Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx


Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx is a 1970 Irish-American comedy film directed by Waris Hussein and written by Gabriel Walsh. It stars Gene Wilder as the titular Quackser Fortune, a poor Irish manure collector who falls in love with an American exchange student after she almost runs him over.

Production

In his autobiography, Wilder talks in detail about his experience making the movie. This includes that the original choice for director was the acclaimed Jean Renoir. Wilder described meeting with the director, who wanted to make the movie, but could not for a full year due to other commitments, so he was passed over.
Wilder also spoke at length about nearly adopting one of the young Irish extras that he'd become close to. However, the boy decided to remain in Ireland, so Wilder did not adopt him.

Plot

In Dublin, a working-class family has been unsuccessful in convincing their son to get a real job: the son prefers his job of scooping up horse's dung and selling it for flower gardens. An American exchange student almost runs him over and gets to know him. The dung man has ignored warnings from his family and suddenly the horses have been banned from Dublin. His new love is leaving for America and he must find a way to cope with the new reality.

Cast

The film was nominated for Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen at the Writers Guild of America, awards in 1971.

Home media

The film was released on DVD on September 7, 1999.