As I recall, I (Cary) saw this film when it came out, possibly with my mother. This was the first R I ever saw, and I cannot get in without her. I think it would be PG-13 today. Back then I thought it was the funniest and saddest movie I ever saw. Still? Its right up there. Kim does not remember seeing it. 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is the story of Randle Patrick McMurphy’s stay in an Oregon psychiatric institution set in 1963. Ken Kesey, who worked the night shift in a Veterans Hospital after college, wrote the 1962 novel. Actor Kirk Douglas purchased the rights to the film, but it took over a decade to reach the screen. Kirk allowed his son, Michael, to produce the movie with music producer Saul Zaentz, and by 1975, he had grown too old to play the lead.

The opening scene of a placid lake with mountains in the background is like a Bob Ross painting coming to life. Native American music accompanies. We travel inside the hospital, behind chain-link barriers, where patients are being administered medication. A large, long-haired American Indian man stands listlessly with a broom.

Enter Jack Nicholson, McMurphy. He has a history of petty crimes, fighting, and now statutory rape. He is there for evaluation after incidents at a prison farm. When his handcuffs are removed, he kisses a law enforcement officer and begins whooping it up. He thinks this is all a big joke. His character is both charismatic and cunning. 

After an interview with a hospital administrator (Which Kim laughed at), McMurphy is taken to the ward. There, we meet his nemesis, Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher. Curiously, neither she nor Nicholson was the first, second, or third choice to play their characters. Both deservedly won best actor and actress awards, which raises the question of who makes these decisions. Their performances are remarkable. This is only the second (of three) movies in history to win the “Big Five” at the Oscars. The film also won the awards for best picture, director, and screenplay.

Nicholson’s McMurphy always seems to have a mischievous look as if he is up to something, and he often is. Fletcher’s Ratched is a tight, control freak whose countenance could have inspired the term used today, “bitch-face.” You would be hard pressed to see her smile, even a little 

Since these reviews are titled “revisited,” I now appreciate the marvelous performances by the supporting cast. Future stars Danny DeVito and Christopher Lloyd are the most recognizable members of the ensemble. I just recalled they would later gain fame in the television comedy Taxi. Ratched leads group therapy sessions where we get to know these men and their demons. Brad Dourif, early in his career as an acclaimed character actor, plays a young, stuttering character named Billy, who will be nominated for a Best Supporting Actor award. Look him up; you have seen him in something.

  About a half hour in, Kim finds the film “kind of boring.” It is indeed slow, and bear in mind my dear wife got up at or before 4:30 every morning this week. The star’s ability reminded me of our recent review of Dog Day Afternoon. In both pictures, great young actors —Pacino in a bank and Nicholson in the hospital — dominate dramatic scenes that are incredibly engaging but not action-packed. 

The tension between the male and female protagonists grows as the movie continues. McMurphy is shocked that all of his wardmates are there voluntarily, even Billy. Those indoor scenes contrast with those on the outdoor basketball court. McMurphy spots the huge Native American man, Chief Bromden, who is deaf, dumb, and tall. Coach McMurphy tries to teach him to utilize his height in a game, and it evolves into comedic joy as the big man runs the court, both scoring and blocking shots. At this point, his character begins to develop. 

McMurphy is lifted over a high chain-link fence and appears to be escaping, then emerges driving a bus when the patients are going off-campus. He takes them to charter a fishing boat with the help of his friend Candy. The men con the charter owner as if they are doctors, not residents at the hospital. The dozen trolls fish in the Pacific Ocean, going in circles, with the smiling men having an unexpected adventure. When the Coast Guard escorts the ship in, they are proudly displaying their catches.

The contrasting therapy sessions become more intense, especially when Nurse Ratched has rationed their cigarettes after McMurphy made them cigarettes in a poker game. Sydney Lassick’s Charley Cheswick throws a temper tantrum, causing a fight with the male staff, and Cheswick, McMurphy, and the Chief are all taken to the ward, where electroshock therapy is given to the men. A VERY surprising revelation occurs over a stick of chewing gum. I DON’T DO SPOILER ALERTS. 

  Randle McMurphy had had enough and hatched a plan to escape. He calls Candy, and she and a friend enter through a window, bringing alcohol for a sort of goodbye party to his now buddies. Night watchman Turkle (Scatman Crothers) is tricked into ignoring a party starting when seduced by Candy’s female companion. 

If you are still here, thank you. I will not spoil the ending. I highly recommend that you watch it. Kim acknowledges how good the acting is. If you don’t have an AARP card, this may be the best film you have not seen. If you require fast-paced action, this may not be your choice. 

Kim’s 1-10 rating is a five, calling it interesting, different, and crazy.