Today’s post is dedicated to the multi-talented actor Jack Lemmon (1925 - 2001); he could be hysterically funny in one role and devastatingly dramatic in another - a rare gift in the acting community! These are some of my favorite movies starring this amazing actor:
Days Of Wine And Roses (1962)
Jack Lemmon earned an Oscar nomination for his incredible, poignant portrayal of a PR man with a serious drinking problem. His wife (touchingly portrayed by Lee Remick) becomes affected by his boozing and ends up an alcoholic. Together these two try to conquer their shared addiction, with differing results. This is one of the more honest depictions of alcoholism, with brutal honesty and realism. Blake Edwards, a director known for his comedies, does an outstanding job of helming this drama.
The Great Race (1965)
Lemmon teams up with Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood in this hilarious comedy (directed by Blake Edwards) that takes place in the early 1900s, as Professor Fate (Lemmon) competes against the Great Leslie (Curtis) in a car race from New York to Paris. Lemmon pulls double duty in this movie, as he also portrays an inebriated, silly prince, and he is just terrific!
Mister Roberts (1955)
Lemmon earned his first Academy Award (as Best Supporting Actor) for his fine, comical portrayal of Ensign Pulver; Lemmon has some fine dramatic moments in this film (which takes place on a cargo ship during the last few months of WWII), particularly when he stands up to the difficult, demanding captain (played by James Cagney).
Some Like It Hot (1959)
My favorite Jack Lemmon movie is this gem of a comedy that has him paired up with Tony Curtis (their first film together). The duo portray musicians Joe and Jerry on the run from gangsters when they accidentally witness the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929. They end up masquerading as Josephine and Daphne in an all girls band performing in Miami, Florida. Seeing Curtis and (especially) Lemmon in drag is a hoot; plus there is Marilyn Monroe as the lead singer in the band. Lemmon is outrageous, delightful, and very convincing in his role, and he has the best lines in the movie! This was named the #1 Comedy by the American Film Institute, and I heartily agree with this accolade!
I remember "Some Like It Hot" and how much I laughed about the situation these "tough men" found themselves in. I also loved "The Great Race" too. But to be honest I never really paid much attention to the fact that Jack Lemmon was a key star in both of those films. Thanks for educating me (all the time) on the "arts."
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