Classic Horrors Club

After an extended pre-opening credits sequence during which Dr. Golinski (Tom Bosley) tells Hyam Maish (Herschel Bernardi) he needs to slow down at the age of 73 and enjoy life, a lovely song plays. It was written and sung by Paul Williams, a coincidence since we discussed him recently on The Classic Horrors Club Podcast. It sounds familiar, but I can’t confirm that it ever had a release unrelated to the film, No Place to Run (1972.)

Then, there’s a familiar score written by George Aliceson Tipton. It’s also lovely; however, it’s repetitive and at times overpowers the visual drama. If you’ve ever watched Soap (1977-1981), you know how Tipton’s music itself is like a character… ever present, sometimes annoying, yet extremely effective in conveying mood and tone. Since I can’t find any sources that separate the music from the movie, it could very well be that I saw (heard) this 52 years ago and still remember it.

In the TV Terror Guide, I’ve expanded the definition of “terror” to include “thriller.” I’ve pushed it further than I should have with No Place to Run. It’s strictly a drama. The only thrill might be when Hyam, the man with the heart condition, tries to hop a moving train with his grandson, Doug (Scott Jacoby.) I continued to include it here, though, because with its cast, it perfectly represents the 1970s TV-movie, regardless of genre.

For example, it also stars Stefanie Powers and Larry Hagman. They’re only part of the supporting cast, not the leads as the VHS cover box might suggest. Powers is Bonnie Howard, the sweet, but stern, caseworker trying to take Doug from Hyam and return him to the custody of the state. He was in an orphanage for 15 years until a year ago when Hyam sprung him and started caring for him on his own. “The state” can’t allow the arrangement to continue because of his age.

Hagman is Jay Fox, Hyam’s attorney, who’s trying to convince Bonnie to make an exception. We learn later that Jay and Hyam have a history. Hyam put Jay through law school. When he fails with Bonnie, Hyam makes his own emotional case. “He’s happy. He trusts me. Can you promise any better?” He also fails and leaves her office dejected. “You explain to him, try to make him understand how he’s better off.”

Hyam does have a special relationship with Doug, mutually caring and supportive. So, when Doug packs his suitcase to hitchhike to Canada, Hyam sells his store, buys a used car, and pay his landlady two months rent so he can go with him. One thing bothered me at first. Hyam always asks Doug if it’s what he really wants, seemingly catering to a minor’s potentially immature and risky decisions. However, this might be a key to their relationship. He actually listens. 

Bernardi was 49 at the time, playing a man 24 years his senior. It could have been the fuzzy VHS transfer I watched on YouTube, but I could tell the actor was younger than his character because his hair looked fake-white. Academy Award-winning director Delbert Mann knows a thing or two about lonely men; he won the Oscar award for Marty (1955.) No Place to Run straddles the line of sentimentality, but doesn’t go over it. I’m too jaded now, but when I was younger, it would have left me in tears.