Otra vez con amor

Donen directs a film based on a familiar theme - the ugly side of of genius that is hidden from the public, but all too familiar with valet, wife or agent. Donen manages to make a comedy of it all, without becoming a farce. That is probably due to the acting talents of Yul Brynner, Kay Kendall and the over worked agent played by great character actor Greg Ratoff. The plot may sound silly if one reads the screen play, but as a finished film, it is a delight to watch as three different personalities clash with each other, going in all directions only to end up on the same page at the end. Donen manages to describe genius, art, and a selfish ego and puts it into a package that will not make you laugh, but smile through most of the film. If you like classical music (and Sousa), you have an additional bonus. If you are a musician or played in school, you will recognize some of the tantrums of the conductor and the bulling of musicians who do not give the conductor what he wants.

And one final tribute to the film. Kay Kendall's acting is all the more remarkable because she shows no signs of nearing the end of her life and career. Once More With Feeling was her last film.

It is a shame that this film has not been released on video. It is a witty observation of the classical music world with Yul Brynner playing the part of a temperamental orchestra conductor. It was also Kay Kendall's last film - she was fatally ill when she made it and died shortly after it was finished. She was a marvelous comedienne and was a great foil for Yul Brynner. Every classical music buff should see this film!

Sadly lost to viewers and DVD/VHS buyers in the United States, this is one of the funniest films Kay Kendall made in her short life, and that is no mean feat. Yul Brenner also shines as one of the world's greatest egomaniac types--a symphony orchestra conductor.

I finally found a copy of this which I had not seen since it came out. I still found it wonderfully funny and vintage Kendall. Perhaps the reason why this movie has not survived in the public arena is that it deals with a couple "living in sin" who have to marry in order to divorce after a 7 or 8-year liaison in order to satisfy public morality. Seems unbelievable now, but can think of no other reason, other than perhaps Kay Kendall's estate is difficult about her films.

Another Kendall movie which seems to be unattainable is "Simon and Laura" with Peter Finch. This film takes a rather cynical look at the TV industry, viewer loyalty, and "soaps" and these aspects might be a reason for its suppression. Since writing this, it has just been released on DVD in the U.K.(March 2007)

This film is just plain funny. Yul Brenner is perfect as the fiery uncompromising symphony conductor, Kaye Kendall likewise as his companion of many years who has kept his orchestra afloat by her unfailing ability to soothe the many feathers ruffled by the maestro -- until, that is, she returns one night to find him compromised with a beautiful 21-year-old pianist. The first-rate performances here are not limited to their acting alone; this is a fine piece of work and everyone involved can be justifiably proud of their part in making it so. The mystery, to me, is why this upbeat and thoroughly delightful comedy is virtually unknown and why the only way in which viewers can verify this is to catch it on its infrequent showings on late-night television. This should really be available on VHS or DVD; my question is, why isn't it?