VICTOR / VICTORIA

 "VICTOR / VICTORIA" --- (1982) --- 

MY THOUGHTS:
Julie Andrews, who is both an icon and a treasure, is flawless playing exactly what she is in her role: a woman, playing a man, playing a woman! Her talented co-stars (Robert Preston, James Garner and Lesley Ann Warren, in particular) were perfectly cast, and all do an amazing job in their roles, adding to the level of humor and the believability of the storyline. The movie is thoroughly entertaining and incredibly funny, with lavish musical numbers, stunning costumes and witty banter. It also makes some points about the entertainment industry, sexual politics, as well as sexual identity and "polite society." It is a movie I could, and have, watch over and over again ... because it is worth the watch every time!

SYNOPSIS:
"Victoria Grant, a down-and-out British soprano, struggles to find work in the nightclubs of 1930s Paris. While trying to scam a free meal, Grant meets cabaret performer Toddy, who comes up with an idea that will change everything. Acting as her manager, Toddy bills Grant as a male female impersonator. When the nightclubs eat it up, the duo makes it big -- even a Chicago mobster is enamored with Grant. But keeping the truth a secret is no easy task."

STARRING:
Julie Andrews, Robert Preston, James Garner, Lesley Ann Warren, Alex Karras, Tony Roberts, Graham Stark, John Rhys-Davies, Herb Tanney, Peter Arne and Michael Nouri.

SCREENPLAY:
Blake Edwards, Story by Hans Hoemburg, based on "Victor and Victoria" by Reinhold Schünzel.

DIRECTOR:
Blake Edwards

AWARDS & OTHER HONORS:
It was nominated for seven (7) Academy Awards and won one (1) for:
"Best Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Adaptation
Score" (Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse)

It was nominated for twenty-two additional awards, from various entities, and won twelve (12) of them.