Product: Magic [VHS] (1978)
Rating: 4.0
An Early Glimpse at a Future Star
With his recent film successes as an actor of note, it is likely that Sir Anthony would not want to be reminded of his work on this modest thriller. He shouldn't be worried, though, because he delivers an outstanding performance as the oft-repeated role of a ventriloquist whose alter ego takes over. His Jekyl/Hyde turn as both Corky and Fats the dummy shows that he, even then, was an actor on the rise.Ample support - no pun intended - is given by Ann-Margret as the love of Corky's youth, Ed Lauter as her husband, and the always dependable Burgess Meredith as the manager/agent who finds out too late how ill his star performer really is.With an ominous yet quiet score from Jerry Goldsmith, the film never descends into gore as is so common in current horror flicks. Although not one of the best of the genre, the flick is still a worthwhile viewing experience.Better than average and the rating reflects a 3 1/2 star rating rounded off to 4.