Watch California Suite
- PG
- 1978
- 1 hr 43 min
-
6.2 (8,250)
California Suite is a 1978 comedy film directed by Herbert Ross and starring Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Maggie Smith, Michael Caine, Walter Matthau, and Richard Pryor. The movie explores the lives and relationships of a group of guests who stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel in California. The film is based on a play of the same name by Neil Simon.
The movie is divided into four separate stories, each featuring a different set of characters whose paths occasionally cross. The first story follows Hannah and Bill Warren, a divorced couple who reunite in California to attend their daughter's wedding. While Hannah tries to keep everything under control, Bill is more interested in finding the perfect spot to catch some sun. The second story revolves around Marvin Michaels, a businessman who is forced to share his hotel suite with California visitor, Harry Michaels. When a mix-up with their luggage leads to some embarrassing moments, both men find themselves in some compromising positions. In the third story, Academy Award-nominated actress Diana Barrie and her husband, Sidney Cochran, are in California to attend the Academy Awards. While Diana prepares for the ceremony, Sidney becomes increasingly jealous of her co-star and starts to suspect that Diana is having an affair. The final story centers on two couples, one from Chicago and one from Philadelphia, who are on vacation in California. Things take a turn for the worse when one of the couples discovers that their daughter has accidentally ingested some drugs.
Throughout the film, the characters find themselves in a variety of comedic situations that showcase the talents of the impressive ensemble cast. Jane Fonda delivers a standout performance as Hannah, a woman who struggles to keep her composure as her ex-husband causes chaos all around her. Alan Alda is equally impressive as Marvin, the uptight businessman who slowly begins to unravel as his vacation spirals out of control. Maggie Smith is delightful as the eccentric British actress who is obsessed with winning an Academy Award, while Michael Caine brings his trademark charm to the role of her husband. Walter Matthau and Richard Pryor also provide some memorable moments as the bickering Chicago and Philadelphia couples.
One of the highlights of the movie is the way that the various storylines intersect, with characters from one plotline showing up unexpectedly in another. This creates a sense of unity and continuity that helps to tie the film together. Another standout feature of the movie is the way that it captures the spirit of California in the late 1970s, with its sunny beaches, glamorous hotels, and laid-back atmosphere. The film is visually stunning, with bright colors and stunning scenery that bring the setting to life.
In addition to its comedic moments, California Suite also tackles some serious themes, such as love, infidelity, and the challenges of parenting. The various characters struggle with their relationships and their own personal demons, leading to some emotional and poignant scenes. However, these moments are always balanced with a healthy dose of humor, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, California Suite is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that is a testament to the talents of its cast and crew. It remains a cult classic to this day, and a must-watch for fans of 1970s cinema.
California Suite is a 1978 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.