end of the road
Directed by: Aram Avakian
Starring: Stacy Keach, James Earl Jones
Year of original release: 1970
Format: DVD
Price: $12.00
IMDb profile
Google search
tags: drama surrealism
Based on John Barth's classic novel of youthful confusion and alienation, END OF THE ROAD benefits greatly from a fantastic script by the great novelist and screenwriter Terry Southern. Southern also acted as producer, and by all accounts should also receive at least a co-directing credit. The sadly under-rated Stacy Keach stars as a recent college graduate who responds to the pressures of being out in the real world by slipping into a catatonic state. He is "cured" by an unorthodox doctor played by James Earl Jones. The good doctor believes the road to mental well-being is letting his patients do whatever they like, even if that includes having sex with chickens or hanging out on a cross all day. Keach ends up getting a job as an English professor, but that's where his problems really start, and before long he's in need of Jones' services again. With one of the most shocking and depressing endings you'll ever see, END OF THE ROAD was branded with an X rating in 1970, limiting its release. Lost for many years, here's a nice copy for your thought-provoking enjoyment.
Catalog number: ADC39View the next title in our catalog
