LICORICE BANDIT

This is the first of my "under-five" series, recuts of old films that were shot in various styles and lengths.

"Licorice Bandit" was originally shot as a pilot for a half-hour comedy series for a cable network and was seen by a number of network executives. They sincerely liked the footage and encouraged me to continue it, but the corporate-run entities weren't willing to take a risk on new creators at the time.

Filmed at an actual candy store, this wacky piece chronicles the efforts of a mysterious man known as "Licorice Bandit," who steals only licorice and gives it to "those who don't have any." His Robin-Hood scheme is, in this episode, set against the maniacal parents of a young boy who have forbidden him to have any candy at all.