esrosedotblog

WAR

We went back to the 'A' file for todays NY Times Best 1176 Film, the just released disc of The Americanization of Emily (1964) with James Garner, Julie Andrews, Melvyn Douglas and James Coburn.

It is an anti-war or, as John pointed out, an anti-brass picture written by Paddy Chayefsky and directed by Arthur Hiller.

We enjoyed watching it. It is funny and wry and, at times, scathing.

One of the best parts is Johnny Mandel's music as background with the theme song Emily, now a jazz standard.

We also get to see James Garner in his underwear. He was one handsome dude.

It is interesting to note that, while their dialogue is very sexy, Garner and Andrews never, ever are seen with anything less than a full set of clothes on. The underwear scene occurs in a different context.

On the other hand, Coburn is often shown abed with various women, all unclothed; a running joke.

I think we are still working out of Andrew's ingenue period as well as the 'no sex, we're British thing'. I remember what a sensation it was when she bared her breasts late in her career.

An embarrassment for all of us, actually. She had waited so long that she had reached that age; when we are no longer curious nor do we really want to see anything. Put your blouse back on dear. Was it in Victor Victoria?

But, I digress. the film is worth seeing and enjoyable and I will give it a 3 out of Netflix5.