FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "THAT'S LIFE!"
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(With my last hectic 72 hours in Los Angeles I've posted this early)
In December of 2005, (the first year of "Friday Movie Suggestion Night") I featured one of the funniest films ever with Jack Lemmon and Julie Andrews turning in great performances. This Blake Edwards directed comedy/drama was filmed entirely out here in Los Angeles at the actual home of Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews (they are married for those of you who may not know it) in Malibu. The plot: Lemmon is Harvey Fairchild, a brilliant Architect who is about to celebrate turning 60--if he survives a series of panic attacks, a ride home in a VW bus full of dope-smoking kids after his Mercedes Benz breaks down, and a full-blown life crisis. Andrews plays a successful singer, Gillian Fairchild who is his long-suffering wife throughout this crisis. Anyone familiar with the Catholic faith may have to arrange for paramedics to be "on-call" for resuscitation caused by hysterical laughter during the performance given by Robert Loggia as Father Tony Baragone--an old college chum of Fairchild from Notre Dame who entered the priesthood. Not to be missed is the "confessional scene" and the "surprise" Harvey Fairchild receives as he is unexpectedly summoned to read a passage from The Bible during church services (watch the Altar Boy's reactions--hysterical!). One of the most hilarious motion pictures Blake Edwards has ever produced, it was nominated for an Academy Award despite the fact that it was re-released to the public, after the filmmakers were sincerely bewildered as to why audiences weren't filling the theaters in droves. I saw it three times after it's release and it has remained one of my favorite over-the-top comedies! I have chosen to repeat it here because this time of year seems better suited to it's presentation and I hope you just love it. Written by: Milton Wexler and Blake Edwards; The Cast: Jack Lemmon is Harvey Fairchild; Julie Andrews is Gillian Fairchild; Sally Kellerman is kooky neighbor Holly Parrish; Robert Loggia is Father Baragone; Jennifer Edwards is Megan Fairchild-Bartlet; Robert Knepper is Steve Larwin; Matt Latanzi is Larry Bartlet; Chris Lemmon is Josh Fairchild, Cynthia Sikes is Janice Kern; Dana Sparks is Fanny Ward; Emma Walton is Kate Fairchild; Lemmon's real-life wife Felicia Farr plays Madame Carrie; Teddy Wilson is Corey; Nicky Blair is Andre and Jordan Christopher is Dr. Keith Romanis. Oscar Nomination: Best Music, Original Song: Henry Mancini (music) and Leslie Bricusse (lyrics) for the song "Life in a Looking Glass". I hope this film brings a funny end to your Summer and the beginning of Fall.
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ENJOY!
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for Jack Lemmon...
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:34 PM
11 comments
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11 Comments:
I've never seen this one! I'll definitely have to check it out!
I haven't ever seen this one, but I like both of those actors.
Looks to be a good one.
~xo
Lee Ann
You've posted the Friday Night Movie Selection. It makes it seem a little bit more like the weekend. Oh I need it to be weekend.....
Like the others, I have never heard of this movie. It sounds like a great one for a rainy afternoon. Pop corn, this movie and the rain dripping down the window pane.
Good choice. I love Blake Edwards films. Oh and Michael I have some bad news about Denny Shane. He has suffered another massive stroke and cannot speak or move the left side of his body.His daughter will keep me posted on his condition.
I've never seeen this as well..I like Jack Lemmon!..He was in an Airport movie..I forget which one..Oh wait..I think AP 77..lol
I loved Jack Lemmon in just about anything.
Yeah, that is a pretty typical Blake Edwards production with one of my all time favs, Jack Lemmon. Quite a combo.
Heather: If I were a doctor, I'd "prescribe it" on an Rx pad!
Lee Ann: It's hysterical!
Jessica: Yeah, the balance of my trip here thru Sunday is so filled with meetings that I felt it would be best to post it a day early. Sort of like, "Ah, what's in a day?" :)
Pissed off Patricia: BTW: U R Linked and is that carmel popcorn? :)
Patti_Cake: This is heartbreaking news for those of us who love Denny. Last year, I was on my way home when my Cell Phone rang in the car. It was a Houston Area Code and outside of my first Agent I had no idea who'd be calling. I answered the phone and said "Who's this?" A man said, "Now how many people do you know who live in Houston?" I had already featured Denny on "THE INTERVIEW" and pulled my car over to talk for about 30 minutes. We had a wonderful conversation. Last March, I was dispatched by my magazine to interview ex-Continental Airlines CEO Gordon Bethune and I arranged to take the last flight of the night back home so I could see Denny in person. At the last minute, he was graciously offered a trip to Belize and he apologized profusely. I told him to grab it! He had a great time and returned home only to suffer the series of strokes. My heart is heavy at this news. Would you e-mail me Patti when you know more? lol.
Heidi: His grave marker is humorous. It reads: "Jack Lemmon
in:" He is so missed! Nice to hear from you!
jlee: I have other movies that will feature him. But this movie will crack up even the harshest curmudgeon! One scene is when he disappears in mid conversation with Julie Andrews left in the room and walks back in to add his theory of having Gout! Side-Splitting!!!!
Bud: You are so right! I think Blake used his private therapist on this film and "10" to write it if I'm not mistaken. THere eas much talk about this being a semi-autobiographical account of Blake's own life. He and Julie make a great team and I have always loved her!
I almost forgot about "Grumpy Old Men" and "Grumpier Old Men" Those movies were hysterical!
jlee: Both men are buried within 20 feet of each other. Walter and Carolyn Mattheau are now gone but I believe Felicia, Jack Lemmon's wife is still with us. She plays the "Psychic Lady" in this funny movie. Jack was just an impeccable actor!
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