Saint Jack Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chill American dude tries to open a fancy brothel in 70s Singapore but gets tangled up with mobsters and the CIA, proving that even pimps need a good accountant.

🍿 Saint Jack: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life as a Hustler in 1970s Singapore

Jack Flowers is an American expatriate living in the bustling, often seedy, world of early 1970s Singapore. He maintains a facade of working for a local business to satisfy visa requirements, but his true occupation is that of a pimp and operator in the city’s red-light district. Jack navigates this environment with a blend of charm, wit, and street smarts, known and largely liked by many of the locals, fellow expatriates, and the women and boys who work alongside him. Despite his unconventional profession, Jack harbors a dream of legitimacy and escape. He aims to make enough money to open his own high-class brothel, build a substantial fortune, and eventually return to the United States to live a comfortable life away from the constant hustle and danger. His ambition drives him to seek out opportunities and expand his operations in the competitive Singapore underworld.

Building Connections and Facing Rivals

Amidst his daily routine, Jack forms an unlikely friendship with William Leigh, a gentle, somewhat naive British accountant who visits Singapore annually for work. Their bond provides a quiet contrast to Jack’s rough-and-tumble life, highlighting Jack’s unexpected capacity for genuine connection and loyalty. William, an outsider himself, finds a sense of ease and acceptance in Jack’s company. However, Jack’s aspirations and growing presence don’t go unnoticed. His ambition to establish his own independent brothel puts him in direct conflict with the established local crime syndicates, particularly a Chinese Triad gang who views him as unwanted competition. This rivalry introduces elements of tension and threat into Jack’s life, setting the stage for potential danger and challenges.

A New Venture and Rising Tensions

Determined to achieve his dream, Jack manages to acquire and open his own grand house, a significant step towards his goal of a luxurious return to America. His success attracts a varied clientele, including visiting American soldiers on leave from the Vietnam War, adding another layer to the film’s socio-political backdrop. Yet, this success only intensifies the animosity from the Triads. Their resistance escalates from veiled threats to direct confrontation, challenging Jack’s ability to protect his business, his people, and himself. He must navigate the dangers posed by his rivals while also considering his own moral boundaries in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Flowers (Ben Gazzara): The American hustler in Singapore who dreams of building a fortune running a brothel while navigating the city’s underbelly.
• William Leigh (Denholm Elliott): The gentle British accountant who forms a deep and unlikely friendship with Jack during his yearly audits.
• Hing (Kian Bee Ong): Jack’s official employer who represents the local business interests and Triad competition threatening his independent ventures.
• Eddie Schuman (Peter Bogdanovich): An American operative with CIA connections who offers Jack a morally ambiguous job tied to a political figure.
• Senator (George Lazenby): A visiting American politician whose secret life makes him a target for blackmail, presenting Jack with a difficult choice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Flowers: “The choice isn’t very big. Most people don’t realize that. It boils down to five. There’s boys, girls, dirty pictures, exhibition, massage, a combination there of. Now, what did you have in mind?” – Jack lists the limited options available in the sex trade to William Leigh, highlighting the practical, business-like nature of his profession.
• Jack Flowers: “I can’t exactly go to Immigration and say ‘running a wang house’.” – Jack makes a wry comment about the difficulty of being honest about his occupation on official forms when trying to maintain his visa.
• James Villiers: “The last time I was in UK they made homosexuality legal. I said to my wife, I said let’s get out of here before they make it compulsory.” – Frogget, a British expatriate, makes a cynical, era-specific joke reflecting the attitudes of some of the foreign residents in Singapore.
• Jack Flowers: “An English degree I got on a GI Bill led me to this point.” – Jack humorously reflects on his past aspirations (wanting to be a writer) and how his life path unexpectedly led him to his current profession in Singapore.
• Jack Flowers: “They’re all guys.” – Jack deadpans his response to William Leigh’s observation that some of the dancers in a show are ‘so beautiful,’ revealing a surprising aspect of his clientele.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,700,000
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 Saint Jack Reviews

Personal Review

Man, ‘Saint Jack’ is one of those movies that just gets under your skin in the best way. I went in expecting one thing and got this really fascinating character piece set in a Singapore I’d never seen before. Ben Gazzara as Jack Flowers is just effortlessly cool – he feels so lived-in and real, balancing being a hustler with this surprising sense of decency. I loved watching him interact with everyone, from the women he looked out for to the weird cast of British ex-pats. The friendship he builds with Denholm Elliott’s character, William Leigh, was genuinely touching; it felt so authentic and was a quiet highlight of the film. That scene with the transvestites dancing to the ‘Goldfinger’ theme? Totally unexpected and strangely memorable. It’s not a fast-paced movie, but the atmosphere and Gazzara’s performance totally pull you in. You feel like you’re right there on those steamy Singapore streets with him, navigating the challenges and just trying to make a life. It’s definitely made me want to check out more of Bogdanovich’s work and Gazzara’s other films.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ben Gazzara and Denholm Elliott’s work”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those fascinated by the social and cultural dynamics of 1970s Southeast Asia”
  • “Fans of director Peter Bogdanovich’s earlier, more independent films”
  • “Readers of Paul Theroux’s novels”
  • “Audiences interested in films exploring moral ambiguity and life as an outsider”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong adult themes (prostitution, pimping)”
  • “Nudity and sexual content (including implied sex acts)”
  • “Scenes of violence and assault”
  • “References to drug use”
  • “Mature language”

Professional Reviews

• Adapted: “Bogdanovich returns to form with this low-key character study. Ben Gazzara delivers a captivating, nuanced performance as Jack Flowers, a surprisingly moral pimp navigating the gritty streets of 1970s Singapore. The film excels in capturing the atmosphere of a bygone era and features excellent supporting work, particularly from Denholm Elliott. It’s a quiet, observant film that builds its power through rich character interactions rather than overt plot, offering a unique glimpse into a world long gone.
• Adapted: “Often overlooked, ‘Saint Jack’ is a brilliant little sleeper. Gazzara gives an honest, Oscar-worthy performance as Jack Flowers, a character shaded with cynicism, humor, and charm. The film beautifully portrays Singapore as a character itself. While the plot has moments of despair, Jack’s integrity is constantly tested, making for a compelling watch. The film’s warmth and sensitivity, despite the heavy topic, make it a highly recommended cinematic treasure.

Audience Reactions

Ben Gazzara’s performance as Jack Flowers is consistently praised for its charm and depth.: Viewers appreciate the film’s authentic portrayal of 1970s Singapore, often citing the city itself as a key character.

The unlikely friendship between Jack Flowers and William Leigh (Denholm Elliott) resonated deeply with many.: Many feel the film is an underrated gem that deserves more recognition, highlighting its strong direction and character study focus.

Specific scenes, like the Goldfinger sequence or interactions with the Triad, are noted as standouts.: The film is admired for its observational style, capturing a sense of place and character without relying on a heavy plot.

Overall Consensus: Widely considered an underrated character study, ‘Saint Jack’ is praised for Ben Gazzara’s compelling performance, its atmospheric depiction of 1970s Singapore, and the poignant central friendship, though some find the pace slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Singaporean government banned the film upon release because the submitted script intentionally omitted the more contentious elements depicting the city’s underbelly, leading to outrage when the finished movie was shown.”
• “The film was shot entirely on location in Singapore, often using hidden cameras and guerrilla filmmaking tactics to avoid official interference and capture the authentic, rapidly changing atmosphere of the city in the 1970s.”
• “Producer Roger Corman stated that the $2 million budget was the most he had ever spent on a film at the time.”
• “The iconic scene featuring two transvestites dancing was set to the theme from the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’.”
• “Orson Welles was initially considered to direct the film, which would have marked his return to feature directing, but the role ultimately went to Peter Bogdanovich.”
• “Director Peter Bogdanovich plays the role of Eddie Schuman, a seemingly well-connected American involved with the CIA.”

🖥️ How to Watch Saint Jack?

Finding Saint Jack for home viewing can sometimes be a treasure hunt, as availability changes across platforms. Look for digital rentals or purchases on major services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or Vudu. While it has appeared on streaming services in the past, check current catalogs of platforms like The Criterion Channel or specialty film providers. For dedicated fans, physical media like DVD or Blu-ray releases (including potential Criterion releases or international imports) may be the most reliable way to own and watch this classic Peter Bogdanovich film. Search major online retailers for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Saint Jack, you might like these similar films:

• The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976): Stars Ben Gazzara as a club owner trying to maintain his business in a seedy urban environment, dealing with gangsters, and facing moral dilemmas, similar in tone and character study.
• The American Friend (1977): Features an unlikely friendship between two men (one American, one European) in a foreign country intertwined with criminal activities, exploring themes of isolation and moral compromise abroad.
• Targets (1968): An earlier film by Peter Bogdanovich, it also deals with themes of disillusionment and violence in modern America, showcasing his early character-focused, gritty style before his mainstream success.
• Lost in Translation (2003): Though different in genre, it captures the feeling of being an American expatriate adrift in a rapidly changing, visually distinct Asian city, focusing on character dynamics and a sense of temporal displacement.
• Mikey and Nicky (1976): A gritty, character-driven cult classic focusing on the tense dynamics between friends involved in the criminal underworld, sharing a similar raw, naturalistic feel to ‘Saint Jack’.

🛒 Saint Jack Related Products

• Saint Jack: The Novel by Paul Theroux: Read the original acclaimed novel by Paul Theroux that inspired the film. Delve deeper into the world of Jack Flowers and the vibrant, complex Singapore he inhabits.
• Kinda Hot: The Making of Saint Jack in Singapore: Explore the fascinating, often challenging production of ‘Saint Jack’ through this detailed behind-the-scenes book. Learn about the secretive filming in Singapore and the experiences of the cast and crew.
• Ben Gazzara x John Cassavetes Collection (DVD/Blu-ray): Discover more of Ben Gazzara’s incredible collaborations with director John Cassavetes, known for their raw, naturalistic style. Includes films like ‘The Killing of a Chinese Bookie’ and ‘Husbands’.
• Vintage Style Singapore Travel Poster (1970s): Capture the aesthetic of the era and location depicted in the film with a vintage-style travel poster featuring Singapore during the 1970s.

🎧 Soundtrack

Saint Jack features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jelly Roll” – performed by Louis Armstrong

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gay scene from “Saint Jack”, first Hollywood movie shot entirely in S’pore (1979)

Ever wonder what specific scene got ‘Saint Jack’ banned in Singapore for years? This video shows a key controversial moment and explains its historical context, revealing a surprising side of Singapore from that era. It’s honestly quite insightful to see what caused such a stir!

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