The Escape Artist

The Escape Artist represents the laudable directorial debut of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. Griffin O’Neal, the real-life son of Ryan O’Neal, plays Danny Masters, the offspring of a famed magician. Determined to match his dad’s accomplishment, Danny runs into nothing but trouble. His biggest mistake is picking the pocket of the son of a corrupt town mayor. When not running from adults, the boy is being exploited by them. A critic’s favorite, Escape Artist has slowly built up a cult following over the years, thanks largely to its eclectic supporting cast, including Raul Julia, Desi Arnaz Jr., Joan Hackett, Teri Garr, Jackie Coogan, Huntz Hall and M. Emmet Walsh., Griffin O’Neal as a teen Houdini whose antics disturb a small town. Raul Julia, Teri Garr, Joan Hackett, Desiderio Arnaz. Burke: Gabriel Dell. Vernon: John P. Ryan. Sandra: Elizabeth Daily. Shop Owner: Jackie Coogan. Directed by Caleb Deschanel.