Darling Lili

This rating is based on the director's cut that I grew up watching, which is nearly a half hour shorter than the original release. The dogfights were baller, and Julie Andrews was golden in every scene she was in. I'd love to look into the calamity that was the making of this film.

Typically lumpy Blake Edwards concoction has a lot going for it: a compelling spy story, wonderful Mancini score (highlighted by poignant 'Whistling in the Dark') and a terrific performance from Andrews (vocal and otherwise). But Hudson is a bland, unconvincing (and obviously aging) male lead, and Edwards can't trust himself with the dramatic material, shoe-horning in slapstick (and tasteless) gags which, while amusing, tend to undermine the drama. Also needlessly padded to almost 2 1/4 hours.