Myra Breckinridge [1970] with Raquel Welch

Myra Breckinridge



Directed by Michael Sarne

Produced by David Giler

Robert Fryer

Written by

Novel:

Gore Vidal

Screenplay:

David Giler

Michael Sarne



Starring Raquel Welch

Mae West

John Huston

Farrah Fawcett

Rex Reed



Music by John Phillips (song)

Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Release date(s) June 24, 1970

Running time 94 min.

Edited version:

91 min.

Country United States

Language English

Budget $5,000,000 (approx.)



Myra Breckinridge was an American film released in 1970. It was based on the 1968 novel of same name by Gore Vidal, and was directed by Michael Sarne, with Raquel Welch in the title role. It also starred John Huston as Buck Loner, Mae West as Letitia Van Allen (spelled Leticia in the film), Farrah Fawcett, Roger Herren, and Roger C. Carmel. Theadora Van Runkle was costume designer for the film, but Edith Head designed Mae West's costumes. The picture has been placed in the infamous catalogue as being one of the worst films ever made.



It was one of two films with an X rating to be released by 20th Century Fox in 1970 (the other being Beyond the Valley of the Dolls). In 1978 the studio submitted a cut version running 91 minutes to the MPAA, and the film was re-classified with an R. Both versions are available on the DVD, though the uncut print is now unrated. A commercial and critical flop upon release, it is now been re-evaluated and considered way ahead of its time.[citation needed] Many critics have re-evaluated this film calling it a "trendsetter" far ahead of its time and in fact very well made. Others contend that it's an inept mess, far too pleased with itself and lacking an ounce of wit. It has been shown occasionally on late night cable channels and achieved something of a cult following. Raquel Welch had huge success as a sex symbol in the 1960s and was hoping that her role would help her get more interesting parts but the film probably destroyed any aspirations she had of being taken seriously in Hollywood. Mae West came out of retirement and was in her 70s when the film was made. Mae West's appearance in this film generated a storm of publicity for the film. Her performance was cited as outstanding by numerous fan magazines in the 1970s. Mae West's performance resulted in her becoming a cult icon of the '70s and regenerated her career considerably. Gore Vidal has since disowned the film and said it was unwatchable. The film contains several clips taken from old Hollywood films from the '40s which the producers did not get permission to use and a number of legal cases resulted.