"Staircase" is the story of two gay men who live together and operate a hair salon. Back in 1969, most folks were not favorably disposed towards homosexuals. They were either ignored or ridiculed. In a few cases, like "Staircase" they were lampooned. So, if most people didn't like homosexuals or feared them, they certainly would NOT have been likely to see this film. And, as far as the gay community goes, some might enjoy the movie...but some would just as soon be offended since the film presents the two leads as extremely stereotypical...so much so they are caricatures of a gay couple. Oddly, however, the studio actually THOUGHT they had a good movie...one that could even be an Oscar contender!! It makes you wonder what Darryl Zanuck was thinking....or if he was even thinking at all!! The story originally was a play in London and the playwright also wrote the screenplay for this movie. I could see the play working in front of small audiences...but as a bit studio release???!! You've got to be kidding!
Now the problem with selling the movie wasn't just because it was about homosexuals. After all, a few years later "La Cage Aux Follies" went on to be a big hit. But the difference was that the two gay characters LIKED and even LOVED each other in this French film. Instead, Harry (Richard Burton) and Charlie (Rex Harrison) do NOTHING but trade bitchy barbs with each other....really nasty, caustic things. And, this is supposed to be what constitutes the comedy in the film...as well as some incredibly cringe-inducing creepy scenes with Harry and his mother (especially when he undresses and dresses her).
Overall, this is a painful, tedious and completely unfunny. It's sure to offend many (both on the left AND right) but more than being offensive, it's just not enjoyable nor does it really have much to say other than "let's laugh at the two homosexuals". A sad, sad waste of two talented actors.
By the way, although this is a bad film, its musical score was interesting because it was composed by Dudley Moore!
Now the problem with selling the movie wasn't just because it was about homosexuals. After all, a few years later "La Cage Aux Follies" went on to be a big hit. But the difference was that the two gay characters LIKED and even LOVED each other in this French film. Instead, Harry (Richard Burton) and Charlie (Rex Harrison) do NOTHING but trade bitchy barbs with each other....really nasty, caustic things. And, this is supposed to be what constitutes the comedy in the film...as well as some incredibly cringe-inducing creepy scenes with Harry and his mother (especially when he undresses and dresses her).
Overall, this is a painful, tedious and completely unfunny. It's sure to offend many (both on the left AND right) but more than being offensive, it's just not enjoyable nor does it really have much to say other than "let's laugh at the two homosexuals". A sad, sad waste of two talented actors.
By the way, although this is a bad film, its musical score was interesting because it was composed by Dudley Moore!