Mirage of Blaze Boxed Set

Maybe its because I'm from Louisiana, but both Lolita Davidovitch (what a name!) and Paul Newman are wonderful in this adaptation of a "true story," which tracks Blaze Starr's memoirs of her journey from the Hills of West Virginia to the back seat of the limousine of the "Fine Governor of the Great State of Louisiana." I don't recall this being in the movie, but in the book Blaze recounts that when the guv'nor first came into the New Orleans bar where she was, ahem, entertaining, his plain clothes State Police protective detail made her think he was a big-time New Orleans mobster. Another wonderful story was from an evening they spent in a motel together when they were interrupted by the State Troopers working for the Governor's wife Mz Blanche. They broke down the door of the motel room with a battering ram, and Earl learned a useful lesson: Always rent a room on the second floor so the troopers can't get a running start. Earl was legendary, and this movie hits just the right notes about Louisiana politics in the good old days. A good companion to Blaze's memoirs is A.J. Liebling's "The Earl of Louisiana." Paul Newman obviously had a wonderful time making this movie, and while Earl might have been crazy, it was Good Crazy. I knew people who knew Earl, and even met his widow Mz Blanche, and this movie is a true time capsule from a place and time before idiot football coaches and former football stars thought politics was just their latest gig.Wish I'd gone up to the Block in Baltimore when Blaze was still, ahem, entertaining.

Paul Newman was more than just another "pretty face". Now I'm not sure these were true in real life but one of the funniest lines in the movie was when asked if he bought politicians he responded 'That's a lie. I rent them it's much cheaper that way.'* While touring a VA hospital he is confronted by an African-American man complaining about how his son couldn't get a job. When he tells the man he can apply on the state highways the man responds: "My son is a doctor." All eyes are on him Governor Long looks around about the indignity of the whites having to be forced to attend to the "colored". Don't know how accurate the movie portrayed the events but it was entertaining.*Quote wasn't accurate because I wasn't sure of the complete line and also didn't want to include any blue language.

This film is a fictitious story based on real people. Thus, there is little or no historical accuracy involved. One suspects that Ms. Starr made of her relationship with the Governor rather more than actually existed. As one who lived through the rollicking days of Earl Long, I can attest that he was an incredibly colorful character, but focusing on the Blaze Starr aspect of it is rather like writing a book about Beethoven without mentioning music. Maybe it is, as advertised, Blaze's story (as she remembers it), but there was a lot more to Earl K. Long.That said, it is a splendid film. The acting, dialogue, and plot are first-rate, and the filmcraft excellent. More than that, it captures wonderfully the "feeling" of Louisiana at the time. The outdoor scenes at the Pea Patch (Earl's family farm) and at the end, with Blaze leaving the Capitol accompanied by perfectly selected music, have to grab anyone, especially a Louisiana boy many years removed.So, watch the movie and enjoy it. Then read about the Real Earl; Blanche, his wife, a fascinating person in her own right; Huey; and the rest of the Long dynasty. They are every bit as interesting as the Kennedy's and way more outrageous.

Entertaining and some humor

This movie stirred some controversy when it came out because it is based on the autobiography of Blaze Starr, and so as history it is somewhat unreliable. But the movie works very well on its own terms, and I believe is and was underappreciated. Among other things, it includes another fine performance by Paul Newman, which is worth the price of admission by itself. It is too bad that it is now out of print. Seen as a story told through Starr's eyes, the movie works very well. It is both poignant and funny, and tells this colorful episode of Louisiana history entertainingly (but it's not a documentary, so don't expect complete historical accuracy). Paul Newman gives a memorable performance as Goveror Earl Long, and Lolita Davidowich and the supporting cast are also great. The movie also has a superb soundtrack that includes Fats Domino, Hank Williams and Randy Newman.

Enjoyed this movie.

I particularly liked the sub-plot of how The Governor of the Great State of Louisiana handles the black Doctors & Nurses who want jobs at the segregated state hospital. A born politician (literally).

This movie will make you laugh out loud, and cry a little too. It's based on real people: I have friends who remember Earl, and even they tell me Newman did a helluva job. Look carefully and you will see the real Blaze playing a small part in the movie...she was on-set as an advisor I'm sure. This is based on her book,(which I finally found) and the movie did a very good job of taking it from print to film. The music will run through your head for days after you watch this. I don't want to ruin it for you, but he first time I saw Paul Newman in bed with his boots on I almost had to hide my eyes---he's sooooo distinguished and I just couldn't believe he did that scene!!

We've been trying to find this film on DVD for years and were amazed to finally get it. Wonderful, funny film and exellent DVD

Loved it. Loved Paul Newman as a dirty old rascal getting a new lease of life from a "Striptease artiste". Loved that bit when he took a shotgun to his lawnmower. Loved all of it.

the great paul newman

i good story well acted

Excellent!