Putney Swope | 
| Actors: Allan Arbus, Peter Benson, Buddy Butler, Elzbieta Czyzewska, Joe Engler
Studio: Homevision
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.99
Buy New: $9.96
You Save: $10.03 (50%)
New (39) Used (8) from $9.96
Rating:  30 reviews
Sales Rank: 11162
Format: Black & White, Dolby, Dvd, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 85 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: IMED3159D
UPC: 014381315929
EAN: 0014381315929
ASIN: B000FUF7DK
Theatrical Release Date: July 10, 1969
Release Date: August 1, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 08/01/2006
Amazon.com
If you're looking for a movie that shocked the filmgoing public with its outspoken take on race relations in corporate America circa 1969, look no further than this Robert Downey debut effort. Made on a shoestring in black and white, this film begins with a wonderful moment of racial discomfort. The board of directors at a Madison Avenue ad agency must elect a new chairman, and, in the maneuvering to make sure that enemies don't get votes, all the board members accidentally cast their ballot for the board's token black man, Putney Swope (Arnold Johnson). Swope immediately cleans house and transforms the agency into New York's hippest shop with a Black Power mentality and a willingness to tell previously unspoken truths in advertising. Though it looks dated today, it is a fascinating time capsule of the period and still contains its share of outrageous laughs. --Marshall Fine
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| Customer Reviews: Read 25 more reviews...
 Edited not the same film as original December 31, 2008
Anthony Andaloro (US)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
They edited this version and changed the ending from the original. Like a nonstop flight. t was stated as unedited when I ordered it. I would return it but to who?
 Politically incorrect, and then some April 13, 2008
Jon Hunt (Old Greenwich, Ct. USA)
Not long into "Putney Swope" does one figure out that in no way, shape or form could this film be made today. It is irreverent, politically incorrect to the hilt, evocative of the 1960s and often funny as hell.
When Putney (Arnold Johnson) becomes the chairman of the board of an all-white advertising company, things change. The dialogue is stiltingly absurd but the real "star" is Putney, himself. His other-worldly voice has a raspy and cutting edge charm and he dispenses logic and advice like an edge of a ripsaw. Robert Downey created a masterpiece with "Putney Swope" and even though it won't be everyone's cup of tea, taken in context of the times in which it was made, it is refreshingly candid, downright offensive and wonderfully made.
Doesn't live up to the hype. April 11, 2008
MzMack (Clinton, MD)
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
Based on the reviews on the DVD jacket, I expected this movie to be edgy, and speak more to the ills of racism of corporate america in the 70s. Instead is was just senseless.
 What Was I Thinking! March 8, 2008
Larry C (New Jersey United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
When I first saw this movie I must have been on a contact high from the people getting stoned in the "art" theater I saw it in. I thought in 1969 it was brilliant. Then each ensuing decade I would try to watch it at least once every 10 years. Well to my surprise the movie has a consistant nature to it. It gets progressively worse with each viewing! In short; terrible camera work, bad sound, bad acting, bad direction, amateur editing, crass, vulgar, irritating, unfunny, distorted cynical view of life. A waste of Allen Garfield who is the only one who comes away unscathed by this "B" movie (well add a couple of token hot women to that list). Other than that don't waste your life on this "soul song" that hits a very sour note! Disposable art!
Art imitating life September 7, 2007
R. Walls (Australia)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I first saw Putney Swope in England in 1970. It's wit, cynicism, and humour knocked me out. As a professional photographer working in Sydney (Australia) in the mid 70s, I tracked down a 16mm print and hired a projector for a Friday night showing to a bunch of friends, mainly art directors in the ad business.
As the movie started an account executive from O&M arriving late, introduced a couple of strangers and settled down to watch. Fifteen minutes later, I noticed they had left. I rang the AE the next morning to find out what happened. He said, "You invite me over to see a movie and then show THAT film? I was with two of the executives from my best client. That film almost lost me the account!" That's when I knew it was REALLY good.
The photographer Marcus Focus in the "go-see" with Putney Swope just cracks me up every time. I've just watched it five times on YouTube.
This is a great film...inspired and still caustic.
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