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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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