Kline, Judd, Pryce Bring Cole Porter to Life in Musical Biopic "De-Lovely," July 2

By Ernio Hernandez
July 2, 2004

Kevin Kline stars as composer Cole Porter opposite Ashley Judd and Jonathan Pryce in the musical film "De-Lovely," opening in select theaters July 2.

"De-lovely" is billed as "an original musical portrait" in which composer Porter looks back upon his life and work "as if it was one of his spectacular stage shows, with the people and events of his life becoming the actors and action onstage," according to the show's materials. Director Irwin Winkler ("Life as a House") was given free reign by the Porter estate to use the entire catalog (at times anachronistically) and delve into the composer's sexuality.

Among the players in Porter's life include his wife Linda Lee Porter (Judd), Irving Berlin (Keith Allen), Louis B. Mayer (Peter Polycarpou) and Ethel Merman (Caroline O'Connor of "Moulin Rouge" and Chicago).

The cast also includes many of today's popular singers ? Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Lara Fabian, Diana Krall, Alanis Morissette and Robbie Williams ? performing classic Porter tunes. Kline and Judd (using restrained singing voices to reflect the Porters') even join in the song and dance. Songs featured in the film include "Begin the Beguine," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "In The Still of Night," "It's De-Lovely," "Anything Goes," "Just One of Those Things," "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love," "Let's Misbehave," "Love for Sale," "Night and Day" and "True Love."

Winkler directs a script penned by Jay Cocks ("Gangs of New York"). Winkler produces with Rob Cowan and Charles Winkler. The film is set to be released in the United States in select theaters on July 2.

For more information on the film, log in to www.delovelymovie.com for updates.