JIFF: The Plot Against Harry (1969)

The Plot Against Harry

Australian Premiere (New 4K restoration)

“[A] neglected masterpiece…should have become an instant classic of American Jewish cinema, of gangster movies, of film comedy, and of bold creativity.” - The New Yorker

“A high-water mark of American cinema.” - Screen Slate

“Roemer’s dyspeptic comedy bares unhealed and unspoken wounds of NY Jewish life… A classic of Jewish humor.” - The New Yorker

“A time capsule [that] feels like a jolt of fresh air.” - Roger Ebert

“An acutely observed satiric comedy.” - The New York Times

“Delicately observed and surreal.” - New York Magazine

“An ode to urban Jewish life and the joy and pain in the ass that is family.” - Screen Slate

Don’t miss this rare screening of one of cinema’s least known, singular showstoppers. Revealing too much of The Plot Against Harry would spoil the fun, satire, and surprises. All you need to know is that after a nine-month stint in prison, New York Jewish racketeer Harry Plotnick tries to regain his lost turf in a neighbourhood much changed since he went inside. Harry’s life is complicated exponentially when he (literally) runs into his estranged ex-wife, grown children and ex-brother-in-law. What follows is a verité but slightly surreal world of Mafia barbecues, Kosher catering, Bar Mitzvahs, fashion shows, subway parties, and much more.

In 1969, writer-director Michael Roemer failed to find distribution for the film and it languished unseen. The film finally surfaced in 1989, and was immediately heralded as one of the greatest of all American independent films. Now re-released in an all new 4K restoration for a new generation, The Plot Against Harry is a true masterpiece.

Festivals and Awards
Nominee - Grand Jury Prize, Dramatic, Sundance Film Festival 1990
Official Selection - Special Screenings, Cannes Film Festival, 1990

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

81 min

Language

English

Cast

Martin Priest, Ben Lang, Maxine Woods

Director

Michael Roemer