The Swap(1979 film)
The Swap | |
---|---|
Directed by | Jordan Leondopoulos(credited as John Shade) |
Written by | John C. Broderick(screenplay) |
Produced by | Christopher C. Dewey |
Starring | Robert De Niro |
Cinematography | Álex Phillips Jr. |
Music by | Bill Conti |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Cannon Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 83 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
The Swapis a 1979 Americanneo noircrime filmdirected byJordan Leondopoulos.Parts of the film are edited from the 1969 filmSam's Song,also directed by Leondopoulos.[1]The rest consists of extensive reshootings,[2]the different part being tied together by the use of avoice over.[3]
The film is also known asLine of Fire(American video title).[4]
Plot
[edit]Sam Nicoletti works in his office where he is a film editor,[N 1]little knowing there is an intruder. After talking on the phone, Sam is knocked out from behind by the intruder.
After the credits the film cuts to ten years later. Sam's brother Vito is being released from prison for an unspecified crime. He sets out to find out who killed Sam and why. He goes to visit Erica Moore, a publisher, who he knows spent time with Sam in his last days. She tells him how her husband had an affair with Carole, a girl Sam was dating, and ended up marrying Carole. In flashbacks we learn more about a weekend that Sam spent with rich friends Warren and Mickey.
From a caretaker in the cemetery where Sam is buried, Vito learns that a girl has been visiting Sam's grave for the last ten years. He confronts her when she visits, but she drives off. Tracing her licence plate, he traces her to her home, where he reveals he is Sam's brother. Vivian reveals that she was in Sam's pornographic films. Vito is surprised as he was unaware of Sam's involvement in that business.
Further complexities lead Vito to Warren and his wife, who both have reason to prevent the porno film seeing the light of day. Vito gets his hands on the reel of film and has it processed, while Vivian transports him around. Warren's wife seduces Vito at his hotel but 'slips him a mickey', later kidnapping him at gunpoint. But Vito grabs her, turns the gun on her and she is killed.
Vito himself is wounded but goes to the film processing place where with Vivian he watches the porno film and sees that Warren was in it. Vivian drives him to Warren's where he shoots Warren's houseboy, and finds Warren in the bathtub. Warren pleads for his life but Vito shoots him.
Vivian drives Vito away. She thinks they can make it to the mountains where she can get him a doctor, but he is clearly dying. She tells him that she loves him.
Cast
[edit]1969 archive footage scenes
[edit]- Robert De Niroas Sam Nicoletti
- Jennifer Warrenas Erica Moore
- Jarred Mickeyas Andrew Moore (as Jerry Micky)
- Terrayne Crawfordas Carole Moore
- Martin J. Kelleyas Mitch Negroni (as Martin Kelley)
- Phyllis Blackas Marge Negroni (uncredited)
- Vivaas Girl with the hourglass (uncredited)
New Scenes
[edit]- Anthony Charnotaas Vito Nicoletti
- Lisa Blountas Vivian Buck
- Sybil Danningas Erica Moore—first American appearance for the actress; also voice over[3]
- John Medicias Joey
- James Brownas Lt. Benson
- Sam Andersonas Paul
- Tony Brandeas Father Testa
- Matt Greene as Marge's Assistant (as Matthew Greene)
- Alvin Hammeras Cemetery Caretaker
- Jack Slater as Party Guest
Notes
[edit]- ^InSam's Songthe character played, by De Niro, is working on a documentary about Nixon but here he is working on a pornographic film.
References
[edit]- ^Hayes, Britt (February 18, 2013)."Way Back When: Robert De Niro, Best Supporting Actor Nominee".ScreenCrush.
- ^Maltin, Leonard (1992).Leonard Maltin's Movie and Video Guide 1993.Penguin Publishing Group.ISBN978-0-452-26857-9.
- ^ab"Sam's Song".TVGuide.Retrieved2024-01-05.
- ^Dougan, Andy (2011-05-31).Untouchable: Robert De Niro: Unauthorised.Random House.ISBN978-0-7535-4684-0.
External links
[edit]- The SwapatIMDb
- The Swapis available for free viewing and download at theInternet Archive
- The Swapis available for free viewing and download at theInternet Archive