The Sterile Cuckoo (1969)

Synopsis: THE STERILE CUCKOO introduces disparate Pookie (Liza Minnelli) and Jerry (Wendell Burton) who meet on a bus as they travel upstate to begin college. Pookie is an irrepressible jauggernaut who has... THE STERILE CUCKOO introduces disparate Pookie (Liza Minnelli) and Jerry (Wendell Burton) who meet on a bus as they travel upstate to begin college. Pookie is an irrepressible jauggernaut who has seemingly come to terms with the independence her family life has forced upon her, and Jerry is a reserved young man, unprepared for the fireball of energy and opinion he's faced with in Pookie. However, just as Jerry has settled into a rather abominable undergraduate life, he is surprised by a visit from Pookie, and what follows is their mutual emotional awakening, often by hilarious turns. The incendiary Pookie as played by Minnelli established a singular modern character--a distinct fusion of playful sexuality and a certain brash vulnerability. The film was considered daring for its nudity and strong language at the time of its release in 1969. THE STERILE CUCKOO is also notable as the directorial debut of Alan J. Pakula (THE PARALLAX VIEW, PRESUMED INNOCENT) who began his film career as a successful producer. He went on to direct other winning romantic comedies such as STARTING OVER with Burt Reynolds and Jill Clayburgh, in addition to a slew of successful conspiracy dramas and suspense thrillers. [More]

Starring: Liza Minnelli, Wendell Burton, Tim McIntire, Elizabeth Harrower

Starring: Liza Minnelli, Wendell Burton, Tim McIntire, Elizabeth Harrower, Austin Green, Sandy Faison, Fred Lerner

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Director: Alan J. Pakula
Composer: Fred Karlin

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