SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF LOVE.
In the early 1900s, an inventor (Woody Allen) and his wife (Mary Steenburgen) invite two other couples for a weekend in the country. The director’s admiration for Ingmar Bergman wasn’t limited to earnest dramas, but showed in comedies as well. This enjoyable but slight exercise was inspired by Smiles of a Summer Night (1955) and has three couples facing challenges in unpredictable ways as old and new passions are ignited. The first film Woody made with Mia Farrow is amusing and has a certain magical touch, helped by well-chosen classical pieces and alluring cinematography, bathed in dusk light.
1982-U.S. 88 min. Color. Written and directed by Woody Allen. Cinematography: Gordon Willis. Cast: Woody Allen (Andrew), Mia Farrow (Ariel Weymouth), Jose Ferrer (Leopold Sturges), Mary Steenburgen, Tony Roberts, Julie Hagerty.
Trivia: Farrow’s part was allegedly originally written for Diane Keaton.
Quote: “He’s a wonderful guy and a terrific doctor. Never lost a patient. Got a couple of them pregnant, but never lost one.” (Allen)