At Long Last Love

At Long Last Love is a 1975 American musical comedy film, written, produced and directed by Peter Bogdanovich. The movie showcases the tremendous talent of a stellar ensemble cast led by Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepherd, and the hilarious Madeleine Kahn.

The plot revolves around the subjects of romance, love, and deception, played out in a comedic but sophisticated manner. The story takes place in a high-society backdrop, where wealth and status are cornerstones of the characters' lives. Taking a wave from the classic 1930s musical comedies, this film fashioned its storytelling with charm and elegance, intertwined with comedic tones, making it a delightful homage to that golden era of Hollywood.

The story is about a group of four rich socialites, portrayed by Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepherd, Madelaine Kahn, and Duilio Del Prete. These characters find themselves interconnected in complex and often humorous ways in their pursuit of love and romantic relationships. Their well-built characters faceted by their dashing personalities, social status, and quirks, create a cascade of amusing and entertaining events of misunderstanding and romantic escapades.

Burt Reynolds stars in a striking departure from his usual tough-guy roles, showcasing his singing and dancing abilities as a charming and jovial playboy, Michael Oliver Pritchard III. Cybill Shepherd presents an alluring performance as a lethally beautiful and wealthy heiress, Brooke Carter. Their chemistry is palpable and their shared screen moments are full of charm.

Madelaine Kahn, renowned for her comic timing and subtle nuances, portrays the endearingly eccentric Kitty O'Kelly with skillful ease. On the other hand, the talented Italian actor, Duilio Del Prete, adds flair as Johnny Spanish. The impeccable performances of these stars bring a unique effervescence and spirit to the film.

This film's unique feature is its musical comedies' style, absent in much of the 1970s cinema. The director infuses the plot with tantalizing tunes and engaging dance sequences, adding a layer of exuberance and vibrancy that further elevates the film's appeal. All songs in the movie, deftly integrated into the storyline, are classic songs by Cole Porter, contributing to an entertaining and suave atmosphere.

At Long Last Love is also notable for its technical choices. Pioneering a unique style for its time, it's among the few films of the era shot live with the stars singing, avoiding post-production dubbing. It delivers the dialogues and songs in a flowing, continuous format, enhancing the authentic feel and staging of the movie like a real-time theater experience.

The direction and screenplay by Peter Bogdanovich ensure the movie stays true to the era it aims to pay homage to, the golden period of Hollywood musicals. The elaborate set design, beautifully tailored costumes, and appropriate aesthetics transport the audience back to the opulent and stylish 1930s, bathing the movie in a nostalgic glow.

Besides its brilliant cast, the film is technically robust as well. Cinematographer László Kovács uses the camera to capture the nuance and beauty not only of the characters but also the glamorous environments they inhabit. The superb editing work by William C. Carruth enhances the overall visual flow of the film.

The production value, completeness of the plot, romantic entanglements, slapstick comedy, along with stunning music and dance numbers, make this film a unique cinematic experience. It gave audiences a respite from the emerging trend of brooding drama and edgy violence in movies during its era by offering a cheerful and flamboyant spectacle.

At Long Last Love hit the screen during a time when musical comedies were losing their steam. Despite facing initial critical backlash, it has found a cult following in subsequent years, particularly among connoisseurs of classic Hollywood films. The movie’s light-hearted romance and delightful performances, mixed with enchanting musical sequences, make it a charming cinematic confection. It's a must-watch for everyone who loves a good tale of romance, served with a side of melody and laughter.

Overall, At Long Last Love succeeds in marrying a distinctive plot with strong performances from a talented cast, supported harmoniously by memorable music and magnificent production design. It serves as a fitting homage to the golden era of Hollywood musicals, a testament to a time when the exuberance of song and dance could tell a story.