Victor/Victoria

Victor/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, reasonate 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.