Facts of Life

Buy This Item Facts of Life by MGM (Video & DVD)  Available from Amazon  $14.98  on 11-15-2008     It was really a Hollywood flurry and worry (I'm sure) when the greatest comics of the time (1960) embarked upon a true love story but with these pros there was no danger. A reworking of Brief Encounter emerged as a bitter sweet and humorous accidental love affair. These stars looked great, turned in Oscar performances and bowled over the fans. I Love Lucy already summed up, the Lucille Ball of TV returned to her motion picture roots and did not break stride and Mr. Bob Hope perhaps turned in the role of his career. Neither disappointed. All this was intentionally low key, no slap stick or outrageous capers. Fans who never saw Ms.Ball out of her "Lucy" role will be amazed at her great beauty and top notch acting and Mr. Hope will surprise you as the serious romantic leading man.There is the natural human comedy which only enhances the appeal of the motion picture. The gorgeous eyes over Hope's shoulders (ad catch line) will make you fall in love with Lucy all over again.This film needs to be on DVD for posterity. Long live Lucy and Bob Hope. Reader Reviews *** This review contains spoilers *** This movie surprised me. I really enjoyed it. Lucy is stunning as a glamor star. She gets the soft focus and lighting, the glamor hair and makeup, but the showstopper is the glamor wardrobe. I've never seen her look more beautiful. I did not know that Lucy had made it so far in her movie career as to be able to star as a glamor girl, opposite Bob Hope yet. Another notch on the resume of this fascinating woman. My wife and I had just been discussing Lucy's talents as a straight actress and by coincidence this movie came on the next day. I had the opinion that Lucy was best in comedy and was not quite right in a straight role. This movie proved me wrong on that! She is convincing and when she kissed Bob I really believed it. Bob is also great. His comedy style here is more subtle than usual, playing funny bits off in a straight style without the usual hamming. The bit with the hankie made me belly laugh. The subject matter of this movie is similar to other movies of the early 60s as the sexual revolution was just starting...all clean and above board on the surface, yet doing their best to titillate us with sexual situations and innuendo. As I said in my review of Bob's "I'll Take Sweden," I find this juvenile and boring. There's no shock value left by now, so it falls flat. However, this movie tackles more serious subjects than simply titillating sex, namely the subjects of infidelity, marriage, and marital boredom. That is more interesting and even in 2005 I found the subject matter moving and thought-provoking. The script is tight and witty, with good dialog. The plot is also more or less water tight with plausible motivations. Good stuff....worth watching.

Facts of Life Available from Amazon Price: $14.98 Updated on 11-15-2008.

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