The Road to Wellville (1994)

October 1, 2024 2:37 PM

A story about the ins and outs of one unusual health facility in the early twentieth century, run by the eccentric Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. Currently streaming in the US on Peacock and Prime, free with ads in some of the usual (Tubi, Pluto, etc.) places.

Trailer, review. Based on the book by T.C. Boyle

posted by box (5 comments total)

I legit really like this movie. I saw it in the theater when it came out (iirc I'd gotten free tix somehow) and thought it was mostly pretty clever and funny, with a great cast - one of those odd-ball ensemble-cast comedies along the lines of It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, only based (very loosely) on actual events. I don't think I knew it was based on a book. I've watched it a couple times since, most recently just a year or so ago, and I still enjoy it.
posted by Pedantzilla at 4:14 PM on October 1

“Its not going in that end, Mr Lightbody!” cracks me up still.
posted by funkaspuck at 4:00 AM on October 2 [3 favorites]

This is one of the movies I wanted to like more than I did. I don't know if it didn't have quite enough manic energy from Anthony Hopkins (I will never forget the stool scene) or the fact that Lara Flynn Boyle's character is so pale and then dies. There are a lot of great moments, but they don't quite add up for me.
posted by Atreides at 7:44 AM on October 2

In our family, the "meat and potatoes!" chant became short-hand to explain a craving for a big, hearty meal instead of light snacky food. We still use it, even though I think we often forget where we originally got it from.
posted by paisley sheep at 9:10 AM on October 2 [3 favorites]

"My turds have no more odor than a warm biscuit!"
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 5:59 AM on October 3 [1 favorite]