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Thank you to Rebecca of Taking Up Room for allowing me to participate in The Second So Bad It's Good Blogathon.
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"Randolph...I believe the moment of truth has finally arrived." - Myra Breckinridge
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| 1970
Screenplay by Michael Sarne & David Giler
Directed by Michael Sarne
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Perfectly enough, I first heard of MYRA BRECKINRIDGE while reading a book about some of the allegedly worst movies ever made. The shocking synopsis, the astounding cast and the fact it was released by a major studio (20th Century Fox, but I doubt it's streaming on Disney Plus) made me determined to see this potentially offensive, hot-mess of a movie. It took me until it was released on DVD to finally experience this truly unique experience.
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| It was customary in the 1970's for a surgeon to smoke during a sex-change operation. |
Myron Breckinridge (film critic Rex Reed, in his first role) has found a way to totally act out his fantasies, and oh what a fantasy he has dreamed up! With a quick flick of the wrist from a surgeon (John Carradine at his most John Carradine), Myron becomes a woman.
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| Myra Breckinridge is ready for her close-up. |
Myra Breckinridge (Raquel Welch) is born like an atomic blast and her mission could prove equally life-altering. She is planning the destruction of the American male by showing dominance over both genders. Myra believes her plan will realign the sexes, thus decreasing the population and increasing human happiness. Though he is dead, in a sense, Myron joins Myra on this mission, popping up like Brad Pitt in FIGHT CLUB.
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| Uncle Buck Loner will never ride off into the sunset. |
Posing as Myron's widow, Myra makes a beeline for her Uncle Buck's drama school, where the students find such contentment that they never want to leave. Legendary actor-director John Huston goes all out with his portrayal of the greedy, shady, oversexed former Saturday matinee cowboy idol. Myra cons her way into a teaching position at the school, where two students are roped into her ultimate counter-culture plan.
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| Will Rusty Godowski and Mary Ann Pringle have a ball with Myra? |
Just when you think Farrah Fawcett as one of the delusional students is surprising, enter the incomparable Mae West (her first film role in 26 years) as talent agent Leticia Van Allen. Even though she was probably too old for the role, Mae West is pun-perfection as Leticia interviews a steady stream of sturdy studs (including a young Tom Selleck) on her casting couch, which is literally a bed. As an added bonus, or possible deterrent for some, Ms. West performs two memorable musical numbers..
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| Is that a Magnum in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? |
Despite the mind-boggling cast, this is Raquel Welch's film. She is absolutely mesmerizing as Myra. According to a documentary on the DVD, Welch lobbied for the role to prove she was not just another pretty face. I think she succeeded. If you look beyond the crazy shenanigans, you'll see her performance contains layers. Myra can say a lot with a single glance and that's all Raquel Welch.
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Myra has a secret place, known to only her.
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Will Myra Breckinridge succeed in her gender-bending mission? My lips are sealed, so you'll have to watch to find out. However, I feel I should include a trigger-happy warning. This is a brazen film that is not afraid to offend or shock, possibly even more now in this politically correct century than it did 50 years ago. Though keep in mind, much like Gore Vidal's original novel, the plot is all tied up in a satirical bow and sealed with a cheeky ruby red kiss.
One question remains before I release you on a quest to locate and experience all I've just described and sooooo much more. Do I enjoy MYRA BRECKINRIDGE because it's a "bad" film? My gut answer is no. I totally love this film because, despite its less than focused storytelling, its koo-koo bananas dialogue and its submersion into camp, the plot is brave, daring and possibly way ahead of it's time. I am fully aware that I am probably in the minority with this opinion.
In conclusion, maybe a "bad" film is simply misunderstood by mainstream moviegoers or maybe it really is just bad. Either way, strap on your cowboy hat, whip out your thermometer and enter at your own risk...
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| Once you've seen MYRA BRECKINRIDGE, you will never unsee her. |
Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind review.
Freak Out,
JLH
P.S. A connected post...
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Don't forget to examine The Collective Eye for February!
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Fascinating review, which has piqued my interest! I've often wondered about this movie, and its reputation, and often wondered if it could ever live up (or down) to the hype. I need to check this out.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barry!
DeleteObviously, I believe this movie lives up to, and maybe even surpasses the hype.
Please let me know if you ever experience this unique experience!
Will do!
DeleteI absolutely agree with you about Raquel Welch in this. Its a shame that one of her best performances was in a movie that tanked this spectacularly. Mae West reputedly blamed Raquel for throwing a wrench into her own attempt to use "Myra Breckinridge" as a comeback.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read the novel? I wonder if the failure of the film was a flaw in the source or just poor adaptation.
Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGlad you agree about Raquel Welch! She is the reason to see this film.
I'm not surprised Mae West blamed her. From what I've heard, the two were at odds on set.
I have read the novel once and I recall thinking that the film want so far off base, but I could be biased since I love the film.
Quite the cast here, which is surprising to someone like me who's not familiar with the film, including Mae West(?!). Your love of the film is infectious. I really enjoyed your eloquent review of this oft-derided film.
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by and thank you for the kind words. I never imagined the word eloquent to be associated with this post or my blog at all, so that was a very nice surprise.
DeleteI hope my love for this truly original film inspires others to give it a chance or even a second chance if they've already seen it.
Okay, I'm interested! I've always been a "kinda sewer" of bad cinema. This one has escaped me so far.....so far....
ReplyDeleteGreat work.
Thank you!
DeleteI hope you can find Myra breckinridge end discover something to enjoy about it.
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ReplyDeleteI've heard of this film from time to time but I never really knew what it was. It sounds intriguing. I've also never read the novel but I did read another Gore Vidal novel years ago. I don't remember much about it other than it was *way* out there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this to my attention John. Nicely done.
Thank you and you're welcome, Michael!
DeleteWay out there is probably an accurate description of both the novel and film, which is probably why I enjoy both!
I am amazed by this movie. Even more so by the fact that it was available at my library. (For years they wouldn't even get anything rated R. Now they have some pretty wild stuff.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by and it sounds like your library is truly an awesome place to drop by from time to time. 👍
DeleteHi John! Wow, this movie sounds crazily appealing and you are right that it boasts an impressive cast. Do you think that Huston had any idea of the film's campy nature? I really like Gore Vidal as a writer and as an actor so I would definitely not hesitate to watch this film. He was very innovative and unafraid in his writing style and was lucky to have escaped the Blacklist.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! ++
Thank you, Erica!
DeleteThat's a good question about John Huston. I think he seems to know what he's doing and what kind of movie he is in.
Please let me know if you ever watch this truly unique film!
This movie seems like it should have worked, so it begs for what could be a never-ending discussion along the lines of "things went wrong when..."
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by.
DeleteI didn't discuss it in my post, but there was a lot of behind-the-scenes problems which probably have a detrimental effect on the film.
Wow, this movie sounds like a ride. I liked that you gave just enough details to get people curious--argh, now I want to see this movie. Thanks again for joining the blogathon, and for all your help promoting it. I really appreciate it. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Rebecca! This was a fun blogathon where I learned about some movies that I must see!
DeleteMore often than not with my occasional reviews, I try to make others eager to see the movie. I think I succeeded with Myra Breckinridge! : )
John you have totally won me over. This sounds such good fun so added it to my watch and review list now. And adore your Magnum themed pun. I so got that reference.
ReplyDeleteMany to ask what the book was that you mentioned.. you know I adore a movie like this.
Delete