The Sterile Cuckoo (1969) From Pookie to Sally. B-

DIRECTOR: Alan J. Pakula
“The Sterile Cuckoo”. In so many ways, Liza Minnelli’s Oscar-nominated turn as quirky, oddball and needy “Pookie” Adams in producer Alan J. Pakula’s directorial debut “The Sterile Cuckoo” is a preview of her Oscar-winning performance three years later in Bob Fosse’s “Cabaret.” But while Sally Bowles was a creation for the ages, Pookie is a half-formed character that comes at you in bits and pieces. Her justly famous telephone monologue comes to mind. However, sometimes, she seems lost in the moment and can be irritating and cruel. What she does have on Sally, though, is her self-perceived gaydar.
Sally was clueless that her lover and her (male) best friend were lovers. Pookie, on the other hand, thinks that her shy boyfriend Jerry’s (Wendell Burton in his film debut) roommate Charles (played by Tim McIntire) is gay and cruelly “exposes” him at a party! The fact that Charles is not gay makes her outburst seem all the crueler.
When Jerry decides to spend spring break alone to catch up on his studies, Pookie pleads with him to stay until he relents. A week alone with Pookie makes Jerry realize they need time apart.  He puts her on a bus for home and, for now, the young lovers part their ways. The audience breathes a sigh of relief!

STREAMING: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and YouTube

Cabaret (1972) Film Review A+ – TheBrownees

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