| | | | Victor/Victoria
(1982) |
ictor/Victoria is one of the most funny, sophisticated, and utterly charming romantic comedies to come out of the 80's.
It stands today as one of the truly original gender bending farces ever made.
Written and directed by Blake Edwards (of the Pink Panther series fame), it tells the story of down and out singer Victoria (Julie Andrews) in depression era Paris. She is befriended by the equally unlucky Toddy (Robert Preston), a gay nightclub entertainer.
Together, they "create" a new persona for Victoria: Count Victor Grezhinski, a gay female impersonator.
Managing to pass herself off as a man, Victoria becomes the "toast of Paris", and attracts the attention of macho Chicago gangster King Marchand (James Garner), who finds himself attracted to Victor. But are his instincts that are telling him that Victor's really a woman correct?
What ensues is a hilarious set of clever, pseudo- slapstick scenes, the hallmark of Edwards directing style, building up to the impending moment when Count Grezhinski will be proved a phony - or is he?
The story is engaging, the music enchanting, but the best thing about this movie is the quick and clever dialogue and how the cast delivers it.
Julie Andrews stretches herself in this film, and handles all aspects of her 'dual' role well, playing dashing Victor and thoughtful Victoria interchangeably and with ease.
James Garner, always a treat in a comedy, puts in a great performance as well. But the real standouts in this picture are Robert Preston and Lesley Ann Warren.
Preston, probably best known for his starring role in "The Music Man" both on Broadway and on film, is purposely cast against type in this film. 80's fans may know him best as "Centauri" in the Classic "Last Starfighter". Possessing big, square shoulders, a large and rustic looking face, and a deep, resonate voice, he is difficult to picture as a cabaret "Queen". Precisely the affect that Edwards was after! He plays Toddy so well, and is so believable as Victoria's mentor and buddy, that you forget that it's Robert Preston.
Lesley Ann Warren plays Norma Cassady, King Marchand's soon-to-be-dumped squeeze. Her performance is so inspired as this cheeky, jealous, over-the-top bottle-blonde, that you are left holding your sides from laughter.
In addition to the comedy and romance, the audience is treated to some really fine songs and music, written by the late Henry Mancini and lyricist Leslie Bricusse. The stage sets are colorful, detailed, and honed to the 30's era. The dance numbers are nicely choreographed.
Inside the 'gaiety' of this irreverent, funny film is a lot of subtle commentary on gender roles, discrimination, and what constitutes sexual attraction.
 Don't forget that Victor/Victoria is now available to order on Widescreen DVD using our special 80s Retro Assistant...
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Really a triumph for writer/director Blake Edwards. Anyone who enjoys the Pink Panther films will probably enjoy this film. It is one of the better romantic comedies of the 80's - just different than most because it comes at romance through a different lense than what is typical.
The acting performances are first rate and worth seeing. This picture came out only a year after 'Arthur', and shares some things in common with it. They're both romantic comedies that share wonderfully written screenplays, and each finds the core of it's comedy in something that should be serious (In 'Arthur', it's drinking; in V/V, it's homosexuality).
Although it is only rated PG, the subject matter is mature, and some of the dialogue will go over a lot of children's heads (I hope so).
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"Victor/Victoria" contains some of the last singing on film done by either Robert Preston (who died of lung cancer in 1989) or Julie Andrews (lost her lovely singing voice due to throat surgery in 1997). 
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"Victor/Victoria" was one of the highest grossing box office films of 1982.
Julie Andrews, Robert Preston, and Lesley Ann Warren were all nominated for Academy Awards (Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress) for Victor/Victoria, as were Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse. Edward's screenplay was also nominated, along with art direction, and costume design. (1982 Academy Awards)
Robert Preston's Oscar nomination was the sole nomination for his career -- he wasn't even nominated for his signature role as Professor Harold Hill from "The Music Man". -Thanks to Jonah Falcon
Julie Andrews played Cinderella in the televison broadcast of Rogers and Hammerstein's musical the first time it aired in black and white and live in 1957. Leslie Anne Warren played the role 9 years later in color (opposite Stuart Diamond of General Hospital fame). -Thanks to Katie
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Find much more great trivia in the filmmaker's commentary on the Victor/Victoria DVD.
Rediscover your favorites! If you like
Victor/Victoria or 80's Romantic Comedy classics, then be sure to
check out this list: ..... Can't Buy Me Love ..... Say Anything ..... Some Kind Of Wonderful ..... Sixteen Candles ..... Valley Girl ..... Switching Channels ..... Grandview, U.S.A. ..... Dance 'til Dawn ..... Don't Tell Her It's Me ..... Mannequin ..... Teen Wolf ..... Secret of My Success ..... Secret Admirer ..... Pretty In Pink ..... She's Having a Baby ..... Dream A little Dream .....[More]
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When Blake Edwards first began the project, it was intended to co-star Peter Sellers but the star died before Edwards had finished the screenplay. -Thanks to Robert Baum
James Garner made the film at a time when he was separated from his wife and upon completion he returned to her. Garner once said that he wished he had been cast as Toddie. -Thanks to Robert Baum
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|  |  |  | | Victor/Victoria
Locations |
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Blake Edwards originally wanted to film his movie in Paris, but Paris' unchangeable modern touch made it impossible for him to shoot it on location. He therefore had it filmed in 2 studios in London. [Thanks to Thomas]
Can you help? Do you know any of the filming locations used for Victor/Victoria? [Please send them in]
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Great soundtrack. Tracks are:
1. Main Title from "Crazy World" [Instrumental]
2. You and Me - Andrews, Julie
3. Gay Paree - Preston, Robert
4. Alone in Paris [Instrumental]
5. King's Can Can [Instrumental]
6. Le Jazz Hot - Andrews, Julie
7. The Shady Dame from Seville - Andrews, Julie
8. The Big Lift [#][Instrumental]
9. Cat & Mouse [Instrumental]
10. Crazy World - Andrews, Julie
11. Chicago, Illinois - Warren, Leslie Ann
12. Elegant [#][Instrumental]
13. You and Me [Instrumental]
14. Le Matelot Club [#][Instrumental]
15. The Shady Dame from Seville [#] - Preston, Robert
16. Finale: The Shady Dame from Seville/Crazy World/You and Me/Le Jazz Hot
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Soundtrack Available:
On CD
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| | "A woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman"
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Year:
| 1982 | Studio:
| MGM/UA | Director:
| Blake Edwards | Starring:
| Julie Andrews,
James Garner, Robert Preston, Lesley Ann Warren, Alex Karras,
John Rhys-Davies | | - | - | Genre:
| Romantic Comedy | | | | + | The screenplay, dialogue, casting, acting, music are all excellent. No one does comedy action sequences better than Blake Edwards. | - | The focus on the nightclub singing and dancing may be too long and drawn out for some, who are used to their comedies speeding along quicker than this. |
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