Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageGoodbye Charlie (1964)
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Charlie, a philandering scriptwriter, is murdered by an irate husband and promptly reincarnated with a sex change (Reynolds). Scenes of sexual confusion ensue, involving Debbie ogling semi-clad lovelies at the beauty salon or enthusiastically deciding to 'try out the new equipment' on an amorous Pat Boone. But this was 1964, making it still the '50s in Hollywood time, and the issues to do with feminism and bisexuality that arise naturally from such a plot are entirely suppressed in favour of smutty double entendres. Reynolds and Curtis (in a disposable role as Charlie's permanently aghast best pal) race at full speed through reams of dud dialogue, while Minnelli amuses himself colour coordinating costumes and set decorations. Based, very noticeably, on a stage play (by George Axelrod).Author: BBa
Cast & crew
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Producer: David Weisbart
Cast: Debbie Reynolds, Tony Curtis, Pat Boone, Walter Matthau, Joanna Barnes, Ellen McRae Ellen Burstyn, Martin Gabel full cast
Duration: 117 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your review now