Rance Howard had a very long career in Hollywood. He appeared in movies and television shows since the mid-50s. You might have seen him in Cool Hand Luke, Chinatown or Independance Day. Of course, he’s more famous for being the father of Ron Howard and Clint Howard and the grandfather of Bryce Dallas Howard. Ron Howard put him in serval of his major films. He was a busy performer. Even after his death in 2017, the silver screen wasn’t done with Rance. Apple Seed didn’t come until 2019 which gave Rance one more ride in what might have been his biggest role ever.
Things haven’t been going well for Prince (Michael Worth). His hotel in Arizona is falling apart, the bank won’t come through for him and his father passes away. He decides to do a drastic thing and drive back to his hometown of Apple Seed, Vermont and rob the bank. He doesn’t have much to lose at this point in his life. Along the way, he meets the elderly Carl (Rance Howard) who comes off as a sweet lovable guy. He’s always quick with a compliment especially to a diner waitress (Maude‘s Adrienne Barbeau). Turns out he’s on his way to Nova Scottia so he gets Prince to give him a lift up to the border. Along the way, we learn the Carl has a darker past than imagined. He knows how to handle himself when Prince gets into trouble with thuggish guys. Deeper in the film, we discover what Carl has been up to over the last few years. He’s got a little edge to him. When Carl visits with Robby Benson (Beauty and the Beasts) and Clint Howard (Gentle Ben), we learn about what Carl used to be like and what he wants to be. Will Carl derail Prince’s felonious intentions or help him commit the crime?
Rance Howard spent most of his career in smaller roles. It’s strange to think that after his passing, he finally became the leading man (or share that honor with Michael Worth). He looks perfectly right as Carl. We believe him when he praises the pie at a dinner or hops a train in the middle of the journey. Worth is smart as an actor and director to give Rance his space on the screen. The bank scene has Rance deliver an impactful performance. There’s a heartbreaking scene with Clint Howard at the end. Apple Seed lets Rance Howard shine as a perform for his coda.
The Video is 2.35:1 anamorphic. The transfer looks great so you can enjoy Carl on his journey. The Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0. Things sound clean and clear so you can take in Rance’s words. The movie is subtitled.
Audio Commentary with Michael Worth has reflect on writing the script and acting it out with Rance Howard. He got emotional working with Rance.
The Making of Apple Seed (23:43) opens with a party and Rance getting things started. Michael Worth talks about his film educations and Super 8 filming during his teenage years. He got to know Rance Howard and cast him in small roles in previous productions. He wrote this script with Rance in mind as Carl.
Director’s Cut (126:51) puts in a bit more footage.
A Tribute to Rance Howard (3:32) is a serious of outtakes from making Apple Seed.
Clint Howard on KTLA (6:03) has them show a clip from Gentle Ben first. He talks about his first encounter with the bear. Clint and Rance never worked dramatically together until Apple Seed. Clint calls the film the crowning achievement of his dad’s acting career.
Rance on Michael Directing (3:40) is from when he was raising money to produce the film from crowdsourcing. Rance had worked Michael Worth on other projects. He talks about Broken Memories.
Trailers gives us a sense of the journey in four different cuts.
VCI Entertianment presents Apple Seed. Directed by Michael Worth. Screenplay by Michael Worth. Starring Rance Howard, Michael Worth, Esther Anderson, Clint Howard, Adrienne Barbeau and Robby Benson. Running Time: 120 minutes. Rating: Rated R. Release Date: December 8, 2023.
