Walter Matthau became a film star with his memorable portrayl of Whiplash Willie, one of the all time great cinematic shonky lawyers. The film itself wasn't a big hit, but was profitable. I get why it wasn't a big hit - it starts off brilliantly, sets up all the characters, but can't pull through.
Jack Lemmon is the ostensible star who is injured by footballer Ron Rich while filming a game. Matthau is his brother in law.
Three key roles go to newcomers: Rich, Judi West as Lemmon's treacherous ex, and Cliff Osmond as the investigator tailing Lemmon. Wilder was a big supporter of Osmond and gave him plenty of juicy roles but he never broke through.
Rich does well enough in a thankless part - he constantly apologises to Lemmon, calling him "my buddy" and generally acts wet (imagine Jim Brown, who played for the Cleveland Indians, in this part instead - a different dynamic, no?). This goes on and on... Rich acting as Lemmon's servant and basically being a dog. It's really uncomfortable after a while to watch. I mean, good on Wilder for giving a role to a black man but I didn't believe it, white or black. Why would he feel so guilty? Why would he feel so sad? Why would he like Lemmon? Why would he be driven to drink? Maybe if Wilder had made him worried about a law suit... but he's not given the same reality as other players.
Judi West is quite fun and beautiful though I think I'm with Walter Reisch who felt that a star should've played the role. Also her part should be bigger - she's set up as Lemmon's main motivation for doing this but we don't see her until the last third. I wanted her and her dodgy boyfriend (only glimpsed) causing havoc. Teaming up with Matthau is done a little but she feels like unrealised potential.
It is long. Two hours. Didn't need to be. Beautifully shot. Osmond is just a bit dull. Ray Walston wold've been more fun.
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