Rabbit, Run (1970)

Adapted from John Updike’s 1960 novel of the same name, Rabbit, Run (1970) is set in Pennsylvania and follows Rabbit Angstrom (James Caan), a former high school basketball stud who is struggling to find his place in the world, mainly due to his inability to find a career, coupled with his cold, loveless marriage to Janice (Carrie Snodgress), a raging alcoholic who is pregnant with a fetus that neither of them wants. An argument with Janice sends Rabbit looking for his old hoops coach Marty (Jack Albertson), who’s living a less-than-stellar life. Thanks to the poor advice and prodding of coach, Rabbit finds himself in the arms of Ruth (Anjanette Comer), an on-again, off-again hooker who takes a quick liking to Rabbit. And just when you think things couldn’t get anymore morose, Janice gives birth, Rabbit returns, and after a brief reprieve everyone eventually goes back to their miserable lives and passive-aggressive behaviors that’s soon made worse when Ruth announces that she’s expecting. If you can get through this somber film, you’ll be rewarded with a look at James Caan’s keister during a flashback shower scene. We’d like to jack this Rabbit!