Movie spotlight
Maxie
When deaf-mute Maxie (K.T. Baumann) goes to work at the local butcher shop, she senses strange things are afoot. When she discovers the beloved town butcher (Vic Tayback) is getting his choicest cuts from the local morgue, she finds herself tangled in a web of deception, betrayal and bloody murder. Featuring incredible suspense and a chilling twist, The Butchers is a lost cannibal classic in the tradition of Silence of the Lambs and Cannibal! The Musical.
Insights
Plot Summary
A lonely elderly woman named Mrs. McKendrick adopts a parrot, Maxie, who becomes her constant companion and confidant. As their bond deepens, Mrs. McKendrick begins to believe Maxie is capable of understanding her and communicating beyond typical bird behavior. Her family and neighbors become concerned about her mental state as her attachment to the parrot grows increasingly intense.
Critical Reception
Maxie was a made-for-television movie that garnered a modest reception. It was appreciated for its heartwarming story and Glynis Johns's sensitive portrayal of a lonely woman finding solace in her pet. However, some critics found the pacing a bit slow and the plot predictable, typical of many television dramas of the era.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its touching portrayal of companionship and overcoming loneliness.
Glynis Johns's performance was frequently highlighted as a strong point.
Some viewers found the narrative to be somewhat sentimental and predictable.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific made-for-television film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a wave of made-for-television movies in the early 1970s that often explored themes of loneliness and the need for connection, resonating with audiences at home.
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