The Loved One (1965)

Satire on the funeral business, in which a young British poet goes to work at a Hollywood cemetery.

Director:

Tony Richardson

Writers:

Evelyn Waugh (novel), Terry Southern (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, Anjanette Comer

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Morse	...	Dennis Barlow
Jonathan Winters	...	Wilbur Glenworthy / Harry Glenworthy
Anjanette Comer	...	Aimee Thanatogenous
Rod Steiger	...	Mr. Joyboy
Dana Andrews	...	Gen. Brinkman
Milton Berle	...	Mr. Kenton
James Coburn	...	Immigration Officer
John Gielgud	...	Sir Francis Hinsley
Tab Hunter	...	Guide
Margaret Leighton	...	Mrs. Kenton
Liberace	...	Mr. Starker
Roddy McDowall	...	D.J. Jr.
Robert Morley	...	Sir Ambrose Ambercrombie
Barbara Nichols	...	Sadie Blodgett
Lionel Stander	...	The Guru Brahmin

Storyline

Newly arrived in Hollywood from England, Dennis Barlow finds he has to arrange his uncle's interment at the highly-organised and very profitable Whispering Glades funeral parlour. His fancy is caught by one of their cosmeticians, Aimee Thanatogenos. But he has three problems - the strict rules of owner Blessed Reverand Glenworthy, the rivalry of embalmer Mr Joyboy, and the shame of now working himself at The Happy Hunting Ground pets' memorial home.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | funeral | embalmer | death | funeral home | 

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Taglines:

The motion picture with something to offend everyone!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The aircraft at the beginning of the film is a TWA Boeing 707-131B, registration N765TW, built in 1962. It was scrapped for parts at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 1982.

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Goofs

Mr. Joyboy's glasses change from when he is arranging Hinsley's face to when he goes to see Aimee - they go from metal frame-less to dark plastic frames.

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Quotes

Mrs. Kenton: You filthy swine.

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Connections

References Lassie (1954)

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Soundtracks

Isoldes Liebestod
Composed by Richard Wagner

User Reviews

Something else.

Having worked in the funeral industry, I have met some of these characters in real life, I can really appreciate this great satirical movie. There was not any bad scenes in this movie. The actors all gave good performances. The movie was stolen by Rod Steiger with his Mr. Joyboy roll. Rod Steiger almost repeated his Joyboy roll in No Way To Treat A Lady, as Dorian Smith. If you are a fan of dark comedies, do not miss one of the greatest dark comedies.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 October 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Loved One

Filming Locations:

Fish Shanty Restaurant, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmways Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System) Mono (Ryder Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1