A starving singer in Paris (Julie Andrews) is taken in by a homosexual stage performer (Robert Preston) who saw her audition and believes she has what it takes to be a big star, if only she had a gimmick. Deciding to take the drag act a step further, Victoria will become Victor, a "man" impersonating a woman. Soon her act is the toast of the town, and Victoria will soon draw the curiosity of a Chicago gangster (James Garner) who can't understand the strong feelings he holds for the male performer on the stage! "Victor Victoria" is an outrageous movie that is given an improper treatment. Director Blake Edwards, husband of Julie Andrews, brings the same broad slapstick farcical elements he did to his "Pink Panther" movies and creates the wrong, often embarrassing and unfunny, tone needed for this picture. The main conceit, a woman playing a man playing a woman, is too difficult to believe and although Andrews is earnest in the part, the gimmick is just too distracting. I took pleasure in this film by admiring the supporting performances. Preston is excellent as Andrew's wisecracking homosexual partner and Garner is very strong as the gangster whose tough veneer is only a mask. Lesley Ann Warren and Alex Karras (Mongo from "Blazing Saddles") highlight the film as Garner's mistress and closeted bodyguard. "Victor Victoria" is actually a fun film. I just found myself shaking my head once too often at gags that didn't come off and pondering how much better it could have been.
