Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Director: James Fargo, rated PG for language

Clint Eastwood will turn you Every Which Way But Loose

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke, Geoffrey Lewis, Ruth Gordon, Beverly D'Angelo, Walter Barnes, Ro Jenson, Bill McKinney, John Quade

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"Well it appears to me that there can't be too many guys driving around this valley with an ape." - Cholla

Why watch this? For years Mr. Eastwood avoided any semblance of comedy due to his narrow-eyed, tough-guy persona. Here, he literally cuts loose.

Plot Summary: Philo Beddoe, a trucker and bare-knuckle boxer, roams the American West with his best friend Orville and his pet orangutan, Clyde. Philo sets out on a journey in search of a country singer he's fallen for, who has seemingly abandoned him. Along the way, he and his companions encounter a series of comedic and action-packed obstacles, including a vengeful biker gang and two bumbling police officers.

Dad's Preview: This film is about Philo Beddoe, a hard-fisted trucker who makes some side money as a brawler. He lives with his feisty old Ma, his brother Orville and, as we'd expect, his pet Orangutan, Clyde. This has little bits of everything: An inept motorcycle gang, an odd romance, bar fights, and chase scenes. It's also very, very funny. I have to end with this: Orangutans just crack me up!

The Malpaso Company; Warner Bros.