Loved One, The (MGM 1965, John Gielgud, Robert Morley)

One of novelist Evelyn Waugh’s most vicious satires, set among the last resting places for people and animals in Hollywood. Morse comes to Hollywood to visit his uncle (John Gielgud), a movie art director who hangs himself when he loses his job. Morse is then in the hands of Robert Morley and twin funeral directors (one for humans, one for animals), both played by the surreally funny Shelley Winters. A wickedly wry look at death and Hollywood. Script by Terry Southern and Christopher Isherwood.

Although not credited as the editor for The Loved One (1965), future director Hal Ashby worked his way up in Hollywood as an editor and made the first cut of this film. It was his first opportunity to perform the coveted first cut on a movie.

production details
USA / MGM / 122 minutes / 1965

Director: Tony Richardson
Producer: John Calley
Director of Photography: Haskell Wexler
Editor: Antony Gibbs
Music: John Addison
Script: Christopher Isherwood, Terry Southern
Special Effects: Geza Gaspar
Art Direction: Sydney Litwack

cast
Alan Napier as British Club Official
Robert Morley as Sir Ambrose Abercombie
Margaret Leighton as Mrs. Helen Kenton
Robert Morse as Dennis Barlow
Milton Berle as Mr. Kenton
Anjanette Comer as Aimee Thanatogenos
Jonathan Winters as Wilbur Glenworthy/Harry Glenworthy
Dana Andrews as Gen. Buck Brinkman
James Coburn as Immigration Officer
John Gielgud as Sir Francis Hinsley
Tab Hunter as Whispering Glades Tour Guide
Rod Steiger as Mr. Joyboy
Robert Easton as Dusty Acres
Roddy McDowall as D.J.Jr.
Barbara Nichols as Sadie Blodgett
Lionel Stander as The Guru Brahmin (“Hump”)
Bernie Kopell as Brahmin’s Assistant
Paul Williams as Gunther Fry
Chick Hearn as Space-Burial Funeral Announcer
Ayllene Gibbons as Joyboy’s Mother
Liberace as Whispering Glades Funeral Salesman
Reta Shaw as Manager of The Zomba Cafe
Leoda Richards as Lady at Airport