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Skin Game

1971, Movie, GP, 102 mins

Skin Game: Review

Shortly before the Civil War white man Garner and black man Gossett team up to form a business. Garner "sells" Gossett at an auction to the highest bidder, then rescues him so they can move on and hold another sale elsewhere. They make good money until Dano appears and "frees" Gossett. Eventually the two con men reunite and start their skin game again until they meet someone they've pulled this con on before. Clark, a handy pickpocket who had previously lifted Garner's wallet, comes to their rescue. This is a funny, entertaining comedy that handles its touchy subject with great skill and sensitivity. What makes it work is the fine chemistry between the two leads. Garner is wonderfully roguish in his best role in quite some time, while Gossett handles the various turns his character has to take with ease. The direction is amiable, with a light-hearted sense of humor. Gossett later appeared in a lesser made-for-TV version called "Sidekicks," reprising his role with less success. leave a comment