Prepare to be amazed and a little confused, because we're about to dive into a cinematic mystery! The absence of a John Hughes classic is a real head-scratcher.
While everyone's familiar with the heartwarming Planes, Trains & Automobiles, a true Thanksgiving staple, there's another Hughes gem that's mysteriously missing. Enter Dutch, a 1991 film that's as elusive as it is entertaining.
Dutch follows a similar formula to its predecessor, pairing an uptight white-collar adult with a more laid-back blue-collar type, but with a twist - the white-collar guy is a kid! Ethan Embry, then known as Ethan Randall, plays a preppy schoolboy who embarks on a Thanksgiving journey with his mom's new boyfriend, Dutch Dooley, played by the iconic Ed O'Neill.
At the time, O'Neill was riding the wave of success from his TV role as the hilarious Al Bundy in Married... with Children. Dutch was an attempt to showcase O'Neill's talent on the big screen, and while it didn't quite hit the box office jackpot, it became a surprise hit on home video.
But here's where it gets controversial... despite O'Neill's memorable performance and the film's fun nature, Dutch seems to have disappeared into thin air. It's not available on any streaming platforms, and physical copies are long out of print. How did this happen?
The rights to Dutch are likely owned by Disney, having initially been released by 20th Century Fox. It's a mystery why this film hasn't been rediscovered, especially with the success of other Hughes classics. It's almost as if someone doesn't want us to watch it!
And this is the part most people miss... Dutch feels like a true Hughes movie, with its unique blend of humor and heart. The chemistry between O'Neill and Embry is electric, and their dynamic is a joy to watch. It's a shame that this film has been overlooked for so long.
So, why is Dutch so hard to find? Is it a rights issue, or has it simply been forgotten? It's a question that deserves an answer.
What are your thoughts on this cinematic conundrum? Do you remember Dutch, and if so, what are your favorite moments? Let's discuss and bring this film back into the spotlight! The comments section is your chance to share your thoughts and keep the conversation going.
