VICTOR/VICTORIA 🤩

There are movies all of us watch just for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment of screen time. It is a way to give your brain a break, especially on a hot summer afternoon. This cinema triumph was based on a moment in history just before all hell broke loose. It begs suspension of disbelief and keeps its viewers in a constant state of audacious giggles. The fast-paced, one-liners and bold, hilarious musical numbers maintain a standard of spoofing, magical bits that are unforgettable.

The entire, genius storyline was inconveniently conceived by a queen with a head cold. It was ‘preposterous.’ “A woman pretending to be a woman while pretending to be a man…” It is ridiculous, “but people do believe what they see.” Strapping down bosoms, THE JAZZ HOT, outrageous costumes, sparkly headpieces, kings who aren’t kings, brawls, bar fights, bumbling inspectors, and an unforgettable Toddy all while including homosexual undertones that lead to the bantering, craziness of VICTOR/VICTORIA. It is a wild, roller coaster ride that has made me laugh out loud dozens of times since its premiere in 1982. It doesn’t need to make sense. It just needs to entertain, and that it does even while watching a cockroach make its acting debut. 

Blake Edwards was the genius behind VICTORIA/VICTORIA. He was the writer, producer, and director for one of his favorite films. He wrote it specifically for his wife, Dame Julie Andrews, to be the leading lady. This was the first of four movies they collaborated on together. He knew his wife could hit not only the high notes but the low ones as well. Casting Robert Preston as Carole Toddy was a genius. This was a match made in heaven and many times improvised witty words that were not edited out of the final cut. Their chemistry was off the chart and often audiences were privy to their real, honest facial reactions to each other. 

The last production number with Toddy creating his own dance moves to Victor’s THE SHADY LADY OF SEVILLE was so spectacular. In the movie, he is profusely sweating at the conclusion. This is because it was done in one take with the line “You bitches” blurted out at the moment. The entire number was brilliant. There will never be another Robert Preston. 

James Garner as King Marshall and Lesley Ann Warren as Norma were sensational. Garner plays the homophobic, macho man perfectly. Lesley won her part by showing up at auditions with her hair dyed blonde and using the same ‘dumb’ accent she does in the film. Blake Edwards created her song and dance just because she was such a dazzling performer. It was not in the original script. Alex Karas as Squash was hysterical. All the sneaking around the hotel corridors and guest rooms were film blips honoring the Golden Age of comedy. 

VICTOR/VICTORIA showcased Paris in 1934 before the world turned upside down. It offered glimpses into what the gay lifestyle was going through in pre-war Europe where conditions were harsh and deteriorating. Edwards gave audiences a musical, comedic classic that included shades of romance for both sides of the coin. It posed the question of whether we care if society thinks we are gay. Would it matter who we fall in love with? Sadly, this is still being explored in 2024. Blake was just ahead of his time. Love is love, and VICTOR/VICTORIA continually teaches that lesson with panache, style, humility, truth, and grace. It is available on TCM.