Victor/Victoria Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A starving soprano pretends to be a Polish count who does drag so she can make it big in Paris, confusing gangsters and starting a lot of slapstick fights.

🍿 Victor/Victoria: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Soprano in Dire Straits

In 1934 Paris, Victoria Grant, a talented but struggling soprano, can barely afford food and shelter. She’s turned away from singing engagements due to the harsh economic climate. Desperate times call for desperate measures, setting the stage for an unlikely alliance.

The Birth of ‘Victor’

Victoria crosses paths with Carole ‘Toddy’ Todd, a recently fired gay cabaret performer. Facing similar hardships, Toddy hatches a plan: Victoria will impersonate a male female impersonator, Count Victor Grazinski, and become the toast of Paris. This audacious scheme promises fame and fortune, but also risks exposure and legal trouble.

Love Complicates the Illusion

Victor’s act becomes a sensation, attracting the attention of King Marchand, a Chicago nightclub owner with mob ties. King is drawn to ‘Victor,’ unaware of the true identity underneath. As Victoria and King fall for each other, the charade becomes increasingly complex, threatening both their reputations and Victoria’s newfound career.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Victoria Grant (Julie Andrews): A struggling soprano who finds fame by impersonating a male female impersonator in 1930s Paris.
• King Marchand (James Garner): A macho Chicago nightclub owner who falls for Victoria, unaware of her true gender.
• Carole ‘Toddy’ Todd (Robert Preston): A gay cabaret singer who helps Victoria create her male persona and becomes her manager.
• Norma Cassady (Lesley Ann Warren): King’s ditzy and jealous girlfriend who initially suspects Victoria of being King’s lover.
• ‘Squash’ Bernstein (Alex Karras): King’s tough bodyguard who is secretly gay and develops a relationship with Toddy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Toddy: “How long have you been a homosexual?” – Toddy’s sarcastic response to Victoria’s question about his sexuality, highlighting the absurdity of labels.
• Toddy: “How long have you been a soprano?” – Toddy is turning the tables on Victoria after she asks how long he has been a homosexual.
• Victoria: “You want me to be a woman, pretending to be a man, pretending to be a woman?” – Victoria’s incredulous question to Toddy, summarizing the convoluted premise of their scheme.
• Norma: “Ya mean you really are… queer?” – Norma’s shocked and somewhat disgusted reaction upon learning that ‘Victor’ is supposedly a man, encapsulating the societal prejudices of the time.
• Squash: “You’ve got heat? That’s good.” – Squash says this line during a slapstick scene trapped in the freezing snow outside a Paris hotel.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $28,215,453
• Worldwide Gross: $28,229,440

💥 Victor/Victoria Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Victor/Victoria’! The movie had me laughing from start to finish. Julie Andrews was amazing as both Victoria and Victor, and Robert Preston was a scene-stealing delight. My favorite scene was when Victoria first tries dressing as a man – her awkwardness was hilarious! I felt so invested in the characters and their journeys, and the music was just phenomenal. This movie is a total gem and a must-watch for anyone who loves classic comedies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic musicals”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBT themes”
  • “Those who appreciate witty comedies”
  • “Julie Andrews fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild sexual innuendo”
  • “Some dated stereotypes”
  • “Brief violence (slapstick)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Blake Edwards delivers a stylish and sophisticated comedy with ‘Victor/Victoria’. Julie Andrews shines in a role that showcases her versatility, while Robert Preston steals scenes with his flamboyant performance. The music and costumes are top-notch, making it a delightful cinematic experience.
• Roger Ebert: “‘Victor/Victoria’ is a clever and charming film that tackles gender roles with wit and humor. Julie Andrews gives a captivating performance, and the supporting cast is equally strong. While the plot may be a bit convoluted, the overall result is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking movie.
• The New York Times: “‘Victor/Victoria’ has its moments of brilliance, but it also suffers from pacing issues and an overreliance on slapstick. Julie Andrews is excellent, but the film ultimately feels uneven. It’s an enjoyable, thought provoking movie, just not Edwards’ best work.

Audience Reactions

The performances are excellent.: Most viewers agree that Julie Andrews, Robert Preston, and Lesley Ann Warren deliver outstanding performances, making the film a joy to watch.

The witty script and the music blend well together.: Many viewers praise the movie for its clever dialogue, catchy tunes, and how these two elements combine to make the movie an enduring classic.

Overall Consensus: ‘Victor/Victoria’ is generally regarded as a clever and entertaining comedy with standout performances, though some find it uneven in pacing and humor.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Adaptation Score)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This movie was planned as early as 1978, with Julie Andrews to star alongside Peter Sellers, but Sellers died in 1980.”
• “Robert Preston’s performance as Toddy was highly praised, earning him an Oscar nomination, though he didn’t win.”
• “The film is a remake of the 1933 German film ‘Viktor und Viktoria’ and the 1935 British film ‘First a Girl’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Victor/Victoria?

Victor/Victoria is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules, as it occasionally airs on cable networks. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are also widely available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Victor/Victoria, you might like these similar films:

• Tootsie (1982): Another film from the same year exploring gender disguise and its comedic and personal implications.
• Some Like It Hot (1959): Classic comedy involving cross-dressing for survival, with comedic situations arising from maintaining the disguise.
• La Cage aux Folles (1978): A comedic look at gender roles and societal expectations.
• Yentl (1983): A woman disguises herself as a man to pursue religious studies.
• Shakespeare in Love (1998): A woman disguises herself as a man to pursue acting.

🛒 Victor/Victoria Related Products

• Victor/Victoria (Blu-ray): Experience the brilliance of ‘Victor/Victoria’ in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition features crystal-clear visuals and immersive audio, bringing the magic of this classic film to life like never before.
• Victor/Victoria [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] (Vinyl): Relive the musical magic of ‘Victor/Victoria’ with this vinyl soundtrack. Featuring iconic songs like ‘Le Jazz Hot’ and ‘Crazy World,’ this collectible record captures the essence of the film’s unforgettable score and brings high quality audiophile sound into your home.
• Victor Victoria: The Broadway Musical – Libretto: Dive deeper into the world of Victor Victoria with the official libretto for the Broadway musical. Includes lyrics, stage directions, and behind-the-scenes insights for theatre lovers and fans.
• 1930s Paris Fashion: Inspired by Victor/Victoria – Women’s Dress: Channel the elegance and sophistication of 1930s Paris. This inspired women’s dress features classic silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate details that evoke the timeless glamour of the era.

🎧 Soundtrack

Victor/Victoria features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Le Jazz Hot” – performed by Julie Andrews
• “Crazy World” – performed by Julie Andrews
• “The Shady Dame From Seville” – performed by Julie Andrews

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Julie Andrews Breaks Down Her Career, from ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘The Princess Diaries’ | Vanity Fair

Ever wonder what Julie Andrews thinks about her iconic roles? She dives deep into her career, including Victor/Victoria, and you might be surprised by what she shares!

Julie Andrews’ Audition – Victor/Victoria (1982)

Check out Julie Andrews’ audition for Victor/Victoria! It’s amazing to see how she nailed the part right from the start – a must-watch for any fan.

Victor/Victoria – “If You Were A Man, I’d Knock Your Block Off”

Need a quick laugh? This classic scene from Victor/Victoria perfectly captures the movie’s humor and charm. It’s a great taste of what makes this film so special!

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