by Jon Partridge
Twilight Time continue their impressive run of releases with the 1964 Peter Sellers classic The World of Henry Orient, a film that was nominated for the Golden Globe Award in “Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy” and for a Writers Guild of America Award for “Best Written American Comedy.”
Sellers plays the titular Henry Orient, a concert pianist who, while conducting an affair with a married woman, has to contend with the attention of two young girls who have a crush on him. His paranoia mounts as they stalk him, believing them to be agents working on behalf of his lover’s husband. Meanwhile the mother of the one of the girls (Angela Lansbury) has suspicions about her daughter’s activities, and through investigations of her own becomes embroiled in a affair with Orient herself as the farcical situation escalates.
While the film centers around the pompous and eccentric Henry Orient, played magnificently by Sellers, it really belongs to the two young girls, Val and Gil, played by Tippy Walker and Merrie Spaeth. Their persistent following of him, interrupting his life, sets up much of the farcical comedy that Sellers excelled at. But more than this, their adventures showcase a bond between two girls, each with families that are fragmenting. There is a imaginative sense of adventure throughout which runs alongside an awakening for the pair. It’s a coming of age tale, sure, but one touchingly done with deft insights into the behavior and feelings of two young girls on the verge of adulthood and some painful life truths.
With support from Angela Lansbury, Paula Prentiss, and Tom Bosley; one of the more picturesque depictions of New York on film, embracing its ’60s setting; and a fantastic score by Elmer Bernstein, The World of Henry Orient is a treat for the senses.
THE PACKAGE
Releases of older films can often disappoint, either with poor quality or the image being altered from the source. The World of Henry Orient seemingly retains much of its original characteristics; the palette is natural and the grain looks authentic. Good detail with no artifacts visible makes for a very enjoyable viewing experience.
Special features includes the original theatrical trailer and a MGM 90th anniversary trailer. The most noticeable inclusion is a audio commentary with film historian and Twilight Time’s Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman. As is traditional with these releases there is a isolated score track, as well as a liner notes leaflet with photos and text by Kirgo that touches on some of the personal experiences that went into the script.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The World of Henry Orient would be entertaining enough on the basis of Peter Seller’s work, but the story and rapport between Walker and Spaeth as two girls growing up make for a wonderful tale. Especially with the beautifully represented New York as a backdrop. A cinematic classic, beautifully presented by Twilight Time.
The World of Henry Orient is available NOW from Twilight Time in a limited edition release of 3000 units.