The Woman in Red *** (1984, Gene Wilder, Kelly LeBrock, Charles Grodin, Joseph Bologna, Judith Ivey, Gilda Radner) – Classic Movie Review 4269

Gene Wilder writes, directs and stars in this extremely bubbly and highly amusing 1984 madcap romantic comedy The Woman in Red, based on Yves Robert’s 1976 French farcical film Pardon Mon Affaire [Un éléphant ça trompe énormément] with Jean Rochefort.

Wilder stars as contentedly married Teddy Pierce who gets the seven-year-itch and goes crazy with desire over gorgeous model Charlotte (Kelly LeBrock), whom he happens to see one day in a red dress.

Talented players Charles Grodin, Joseph Bologna, Judith Ivey and Gilda Radner help to turn this into what was Wilder’s best movie for some time.

Stevie Wonder won the 1985 Best Original Song Oscar for his treacly number one tune ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’, and also the Golden Globe for Best Original Song – Motion Picture.

The four four-letter words are edited out in the TV print.

Also in the cast are Michael Huddleston, Kyle T Heffner, Bill Beck, Kyra Stempel, Robin Ignico, Viola Cates Stimpson, Danny Wells, Bubby Silberman, Monica Parker, Ernest Harada, Julann Griffin, Sandra Wilder, Tammy Brewer, Noni White, John McKinney, Barbara Schweke, Larry Gilman and Milt Kogan.

Wilder directed four movies – The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother, The World’s Greatest Lover, The Woman in Red and Haunted Honeymoon.

Wilder was married to Gilda Radner from 18 September 1984 till her death on 20 May 1989 of ovarian cancer, aged 42. They made three movies together, Hanky Panky, The Woman in Red and Haunted Honeymoon.

RIP the much loved Gene Wilder, who died on August 29 2016, aged 83.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4269

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert

Gene Wilder died on August 29 2016, aged 83.

Wilder was married to Gilda Radner.