Nadine *** (1987, Kim Basinger, Jeff Bridges, Rip Torn, Gwen Verdon, Glenne Headly, Jerry Stiller) – Classic Movie Review 5571

A murder brings together rowing married partners Nadine and Vernon Hightower (played by Kim Basinger and Jeff Bridges) in writer-director Robert Benton’s scatty 1987 screwball comedy thriller helped a lot by the bright and lively performances of appealing performers.

Kim Basinger plays a Fifties Texas beauty parlour crimper, about to have a divorce and a baby, who finds that she is in mortal danger after she witnesses a photographer’s murder while trying to recover sexy photos, or ‘art studies’, of herself. Jeff Bridges stars as the Bluebonnet bar owner Vernon, who is her loser almost ex-husband, but who tries to save her. It also stars Rip Torn as Buford Pope, Gwen Verdon as Vera, Glenne Headly as Renée Lomax and Jerry Stiller as Raymond Escobar.

Benton directs both the gags and action with a bright and sure touch. But, despite all the high-spirited fun and good work from all the talented people on both sides of the camera, it was not a big hit. Its short running time of 83 minutes is also in its favour.

Also in the cast are Jay Patterson, William Youmans, Gary Grubbs, Mickey Jones, Blue Deckert, Harlan Jordan, Norman Bennett, James N Harrell, John William Galt, Joe Berryman, Linwood P Walker II, Ray Walker, Shelby Brammer, Sidney Brammer and Lloyd Catlett.

It is shot by Nestor Almendros, produced by Wolfgang Glattes and Arlene Donovan, scored by Howard Shore and designed by Paul Sylbert, so there is no lack of talent.

Glenne Headly died on June 8 2017, aged 62.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5571

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