Town and Country

CellarDoor

April 25, 2001

Return

Well I'm just in from "Town and Country," and all I have to say is Legendary Disaster doesn't begin to describe it. It's right up there in the "Bad Movies We Love Hall of Fame" -- right alongside of "Casino Royale."

It began (FOUR YEARS AGO!) as a fairly simple farce about middle-aged infidelity. But it was badly planned, so some of the cast had to go offan make other movies (like "Hanging Up" remember that one? Shot, released and off to home video before "Town and Country" was finished.) When they got back new things were added on-- each making less sense than the next. Peter Chelsom ("Hear My Song" and "Funny Bones") directs from a script credited to Michael Laughlin and Buck Henry.But I suspect 8 other writers plus Elaine May were also involved.

Warren Beatty is fine in terms of what he's allowed to do,and so is Diane Keaton. Goldie Hawn is in the first half of the film, but disappears for the second where we meet up with all manner of crazies played by Nastassia Kinski, Andie McDowell, Jenna Elfman, Charlton Heston and Marian Seldes.

Fred Berry (Re-Run of "What's Happening") even has a scene!

And did I mention that Gary Shandling plays Warren's best pal who's having an affair with a transvestite?

Don't miss it!