California Suite
First screened in August 2003 / Most recently screened in July 2016
Director: Herbert Ross. Cast: Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Maggie Smith, Michael Caine, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Gloria Gifford, Sheila Frazier, Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Herb Edelman, Denise Galik, Dana Plato, Paolo Frediani, Michael Boyle. Screenplay: Neil Simon (based on his play).

Twitter Capsule: Just as you think it can't go lower, Walter Matthau berates an unconscious hooker for not helping him dress her.

VOR:   It surpasses my understanding how Neil Simon was ever as popular as he was. This is such shrill, complacement entertainment. Nastier than other Simon works. Is that interesting?



Photo © 1978 Columbia Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: D–

(in February 2004: C–)


Academy Award Nominations and Winners:
Best Supporting Actress: Maggie Smith
Best Adapted Screenplay: Neil Simon
Best Art Direction: Albert Brenner; Marvin March

Golden Globe Nominations:
Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
Best Actress (Musical/Comedy): Maggie Smith

Other Awards:
Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Actress (Fonda; also cited for Comes a Horseman and Coming Home)

Permalink Home 1978 ABC Blog E-Mail