Chatty, engrossing character portrait, adapted from Paul Theroux's novel by Howard Sackler, Theroux and director Peter Bogdanovich, regarding Jack Flowers, a good-natured, middle-aged American living in early 1970s Singapore; he's a pimp who loves people and enjoys servicing his international clientele of businessmen with a colorful assortment of women, but recent events--a violent shakedown by the competition, also the death of a good friend--has caused him to rethink his life. Bogdanovich originally wanted Orson Welles to direct the film after then-girlfriend, Cybill Shepherd, won the rights to the novel in a legal settlement with Playboy magazine (Playboy is listed as a production company and Hugh M. Hefner is credited as one of the executive producers). Directing the film himself, Bogdanovich (who also has a key supporting role) won back the praise of critics--if not the general public--with this finely-etched drama for grown-ups. Ben Gazzara is a marvel in the lead; subtle, introspective, congenial but direct, a straight-talker with a head for business, the actor does some of the best work of his career. The film itself is too long, with a meandering midsection, though cinematographer Robby Müller has given the Singapore streets and daytime city views a beautiful hazy look. Bogdanovich introduces us to a collection of one-of-a-kind characters, funny and offbeat creatures who come out at night, and their interplay with Flowers and each other has a nice, friendly rhythm. Ultimately, the film is a wistful portrait of friendship, loyalty and business, with people happily scraping by, day after day, with private dreams but no ambition. **1/2 from ****

"Saint Jack" got one nomination among the major film organizations. The British Academy of Film and Theater Arts (BAFTA) nominated Denholm Elliot as best supporting actor. Elliott did give a good performance in a small supporting cast role that is the only real acting role in the film. There were no other nominations, and critical nods for this film were rare. And, for good reason. It has but a skimpy plot - hardly enough for a good film to be made from. There's very little challenge for acting by anyone. It's a simple film that's much like a day in the life of someone. In this case, it's Jack Flowers, an expatriate American who is a pimp in Singapore.

How different and exciting can it be following a pimp around in his rounds? Well, this guy is not your ordinary pimp - or the standard picture that Hollywood traditionally portrays of such. They usually are shown as mean, nasty and sometimes physically abusive to the women who are their sex workers. No, Flowers is a well-liked guy who is friendly, kind, and generous with everyone. And does he know everyone? Just about. So, he has the moniker of "saint" because he's a good guy.

The movie is based on a 1973 novel of the same title by Paul Theroux. I didn't read it, and I don't know if it's all fiction or somewhat based on his personal knowledge and/or experiences from having been in Southeast Asia. The story takes place during the time of the Vietnam War.

There are but a couple of diversions, otherwise it's Flowers moving about in his environs in Singapore where he knows many people on the street and in the shops. He pops in at places to say hello to his Singapore acquaintances. He stops to talk to the girls and guys working the sex trade who come from various countries. And he drinks with some expatriate Brits who have taken up residence after military or business assignments in the area. He accommodates them and visiting men from anywhere and everywhere in his rather high-class bordello. Except for the last item, one might think he or she is watching the 1967 movie, "Hotel." That movie was somewhat dreary as well, but it had several more interesting characters and clients, and some who were much better developed.

After Malaysian competitors wipe out Jack's hotel, he works for a contractor that provides sex services for Allied servicemen on leave. But when the war ends, that business dries up and shuts down. Jack thought about going back home to the States, but he turns down an offer that would give him the money for the move. Instead, he walks back into the environment he knows so well. The film has some brief scenes of female and male nudity, and one graphic sexual scene of two women. It's R-rated for a reason.

None of that makes it a good film. Except for waiting for something interesting to happen, most viewers would probably soon find the film tiring or boring. Ben Gazzara is okay as Flowers. He doesn't have many dialog lines. His is a character of watching, observing and then moving on to the next stop. It's mostly a slow-moving film. Some reviewers have thought it was underrated at 6 or 7 stars. So, they give it 10 stars? That happens in most genres. Some people are crazy about or enjoy a subject so much that they rate a film with 10 stars, rather than rating it based on its film qualities -- writing, acting, directing, filming and other production aspects.

This film was shot all on location in Singapore. The scenery and camera work earn most of the four stars I give the film. It was interesting to learn on Wikipedia of the deception for filming in Singapore. The filmmakers apparently lied about the movie they were making. They had a fake synopsis and most of those involved in its production in Malaysia believed they were making a film called "Jack of Hearts."

Anyway, the film was another box office flop for producer Roger Corman and director Peter Bogdanovich. It's $1.7 million U.S. box office finished the year in 122nd place. It didn't even match the film's $2 million budget, or cover half of its cost.

The criminally underrated Peter Bogdanovich casts Ben Gazzara as a man who opens a brothel in Singapore, drawing the ire of a crime syndicate. "Saint Jack", based on Paul Theroux's novel, portrays Lion City as the opposite of the immaculate place that we hear about. Not only do the streets look dirty, but the entire place comes across as a bastion of corruption.

A couple of things make "Saint Jack" a good movie. Aside from the great acting, directing and cinematography, I like movies that show us cultures that we rarely see (other examples include "The Mighty Quinn" and "Black Cat, White Cat"). Despite Singapore's economic status, it's one of the least represented of the Four Asian Tigers* in cinema. All in all, Bogdanovich (who plays a supporting role) made a good one. Also starring Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody in the Indiana Jones movies).

*A geopolitical term used to describe Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea, referring to their status as small countries that are economic powerhouses.