Ep. 8 - The Hudsucker Proxy Roundtable with Alex Robertson, David Johnson, DMD, and Roseanne Caputi

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This week on Fabulous Film & Friends we’re going to start in on the work of The Philosopher Kings of modern Cinema, Joel and Ethan Coen, beginning with one of their seemingly lesser and lesser-known efforts, 1994’s The Hudsucker Proxy. 

Once again I’m joined by my younger sister Roseanne Caputi, Teacher, Tough Talking Career Gal,  one of the boys,  and easily as big a Coen Bros fan as I am.  

Then there’s Salt Lake City’s leading pediatric dentist, all around deep thinker and film lover, David Johnson, DMD, 

And this week, occupying the Paul Lynde Center Square is Master Thespian and Voice Actor Supreme, GORDON ALEX ROBERTSON. A fellow Southern Oregon University Alum, Alex and I became fast friends over of our shared love of SCTV, The Simpsons and The Coen Brothers’ Raising Arizona. 

A quick Synopsis- Norville Barnes is a naïve and bumbling graduate from the Muncie School of Business who joins New York’s Hudsucker Industries with big ideas to share.  Meanwhile, the Hudsucker Board of Directors, who, having witnessed their company president, Waring Hudsucker leap to his death from the window of the 44th floor conference room, agrees to a stock dumping scheme concocted by their nefarious head Sidney Mussburger. The plan? Put Norville in as President so the Hudsucker stock sinks in value before it goes public, allowing the board to buy in at rock bottom prices.  But Norville is indeed an idea man and delivers on his promise by inventing the Hula Hoop which sends Hudsucker's Stock into the stratosphere and thwarts the Board. Out to uncover the scheme is tough talking career gal and newshound Amy Archer who first believes Norville to be an imbecile but is soon won over by his good nature and lofty ideals. 

We delve into the finer points of the film and decide whether it deserves the status of "lesser work." (Hint: It doesn't.) 

Enjoy.