early Sylvester Stallone makes a tiny appearance in this film. But did you also know....

Additional:

Budget: $2m (USA)