Lolita (1962)

VHS CASE/SIDE

MPAA Certificate Number: 20000

Length of film:  153 Minutes

Rated: Not Rated

Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: James Mason, Shelley Winters, Sue Lyon, Gary Cockrell, Jerry Stovin, Diana Decker, Lois Maxwell, Peter Sellers

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

Part 1 Time: 96 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  57 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Prof. Humbert (James Mason) consoles Lolita (Sue Lyon) after informing her of her mothers passing.

Final line of dialogue on the first part:  “Cross my heart and hope to die” promises Prof.Humbert.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “You must now forget Ramsdale and poor Charlotte and poor Lolita and poor Humbert, and accompany us to Beardsley College where my lectureship in French poetry is in its second semester” narrates Prof.Humbert.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/Somewhat we know that Prof.Humbert has a deep attraction towards his step-daughter Lolita. With the death of Lolita’s mom Charlotte Haze (Shelly Winters), Prof. Humbert can now begin a new life with Lolita. But does Lolita feel the same way?

Which part is better? Part two is better as we are able to see the downfall of Prof.Humbert and Lolita’s relationship as well as the purpose of the films opening scene with Clare Quilty (Peter Sellers).

Academy Awards: Best Writing-Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Nominated)