10 **** (1979, Dudley Moore, Julie Andrews, Bo Derek) – Classic Movie Review 1297

Writer-producer-director Blake Edwards hits the jackpot with his 1979 comedy gold classic starring Dudley Moore as George Webber, a lecherous British popular songwriter living in LA.

George has a sweet girlfriend, singing star Sam Taylor (Julie Andrews), but also a promiscuous taste for women. On the night of his 42nd birthday, George starts showing symptoms of a middle-age crisis, staring at girls on the street. He marks their cards up to 10. One day he spots Jenny (Bo Derek), who is certainly a 10, en route to her marriage ceremony. George follows her to the church, discovers she’s honeymooning in Mexico and flies there, checking into the hotel where she’s staying. He begins indulging in romantic fantasies.

Edwards’s old-fashioned sex comedy may be occasionally vulgar but it works a treat all the way thanks to the star and director working at the top of their game. Edwards’s bitter-sweet screenplay is a comedy gem, quirky, funny and spot on target throughout, and the famous Bolero scene is hilarious. Moore is warm and amusing, pitching it right by toning down his usual frantic persona to great effect. Derek is lovely, and perfect for her role, while Andrews is ideal, though with less to do than you’d like.

All in all, the film itself can be counted very nearly a 10. Originally with an X certificate in the UK, this is an adult comedy with strong language and full-frontal nudity.

Moore stepped in when George Segal withdrew from the lead role of 10. And when director Steve Gordon made Arthur  in 1981 he planned to cast George Segal, but after the success of 10 he replaced him with Moore. However, Barbra Streisand replaced Moore with Segal on her The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996).

(C) Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1297

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