Darling Lili (1970)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Due to the film being a box-office failure, Darling Lili was never released on VHS.

Length of film:  143 Minutes (Director’s Cut 114 Minutes)

Rated: PG

Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance

Director: Blake Edwards

Starring: Julie Andrews, Rock Hudson, Jeremy Kemp, Lance Percival, Michael Witney, Gloria Paul

IMDB Rank: 6.0 /10

Part 1 Time: 86 Minutes (Director’s Cut 65 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 57 Minutes (Director’s Cut 49 Minutes)

***Originally released in roadshow format, Darling Lili originally featured an overture, intermission, and exit music. All subsequent releases have discontinued the intermission.

Where does the first part end? Lili Smith (Julie Andrews) and Major William Larrabee (Rock Hudson) embrace one another in the shower following a disagreement.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Lily speaks to William, “Bill turn on the warm water.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: First line of dialogue in the second half begins at the 90 minute (68 minutes for director’s cut) as the opening scene depicts British and German aircraft dog fighting. Lieutenant Carstairs (Lance Percival) shouts to Major William Larrabee, “Get off, Boches,” as German soldiers approach.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Lili continues to work as a German spy relaying information she gathers from high-ranking military officers. Major William Larrabee does not know she is a spy, but is increasingly falling in love with her. How will the truth of Lili’s deception be perceived by Major William Larrabee?

Which part is better? Part two is better as Lili becomes increasingly torn between her relationship with William Larrabee and her commitments as a German spy, resulting in a life altering decision.

Academy Awards:1971- Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Music- Original Score (Nominated), Best Music- Original Song (Nominated)

Other Awards: 1971 Golden Globes- Best Comedy or Musical Picture (Nominated), Best Comedy or Musical Actress (Nominated), Best Original Song (Winner- “Whistling Away the Dark”)