Despite what the title implies The Beaver Trilogy is not a porn. Its a film in three parts. The first act “The Beaver Kid” is a documentary about Larry, a goofy character with a nervous laugh and a knack for impersonations including Sly Stallone, Barry Manilow and John Wayne. Larry writes a letter asking the film’s director to return to his town for a local talent show where he will be performing as Olivia Newton-John. He performs in costume and it’s awkward but entertaining. It’s like the person at karaoke who’s voice makes your ears bleed but who you can’t help rooting for.
The second act “Beaver Kid #2” is a scripted version of the “Beaver Kid” documentary starring a young Sean Penn as “Groovin Gary”. He’s basically a mashup between Spicolli and Larry with a dash of the now standard Sean Penn flare. In this second version he too performs, but this time as Olivia Newton-Don. Unlike Larry he is unaccepted by his peers and becomes a suicidal loner.
The final act “Orkley Kid” stars a young Crispin Glover as Groovin Gary in a longer more character driven version of the first two acts. I personally think he nails it (Sorry Sean Penn)! He too struggles to be understood and is ultimately shunned as his alter ego “Olivia Neutron Bomb” performs at the local talent show. Sound like a weird film? Well it is. But if you can get your hands on this hard to find classic it’s worth your time.
Images courtesy of Trent Harris.
