Lily in Love (1984)

Broadway star Fitzroy Wynn is thrilled when his wife Lily writes a new script with a brilliant lead role. While ego-centric Fitz thinks himself perfect for the role, Lily dashes his hopes ... See full summary »

Director:

Károly Makk

Writer:

Frank Cucci

Stars:

Christopher Plummer, Maggie Smith, Elke Sommer

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Plummer	...	Fitzroy Wynn / Roberto Terranova
Maggie Smith	...	Lily Wynn
Elke Sommer	...	Alicia Braun
Adolph Green	...	Jerry Silber
Sándor Szabó	...	Teodor
János Kende	...	Gabor
János Xantus	...	Miklos
István Butykai	...	Bela
György Fehér
Dénes Ujlaky	...	Worker
Zoltán Bezerédy	...	Second Worker
Zoltán Gera	...	Malev Officer
Judit Meszléry	...	Malev Officer
Ildikó Kishonti	...	Actress
Rosetta LeNoire	...	Rosanna

Storyline

Broadway star Fitzroy Wynn is thrilled when his wife Lily writes a new script with a brilliant lead role. While ego-centric Fitz thinks himself perfect for the role, Lily dashes his hopes when she admits she wants to find someone different for the part. Fitz refuses to give up his pursuit. Enlisting the reluctant help of his agent, Fitz poses as Roberto Terranova- a young Italian actor and the exact model of what Lily wants for the role. But trouble arises when Lily appears to be falling for the charming Italian and Fitz is left to wonder just how serious she was about finding someone different.

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Plot Keywords:

italian | actor | script | film director | assumed identity | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

Hungary USA

Language:

English Hungarian

Release Date:

19 April 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fitz and Lily

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hungarofilm, Mafilm, Players Associates

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Starts off fun...gets better...then crashes and burns.

First off, let me say that I believe Dame Maggie Smith to be the classiest actress in cinema. Her eyes are mesmerizing - she can look so coy and yet still patronize with a little curl in her grin. She certainly does not disappoint in this tale of comedic deception and romance.

The set-up is cute...Christopher Plummer plays Fitz Wynn, a truly talented but overly-satisfied stage actor who wants to star in a new movie written by his wife, Lily (Smith). Lily doesn't feel her Fitz is right for the part, and explains to him why and what she's looking for in the role. Fitz proceeds to orchestrate his own transformation (with the reluctant assistance of his agent) into Roberto Terranova, a blonde Italian who seems to be exactly what Lily wants. His deception seems successful, but does Lily want Roberto for more than just her movie?

It is at this point where the movie struggles - the initial delicious tension goes bland with redundancies; and although some wit is regained at the climax, the movie struggles through some sort of resolution, leaving us wondering just when the credits will roll?

Plummer does fine - his 'tantrums' seem contrived, but I don't really blame him. Smith is as witty as a lady can be with this material, which seems so dated now - especially the music (groan). As for the rest of the cast, Elke Sommer is totally wasted, and the remainders are unrecognizable and unimpressive.

In summary, the sole reason to watch *Lily in Love* is to watch Maggie Smith. She is graceful, she is radiant, and she is the perpetual professional. Rating 5/10 for the film :: 10/10 for Dame Maggie Smith