it finally came!!!
By Vladilyich1
@Vladilyich1 (1454)
Canada
July 14, 2008 9:02pm CST
The funniest move that has ever been made that no one has ever heard of (unless you're warped like me). Evelyn Waugh's "The Loved One", written in 1945 and released as a move in 1965. I have been trying to get a copy since 1990 when it was released on VHS. It's finally out on DVD and I won a copy from e-Bay.
This is the most under-promoted movie that MGM ever released, but it receives 10 out of 10 stars on the International Movie Data Base. When it first came out, it was billed as "The movie with something to offend everyone!" I don't care who you are, there will be at least one scene that will offend you!
Tony Richardson's "The Loved One" was recently seen in the United States courtesy of TCM. The film seems to have been forgotten by MGM, who didn't promote it the way it deserved when it was released. It's a tribute to Mr. Richardson that fans should be able to view a film by one of the most under-appreciated masters: Tony Richardson.
This acerbic satire about the funeral business was written by Evelyn Waugh (pronounced eve lynn - he was a guy), an Englishman who saw the excesses of prepsaring the "loved ones" into their final sendoff into eternity.
The story is seen through the eyes of young Dennis Barlow, an Englishman who comes to L.A. for a visit.
The amazing thing about "The Loved One" is the performances Mr. Richardson got out of all of the actors in the film. Robert Morse is Dennis, a naive in a land of fantasy. Johnathan Winters, playing dual roles as Wilbur and Henry Glenworthy, is in top form (totally disconnected from reality!). Rod Steiger, as the mad embalmer, Mr. Joyboy, has one of the best moments of his career. Anjanette Comer shows an affinity for Aimee. Sir John Gielgud makes a marvelous Sir Francis. Paul Williams is the young Gunther. But Liberace, who wasn't known as an actor, makes a devastating appearance as the salesman in the Whispering Glades showroom, the man who wants to offer nothing but the bes for "the loved one" in his final appearance.
I can only wish that you will search this movie out. Yes, there will be something to offend you. It was designed that way.
If you enjoy totally insane comedy, this is a MUST SEE for all moviegoers, especially those of you with a rich sense of humor.
I may not be online for the next several days. I'll be watching this over and over.
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Act 1, Scene 1
Interior, LAX. Robert Morse had deplaned and is at customs.
Customs Agent: What is your occupation?
Morse: I'm an Aid.
Agent: Oh. Which Embassy?
Morse: No. That's artificial insemination doner.
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Believe me, it gets better from here!
2 people like this
5 responses
@planejane (188)
•
15 Jul 08
O, wow! This sounds like a very interesting and entertaining movie. Thank you for sharing this with me. I've never even heard of this movie but I am making a mental note to look it up.
1 person likes this
@Vladilyich1 (1454)
• Canada
15 Jul 08
Very few people ever heard of it, which was MGM's fault. They really didn't promote it at all when it came out. As I said, I've looked at getting a copy of this for 43 years! If you thought "Mad, Mad World" was funny multiply that by 10. This should have won an Academy Award for humor. Look at the cast of superstars. Richardson got the best out of them. You don't expect Rod Steiger to be funny...you won't believe his performance. Sir John Gielgud...get serious. It's one of the funniest performances I've ever seen.
1 person likes this
@planejane (188)
•
15 Jul 08
I actually enjoyed, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (too many Mads?) and I own that movie as a DVD. I will definately look up this movie. Thanks!:)
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
15 Jul 08
Walker!!!!
Is this the movie that you were telling me about on the phone the other night? If it is, and you don't mind snuggling with me on the couch inront of my little tiny laptop (my only DVD player, put it in your suitcase when you're done watching it, so we can watch it to gether when you get here!!!! I'm so glad you got a copy.
I love you.
Love
Your Favourite Wife
1 person likes this
@Vladilyich1 (1454)
• Canada
15 Jul 08
Yes, this is the movie. There are not many visual gags, so you shouldn't have a problem with it. It is so hysterical, I will be very interested in what offends you (there will be something). This is the absolute best movie (even better than "Hunt for Red October") that's ever been made. Nobody younger than me has ever heard of it. It was on TCM a couple of months ago, but it still needs wider coverage.
1 person likes this
@Vladilyich1 (1454)
• Canada
15 Jul 08
I watched it last night and it's as funny, if not finnier today as it was when I first saw it in 1965.
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I can't believe this one got past me! I love off the wall and bizarre humor so this movies sounds like it might be right up my alley. I will definitely look this one up. It has some of my favorite actor/comedians in it too. I loved Johnathan Winters. Thanks Vlad!