GOLDEN OLDIE 37: An Officer and a Gentleman

 

Time to make an abrupt turn away from cute little comedies and consider something a little more gritty.  For the last two nights I have plowed my way through An Officer and a Gentleman, which has far too much violence and bloodshed to qualify as in any way cute or light-hearted, but has the requisite happy ending – always necessary to make my list.  The ostensible star is Richard Gere, then (1982) just beginning his extraordinary run of popularity.  Gere is fine in his role, but the real stars here are Debra Winger, as the devious man-trap with a heart of gold, and – especially - Lou Gossett, Jr., terrifyingly realistic as the kind of drill sergeant every young draftee prays to avoid.  Too bad I have seen so little from either lately; in this flic they were magnificent! 

You know the story:  unlikely disadvantaged slacker pulls up his socks and manages to graduate from a naval OCS program for would-be jet pilots.  I particularly liked it because it was filmed in Pt Townsend, WA, and nearby Ft Warden, both of which I know well.  Heck, I’ve even had a few beers in the tavern where Gere wins his bloody fight.  Thankfully, I was meek and nobody tried to throw me out!

So, hell, try to see this movie.  It won’t let you down.  B