This incredibly uneven film version of Gore Vidal's racy mid-century sex fantasy is, as many reviewers have stated, never boring and certainly intriguing. Much of the disparate views behind and in front of the camera are laid out in gossipy commentaries (one by director Sarne and another by star Raquel Welch) and the AMC tabloid-style documentary supplement.
The Gore Vidal book on which it's based is a wickedly witty tirade on sexuality and the movies. The film is a playful adaptation of one-liners and vignettes more akin to a TV sitcom than a racy sleaze satire. What little cynicism and wit the film does provide, is actually thanks to the alluring Ms. Welch, who delivers admirably well for the most part. The rest of the cast, except for John Huston, is totally inept, and that includes Miss Mae West, long over-the-hill and inappropriately cast and catered to by Director Sarne (to the utter dismay of Ms. Welch).
There's much to enjoy here, and as a curiosity, the film does deliver. My advice would be to read the book, which is excellent; and then go watch the film, which is merely weird. Both are wildly engaging no matter how you look at it; and the DVD is absolutely terrific fun.
The Gore Vidal book on which it's based is a wickedly witty tirade on sexuality and the movies. The film is a playful adaptation of one-liners and vignettes more akin to a TV sitcom than a racy sleaze satire. What little cynicism and wit the film does provide, is actually thanks to the alluring Ms. Welch, who delivers admirably well for the most part. The rest of the cast, except for John Huston, is totally inept, and that includes Miss Mae West, long over-the-hill and inappropriately cast and catered to by Director Sarne (to the utter dismay of Ms. Welch).
There's much to enjoy here, and as a curiosity, the film does deliver. My advice would be to read the book, which is excellent; and then go watch the film, which is merely weird. Both are wildly engaging no matter how you look at it; and the DVD is absolutely terrific fun.