DE-LOVELY: THE COLE PORTER STORY

de-lovely
I’m a fan of Cole Porter’s music so factor that into your opinion of this review. Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd star in this movie-bio. The music is great and this film features a bunch of artists: Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall, Alantis Morissette, and Robbie Williams. For me, it’s all about the music. Special Features include commentary by the Director, Irwin Winkler, and the scriptwriter, Jay Cocks. I liked the “Making of De-Lovely” featurette. There are also “Deleted Scenes” and the original theatrical trailer included on this DVD. If you like this music, you’ll really enjoy this film. GRADE: B+

19 thoughts on “DE-LOVELY: THE COLE PORTER STORY

    1. george Post author

      Prashant, Cole Porter’s music pops up in commercials from time to time. And Ashley Judd shows up in contemporary movies from time to time.

      Reply
  1. Deb

    At least this movie appears to be somewhat honest about Porter’s sexual orientation. I’m sure he and Linda loved each other, but their marriage was much more a friendship or a partnership than a true union of soulmates.

    Have you read Liza Klaussmann’s excellent VILLA AMERICANA? I’ve been posting about it here and there. It’s a fictionalization of the lives of ex-pats Gerald & Sara Murphy and their coterie of famous friends (particularly Scott & Zelda). Cole & Linda appear in it–Sara and Linda had similar situations in their married life, but they handled them differently: Linda faced it head on, while Sara took a more oblique stance. I highly recommend it.

    Reply
  2. Wolf Böhrendt

    Thanks, George – Cole Porter was just a name for me until now.

    Kiss me Kate -of course I’ve seen that and I also remember “high Society”, that was really fun to watch.

    Though I didn’t know he was gay – the wiki about him and his wife is full of astonishing facts …

    Reply
  3. Jeff Meyerson

    I like Porter’s songs a lot and Jackie is a huge Kevin Kline fan, so we watched it. They don’t really explain him but, as Deb says, it is pretty honest about his behavior, unlike the ludicrous NIGHT AND DAY with Cary Grant.

    Reply
  4. Kent Morgan

    I have the DVD, but I don’t think I have ever watched it. When it comes to the Great American Songbook, Porter rates at the top with Rodgers and Hart.

    Reply
  5. maggie mason

    I loved that movie. I also enjoyed Night and Day with Cary Grant, even though that ignored an aspect of his life. I love Porter’s music, and have that dvd. If my dvr wasn’t quite so full, I’d be watching it today. This is one of those movies (like love actually and first wives club) that I’ll usually watch at least part if i see them on tv.

    Remember the dick van dyke show where Richie sings you’re the top? that may have been my first real memory of porter. And of course there’s the Wodehouse connection to Anything Goes. Last trip to NYC I saw that with Sutton Foster

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Maggie, I’ve seen three different performances of ANYTHING GOES. Top-notch Cole Porter music! And the Wodehouse connection only makes it better.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *