Just watched this movie from an old tape in VHS format and was pleasantly surprised by the results. The story was strong, the writing top-notch and the actors perfectly cast- it make for an enjoyable, or should I say surprising, film that makes you feel better for watching.The story follows a young Danny Masters, the son of famous deceased magician and escape artist, who leaves home to join his uncle and aunt in their performance of magic. Everything is fine until he meets Stu Quinones, the son of a corrupt mayor, and pickpockets a wallet that contains stolen money. Danny will learn much from his situation and we, the viewer, will be along for the ride as Danny's life is exposed.This film is not action packed, nor is there stunning special effects but there is something about this film that is endearing. It is one of those films that when the credits roll you already want to see it again. Was not expecting much from the old VHS tape but got a treat from watching. Good Watch!

This Francis Ford Coppola production directed by the great cinematographer Caleb Deschanel rambles here and there and is full of a lot of terrific scenes that ultimately add up to nothing.Griffin O'Neal is fine in the title role --- he has the same naturalness that made his sister Tatum so appealing. However,like the movie, his character is pretty fuzzy...is he a grifter? a magician? an escape artist? Deschanel's direction is fine but it's not always clear what decade this takes place in...the clothes appear modern, but the characters and dialog have a very 1920s sensibility. O'Neal joins a vaudevillian magic act, but where is there a vaudevillian magic act to be found 1980s America? The eclectic cast is first-rate: Raul Julia, Teri Garr, Joan Hackett, and Jackie Coogan have key roles and, in a rare film appearance, Desi Arnez plays the crooked mayor.

It's a great kid's film, I saw it as an early teen and it really got me interested in magic. The main character gets away with so much because of his skills but it was all within the realms of plausibility if you've got a bit of bottle and enough books on magic and safe cracking etc. Griffin O'Neal is really expressive and natural in his role. Even though what he gets up to is pretty wild you believe that this kid is amazing enough to pull it off.

A whimsical bittersweet tale with quirky characters, charming moments and which is quite enchanting as a whole. Griffin O'Neal (Ryan's son) as the young lead character showed great promise in this film. Raul Julia is at his most vibrant as the spoiled son of a mayor (played by Desi Arnaz!) who befriends O'Neal's character. This film is HIGHLY under-rated and desperately needs to be remastered and reissued on video.