This completely forgotten film was nominated for two Oscars in 1970 for best actress (Jean Simmons) and best original song by Michel Legrand. If it was considered so good why is the film never mentioned along with the best films of the sixties??
shareOscar nominations are often awarded for films the Academy things are "worthy" or "important" about the issues of the day, or to performers who have been too often overlooked by the Academy for other roles. In this case, they probably felt they owed her one for not nominating her superb performance in "Elmer Gantry".
Also, a lead performance can be good without the film being great. Jean Simmons did a fine job considering what she was given to work with, but the script for this soggy concoction is a silly, cliche-ridden MESS.
And it should go without saying that an original song alone never made a great movie--though the theme music from "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" comes close.
This film came out very late in the year (December, 1969) and was missed by many, including Academy members. When the nominations were announced, the front runner was considered Maggie Smith (who did win) with strong competition from Genevieve Bujold (my personal favorite...but much was made of the fact she was Canadian!?!?). Miss Simmons was hardly mentioned in the Oscar buzz at the time, as Jane Fonda and Liza Minnelli were the focus in the American press and both actresses worked hard to secure votes. Jean Simmons was wonderful here and in any other year might well have come away with the prize.
shareThe film was released in Decemebr of 1969 the same year as Bob&Carol&Ted&Alice, They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, Putney Swope, The Wild Bunch, Easy Rider, Medium Cool, Midnight Cowboy...it seemed dated even back then. The song and Simmon's performance are good otherwise it's a camp classic with a gaudy structure with flashbacks and fractured time like Brook's Looking for Mr. Goodbar, In Cold Blood, Sweet Bird of Youth.
Here's some sample dialog which is delivered with total seriousness:
"If sex were the only thing that really mattered than the whole world would be run by rabbits!"
"Vodka and seconal, marriage on the rocks"
"I miss you even when I'm with you"
"I got a master's degree in men"
"Thank god my mother didn't beleive in breast feeding or I'd been an alcoholic before I could walk"
"Look at us! Zombies killing time until we go home and kill more time"
The film itself was never considered good. Released the same year as Easy Rider, The Wild Bunch, Z, Last Summer, Medium Cool, Midnight Cowboy... it seemed out of date then and is now awaiting rediscovery as a camp classic doing for Denver housewives what Valley of the Dolls did for showbiz. Simmons is good, and considering that she's surrounded by Dick Shawn, Tina Louise, Bobby Darrin, Shirley Jones, John Forsythe and Nanette Fabray spouting hilariously self-serious dialog, it's remarkable that she retains her dignity. The popular tune is heard throughout the film.
shareI must try to find this film! If you say it's a camp classic with ridiculous dialoug then it's worth searching for. I hope the actors wear some great sixties outfits in it too!
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