The Swimmer (1968)

Superb and disturbing
Burt Lancaster gives one of his greatest ever performances in 'The Swimmer'. The plot is simple, Ned (Lancaster) decides to swim his way home via the swimming pools of his wealthy friends and neighbours. As his journey progresses it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems.
Lancaster was 55 when this film was made and he is in fantastic shape...

Only at the very end of this film did I begin to understand the subtle hints that the other characters had been giving at all along. The ending is arguably one of the finest in film history. It is totally unexpected and unless you have read the book or a detailed film synopsis it will probably be so for you.

I would concede that this film will not be to everybodies taste. Some may consider it pretentious, and perhaps just plain dull, so if you can rent it first or watch it on TV before buying it would probably be wise to do so.

The River Lucinda
This is one of the best movies you've never heard of. I found the VHS in a bargain bin at about 2 a.m. in a Ralph's in LA. For $1.29 or whatever, it was sure worth a shot to get an obscure Burt Lancaster movie.

"Neddie" (Lancaster) gets this wacky idea to make a river out of his neighbors' swimming pools and swim home from the "source," the first stop on his pool-to-pool tour. At this home, Ned is greeted as a beloved friend, invited for cocktails, etc. At the next house, the greeting isn't so warm. And so on. By the end of his expedition down the "River Lucinda" (as Ned calls it, in honor of his wife), the neighbors he encounters are seething with hatred toward him. He seems to not have a clue why.

I have had a mild version of this experience. At the neighborhood gas station I frequented, I was accused of stealing a squeegie. I had been on friendly terms with the owner and his wife for years, but suddenly they were openly hateful. Had they really disliked me all along and only now showed their true feelings? So I know just how poor Ned was feeling on his sad journey home.

This dreamlike, surreal movie, is noteworthy for another reason: Joan Rivers! In the midst of a hoity-toity party (especially scorching for poor Ned) you spot a young woman who looks familiar. Can that be Joan Rivers? Yes, it's Joan in a small speaking part.

The River Lucinda
This is one of the best movies you've never heard of. I found the VHS in a bargain bin at about 2 a.m. in a Ralph's in LA. For $1.29 or whatever, it was sure worth a shot to get an obscure Burt Lancaster movie.

"Neddie" (Lancaster) gets this wacky idea to make a river out of his neighbors' swimming pools and swim home from the "source," the first stop on his pool-to-pool tour. At this home, Ned is greeted as a beloved friend, invited for cocktails, etc. At the next house, the greeting isn't so warm. And so on. By the end of his expedition down the "River Lucinda" (as Ned calls it, in honor of his wife), the neighbors he encounters are seething with hatred toward him. He seems to not have a clue why.

I have had a mild version of this experience. At the neighborhood gas station I frequented, I was accused of stealing a squeegie. I had been on friendly terms with the owner and his wife for years, but suddenly they were openly hateful. Had they really disliked me all along and only now showed their true feelings? So I know just how poor Ned was feeling on his sad journey home.

This dreamlike, surreal movie, is noteworthy for another reason: Joan Rivers! In the midst of a hoity-toity party (especially scorching for poor Ned) you spot a young woman who looks familiar. Can that be Joan Rivers? Yes, it's Joan in a small speaking part.