Pondering a Marriage in 24 Frames…

Some of TC’s favorite films came from one director (Blake Edwards). This ponderable may trigger your own film-fest. Read (then View) on! – the editor

Some of my favorite films from the era I grew up came from one director. Talk about diversity???

The discovery of Bo Derek and her breakout role in the movie “10” was in its day a water cooler discussion of a movie when it came out in 1979. Bo was one element of the movie, the one that got full attention. The plot, a man hitting 40 and losing his mojo discovers an inspiration when a limo with a beautiful bride pulls up next to our protagonist’s car, played by Dudley Moore. His adventures and shenanigans take him on a self-journey that he needs to take to get him grounded.

His other co-star is Julie Andrews. The movie was rated R. Huh?

That’s right. This was also Julie Andrews first R-rated film.

Who could get Julie to be in an R-rated movie? The movie’s writer and director: Blake Edwards.

Edwards, and his second wife Julie Andrews, is the subject of a great documentary as part of the American Masters series titled “Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames”.

Blake and Julie met in the parking lot of their analysts, from then on, they became soulmates. The doc explores the history of the couple, through thick and think, as told by Blake’s children, Geffery and Jennifer, along with Julie herself.

Blake was a capable writer and director before that, with classics like the Peter Gunn TV show, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “The Days of Wine and Roses”, and the IP of all IP’s, “The Pink Panther”.

Their marriage was a journey through movie flops and the mill of what is Hollywood. Blake got beat up quite a bit professionally. Julie was not faring much better, out of tune with the turbulent 60’s and 70’s. It was hard to top Mary Poppins and Maria Von Trapp.

In the early 80’s, Blake had a mini renaissance. Thanks to Bo Derek, her corn-rowed hair and the success of “10”.

He made a movie long gestating since the abuse in Hollywood he received from brass of several studios. Released in 1981, S.O.B. is a star-studded comedy of a producer who produced a 30-million-dollar flop of a movie starring his G-rated wife, attempting to commit suicide, and have a randy Hollywood party, gets inspired to re-shoot and make a 40 million dollar pornographic epic with his wife going topless.

Not the Box Office he expected. It was always on pay cable the next year, and it became a cult classic. It led the way for an all-time favorite of mine: “Victor/Victoria”.

It featured Julie in her element. A musical that was actually good, with Blake doing what he does best. Setting up shenanigans. 7 Oscar nominations, including one for Julie, and for the supporting cast, Robert Preston and Lesley-Ann Warren. Henry Mancini won the Oscar for his musical score.

The story for Victor/Victoria was ahead of its time in the 80’s, even though it was remake of a German 1932 film. Gender Identity in 1982! This spoke my language. I bought the soundtrack, used its score to audition for the high school musical that year.

I got to see Julie on stage in NYC when Blake produced a stage musical of Victor/Victoria on Broadway.

Blake’s movies were hit or miss after that, but never were boring. He knew how to set up a sight gag and set it in motion until its operatic conclusion. Henry Mancini was his musical muse, always scoring most of his movies. Like John Williams was to Steven Spielberg, Blake never let Henry go, right up to his passing in the late 90’s. After all, it was Henry that brought us the classic, “Moon River”. Yes, the ear-worm of ear-worms!

That’s a Wrap…

I suggest you give yourself a film festival of Blake’s work, starting with this documentary, available on the PBS app, through its Passport option, or search on YouTube for links. You may find a clip of Blake Edwards receiving an honorary Oscar from Jim Carrey, with a typical sight gag, good enough for Peter Sellers. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading and pondering with me. —TC

Suggested Viewings…

Here’s an essential list of his films. Some are easier than others.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s– It’s Audrey! (as in Hepburn)
The Days of Wine and Roses– Jack Lemmon and Lee Remmick in classic abusive relationship.
The Pink Panther– The sequels too- as long as his other muse, Peter Sellers is in it.
The Party– Mostly improvised frolic about a botched Hollywood party in the 60’s
Darling Lili– The flop that was before and past its time. Julie performs a haunting song that will not escape you, Whistling Away the Dark.
10– The new era.
S.O.B– An essential.
Victor/Victoria– Unforgettable and a treasure.
The Man Who Loved Women– Burt Reynolds in a vulnerable role.
Mickie and Maude– Farce with another excellent Dudley Moore role.
Blind Date– Bruce Willis post-Moonlighting, pre-Die Hard. Light frolic.
Skin Deep– John Ritter and a glow-in-the-dark condom. Discuss.