In the late years of his life, actor Robert Mitchum played a number of roles which in my opinion miss their mark. From his acclaimed mountain man, Moon-shine whiskey runner in 'Thunder Road' to his heroic role in 'Winds of War', he was always a great actor and a bit larger than life. In this movie called " Mr. North " he plays an aging but wealthy patriarch Mr. Bosworth bent on doing something right for the world and his pet project. That project involves a remarkable young man named Theophilus North (Anthony Edwards) who it seems has a special gift and shocking personality which the town finds so incredible. Mrs. Cranston (Lauren Bacall), Henry Simmons (Harry Dean Stanton) and Persis Bosworth Tennyson (Anjelica Huston) find the young man remarkable and personable and seek to help him. In fact, with the exception of Doctor McPherson (David Warner) the town physician, everyone believes he is a natural 'Healer' something he emphatically denies. The movie is slow to develop but is seriously dramatic in that the individual is notably compassionate and wonderfully likable. A good and sincere film and one for Mitchum and Becall fans which make it worth seeing. ****

This was a New Age-type tale which turned me off quickly, thanks to some Bible-bashing right in the beginning of the film by Anthony Edwards and Robert Mitchum, both downgrading the value of reading "The Book."From there, the lead character demonstrates his amazing ability to heal people because electricity runs through his body and can be transmitted to those people he touches. Hollywood takes that stuff seriously but makes fun of the Bible? Give me a break. Sad to see a good cast (this also includes Lauren Bacall, Harry Dean Stanton, Anjelica Huston, Mary Stuart Masterson, Virginia Madsen and David Warner) wasted on tripe like this.

If you like thinking comedies this movie is for you, Harry Dean Stanton is like no Harry Stanton you've seen before. This is almost a parody on F. Scott Fitzgerald's work. The almighty upper-class with it's paranoia and superstitions as a backdrop to this scholarly, erudite young man, Mr North.Anthony Edwards is superb in this role as are the other players in the cast. Direction is flawless, but why not, Danny Huston is the son of the great Walter and son of John Huston. Photography is a picture book of Rhode Island. If slap stick comedy is your cup of tea, this movie isn't for you. Crisp dialog, and Bob Mitchum as you haven't seen before is delicious.Sit back and enjoy.

I watched this movie on cable today, compelled not by the film itself (which sadly isn't up to snuff), but by the story, and especially by the charismatic leading character. The face was vaguely recognizable, as was the warmth and humanity of the actor's performance. Although the film, replete with a sterling cast, fails on many levels, Anthony Edwards' does not. He captures the glow of the title character, and positively shines with compassion. It's an excellent example of a great actor rising above a shoddy script and making a role his own. I give the film 5 stars out of 10 . . . but I give Mr. Edwards a perfect score.