Uncle Joe Shannon

The word "maudlin" is given new scope in this babbling piece of sentimentality written by Burt Young, who also stars as a trumpet player who's hit rock bottom in a big way. When his wife and child are killed in a fire Young contemplates suicide, but his life is brightened by crippled youngster McKeon. The stereotypical character development has both Young and McKeon battling their obstacles through each other's encouragement. McKeon hams it up in his role, though most of the problems stem from the script. Maynard Ferguson stands in none too discreetly during Young's trumpet solos, as it becomes obvious when you catch Young failing to even move his fingers as he pla...