Carbon Copy (film)

Carbon Copy

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1981
Headquarters	United States
Products	Comedy-drama film

Carbon Copy, released in 1981, is a comedy-drama film directed by Michael Schultz and produced through a collaboration between RKO Pictures and Hemdale Film Corporation, with distribution handled by Avco Embassy Pictures. Featuring performances by George Segal, Susan Saint James, and Jack Warden, the movie also marks the cinematic debut of Denzel Washington. This project was notable for being RKO's first feature film production following an extended period of inactivity.

The screenplay is based on Stanley Shapiro's 1970 theatrical work The Engagement Baby, which experienced a short-lived run on Broadway.

Plot

Seventeen-year-old Roger Porter, an African-American youth, discovers that he is the estranged son of Walter Whitney, a prosperous businessman residing in the predominantly white and affluent area of San Marino, California.

Walter, who is secretly Jewish, lives a restrained life with his wife Vivian and his problematic step-daughter Mary Ann. Roger unexpectedly arrives at Walter’s office, revealing that he is the offspring from Walter’s former relationship with Lorraine Porter, who has since passed away. The only person aware of this truth was Nelson Longhurst—Walter’s anti-Semitic father-in-law and employer—who had compelled Walter to change his last name from Wiesenthal. Nelson had implicitly threatened Walter regarding his involvement with Lorraine. Unaware of Roger’s existence, Walter had sent Lorraine a letter asking to end their relationship; she never responded, but Roger came into possession of the letter after her death.

Although initially disturbed by Roger’s presence, Walter suggests that Roger stay with them for the summer. Vivian consents but later regrets this decision upon learning Roger’s true connection to Walter. She expels Walter from their home; following this, Nelson terminates Walter’s employment after he refuses to renounce Roger, confiscating his car and credit cards. Vivian’s divorce attorney refers Walter to Bob Garvey, an African-American lawyer. Garvey informs Walter that his financial assets are controlled by Vivian and Mary Ann; the only money Walter has access to is $68 in cash. Due to Nelson’s influence over local business circles, Walter faces professional ostracism and struggles to find corporate employment or secure loans.

Resolute in his efforts, Walter accepts a stable position shoveling manure and moves with Roger into a dilapidated apartment located in Watts, Los Angeles, funding this by pawning golf clubs. He intends to part ways once Roger gains employment. Vivian and Nelson visit them, expressing admiration for Walter’s determination and offering improved treatment while volunteering to care for Roger so that Walter can leave without guilt. Walter agrees but later sacrifices himself by distracting police pursuing Roger, which leads to his arrest. While in jail, Roger confides that his sole desire was to be accepted as Walter’s son.

After returning to San Marino with his career and family restored, Walter defies Nelson’s intimidation attempts and seeks to rebuild his relationship with Roger. Garvey updates him that Roger graduated high school early and is currently studying pre-med at Northwestern University—Walter’s own alma mater. Walter encounters Roger working on his car by the roadside; he plans to find employment nearby so he can remain involved in Roger’s life and permits Roger to address him as "dad." Ultimately, Walter chooses to live with Roger's Aunt Clara as an integral family member. The film concludes with Walter proudly riding in Roger's jalopy.

Cast

• George Segal portraying Walter Whitney
• Susan Saint James in the role of Vivian Whitney
• Jack Warden as Nelson Longhurst
• Dick Martin playing Victor Bard
• Denzel Washington as Roger Porter
• Paul Winfield taking on Bob Garvey
• Macon McCalman as Tubby Wederholt
• Carmen Filpi in the role of Wino
• Vicky Dawson as Mary Ann Whitney, the daughter of Vivian

Production

Carbon Copy signified RKO Pictures' return to producing films after a break of 23 years. The movie was jointly funded by Hemdale Film Corporation and RKO, with CBS contributing $3 million for post-production in exchange for television broadcast rights. Distribution in the United States was managed by Avco Embassy Pictures, while Carolco Pictures oversaw international sales.

Principal photography occurred between May and July 1980 at Samuel Goldwyn Studio and various locations throughout Southern California, such as Malibu and Lancaster. Although initially rated R, the film's classification was successfully appealed down to PG.

Release

The movie debuted at a charity screening in Los Angeles, which was attended by former Vice President Walter Mondale to support the Hamburger Home organization. Embassy Home Entertainment released it on VHS, Betamax, and LaserDisc formats in 1983, followed by a pan-and-scan DVD edition from MGM Home Entertainment in 2004. Later, Shout! Factory issued a widescreen Blu-ray version in 2018 under license from MGM.

Reception

Janet Maslin of The New York Times characterized Carbon Copy as "not a realistic movie, but just serious enough to raise issues that can't easily be laughed off," emphasizing its thoughtful treatment of social topics.