“Roxanne”

Steve Martin wrote the 1987 screenplay and stars in this retelling of the classic tale of “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Martin is C.D. (get it, Cyrano de: C.D.), the fire chief in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. He also has a four-inch honker. He’s beloved by his community, partially because he’s carefree and lovable despite his nose, partially because he can kick just about anyone’s butt.

Then he meets and falls in love with Roxanne (Daryl Hannah) who’s just moved to town. She’s brilliant, beautiful, funny, and falls in love with Chris, C.D.’s hunky new assistant. While Chris obviously likes Roxanne, it’s apparent her intelligence intimidates him. So C.D. tells him what to say, which works. Thus, Roxanne falls in love with C.D.’s mind and Chris body.

It’s a shame that films nowadays are rarely as smart, funny, and sweet as “Roxanne.” Martin’s C.D. is one of his best characters. He manages to be witty while channelling a suave and debonair hero. Martin’s script is good too. Some of the best scenes include C.D.’s dim-witted crew, which includes a young Damon Wayans and a younger Fred Willard. Their ineptitude is absolute, providing great comic relief to a film that is really a romantic comedy.

Martin creates a cast of characters that are realistic and funny. Chris isn’t an oaf, but a nice guy who really has a crush on Roxanne. And when Roxanne finds out the truth about C.D.’s love for her, her anger and humiliation are deserved. All in all, it’s a sweet story.