California Casanova

Oh, wow, what a wonderful burst of fun it was to see Jerry Orbach as a retired European gigolo! And he gives Yoda like advice to his young listener, played by Tyrone Power Jr.

California Casanova was made ahead of its time. The cleverly sophisticated approach to this comedy brings modern sensibilities to a genre that is very difficult to do – screwball comedy. And it all works.

Writer-Director Nat Christian, boldly ventures into this territory with great aplomb. His screenplay presents us with a very real "Rominoffski", an aging gigolo, who has been presenting himself as something "special." You know, the guy who manages a fine hotel somewhere, and says that his family's money has been tied up or frozen somewhere in Europe for political reasons. The guy is impeccably well dressed. We know this person. He's the guy who, if you looked closely enough, would have a tiny hole at the back of his pant cuff. But one doesn't look closely at these types. They are "royalty." Their charm keeps us too charmed to look further. And they get by with it. Writer/Director, Christian also created a strong female character in this film.

As a director, Christian very creatively ties in romance and spiced poignancy with comedy. Under his direction, the actors are relaxed and they give outstanding performances.

Jerry Orbach, who had normally been a song and dance man, until he became street tough guys, plays this character beautifully and poetically. What a real joy.

Audrey Landers (whom I had seen in Chorus Line) plays a singer who is caught between a tough guy ex-boyfriend, Brian Genesse, and a geek. Landers has never been more real and vulnerable in a role. It's the first time I saw a wide range with her and couldn't help but think that that this actress could be a major international star.

Tyrone Power Jr. plays well opposite Mr. Orbach. Brian Genesse, is charismatic and funny.

One of the executive producers is Ruth Landers, Audrey's mother apparently. And this probably was a vehicle for her daughter. Though, I would have preferred to see more of a buddy picture, with Orbach and Power, because I feel that is where the strength of this movie was, Audrey's performance was a real joy to watch.

California Casanova delivers. Maybe delivered a little ahead of it's time, but that's the great thing about DVDs!

Jerry Orbach is terrific as the aging gigolo who befriends a young nerd and helps transform him into a modern day Casanova. or at least he tries to. A surprisingly vulnerable and revealing performance by Audrey Landers, along with a very appealing cameo performances by Ken Kercheval. This was a great movie to watch.

This comedy, though quirky, really touched me. A bumbling, penniless, down and out young man is saved, or thinks he is, by an old man of charm and grace. The kind of person who is always impeccably dressed and seems to have the attention of all the ladies, but is nevertheless penniless himself. The type of person who is usually a guest at someone's house because he claims that his vast fortune is "frozen" in some European bank account, so all he has is his style. Naturally, the advice given to the younger man gives birth to a lot of comedic scenes, but in the end, the two learn a lot from each other. I loved it.

First of all, this film delivers a stylish, lighthearted, romantic punch. Jerry Orbach plays an aging Casanova who mentors a down and out, "nerdy" guy. Well, what can I say? This character is unlike anything Mr. Orbach has done in the past, but it certainly allows him to showcase his wonderful talent in comedy. I enjoyed this movie thoroughly.

I just loved this stylish, charming, escapist and romantic movie. It's not often that you see a screwball comedy that works, and this one does. The story has a lot of heart, and it delivers, moving with light, but effective strokes of the brush. Jerry Orbach is great as an older gigolo. I definitely recommend this one.