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Synopsis:
After Myron Breckenridge (Rex Reed) undergoes a sex change operation and becomes Myra (Raquel Welch), she visits an acting school owned by her uncle Buck (John Huston), pretending to be the “deceased” Myron’s widow in order to receive half of his estate. Meanwhile, Myra plots “the destruction of the American male in all its particulars” by blackmailing a studly young acting student (Roger Herren) and sending him into the clutches of aging casting director Leticia Van Allen (Mae West).
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Actors and Actresses
- Black Comedy
- Gender Bending
- John Carradine Films
- Mistaken or Hidden Identities
- Raquel Welch Films
- Revenge
Review:
A notorious turkey from the moment it went into production, this big-budget adaptation of Gore Vidal’s satirical novel is, as noted in Toxic Universe’s review, both “hypnotically awful” and “audaciously dreadful”. British writer/director/performer Michael Sarne — whose debut film was the quirky Joanna (1968), starring Genevieve Waite — was recruited to helm the pic, but immediately clashed with both producers and stars about how to proceed; the result is a hyper-surreal pastiche which won’t make much sense to those who haven’t first read Vidal’s novel.
With that said — since I have read the novel, fairly recently — I must say I was pleasantly surprised by Breckinridge; it may be over-the-top, but it’s never boring, and Sarne’s post-modern insertion of vintage film clips at key moments (he was sued over several of his selections) is inspired. Welch — dressed in a series of fun 40’s-era outfits, including hats — almost seems to be channeling the spirit of Joan Crawford in her bitchily determined attitude, and John Huston at the very least seems to be having fun. Film critic Rex Reed (a non-actor) is the worst of the bunch, but doesn’t damage the proceedings too badly.
What really elevates this flick to must-see status, however, is the presence of aging diva Mae West as a horny septuagenarian casting director with a foul mouth and a surprising amount of sexual allure — ya’d think she’d come across like simply a parody of herself, but she’s remarkably well-preserved, and so sincere in her efforts to carry the show (complete with a “show-stopping” musical number) that one can’t help enjoying her efforts. See below for just one of her hilarious quips, which had me laughing out loud again and again.
Note: Myra Breckenridge was voted one of the “fifty worst films of all time” by the Medved brothers in their 1978 book.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
Must See?
Yes, for its notoriety as a camp classic.
Categories
- Cult Movie
- Historically Relevant
Links:
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