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Today I thought we'd take a look at gender bending.

A few nights ago, I watched one of my all-time favorite boudoir farce and gender bender films, Victor Victoria.

If you haven't already seen this 1982 classic, here’s a quick synopsis:

On the verge of starvation in 1930s Paris, struggling female soprano Victoria (Julie Andrews) is rescued by gay cabaret performer Toddy (Robert Preston). What she needs to succeed, opines Toddy, is a gimmick. What if she becomes a male impersonator? Better still: what if she becomes a male impersonator, pretending to be a female impersonator? As Victor/Victoria, s/he becomes the toast of Paris, and an object of fascination for big-time Chicago gangster King Marchan (James Garner), who can't quite understand the attraction he experiences whenever watching her in action-especially since he, like everyone else, assumes that she is a he

Determined to get the truth of Victor's gender, King sneaks into Victoria's suite and confirms his suspicion when he spies her getting into the bath. He keeps his knowledge secret and pretends that he doesn't know; all the while courting her. Eventually the two of them get together for a romantic interlude, after Victoria finally confesses to King that she is in fact not a man, but a woman.

To which King replies, "I don't care if you are a man." And then he kisses her.

I won't tell you anything more about the plot because I don't want to give it all away. Yet, I will tell you that this film is a perfect recipe of humor, charm, warmth and romance. It also carries a very special message. A message that attraction and love goes beyond the gender.

Everyone in the cast is superb, however, my favorite character and performance is Norma Cassidy (King's screechy-voiced moll) played by Lesley Ann Warren. Norma doesn't have as much screen time as the other characters, yet in my opinion, she steals the whole movie. What I enjoy about Warren's portrayal is that she makes what could be a very irritating character, so utterly lovable, that you just want to squeeze her. No matter how many times I watch her performance, I laugh my ass off every. single. time. 


Here are some shots from the film...

Toddy and Victoria meet for the first time
Toddy plots Victoria's impersonation by first grooming her to become a believable man
Alter egos
Victor/Victoria's opening night performance
King and Victor getting to know each other
Toddy and Victor performing together at a Paris gay night club, Chez Lui
Toddy impersonating Victoria impersonating Victor
Norma just before she delivers one of my favorite lines in the script: "Yoohoo, Pookie...I'm horny."
King and Norma in bed after King had a problem "getting it UP"
Norma performing in a Chicago "mob" night club. This dance number is hilarious! And it really shows off the actor-singer-dancer talent of Warren.

So if you're ever in the mood to watch a thoroughly enjoyable film about a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman, you gotta see this one. It sparkles!

I leave you with a trailer...

Have a faaaabulous weekend everyone! 
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44 comments:

  1. Looks like a very entertaining movie! I am sure I saw it years ago ..probably when it first came out though, so the memory is pretty much gone.
    Leslie Ann Warren is a hoot. I remember her in 'Clue' and some episodes of Will and Grace.
    I like the photos you chose to go with this post.
    Hope you enjoy a nice weekend, Ron. :)

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  2. I remember the movie when it came out, but don't remember if I saw it or not. What I do remember is that my Grandma loooooved James Garner! LOL! She was a religious watcher of the Rockford Files on Friday nights! He just seemed like some old guy to me at the time, but seeing his photo now, he IS attractive!

    Have a super duper weekend, Ron!

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  3. Hey, Ron! i saw this movie when it first came out and I remember being blown away when Julie Andrews sang "Le Jazz Hot." She really gave it her all on that number.


    And you're right about Lesley Ann Warren--she did steal the picture. James Garner was excellent and Alex Karras did a fine job as his bodyguard. Great stuff!


    Hope your weekend is "tres hot," mon ami! Take care!

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  4. Ron, I had never seen this movie until one of my girlfriends loaned me the DVD to watch one weekend about 3 years ago. I loved it! Lesley Ann Warren was a hilarious. I saw her in an interview one time where she said that whenever one of her fans meets her in person, they always say that Norma is their favorite role.


    Love the shots you shared from the movie.


    Fun post, Ron. Have a wonderful weekend x

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  5. It's been forever since I've seen this...need to it's time for a good laugh!

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  6. Hey there Rob!

    "i saw this movie when it first came out and I remember being blown away when Julie Andrews sang "Le Jazz Hot." She really gave it her all on that number."

    Meeeee too! At that time she made this film, Blake Edwards (who was the director and also her husband) tailor-made this film to show off her many talents.

    "and Alex Karras did a fine job as his bodyguard."

    Thank you so much for mentioning Alex Karras because he was sooooooooo awesome in the film as well. And I loved the interaction between he and Norma. HILARIOUS!

    "Hope your weekend is "tres hot," mon ami!"



    HA! Loved that! And you as well, buddy!


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  7. Hola Denise!

    "I saw her in an interview one time where she said that whenever one of her fans meets her in person, they always say that Norma is their favorite role."



    Yes! I too have seen interviews with Warren in which she shared the same thing. I think it's one of those extra-special roles that so many people enjoyed that it's become a CLASSIC! Many years ago, I saw her in thriller movie called, Apology, and she was so great. She's a very talented lady who can cross over into many different types of roles.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend!


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  8. Hey there Suzi!


    OMG...it's a GREAT film you want to laugh. It's soooooo entertaining!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a beautiful weekend!


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  9. I have not yet seen this movie but I might have to check it out. It is funny you posted this today because just this morning I saw an episode of Catfish that dealt with this exact issue. The catfish was a female pretending to be a male. When the gender was revealed everyone assumed the romantic interest would stop but the girl being catfished said "you really can't help who you fall in love with." It was really amazing and inspiring. Goes along well with this post!

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  10. I love this movie! I saw it with my parents, but it might be time to see it again!

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  11. Ron, I've not see this film or even heard of it. But from your write-up and photographs, I think it would be something I would enjoy. I like the whole Art Deco style of the 20's and 30's. And speaking of James Garner, my girlfriend and I just recently watched the movie, The Notebook, which he was also in. We both love that movie and have watched it several times.



    Cool post, dude!

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  12. It is one of the few modern musicals I like (pretty much everything post WWII sucks - except any musical that had Gene Kelly in it - if he's in a movie of any kind - you watch, okay, I watch) I have seen it several times but mostly for Robert Preston and Alex Karras - They make the fun.

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  13. ".....just this morning I saw an episode of Catfish that dealt with this exact issue. The catfish was a female pretending to be a male. When the gender was revealed everyone assumed the romantic interest would stop but the girl being catfished said "you really can't help who you fall in love with." It was really amazing and inspiring."

    OMG Shae, that sounded sooooooooo interesting! I think I need to see if I can find a clip of that on You Tube. Thanks so much for letting me know!

    Have a super weekend, my friend, and thank you for stopping by!

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  14. Jean, isn't this a faaaaaaaaaabulous movie?


    It's a film I will watch periodically throughout the year whenever I'm in the mood to be entertained. Great story! Great cast!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome weekend!


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  15. Hiya Matt!

    " I like the whole Art Deco style of the 20's and 30's."

    Meeee too! And this movie has a lot of that Art Deco style in it. The movie is very cool because you actually feel as though you're back there in that time period.

    "And speaking of James Garner, my girlfriend and I just recently watched the movie, The Notebook, which he was also in. We both love that movie and have watched it several times."



    OMG...that is such faaaaaaaabulous film! I didn't see it until it came out on DVD. I cried and cried at the end. Both Garner and Rowlands were so great in that film together. What a beautiful story!


    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!


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  16. "It is one of the few modern musicals I like."

    Isn't it a GREAT film, Grace? And even if someone doesn't care for musicals, I think it's a film that they would enjoy because it's not like a "typical musical" where the characters break out into a song. It's more of musical in which the numbers are performed "as musical numbers."

    "any musical that had Gene Kelly in it - if he's in a movie of any kind - you watch, okay, I watch"

    I agree! And I adored Gene Kelly. So did my mother. I loved the way he danced.

    " I have seen it several times but mostly for Robert Preston and Alex Karras - They make the fun."



    Preston and Karras were AWESOME, I agree!


    Have a terrific weekend and thank you for stopping by!
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  17. This has inspired me. I think this Halloween, I'll play a man pretending to be a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. Ha! Top that, Hollywood!


    Clever premise, but I've never seen the film. I guess I'll have to add it to my queue along with The Goodbye Girl and The Long Trailer!

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  18. Yea, I have seen it ... twice. And incidentally I have seen The Notebook (my fave film of all time) that Matt mentioned. Sorry, I wandered a bit here. Mind you, you couldn't really take Julie Andrews for a man, could you....grins. I liked the punch-ups and my favourite line: 'What the hell was that?' and the reply...... 'E flat'. Brilliant.


    Thank you for this slice of entertainment. Loved it. Enjoy your weekend.

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  19. " I think this Halloween, I'll play a man pretending to be a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. Ha! Top that, Hollywood!"

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha! Mark, that cracked me the hell up!

    "I guess I'll have to add it to my queue along with The Goodbye Girl and The Long Trailer!"

    Both of which I've seen and loved.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and making me laugh (as you always do), buddy! Have a superb weekend!

    X to you and Tara!

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  20. Helloooooooo Valerie!

    Isn't if a FUN film?

    "And incidentally I have seen The Notebook (my fave film of all time) that Matt mentioned."

    LOVE that film too! OMG...I cried my eyes out at the end.

    "Mind you, you couldn't really take Julie Andrews for a man, could you....grins."



    No, I agree. But it's such an entertaining and delightful film that you end up going along for the ride, even though you don't totally believe that she is a man.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely weekend!


    X to you and Joe!

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  21. How wild! And funny! I have not seen this, but why does Norma Cassidy look so familiar. I must look up her other films. IMDB is my bestest friend! :-)

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  22. Ron, I'm going to see if I can find this movie either on Netflix or pick up a copy at FYE this weekend because it looks like a hoot! From your description, it sounds like a must-see for me. "Norma just before she delivers one of my favorite lines in the script: "Yoohoo, Pookie...I'm horny." Lol. And what a great cast. Thank you for sharing the clip!



    Great review, Ron!

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  23. Hey there Angelia!

    I have a feeling you would really ENJOY this film!

    "but why does Norma Cassidy look so familiar. I must look up her other films."



    That's probably because you've seen Lesley Ann Warren (Norma Cassidy) in other films. She's been around for such a long time. She was Cinderella in the TV version of Cinderella, back in the in the 60's. She has also appeared in many TV sitcoms and drama. Very diverse and talented actress she is.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a superb weekend!


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  24. Hey ho Robert!

    Yup...I have a feeling you would adore this film. I first saw it when came out in the movie. I saw it with a friend of mine in Florida, we both loved it.

    " I can find this movie either on Netflix or pick up a copy at FYE."



    Great idea! And if you go to F.Y.E. check to see if they have a previous-viewed copy because it will be cheaper than a new one. I get so many of my movies there.


    You're right, what a cast! And you're going to love the character of Norma, I know you will!


    Much thanks for stopping by, bud. Have a fantabulous weekend! And let me know what you think if you watch the film.


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  25. Ohhhh....see Catfish. It's a good film. And how could you miss with this cast? It's been years since I've seen this one. But I vaguely recall it (failing memory...). Maybe I can get himself to watch along on this fancy assed television with the "you can't have too many speakers" speakers. Face it, if he ain't watching with me.....there are more buttons on that remote than they have in a button factory, I swear!!

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  26. A great film.
    I always liked Julie Andrews in the less twee movies she made, like 10 and S.O.B.
    Apart from anything else, when she wasn't being "nice" all the time she was a gorgeous, very sexy woman.
    I think she is very underrated as an actress, but in a unique way; many people like her films and think they know her by her populist image and yet a lot of those same people have never seen that other side of her career. More of her alleged fans should make a point of seeing the edgier movies, it'd open a few eyes to her real talent.

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  27. "Maybe I can get himself to watch along on this fancy assed television with the "you can't have too many speakers" speakers. Face it, if he ain't watching with me.....there are more buttons on that remote than they have in a button factory, I swear!!"

    HAHAHAHHAHAHA! Mel, that cracked me up! It seems that the TV remotes nowadays have so many buttons on them that you could land a plane!

    "Ohhhh....see Catfish. It's a good film."

    Will do. You're the second person who mentioned that film, so it must be good!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a terrific weekend!
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  28. "I think she is very underrated as an actress, but in a unique way; many people like her films and think they know her by her populist image and yet a lot of those same people have never seen that other side of her career. More of her alleged fans should make a point of seeing the edgier movies, it'd open a few eyes to her real talent."

    I soooooo agree, Dale! She is very good at more serious/edgier roles as well, such as, "That's Life," with Jack Lemon or "Torn Curtain," with Paul Newman. Many people only see her as Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp.


    Julie Andrews made a guest appearance at the store I work to sign copies of a book she wrote, but unfortunately I didn't work that day so I missed her :)


    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Enjoy your weekend!


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  29. Oh such a classic, Ron, in which Julie Andrews oozes such class. And while we're on the subject, after I'd seen her in Victor/Victoria, I couldn't shake this image of her playing Fred Astaire. Couldn't she pass as his female counterpart?
    And Robert Preston as Toddy...hilarious!
    A wonderful cast, with wonderful memories, Ron! Thank you. :))

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  30. I don't know how, but I missed seeing this one, Ron. Yet the cast is FULL of such talented people! You've piqued my interest; now I'll have to rent the movie and enjoy it for myself.
    Sorry for being late to the party -- busy week, but perhaps the bulk of it is behind me. Happy, happy weekend to you!

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  31. "And while we're on the subject, after I'd seen her in Victor/Victoria, I couldn't shake this image of her playing Fred Astaire. Couldn't she pass as his female counterpart?"

    OMG Petra...you are spot on about that, she absolutely could pass for his female counterpart because dressed as a man, she looks soooooo much like Astaire! Good eye you have!

    Wasn't Robert Preston delightful as Toddy? He was one of those multi-talented actors whose career just kept on going and going through each decade. He was timeless!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a great weekend!

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  32. Helloooooo there Debbie!

    Oh that's okay, no apologies needed my friend. Sometimes that happens to me too, I somehow miss seeing someone's post on my reader.

    "Yet the cast is FULL of such talented people! You've piqued my interest; now I'll have to rent the movie and enjoy it for myself."



    I think you would enjoy this film because it's one that you can just sit back and be entertained. Also, it's such a charming story everyone can enjoy.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Happy, happy weekend to you too!

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  33. I love this movie! Have always loved it! Big Julie Andrews fan.

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  34. Ron, this movie looks like so much fun! Sage and I (yes, we are still besties) are always looking for different movies to watch and have fallen in love with the classics. This looks right up our ally.

    Sage is a bit younger than I, and just a few months ago I introduced him to Julie Andrews as Peter Pan. He adored her.

    Funny, she was gender bending even back then.

    Hope your weekend is lovely!

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  35. " I cried and cried at the end." Yes, we cried as well. What a touching ending. I know the movie is based on a book but I've never read it.

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  36. Isn't it faaaaaaaabulous, Benze? Fun and entertaining! Me too, love Julie Andrews! Such a talented and classy lady!


    Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super Sunday!


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  37. Yes Matt, it is based on a book by, Nicholas Sparks, which too have never read. He's written several best sellers!

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  38. Hey there Melissa!

    Yes, I know you would LOVE this movie. And Sage as well. It's such a HOOT!

    "Sage is a bit younger than I, and just a few months ago I introduced him to Julie Andrews as Peter Pan. He adored her."

    Did you mean Mary Martin as Peter Pan? Because she was Peter Pan onstage and also in the movie. But I could be wrong.

    Here's a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pan_(1954_musical)



    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a super Sunday!


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  39. Himself didn't wanna watch it........and suffered through it with me. And even HE liked it. LOL He's more about The Jason Bourne movies and all that high anxiety, Oh dear the world is going to END stuff. LOL Small wonder he's neurotic, huh?!

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  40. OMG, I'm confused, Mel, because the link you shared shows that Mia Farrow played Peter Pan, but stated that Julie Andrews sang one of the songs off-camera. So was Julie Andrews in it?

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  41. Mel, you have me soooooooo curious about this film now. Gotta see if I can find it at F.Y.E.


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  42. Okay, I can't thank you ENOUGH for sharing that link to Warren as Cinderella! Yes, I remember seeing that on TV when I was kid and loving it.

    " I was just enchanted as a child and watched it every year when it came on TV."



    Me too! She makes the perfect Cinderella!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. And thanks again for sharing the clip!


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  43. Ron, I had to stop back real quick to tell you that I found the movie at FYE and bought it. It wasn't previously viewed but I got it for what I thought was a great price $6.99. You're right, it was a great film! I watched it once, but I'll be watching it again. Loved the dance number with Norma (Lesley Ann Warren). Thanks for letting me know about this movie!

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  44. Yaaaaaaay Robert! Glad to hear you got the film and enjoyed it!!! And yes, I think that's a GREAT price! Wasn't the dance number HILARIOUS? Trust me, it's one of those films you'll go back and watch over and over again.


    Thanks for stopping back to let me know!

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