DIRECTOR: Tony Richardson
BOTTOM LINE: Great fun was had by all, adapting Evelyn Waugh’s 1948 short satirical novel about the funeral business in Los Angeles. However, understandably, it was not a hit at the box office and ruined any chance of a Hollywood career for Richardson. It now has a cult following and is highly regarded in some quarters, including TheBrownees. Haskell Wexler’s black-and-white photography is quite stunning. Christopher Isherwood wrote a very witty screenplay. The fantastic cast includes:
- Robert Morse as Dennis Barlow
- Anjanette Comer as Aimée Thanatogenos**
- Jonathan Winters as Henry Glenworthy and Wilbur Glenworthy
- Rod Steiger as Mr. Joyboy
- Dana Andrews as Gen. Buck Brinkman
- Milton Berle as Mr. Kenton
- James Coburn as Immigration Officer
- Ayllene Gibbons (Joyboy’s Mother)
- John Gielgud as Sir Francis Hinsley
- Tab Hunter as Whispering Glades tour guide
- Margaret Leighton as Mrs. Helen Kenton
- Liberace as Mr. Starker
- Roddy McDowall as DJ, Jr.
- Robert Morley as Sir Ambrose Abercrombie
- Alan Napier as an English club official
- Barbara Nichols as Sadie Blodgett
- Lionel Stander as the Guru Brahmin
- Paul Williams as Gunther Fry
- Jamie Farr as a waiter at an English club (uncredited)
