The sparkling screen play, by Nunally Johnson, is adapted from the novel by his daughter, Nora Johnson. It's the story of two 13 year old girls, delightfully played by Tippy Walker and Merri Spaeth, who have a crush on a seedy and untalented concert pianist, Henry Orient, hilariously portrayed by Peter Sellers. Set in a charming 1963 Manhattan, it's based on the fresh idealism and innocence of the young girls, and immediately brought back my own girlish exuberance of the time period.
There's also a masterful performance from Angela Lansbury, who's in her nasty-mother-Manchurian-Candidate mode. Funny, touching and utterly delightful, this jewel of a film is entirely underrated. Add it to your Netflix queue, pull on those woolly socks, my friends, and
take a trip down memory lane.
I vaguely remember loving this film. Will have to revisit it as I've always adored Peter Sellers.
ReplyDeleteIs it wrong for me to admit that I love Angela Lansbury?
ReplyDeleteWillow, Have you ever read about writing like Kerouac did in that stream of consciousness thing he did? I tried it once and couldn't figure out how one could keep pen to paper writing nonstop, so I wrote on a large piece of paper in a circle till the page was filled in. It was strange. Like me. Guess I'll try anything once.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip...I am adding "The World of Henry Orient" to my Netflix queue. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful, under-rated film. The fact that it revolves around the two young girls instead of the established stars is part of what I love. And seeing two young girls strolling around Manhattan at all hours without there being any concern for their safety is also part of what makes it a glimpse into a lost, enchanting world. I want to live in that world!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie, thank you for bringing it to my attention! (At the moment I'd give a lot for your warm woolly sox, I spent an hour and a half walking in subzero temperatures *brrrrr*).
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ReplyDeleteI've been familiar with this movie for years, but have never seen it. That must be rectified! For vintage Sellers, try I'm All Right, Jack. He has a supporting role, but the whole movie is quite funny. Memorably hilarious ending, too. Also, if you've never seen Lolita, he's pretty much at the top of his game there. And Dr. Strrangelove, of course...hey, the guy was amazingly talented.
ReplyDeleteAh, nostalgia for your and our youthful exuberance. I can just imagine you, like the girls in the video clip, skipping along, bounding over fire hydrants and children on tricylces (though nowadays this would be grounds for arrest I imagine). Your writing still effects such delightful little leaps. I have never seen the film, but will definitely check it out after reading the post.
ReplyDeleteHe looks very fetching in pink! I love that silk collar.
ReplyDeleteApparently, ( according to Q.I. on TV) it used to be little boys who wore pink and little girls who wore blue. Somehow it all got switched around but I am noticing pink in gentleman's attire more and more.
Forgive the diversion, I am rambling.
I cannot believe I have never seen this movie! Netflix to the rescue!
ReplyDeletenice. i dont remember seeing this film...wi have to rectify that.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my most favorite films!!! I loved it the first time I saw it when it aired on CBS Friday Night at the Movies back in 1965. The most amazing cast.
ReplyDeleteNow if they would put "The Group" on Dvd!
I can't recall of ever having heard of the film. I'm very fond of Peter Sellers so I will definitely search it out.
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ReplyDeleteThis must be one of the few (perhaps only) Peter Sellers films I haven't seen.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had Netflix in Canada.
I love "Snow" and your film insights. I did speculate several times about that photo of the level could be. What is up with Anonymous?
ReplyDeleteK, I saw Lolita for the first time last year, and wondered where it had been hiding all these years. Everyone is great in it, Sellers, Winters, and James Mason is just incredible!
ReplyDeleteOh, Shari, sorry about anonymous. I like to keep comment moderation and word verification off, so I do get the occasional nasty spam.
ReplyDeleteThis was my absolute favorite movie when I was about 12 -- I must have watched it a dozen times. I've not seen it in years though -- thanks for the reminder! On to the queue it goes...
ReplyDeleteI love anything by Peter Sellers and/or Angela Lansbury. I'm waiting for her TV series anthology videos become more affordable.
ReplyDeleteThis one is still a fave but then so were all Sellers films( grins ). Have you ever seen "After The Fox"?
ReplyDeleteHello Willow,
ReplyDeleteI've never been much of a fan for Sellars despite his talent but I love Lansbury. The clip makes Manhattan look very sedate!
Groovy ... I have been looking for a movie new or old worth watching... and I do love the Pink Panther series... so this should be good...
ReplyDeleteI am also one who admires Peter Sellers's work.
ReplyDeleteAngela Lansbury is great in everything, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteI love your movie reviews. You really get me enthusiastic about film. Thank you!!
I cannot believe that I haven't seen this film. It's now on my to do list. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this in years. Thanks for reminding me of it.
ReplyDeleteDid you see the very good but rather sad "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers"? Check it out.
David
http://www.globalaroudtown.blogspot.com
I don't think I've ever seen this one. It looks so charming and delightful. Just the kind of movie one needs to see with wooly socks on.
ReplyDeleteI think I WILL add it to my Netflix queue!
ReplyDeleteI never saw it. But consider the film added to mu list. Thanks, Willow.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too have added it to my queue along with "My Night at Maud's" and "Claire's Knee", thanks to a Roger Ebert posting today.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this movie, either. It does sound interesting...will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I really like your new header picture : )
I always seem to forget that Peter Sellers did do other acting other than in Pink Panther movies which I loved as a kid.
ReplyDeleteI love your new header.
A good reminder, Willow.
ReplyDeleteIt's time for this one to
go on the Nefflix que.
(Did you see the first episode of Return to Cranford this weekend?
I'm so thrilled to have those ladies back in my parlour every Sunday evening!)
Jjj
No one stranger or more talented than Peter Sellers. Thanks for reminding me of Henry.. my favorite is "Being There".
ReplyDeleteAngela..the mother with the look that kills!!
stream of consciousness from a bloggy spigot. I don't know how long that has been there, but it cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that film! It looks good so I will look out for it. Thank you for reminding and telling us all about it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
I always check out films you recommend Willow. We seem to like the same types. I have never seen this.
ReplyDeleteQMM
I love Sellers, but have never seen this one. I'll keep an eye out for it.
ReplyDeleteI really like him in "The Ladykillers" alongside Alec Guinness.
Willow,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this movie with us. I didn't know about it. With Peter Sellers, it has to be funny!
The Bach
"Kato, prepare the Silver Hornet!" Ah, the many faces of Peter Sellers!
ReplyDeleteKat, I completely forgot Sellers was in The Lady Killers. I haven't seen it in ages. I remember loving it.
ReplyDeleteFireLight, yes, the Silver Hornet! That's what our oldest son called the gray Volvo he drove for years.
ReplyDeleteThought Peter Sellers was fantanstic. Murder she wrote is
ReplyDeleteone of my favorites.
About those Christie prints he was great.
Yvonne
Watching Ziegfield story now TCM
They mentioned Sanford White
in the movie..
willow - somehow i passed on this film although i have been revisiting the early peter sellers flicks as well as his work on the radio show "the goon show". he was absolutely brilliant and played the stumbling bumbling brit boy so much better than he who cannot be named but seems to show up in a number of hit chickflicks and whose name rhymes with huge rant!!! steven
ReplyDeleteSteven, you're so right. He who rhymes with huge rant isn't even in the same league as the brilliant Sellers. But, he does have great hair, I must admit.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm adding it to my queue now.
ReplyDeleteI saw it some time back--we will have to watch it again--thanks for the reminder! When I get home again, I'll try to watch with Joe.
ReplyDeletehmmm, will have to check that out...and wooly socks go well with absolutely everything!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever see "Being There"? That was my favorite Sellers film!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this one. I'll add it to my list:)
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ReplyDeleteAlong with the aforementioned Being There, also see The Battle Of The Sexes when you get a chance.
Peter Sellers is so great. This was a wonderful movie.
ReplyDeleteinteresting camera work there...never even heard of this movie, but Peter Sellers is tops in comedy. Hopes it shows up on basic cable soon.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the things that I like about winter(and I don't like much)but sitting in the warmth, watching old movies and a brand new pair of wool socks...there is nothing like it, you agree!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of that movie. i must look it up!
ReplyDeleteThis brought back memories...I believe I have seen this, when I was quite young because I too loved, loved, loved the Pink Panther films.
ReplyDeletemuch love
I don't know this one, must look it up. I love Peter Sellers too.
ReplyDeleteThis film was already on my Netflix list...and I think I added it because of something I read here long ago:)...it has just been moved from #35 (out of 70) to #1...
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