Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins
Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins is a 1975 American comedy-drama film directed by Dick Richards and written by John Kaye. The film was the second film credit for Jerry Bruckheimer, who was an associate producer. The film features the song "Honky Tonk Angels", performed by lead actress Sally Kellerman.[1]
| Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Dick Richards |
| Written by | John Kaye |
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Ralph Woolsey |
| Edited by | Walter Thompson |
| Music by | Artie Butler |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
Release date |
|
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
Idiotic, alcoholic driving instructor and former Marine Corps sergeant Rafferty (Alan Arkin) lives in poverty near Hollywood, California. He allows two young female hitchhikers, (Sally Kellerman and Mackenzie Phillips) who are seeking to reach New Orleans (as one of them is an aspiring singer) to kidnap him. He eventually enjoys their company, and the three take a road trip to Las Vegas and end up in Tucson, Arizona, with many misadventures and scams to finance their trip along the way.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Sally Kellerman | McKinley Beachwood, a.k.a. "Mac" |
| Mackenzie Phillips | Rita Sykes, a.k.a. "Frisbee" |
| Alan Arkin | "Gunny" Rafferty |
| Alex Rocco | Vinnie |
| Charles Martin Smith | Alan Boone |
| Harry Dean Stanton | Billy Winston |
| John McLiam | John Beachwood |
| Richard Hale | The Jesus Freak |
| Louis Prima | Himself |
| Lauren Stocks | School |
| Earl W. Smith | Johnny Young |
Release
This film was released in the UK on 20 March 1977 as a double bill with Michael Apted's cult film The Squeeze.
Critical reception
The film received favorable reviews at the time. Richard F. Shepard of The New York Times stated: Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins passes the time pleasantly enough...several belly laughs and lots of chuckles.[2]