FILM REVIEWS

Based on the popular play by Renée Taylor and Joseph Bologna, “Lovers and Other Strangers” became a “sleeper” hit, even garnering three Oscar nominations (see below).

Episodic to a fault but involving and occasionally even witty, the story is essentially a series of vignettes and anecdotes, unified by an impending marriage.

But it boasts terrific acting by a large ensemble of New York-based actors.

Father of the bride Hal (Gig Young) has problems with his long-suffering mistress, Cathy (Anne Jackson), who spends a lot of time on the toilet crying.

Meanwhile, Wilma (Anne Meara), the bride’s sex-starved sister, can’t wrest her husband, Johnny (Harry Guardino), away from the TV.

Frank, the groom’s father, played by Richard Costellano in an Oscar nominated performance, has some of the best funniest lines, often repeating his query, “So what’s the story?” (Castellano had appeared in the Broadway production, and he is also known for his role as Clemenza in “The Godfather”).

The direction is pedestrian and technical values are modest, but the joy is all in the writing and acting.

Diane Keaton, who would become a major star in a few years, makes her film debut as a wedding guest.

Oscar Nominations: 3

Supporting Actor: Richard Castellano
Screenplay (Adapted): Renee Taylor, Joseph Bologna, David Zelag Goodman
Song: For All We Know, music by Fred karlin, lyrics by Robb Royer and James Griffin (aka Robb Wilson and Arthur James).

Oscar Awards: 1
Song

Oscar Context:
The winner of the Supporting Actor Oscar was Brit John Mills for “Ryan’s Daughter.”

Credits
Produced by ABC Pictures
Running time: 106 Minutes.
Directed by Cy Howard
Screenplay: Renée Taylor, Joseph Bologna, David Zelag Goodman
Released: August 12, 1970.
DVD: July 6, 2004