“Trouble in Mind” started in 1947 and it just happens to be a great movie. Loved it! The characters in the movie aren’t famous, but they deserve fame.
Bugsby, a detective with a disturbing sense of humor who was helping people struggle with mental illness at the end of World War II was transferred to Brooklyn where he met a boy named Ford who wasn’t doing much better, as a mere 11-year-old. Now, over 60 years later, Ford is doing pretty well, which, he hopes, should be his legacy.
But Bugs becomes exasperated with Ford’s easy lifestyle, as “nice kids in suburbia.” And he takes it out on him. Ford, it turns out, has anger issues that emerge after the death of his family and other tragedies. Of course, Ford’s mother isn’t a very stable parent. And when someone tries to intervene and help his son with his anger issues, Ford ends up shooting them both.
On Thursday, January 24, in celebration of Arnold Films’ “Trouble in Mind” becoming a feature documentary in six weeks, we’re celebrating this locally-shot, Oscar-nominated film by The Arnold Film Group. For more than two years, we have been honoring Arnold Films’ long list of movies from the last five decades.
This film is not only a tribute to its landmark status, it is also a tribute to the character of Ford Briggs. An enraged Bug continues his frustration with Ford’s behavior even after the boy leaves the NYPD. He has three goals, but ultimately you don’t need much plot—just great storytelling and wonderful performances.
Next month, we’ll be honoring “On the Road,” “Raging Bull,” “Roman Holiday,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Citizen Kane,” and the ultimate all-time classic, “Mary Poppins.”
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