Florence Pierce

I’ve not seen this highly entertaining 1984 Spy/Heist flick in (Literally) Decades! A lot of fun, the clothing, dialogue, set pieces & characters are all perfect for the 1930s setting. Although it was made along with 1983’s High Road to China (set in the 1920s) & 1990’s Quigley Down Under an Australian/American Western set in the 1860s, to “Cash In” on both the popularity of Tom Selleck’s character & TV Show, “Magnum PI), Tom Selleck has always been a great character himself, as well as a highly talented & interesting actor with a great deal of natural charisma and personality & still does, whether it’s as Monica’s older lover Richard, in “Friends” or as the gruff, but caring New York Police Captain & equally dedicated family Patriarch in “Blue Bloods”. I think perhaps Tom Selleck’s fascinating blend of Hero, lovable-and-dependable bad-boy, Everyman, caring friend & determined, if reluctant Fighter, has to do with the fact that he actually has lived experience as a Soldier, when he served in the during the Vietnam War. Upon receiving a Draft Notice, Selleck joined the California National Guard. He served in the 160th Infantry Regiment of the California Army National Guard from 1967-1973. Tom Selleck was a Spokesman for and a member of the Board of Director for the NRA (National Rifle Association) & resigned from the Board in 2018. Again, part of his appeal is that he is an keen outdoorsman, marksman & firearms collector, and it shows in his work. You Believe in him as a Cowboy, because he Is a Cowboy. You Believe in him as a former U.S. Navy Seal-turned Private Investigator who served in Vietnam, because he Did serve in Vietnam. You Believe in him as a NYPD Police Captain, because that former Military experience informs how he presents that Believable Character. I remember watching the Video of Lassiter which I rented from the Video Store (those were the days) several times & I recall that it was entertaining, engaging & had enough actual twists, as well as self-awareness of the fact that it was also just a fun, well-made romp that made us nostalgic for the 1930s we never had to live through! The beautiful Jane Seymour & the always watchable & fascinat Bob Hoskins were excellent co-stars & you always believed in the characters & what they were supposed to be doing. I’ll have to check out Lassiter, Quigley & High Road to China again. Go the Moustache!!

Sweet, but inventive fun showing that the old (and the old ways) are still relevant, and needn't be put on the scrap heap. Beautiful the way that Arthur brings everyone together in the end: All the generations of Santas (who work together & realise the value of Teamwork), Mrs. Claus (Who is also still useful & relevant) & the Elves (None of whom were Left All Alone!). - An Instant Christmas Classic!