40 Carats

In her usual intense style, Liv Ullmann gives a likable performance as "40 something" Ann Stanley. While vacationing in Greece, Ann has a chance meeting with "20 something" Peter Latham, endearingly played by Edward Albert. Much to Peter's disappointment, Ann quietly disappears in the early morning hours, leaving him with little more than a one night stand. Peter later returns home to New York, where one evening, as he arrives to pick up a date, his date's mother appears at the door and it is none other than Ann Stanley, his one night stand from Greece. This chance meeting sets the scene for some very awkward moments and great comedy. I've never found myself rooting for a "May-December" romance so enthusiastically. Gene Kelly, Binnie Barnes and Deborah Raffin are wonderful in their supporting roles. "40 Carats" is one of those films that was such a pleasant surprise for me and I've never understood why it has been so overlooked. Give it a chance. I think you'll really enjoy it.

The second film directed by Milton Katselas.. he only directed six! and they were all off-beat thangs... i loved Butterflies are Free; that one had Goldie Hawn, and ALSO had Edward Albert. 40 Carats is a May-December story, with Ann (Liv Ullmann) having a quick romance with Peter (Edward Albert) in Greece. They meet again later, back in the states, but things are different, more proper. Keep an eye out for Nancy Walker (Rhoda's mom) and Natalie Schafer (Lovey Howell!) and of course, Gene Kelly with a mustache. Interesting cast. The story itself is silly and all over the place, but its fun to see the cast in this oddball work. Edward Albert died young at 55, only a year after his dad, the OTHER Eddie Albert. kind of fun. Liv Ullmann waaaaya over-acts. just go with it. Showing on the Cinémoi channel.

Based on a hit Broadway play that won a Tony Award for Julie Harris, 40 CARATS is a comedy about a 40-ish woman who is pursued by a 22-year-old man. Liv Ullmann, looking very pretty, stars as the New York City realtor who meets the young man (Edward Albert) while on vacation in Greece. By coincidence (and a big one) he meets her again when he shows up for a blind date with her daughter (Deborah Raffin). It turns out he's from a wealthy family which interests Ullmann's swinging mother (Binnie Barnes).

Into this mix are Ullmann's first husband (Gene Kelly), her secretary (Nancy Walker), a hick from Texas (Billy Green Bush), a customer (Natalie Schafer), and Albert's parents (Don Porter, Rosemary Murphy).

The plot revolves around the machinations and misconceptions of who is dating who and is it proper for Ullmann to marry a much younger man.

Ullmann is good as the "middle-aged" woman. Albert is sort of creepy. Kelly is annoying as is Green Bush. Walker gets in a few zingers. Raffin is a blank. But in her final film appearance the 70-year-old Binnie Barnes (looking decades younger) steals every scene she's in as a swinging grandmother who's always borrowing Raffin's clothes and can't wait to hit the dance floor. This role was played by Glenda Farrell on Broadway.

I do love this little film. I also think Edward Albert is the only actor is this film who isn't overacting. Or miscast. I could watch this film all day, just to watch Edward. He has to be about the most beautiful young man ever put on the planet. In this film he is charming and a complete breath of fresh air, however quaint that may sound. The premise of a woman old enough to be the man's mother become romantically involved was BIG at the time. When the scene is relaxed and the acting natural, it's a lovely film to watch. In scenes of awkward overacting, Edward stands out as a natural, his uniqueness, talent and intelligence radiate from his face. I am not so sure of the comedy rating of this film. It's actually quite serious part of the time. I wish he had been given more excellent parts to play throughout his career.

Beautiful 36, no… 38, no… 39, no… 40-year-old Liv Ullmann (as Ann Stanley) from Norway originally is driving through gorgeous Greece when her car overheats. Along comes handsome 22-year-old Edward Albert (as Peter Latham) from Pittsburgh, USA on a motorcycle. Believing herself too old to ride a motor bike, Ms. Ullmann instead strips down to her underwear for a swim with Mr. Albert. One thing leads to another and they have sex on the beach. Perhaps feeling a little old and out of sorts after the act, Ullmann leaves Albert while he sleeps...

Back home in New York, guess who arrives to pick up Ullmann's daughter for a date?

At first this seemed like it was going to be a drama, but it's obviously a comedy by the time Ullmann and Albert meet in New York. It probably would have been funnier if a woman more experienced in situation comedy played Ullmann's part, but the film does garner some chuckles. Although Albert does look like the younger of the two, the age difference seems more like ten than twenty years. Ullmann appears closer to Albert's age than she does to ex-husband Gene Kelly (as Billy Boylan). Respected elder Binnie Barnes (as Maud Ericson) does well in her last feature.

****** 40 Carats (6/28/73) Milton Katselas ~ Liv Ullmann, Edward Albert, Gene Kelly, Binnie Barnes