artqua

I had started reading the book, but found it a very slow starter, so I stopped. I was very glad to hear about this Netflix series. First, the slight negatives. The flashbacks can be a little confusing. That could have been made more clear and, probably, less frequent. Everyone spoke English. I am sure that was easier for the filmmakers and viewers. Still, the actors who were playing French people in the 1940's could have spoken with a slight French accent. I think that would have been better. Only Hugh Laurie said "Saint Malo" the way a French speaker would. That said, however, I thought the acting was superb. I fell in love with and rooted for the protagonists. Perhaps I was a little biased since I toured St. Malo less than a year ago, which made viewing the seaside town more special.

This film addresses the desegregation of Houston, not "many southern cities." Desegregation in Houston in the 1960's was relatively quiet and "behind the scenes." Community leaders in government, higher education, and business saw the writing on the wall and wanted to avoid negative media attention. The major catalyst at the time was an unusual man with an unusual name, Eldrewey Stearns. He was a law student at Texas Southern University in Houston. This film seems to use as a reference the book No Color is My Kind: The Life of Eldrewey Stearns and the Integration of Houston by Thomas R. Cole. The latter part of the book delves into Mr. Stearns' life afterword.

I loved Jack Lemmon and Judy Holliday in It Should Happen to You, and this film is almost as charming. The plot is simple, but the character development and relentless humor make it work, in my opinion. The supporting actor, Jack Carson, is convincing as the best friend/misogynistic smarmy boss and playboy. The mambo dance scene is a one not to be missed! Of course, Jack Lemmon was able to play a variety of characters, but he was great in comedies. Judy Holliday had a limited run due to her short life, but I became a fan and want to see everything she has done. I don't know where this movie has been on my life!