California Suite
- Director: Herbert Ross
- Writer: Neil Simon
- Producer: Ronald L. Schwary; Ray Stark
CGiii Comment
Maggie, inexplicably, won the Oscar for this (she has done far better work) - alas, she is the only reason to watch this debacle.
There are 4 story-lines - a Fonda angst-driven reunion, an old Mathau being being seduced, 2 black couples (doctors) being ridiculous and, of course Maggie (at the Oscars) with her sexually ambiguous husband.
Herbert Ross was a prolific Hollywood director - he wouldn't make much of an impression now - lame is the only word to describe most of his work - especially this.
Neil Simon's writing is teetering on the moronic - wholly condescending. The odd titter does not make a comedy...woefully over-praised.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Four totally different and separate stories of guests staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Maggie Smith and Michael Caine come from England to attend the Oscars; Jane Fonda comes from New York, Alan Alda is her ex who lives in California; in the slapstick part Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor and their wives come to the hotel to relax and play tennis, only to find there is only one room vacant; in the fourth segment Walter Matthau arrives a day before his wife for his nephew's Bar Mitzvah while his brother (Herb Edelman) sends a prostitute to his room.
Cast & Characters
Jane Fonda as Hannah Warren - Visitors from New York;
Alan Alda as Bill Warren - Visitors from New York;
Maggie Smith as Diana Barrie - Visitors from London;
Michael Caine as Sidney Cochran - Visitors from London;
Walter Matthau as Marvin Michaels - Visitors from Philadelphia;
Elaine May as Millie Michaels - Visitors from Philadelphia;
Herb Edelman as Harry Michaels - Visitors from Philadelphia;
Denise Galik as Bunny - Visitors from Philadelphia;
Richard Pryor as Dr. Chauncey Gump - Visitors from Chicago;
Bill Cosby as Dr. Willis Panama - Visitors from Chicago;
Gloria Gifford as Lola Gump - Visitors from Chicago;
Sheila Frazier as Bettina Panama - Visitors from Chicago;
David Sheehan as David Sheehan - At the Hotel;
Michael Boyle as Desk Clerk - At the Hotel;
Len Lawson as Frank - At the Hotel