The Hudsucker Proxy

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The Hudsucker Proxy ★★★ 1993 (PG)

In an effort to scare off would-be investors in a public stock offering dim bulb mailboy Robbins is installed as the Prez of Hudsucker Industries (in 1958) by Board Director Newman after corporate magnate Hudsucker (Durning) takes a swan dive from the 44th floor. First truly mainstream effort from the maverick Coen brothers is peppered with obscure references to numerous points on the historical map of cinematic style, and trots out an equally old but instantly recognizable story. Will delight Coen fans, but may be too dark for others. Destined to keep art history profs busy for decades. 115m/C VHS, DVD . Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Charles Durning, John Mahoney, Jim True-Frost, Bill Cobbs, Bruce Campbell, Steve Buscemi; Cameos: Peter Gallagher; D: Joel Coen; W: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Sam Raimi; C: Roger Deakins; M: Carter Burwell.

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