Watch The Gypsy Moths

The Gypsy Moths is a 1969 drama film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, and Gene Hackman. Set in small-town Kansas, the film tells the story of three thrill-seeking skydivers who arrive to perform in a local fair. Their arrival causes upheaval in the lives of both the locals and themselves, as they confront various personal and emotional challenges.

Burt Lancaster plays Mike Rettig, the leader of the group of skydivers, who is a conflicted man with a past that haunts him. Deborah Kerr plays Elizabeth Brandon, an aging former showgirl who is attracted to Mike but also carries her own secrets. Gene Hackman plays Joe Browdy, a hot-headed skydiver who forms an unlikely bond with Malcolm Webson (William Windom), a local man who is struggling with his own existential crisis.

The film paints a vivid picture of life in a small town in the late 1960s, showing the social and cultural changes that were taking place in America at that time. The arrival of the skydivers, who are viewed as exotic and dangerous by the locals, serves as a catalyst for these changes. The film also explores themes of masculinity, identity, and personal responsibility, as the characters navigate their relationships with each other and with themselves.

One of the film's strengths is its rich and complex characters. Lancaster's portrayal of Mike Rettig is particularly powerful, as he encapsulates the conflicting emotions of a man who has been running from his past but is ultimately forced to confront it. Kerr's performance as Elizabeth Brandon brings a nuanced depth to her character, who is struggling with issues of aging and loneliness. Hackman's Joe Browdy provides a counterbalance to the more introspective characters, injecting energy and tension into the film.

The film's dramatic climax takes place during a skydiving stunt that goes wrong, and the ensuing fallout forces the characters to confront the consequences of their actions and their relationships with each other. The scene is both thrilling and emotionally charged, providing a satisfying payoff to the narrative that has been building throughout the film.

In terms of production value, The Gypsy Moths is impressive. The skydiving scenes are expertly shot and choreographed, capturing the beauty and danger of the sport. The film's score, by composer John Barry, is also a highlight, with its mix of orchestral and pop music elements perfectly capturing the mood and tone of the film.

Overall, The Gypsy Moths is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores complex themes and features strong performances from its cast. While it may not be as well-known as some of Frankenheimer's other works, such as The Manchurian Candidate or Seconds, it is a deeply affecting film that deserves a place in the canon of 1960s American cinema.

The Gypsy Moths is a 1969 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.