This one is 3rd from the bottom on the always-suspect IMDb ratings. Tyrannosaurus Rex had its moments (grading on the RBT scale, of course), and Exorcism was almost, but not completely, without merit. This episode though . . .
Several previous episodes have been curiosities because they were made by directors with no other credits. This episode is unique in that the director does not even have this credit to his name. No director is credited, not even Alan Smithee.
American writer Douglas (no first name, just like the director) is browsing through an Irish used bookstore. “Douglas is the name and writer I am,” he says to himself. Sounds kind of Yoda-like — maybe George Lucas directed it. Naw, shame never caused him to remove his name from the credits.
He stumbles across a 1916 first edition of Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce. He is pretty careless with the book considering it goes for about £20,000 these days. He is reading it as he leaves the store, running into a local drunk (just an assumption on my part).
The drunk — Doone — drags Douglas to a pub which he describes as a theater. It also happens to be across the street from a real theater — a real old theater as it is showing a Deanna Durbin joint.
Douglas says that he has noticed in theaters that the movie is always followed by a playing of the Irish National Anthem. He also noticed that it is a race to get out of the theater between the end of the film and the beginning of the anthem by certain goofballs known as Anthem Sprinters.
A race is set up with some pretty steep stakes — the James Joyce 1st edition vs a Program signed by Sean O’Casey. Douglas foolishly bets on the dark horse, who does not emerge from the theater. They find him still in his seat with a tear in his eye for the songs in the movie.
The race is restaged, but this time none of the old drunks move as they are in tears at the anthem.
I don’t get it at all. Is it some sort of commentary on English / Irish relations?
Post-Post:
- Doone was memorable playing a monk on an episode of The Odd Couple 21 years earlier. However, I’ll forget this role before dinner.
Only redeeming point: The always lovely Deanna Durbin being shown in the movie at the theater.
While I truly appreciate your confession for not ‘getting’ this episode, as I am of Irish descendants, I totally got the charm and Gaelic amusement in “The Anthem Sprinters.” Actor Len Cariou (whose mum was indeed Irish) imbues his performance with humility, spontaneity and an adventurous spirit.
I also have to say that the unfolding of the ‘sprinting’ tradition is laid out methodically, with a marvelous attention to detail. The supporting characters and dialogue have the ring of authenticity, and recreate a feeling of both space and time. Usually, RBT’s endings are hit-and-miss, however in this case, the denouement not only makes perfect sense, it actually brings the story full circle in the most unexpected and delightful way. Guinesses all around for this episode!
Thanks for the insight!
This is actually one of my favorite RBT episodes – primarily because it is a picture of real life and is absolutely believable. I loved the shows regular monster of the week format but this episode is special. What better way of showcasing the absurdity of government mandated patriotism!
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0869629/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
Wayne Tourell apparently also directed another ep.