A Little Night Music
(Das Lächeln einer Sommernacht)

W. Germany-Austria (1977): Comedy/Musical/Romance

Beginning its several incarnations as an Ingmar Bergman film named Smiles of a Summer Night / Sommarnattens leende (1955), the story was adapted by composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim into a successful Broadway musical directed by Harold Prince. This film, also directed by Prince, is adapted from the stage musical. In the movie, in the early 1900s, a group of friends bound together by complicated romantic entanglements, have come together for an elegant dinner at a country estate. The men present are the current, previous, or prospective lovers of the beautiful actress, Desiree (Elizabeth Taylor), and the other women are all united by their jealousy of her. Sadly, Desiree herself wants to simplify things and settle down -- she envies the wives. The cast also features Diana Rigg, Len Cariou, Lesley-Anne Down, Hermione Gingold, Laurence Guittard, Christopher Guard and Lesley Dunlop.

The overture to A Little Night Music became the signature music for artsy '70s talk-show host Dick Cavett, and the adapted score won an Oscar^®. The musical's well-known songs include "Every Day a Little Death," "A Weekend in the Country," and "You Must Meet My Wife." The most famous song from the musical, "Send in the Clowns," is sung here by Elizabeth Taylor. (S&T-Sascha/New World) (Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide)

 View a clip of Elizabeth Taylor singing "Send in the Clowns" in this film on YouTube.com.

2 nominations, 1 Award