DVD Review: The Chicken Chronicles (1977)

Kino Lorber has released what can be considered a pioneer teen sex comedy, pre-dating the 80s run on such films that began with the success of "Porky's" (1982). However, "The Chicken Chronicles" (1977) was rated only PG and set in 1969 so it tries to deal with issues while also following a narrative track where a high school senior wants to "get laid" before he graduates. Indeed, comedian Phil Silvers, who appears in the movie, told this reviewer in 1980: "That movie never made it, probably because we didn't have enough filth in it." However, now that over 40 years have passed since the movie's release, "The Chicken Chronicles" comes off as an amusing, if disjointed comedy that has its share of highlights.

Based on a novel by Paul Diamond (who also wrote the screenplay), the film is a loosely episodic look at a group of friends and their various exploits; a structure that would be common among similar type comedies in the 80s. It is fun to see early appearances by actors Steve Guttenberg, Branscomb Richmond, and Jon Gries; and the contribution of old pros like Silvers and Ed Lauter is beneficial. Also, we who are a certain age will be pleased to see performers like Lisa Reeves, Meridith Baer, and Kutee, who are no longer active in films or TV. This is the first screenplay for the prolific Diamond, who later wrote for a myriad of TV shows from "Miami Vice" to "Married With Children."

Phil Silvers, as Max Ober, owner of a small time chicken dinner carryout, steals the film without even trying. Even though his screen time is limited, he turns up throughout the narrative. His exploits in the carryout place, where all the boys work, include such Bilko-esque actions as sticking a burned batch of chicken into a handy KFC bucket and having one of his charges attempt return it there for the money. He bellows and badgers those who work for him, but in a comically blustery way. When one of the workers loses her brother in Vietnam, Max is there to comfort her. When the Guttenberg character plans to quit and go to college, Max sadly informs him the he hoped that he'd someday run the place. This tender moment shifts to an indignant Max saying "go! quit!" but clearly not meaning it. Silvers plays it perfectly for maximum impact. In the end, he does a final favor for the character, pretending to be a Texas oil man to get his brother out of the hospital. It allows Silvers to effectively wrap up his portion of the narrative. Silvers ends up playing the most well-drawn character probably because it is a type that he had mastered over many years

Guttenberg is appealing as a privileged rich kid who only communicates with his parents in their spacious mansion by intercom, never really seeing them. Unfortunately this interesting aspect of the character's life is not explored beyond the surface.

Overall, though, "The Chicken Chronicles" is somewhat significant for the time and place it represents as well as when it was filmed and released. And it has extra importance for Phil Silvers' many fans, getting a chance to see this master comedian demand attention in every scene he plays. Kino Lorber's blu ray further benefits from audio commentary by the always welcome and insightful Lee Gambin and Emma Westwood.

The blu ray is available at this link: CHICKEN CHRONICLES