Loved One (The)
- Director: Tony Richardson
- Writer: Evelyn Waugh; Terry Southern
- Producer: John Calley; Neil Hartley
CGiii Comment
Gielgud camps it up (perfectly).
Liberace is surprisingly restrained...but, Rod Steiger just throws all caution to the wind and throws himself, head first, into a pool of fluffiness.
The film is a curiosity.
America, at the time, didn't realise just how cruel (and unsubtle) it was - comparisons with Dr Strangelove are obvious - however you may look at this, satire is rarely this good - there is much quality behind the writing.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Newly arrived in Hollywood from England, Dennis Barlow finds he has to arrange his uncle's interment at the highly-organised and very profitable Whispering Glades funeral parlour. His fancy is caught by one of their cosmeticians, Aimee Thanatogenos. But he has three problems - the strict rules of owner Blessed Reverand Glenworthy, the rivalry of embalmer Mr Joyboy, and the shame of now working himself at The Happy Hunting Ground pets' memorial home.
Cast & Characters
Robert Morse as Dennis Barlow;
Jonathan Winters as Henry Glenworthy / Rev. Wilbur Glenworthy;
Anjanette Comer as Aimee Thanatogenous;
Dana Andrews as Gen. Buck Brinkman;
Milton Berle as Mr. Kenton;
James Coburn as Immigration Officer;
John Gielgud as Sir Francis Hinsley;
Tab Hunter as Whispering Glades Tour Guide;
Margaret Leighton as Mrs. Helen Kenton;
Liberace as Mr. Starker;
Roddy McDowall as D.J. Jr.;
Robert Morley as Sir Ambrose Ambercrombie;
Barbara Nichols as Sadie Blodgett;
Lionel Stander as The Guru Brahmin;
Roxanne Arlen as Whispering Glades Hostess