patinkin stood out for me in this historical drama....notable also as jimmy cagney's final theatrical film appearance.

Muddled, unfocused film about racism in America circa 1906. Well produced like all of Forman's films, but full of unexplored characters which leaves a talented cast adrift. Plays best in the middle section dealing with a black man's victimisation by racist locals. Howard E. Rollins affectingly plays this character and while his motives remain clear, the film stays on track before a nonsensical final third. Also odd to see elderly Cagney in a dull role as a police chief.

Fine direction, great score by Randy Newman. Howard Rollins is great as Coalhouse Walker. And Cagney gives his last performance in a major film.

Drivel on an epic scale.

For a very long time the film can't decide which of Doctorow's many storylines to follow. Eventually, it settles on Coalhouse Walker's story, just in time to save itself from becoming unbearably tedious. From there on, it carries on decently enough, but for about 30 minutes longer than necessary. Quite forgettable, even though I think it could be edited into something better. Definitely Forman's weakest film.

Imperfect but underappreciated.

Pretty good.