A few months ago, columnist Mark Brown of the Chicago Sun-Times asked readers for their favorite movie actresses of the past, and I promptly nominated Jill Clayburgh for her work in "Silver Streak," for which I thought she should receive, at minimum, the Nobel Peace Prize, and several Academy Awards. He printed every word of my letter. :-)
Their relationship struck me as an attraction-at-first-sight (aka "love-at-first-sight"). While George Caldwell isn't exactly handsome, he's not Quasimodo either; and he definitely had a confident 'coolness' along with a sense of droll humor that Hilly picked up on and attracted her.
Yes, she's quite a likable and attractive presence. In the film she comes across as sensual, civilized, romantic, and independent. She gives the film weight, enough so that I care about her well being when she's in danger. She reminds me of Mary Steenburgen.
I came to this forum to see if there were any thoughts on JC on this film. Although mine were more superficial. She has possibly the best sweater/rack combo I've ever seen on film.
ROFL, well at least you're being honest. I never could understand those film critics who described her as 'homely'--never saw where they got that from. She was, imo, a very attractive and sensuous-looking woman. Maybe because she wasn't the type of T&A flashy like the Raquel Welches and other 'pin-up girl' '70's film icons. But she certainly was not lacking in the physical attractiveness department at all.
and the thing is I'm not really a breast man. She was very attractive in this movie, both personality and physical-wise; but when she showed up in that sweater... hot damn.
I never could understand those film critics who described her as 'homely'--never saw where they got that from. She was, imo, a very attractive and sensuous-looking woman. Maybe because she wasn't the type of T&A flashy like the Raquel Welches and other 'pin-up girl' '70's film icons. But she certainly was not lacking in the physical attractiveness department at all. - amyghost
As you note, Jill Clayburgh was not the typical beauty of her time or many other eras, but I always thought she was very attractive because she looked real: She looked like the kind of woman you would see in real life--at work, in a social situation, out shopping--and would want to get to know more. Clayburgh had many nice physical attributes, but for me, it was her . . . nose. My eyes are just drawn to it.
And as far as Raquel Welch goes, I must be off because I don't think she is pretty. Sexy as hell, yes, with a terrific figure, but she's always had a hard, scowling look about the face that I've never cared for. Jill Clayburgh's facial features are softer and prettier.
------------------ "We hear very little, and we understand even less." - Refugee in Casablanca
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There is a very 'real' and 'natural' beauty about JC that, especially when I was a young man and seeing Jill in great films she has graced such as SS, Starting Over and An Unmarried Woman, it really defined for me the true meaning of natural beauty and great personality. Jill's naturalness and charm seemed to flow effortlessly onto film and convey any charachter she played with finesse and grace, unmatched.
I did have the biggest crush on Jill back when I was a young man and seeing her films when they were hitting the theatres, much more that I ever had on any of the other actresses out there whom the producers were making extra effort to make extra curvy and sexy. Jill's sexiness shone through without any producer having to go to any effort to make that happen.
It is a shame Jill had to leave us but I'm a believer that they're making great films with the best actors & actresses of all time in Heaven and Jill is likely to be one of the great Oscar winners in movie entertainment in Heaven.
I have to agree. I have just re-watched this film recently and I forgot how beautiful and sexy Clayburgh was in this! Very naturally beautiful, too. None of that plastic surgery crap.