Scott LeBrun
"Heroes" is an overlooked, appealing little combination of drama and comedy that deserves to be better known. It details the plight of one Vietnam vet, Jack Dunne (Henry Winkler) as he travels cross country to make his dream of starting a worm farm (!) come true. Among the assorted scrapes in which he finds himself, he end up hopelessly bound to a woman doing her own running, Carol Bell (Sally Field). Nicely written (by James Carabatsos) and directed (by Jeremy Paul Kagan), this is a movie that's just as much about its journey as its destination. It has an episodic nature, but the episodes are so compelling and entertaining that they really pull you in. Among other things, Jack escapes from a V.A. hospital, greatly annoys a bus driver (Val Avery), tangles with thieving thugs in a remote bar / motel, meets up with a reckless, macho old Army buddy, Ken Boyd, played with easygoing charm by Harrison Ford, and races Ken's car when Ken won't do it. Even at an hour and 53 minutes, this time almost flies by, with the actors all making the most out of the material. Wonderful music by Jack Nitzsche and Richard Hazard just adds to the enjoyment, as well as slick cinematography by Frank Stanley. The stars couldn't be better: Winkler shows that there was always much more to him than just Arthur Fonzarelli, and Field is at her most adorable (and sexiest). There are also fine contributions from such players as Olivia Cole (in her first film), Hector Elias, Dennis Burkley, Tony Burton, Michael Cavanaugh, John P. Finnegan, and Betty McGuire. There are even uncredited cameos for John Cassavetes and Stuart Margolin. By the time this has reached its finale, one can't help but feel sorry for the Jack character and be rooting for him to find the peace he desperately needs. Incidentally, it's amusing to note how Field is playing a character running from marriage, when she was doing something similar in "Smokey and the Bandit" from the same year. Eight out of 10.
reggiebeck
The ending song is Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas, not Dust in the Wind. This movie is a testament to America's lost innocence. The Hippie movement during the beginning of the 60's gave way to the realities of war in the late 60's and into the 70's. The daily news shows were filled, not only with scenes of mayhem from Vietnam, but with scenes of violence at anti-war protests, civil, and women's rights demonstrations.They used Carry on Wayward Son in the commercials and trailers, however, when shown on cable, it is cut. Probably due to licensing problems - which is the usual bugaboo for movies/episodes where songs are replaced.
jameskiley-1
There is this scene where they're staying at this motel, and from what I recall a car crashes into the hotel. Haven't seen the movie again in years, so it's all a bit foggy. Anyway I was 14 years old then and it was a huge event that this movie was being filmed in Sylmar, CA. The FONZ was in our neighborhood! Tons of us kids went to see him and meet him and he was totally into it and friendly to everyone. Meanwhile, quietly sitting in her director chair was Sally Field. I loved her as the Flying Nun, and I wanted to talk to her, but I just didn't get an approachable vibe from her. I just kept staring at her, ha ha. I wish I had, maybe we could have had a nice time visiting while everyone else went crazy for Henry Winkler, who by the way was super short. I gotta go rent this movie again!
wouldnti
The song that closes "Heroes" (1977) in its various T.V./video versions is not the same song that was used in its theatrical showing. It would be great if someone would put the original closing theme back in this film because the crappy song that was used as the replacement closing theme spoils the mood of the last few moments, which is better served by the original closing theme.
AD
