At Long Last Love
Four socialites unexpectedly clash: heiress Brooke Carter runs into gambler Johnny Spanish at the race track while playboy Michael O. Pritchard nearly runs into stage star Kitty O'Kelly with his car. Backstage at Kitty's show, it turns out she and Brooke are old friends who attended public school together. The foursome do the town, accompanied by Brooke's companion Elizabeth, who throws herself at Michael's butler and chauffeur Rodney James.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1930s New York, a spoiled heiress, Brooke Carter, schemes to prevent her fiancé from eloping with her maid, Kitty. Meanwhile, a down-on-his-luck actor, Tony Cavendish, tries to win over the affections of a wealthy socialite, Elizabeth Allen, for financial gain. Their paths intertwine in a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements, all set to the tune of classic Cole Porter songs.
Critical Reception
At Long Last Love was a notorious critical and commercial failure upon its release, widely panned for its misguided attempt at a 1930s musical pastiche. Despite a talented cast and a beloved songwriter's work, the film was criticized for its weak plot, unconvincing performances, and lack of genuine charm.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its ambitious attempt to revive the classic Hollywood musical style.
- Heavily criticized for a nonsensical plot and performances that felt forced rather than charming.
- The musical numbers, while featuring Cole Porter's songs, were often seen as static and lacking energy.
Google audience: Audience reviews often cite the film as a misguided and disappointing effort, with many finding the performances stiff and the musical numbers uninspired, despite the appeal of the classic songs.
Fun Fact
Director Peter Bogdanovich was so committed to recreating the feel of classic musicals that he insisted on shooting the film in black and white, only for it to be released in color, much to his dismay.
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