Customer Reviews

Blaze [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This movie stirred some controversy when it came out because it is based on the autobiography of Blaze Starr, and so as history it is somewhat unreliable. But the movie works very well on its own terms, and I believe is and was underappreciated. Among other things, it includes another fine performance by Paul Newman, which is worth the price of admission by itself. It is too bad that it is now out of print. Seen as a story told through Starr's eyes, the movie works very well. It is both poignant and funny, and tells this colorful episode of Louisiana history entertainingly (but it's not a documentary, so don't expect complete historical accuracy). Paul Newman gives a memorable performance as Goveror Earl Long, and Lolita Davidowich and the supporting cast are also great. The movie also has a superb soundtrack that includes Fats Domino, Hank Williams and Randy Newman.

This hansome, rich bio of Earl Long, Louisiana political honcho who fell in love with stripper Blaze Starr (Lolita Davidovich) while he was governor in the 1950s. Paul Newman is excellent in the lead. There is fine support from a veteran cast of character actors. This is superb entertainment. Political junkies can enjoy detailed political history here. Others can be amazed at Newman's performance, Davidovich's beauty, and director Ron Shelton's eye for atmosphere and detail.

Politics, scandalous affair, and sexy-what more could you want??! Seriously, I enjoyed this film alot. I did not judge this as a documentary or biography. It is noted in the credits that this is "based on Miss Starrs memoirs". This is a story of a poor West Virginia gal who becomes the glamorous burlesque stripper Blaze Starr and her relationship with Governor Earl Long. Lolita Davidovich does a great job as Blaze and she is very sexy! Paul Newman is awesome as Governor Earl Long. Blaze may be naive to the ways of the world but learns to look out for herself. Gov. Long is a wheeler dealer who is a smart politician and outsmarts his opponents. I thought this film was very good and enjoyed it immensely. Entertaining and well done!

This film is a fictitious story based on real people. Thus, there is little or no historical accuracy involved. One suspects that Ms. Starr made of her relationship with the Governor rather more than actually existed. As one who lived through the rollicking days of Earl Long, I can attest that he was an incredibly colorful character, but focusing on the Blaze Starr aspect of it is rather like writing a book about Beethoven without mentioning music. Maybe it is, as advertised, Blaze's story (as she remembers it), but there was a lot more to Earl K. Long.

That said, it is a splendid film. The acting, dialogue, and plot are first-rate, and the filmcraft excellent. More than that, it captures wonderfully the "feeling" of Louisiana at the time. The outdoor scenes at the Pea Patch (Earl's family farm) and at the end, with Blaze leaving the Capitol accompanied by perfectly selected music, have to grab anyone, especially a Louisiana boy many years removed.

So, watch the movie and enjoy it. Then read about the Real Earl; Blanche, his wife, a fascinating person in her own right; Huey; and the rest of the Long dynasty. They are every bit as interesting as the Kennedy's and way more outrageous.

A nice tribute to the best of the USA, the liberal tolerant side which is so little in evidence today. A must for bible thumping bigots. I don't suppose they'll watch it though. Good soundtrack featuring Hank Williams senior I believe. The story is about a politician who falls for a table dancer. The bigots crawl out of the woodwork as Paul Newman defends black rights. Set in the laste 50's.

This is a really fun movie, full of memorable lines [like the one above], great production design and cool location photography. Newman's performance is wonderful, and Miss Davidovich is the stuff that dreams are made of, especially if you're a guy who likes buxom redheads ["If I could walk like that," says Newman/Uncle Earl, "I'd walk everywhere I went"]. Several scenes are filmed at the LA state capitol building--one in the very corridor [or so it appears to me] that Earl's brother Huey was assassinated. Historical accuracy is lacking, and some of the things attributed to Earl were actually Huey's doing, but the flavor is there. If you like this movie, and I think you will, I recommend that you pick up a copy of "The Earl of Louisiana" by A. J. Liebling.

It is rare that I purchase dvds anymore but this is one I had to own. It is a hidden gem for any Paul Newman fan. He does a great job at portraying an old southern Govenor in the twighlight of his years. If you are political junkie as I am you will also love the glimpse at southern politics of a time gone by.
Now, I cannot put down an honest review without mentioning the co-star. The first time I saw this film Ms. Davidovitch simply took my breath away, she plays a beautiful sensual lady to perfection and she and Newman make an interesting and believable pair in this movie.
If you have not seen this film treat yourself to it. It is a delight.

You will love this movie. It is sweet, about Louisiana politics and the "good ole boy system" of years gone by. It is a love story that will keep you laughing, about the famous Long brothers and although, it is an old movie, Paul Newman really does the part justice on this story, which is based on facts, You will love the part where he says, 'I have to keep my boots on for I get better traction that way". It is a sweet movie and I think you will love this for it gives the viewer an eye of what Louisiana politics were in the past in a funny way. You will find you will watch it more than one time and you will fall in love with Earl Long (Paul Newman).He is so funny in this movie and so is the character, Blaze Starr, a stripper who Earl falls in love with. Just get this and enjoy!

I just love this film! Old Blue Eyes did real justice to one of the strangest and most effective Politicans to come out of the Old South.(Earl Long)I am willing to bet Bill Clinton has this film in his library.

Paul Newman made his best movie as an old man. He plays Governor Earl Long of Louisiana, who had a scandalous affair with stripper Blaze Starr. I remember this being in the news. Lolita Davidovich is Blaze. She makes her way from West Virginia to New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Earl is a liberal, a Democrat who supports Civil Rights. This is comedy, and there are funny scenes. Earl shoots his lawn mower and has sex with his boots on. Robert Wuhl's character is interesting but has a small part. Blaze exits through a bathroom window to leave him, taking her mother's advice not to trust any man who tells her to trust him.