Blaze *** (1989, Paul Newman, Lolita Davidovich, Jerry Hardin, Gailard Sartain) – Classic Movie Review 6369

Writer-director Ron Shelton’s 1989 biographical drama stars Paul Newman as Earl Long, the stubborn and eccentric 1950s governor of Louisiana who brings his stripper girlfriend Blaze Starr (Lolita Davidovich) on to the hustings with him at election time and causes an almighty scandal.

A modern-day King Lear role gives Newman an eagerly grabbed chance to show his lusty acting style and Davidovich is attractive in support.

Even if it is a shade too downbeat and prolonged at two hours, Shelton delivers an entertaining, thoughtful, real-life drama in a welcome movie that treads unfamiliar ground. Haskell Wexler (1922–2015) was Oscar nominated for Best Cinematography.

Shelton’s screenplay is based on the autobiography by Starr, who makes a cameo appearance. Also in the cast are Jerry Hardin, Gailard Sartain, Jeffrey DeMunn, Garland Bunting, Richard Jenkins and Robert Wuhl.

This good-looking movie, produced by Disney’s adult arm Touchstone, is shot by Haskell Wexler, produced by Gil Friesen and Dale Pollock, scored by Bennie Wallace, and designed by Armin Ganz and Edward Richardson.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 6369

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