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Lily in Love

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Wikipedia article




'Lily in Love' (alternative English title: 'Playing for Keeps', Hungarian title: 'Jtszani kell') is a 1984 Hungarian-American co-production in English starring Christopher Plummer, Maggie Smith and Elke Sommer and directed by Kroly Makk. The film is the third cinematic adaptation of Ferenc Molnr's play about comedic deception and romance 'Testr' after 'The Guardsman' (1931) and 'The Chocolate Soldier' (1941).

Plot



Fitz Wynn (Christopher Plummer), a successful and truly talented but overly satisfied stage actor, wants to star in a new movie written by his wife Lily (Maggie Smith). She does not feel her Fitz is right for the part, and explains to him why and what she is looking for in the role. With the help of his old friend and business partner Jerry (Adolph Green), Fitz orchestrates his own transformation into Roberto Terranova, a blonde Italian alter ego who seems to be exactly what Lily wants for the role. During production of the film in Hungary, Fitz becomes alarmed as Lily seems to fall for his portrayal of Roberto.

Production



In 1977 Smith had starred in a triumphant Toronto stage revival of 'The Chocolate Soldier', the musical adaptation of the original play.'Lily in Love', Romantic Fare, by Vincent Canby, 'The New York Times', April 19, 1985 https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/19/movies/film-lily-in-love-romantic-fare.html This film was the first screen appearance for Aaron Lustig. According the Smith's biographer, she referred to the film as "the ghoulash" and admitted to not understanding the Hungarian director's direction. She also called her co-star "Christopher Bummer."'Maggie Smith: A Biography' by Michael Coveney, St. Martin's Griffin, 2015, page 180.

Cast



* Christopher Plummer as Fitzroy Wynn / Roberto Terranova

* Maggie Smith as Lily Wynn

* Elke Sommer as Alicia

* Adolph Green as Jerry Silber

* Rosetta LeNoire as Rosanna

Reception



The film received positive reviews at the time of its release. In 'The New York Times', Vincent Canby proclaimed Plummer's performance as "possibly the best thing he's ever done on the screen."'Lily in Love', Romantic Fare, by Vincent Canby, 'The New York Times', April 19, 1985 https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/19/movies/film-lily-in-love-romantic-fare.html The 'Los Angeles Times' noted the film's faulty make-up effects: "In this post-"Tootsie era Plummers disguise really must be convincing and not the mere superficial theatrical convention that it is. Its impossible to believe that he could fool anyone, let alone his wife (who is not sure when shes first on to him). This is a pity, for Plummer has never been better on the screen."Lily In Love' for the Indulgent" by Kevin Thomas, 'Los Angeles Times', July 5, 1985 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-05-ca-9233-story.html

See also



* 'The Guardsman' (1931)

* 'The Chocolate Soldier' (1941)

References




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