Watch The Wild Party

The Wild Party is a 1975 musical drama film featuring an ensemble cast and directed by James Ivory. The film is set in the decadent era of the 1920s and follows the story of a group of artistic and eccentric personalities during a wild party held in a New York City apartment. The film begins with the arrival of Jolly Grimm (James Coco), a washed-up vaudeville performer who tries to revitalize his career by organizing the party. The guests include his girlfriend Queenie (Raquel Welch), a sultry vaudeville performer, and her lover Black (Perry King), a wealthy Harvard graduate.

As the party goes on, the eccentric guests indulge in drinking, drugs, and sexual excesses, which leads to a series of conflicts and confrontations. Queenie's jealous and possessive nature clashes with Black's arrogance and entitled attitude, leading to a dramatic ending.

Throughout the film, there are several musical numbers that reflect the exuberance, sensuality, and desperation of the characters. The songs range from jazzy and upbeat to melancholic and introspective, providing a rich and varied soundtrack that enhances the film's mood and tone.

The Wild Party was originally released in 1975 but received mixed reviews and a limited box office success. However, the film gained a cult following over the years due to its daring and provocative themes, as well as its impressive cast and crew. The film was written by Michael Weller, who adapted the screenplay from a poem by Joseph Moncure March, and features innovative cinematography by Walter Lassally.

James Coco gives a standout performance as Jolly Grimm, showcasing his comic timing and emotional range as a fading entertainer who tries to cling to his glory days. Raquel Welch sizzles as Queenie, exuding sensuality and vulnerability in equal measure, while Perry King delivers a nuanced performance as Black, balancing his charm and cruelty with finesse.

The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with memorable turns by Charlotte Rae as a hard-boiled lesbian, Tiffany Bolling as a drug-addled artist, and Robert De Niro as a fast-talking prop man. The film also features a young and unknown Christopher Walken in a small but memorable role as a tap-dance competitor of Jolly's.

In addition to its strong performances, The Wild Party is also notable for its production design, which captures the decadent and opulent atmosphere of the 1920s with vivid colors, intricate costumes, and ornate sets. The film also features some striking visual effects, such as split screens, superimpositions, and slow-motion shots.

Overall, The Wild Party is a fascinating and entertaining film that defies easy categorization. It combines elements of comedy, drama, musical, and social commentary in a unique and bold way, creating a singular vision of a bygone era and its restless, passionate, and destructive souls. If you're a fan of daring and unconventional cinema, The Wild Party is a must-see.

The Wild Party is a 1975 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.