Review #1461: 10.Cast:
Dudley Moore (George Webber), Julie Andrews (Samantha Taylor), Bo Derek (Jenny Hanley), Robert Webber (Hugh), Dee Wallace (Mary Lewis), Sam J. Jones (David Hanley), Nedra Volz (Mrs. Kissell), Brian Dennehy (Don, the bartender), and Max Showalter (Reverend) Written and Directed by Blake Edwards (#329 - The Pink Panther, #481 - The Party, and #899 - A Shot in the Dark)
Review:
"For someone who wants to practice his art in this business, all you can hope to do, as S.O.B. says, is stick to your guns, make the compromises you must, and hope that somewhere along the way you acquire a few good friends who understand. And keep half a conscience"
Blake Edwards was a good director when one was in need of a laugh. He had started a career in film as an actor, working in small parts beginning in 1942 (having turned 20), but he soon found more interest in being behind the camera instead. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, he started writing with Panhandle (1948), which he co-wrote and co-produced with John C. Champion. He made his debut in directing with television in Four State Playhouse (1953) and film with Bring Your Smile Along (1955), while having also been behind the creation shows such as Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1957-60) and Peter Gunn (1958-61). With a string of hits and misses, Edwards is best known for The Pink Panther film series, which he directed/wrote eight of the nine original films (1963-1993); additional highlights include Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Day of Wine and Roses (1962), and S.O.B. (1981).
The original actor intended for the title role was George Segal, who walked off the set right as filming began, apparently because he felt that Edwards was using the film and Segal to help give Andrews a revival (with a song and dance sequence being included for her). Beyond the fact that it never hurts to have more of Andrews (in her third collaboration with Edwards, her husband and first film in five years), it is amusing to think that music prodigy-turned-comedian/composer Moore stepped in and found a bit more footing in Hollywood roles because of such a silly decision. As for the film itself, it is a fair charmer that works well as a comedy of human nature - in this case, a crisis about reaching middle age and wanting something you just can't have. In this case, it just so happens to be a younger woman, and Moore is quite amusing enough to make his quixotic pursuit a reliably amusing one, one with a fine sense of timing whether with others or when left to other devices that make a comedy of predicaments. Although Andrews isn't in the film as much, she makes for some reasoned moments, just as bright and quick to resonate with care and a bit of singing to go as well. Derek (in her second film role that gained her a following while known primarily as the star of numerous films directed by her husband John) makes a worthy match in being the ideal alongside having a touch of humor for when she is given to do for the climax. Webber makes for a cheeky presence in parts while Dennehy proves an interesting presence to pair with Moore to fill out the highlights of a decently packed cast. The gags are fairly more hit than miss (whether involving telescopes, the beach or passerby cars-and-phone calls), which go with a casual 70's flair for a fair curiosity. The film does run a bit long at 122 minutes, with a first half that runs a bit sillier than the second one, but there is enough amusement and charm present to make a useful capsule for its time with some relevance today about getting old and trying to fling away from it all - for better or worse.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
The list for next month of the 1980s...stay tuned.
