MGM
Arthur Hiller's "The Americanization of Emily," from a script by Paddy Chayefsky based on the novel of William Bradford Huie, stars Julie Andrews as a woman who falls in love with a naval officer (James Garner) during World War II.
Arthur Hiller proves to be the wrong director for this serio-comedy about the Navy's plot to make Garner the first casualty in the Normandy invasion, resulting in a muddled film that lacks wit.
Julie Andrews, then at her prime, won the Oscar for "Mary Poppins," which was also made in 1964. In this picture, she tried to change her screen image as the clean-cut, noble, wholesome, and virginal (or asexual) heroine—to no avail.
The supporting ensemble includes Melvyn Douglas, James Coburn, Joyce Grenfell, and Keenan Wynn.
Oscar Nominations: 2
Cinematography (b/w): Philip H. Lathrop
Art Direction-Set Decoration (b/w): George W. Davis, Hans Peters, and Elliot Scott; Henry Grace and Robert R. Benton
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
Michael Cacoyannis's "Zorba the Greek" won the Cinematography and Art Direction Oscars.
