California Suite (1978)

Neil Simon’s California Suite was made in 1978. That made us very nostalgic. Yes, this film, comprised of four playlets, was dated. Look at all those scenes that involved smoking. However, it had undeniable charm and made us laugh.  “It ticked every box,” said one member of the discussion group.

We appreciated the very handsome Michael Caine, with his silky comforting voice.  Maggie Smith deserved her Oscar, amusingly so, as she played an actress who didn’t get one.

Neil Simon’s writing was described as “Oscar Wilde repartee combined with a French farce.”  Others loved the script’s emotional honesty, it was “clever and touching.”

The verbally sparring scenes with Alan Alda and Jane Fonda were particularly valued – “crackling conversation.” We noted that despite it being 1978, Fonda’s character was a successful career woman. The resolution of their disagreement about their daughter was appreciated. Jane Fonda had her own individual hair stylist, as spotted on the credits. It’s interesting what different members of the group notice.

We were a little divided on the scenes with Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. There has been some criticism about the black actors being used for slapstick. However, one member of the group thought Richard Pryor shone compared with his role in the much-criticised Superman III. Some of us didn’t find the Walter Matthau scenes that funny really.

Otherwise, there wasn’t a lot to say. A generally appreciated film. We then shared our California and Beverly Hills Hotel anecdotes, which included our own showbiz experiences with Kathy Bates, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby and celebrated a birthday.

 Anne