The Plot Against Harry

*The Plot Against Harry*, the story of a Jewish bookmaker who, having just been released from prison, seeks to reclaim his lost ground, is a magnificent New York film, once again shot in captivating black and white by cinematographer Robert M. Young. With dry humour, great lightness of touch and a keen eye for social conditions, Roemer portrays Harry as an unheroic figure. Time and again, he fails in his attempts to extricate himself from an ever-growing mess that he can no longer control. Muted reactions at the first screenings caused Roemer and the distributors to doubt the film, leading them to withdraw it from distribution. Almost twenty years later, when Roemer had his films compiled onto video for his children, he heard a technician laughing out loud and reconsidered his decision of the time. He submitted a newly made 35mm print to festivals, and The Plot Against Harry became a success in 1990 at Cannes, New York, Toronto and Sundance. (J.P.)