Watch Victor Victoria

In the 1982 musical comedy film Victor Victoria, Julie Andrews plays Victoria, a struggling singer in 1930s Paris who can't seem to catch a break. That is, until she meets cabaret performer Carroll Todd, played by Robert Preston, who suggests that she poses as a man pretending to be a woman, and perform as a female impersonator. The ruse works, and Victoria becomes the toast of the town. The success of her act, however, leads to complications in her personal life, particularly when she catches the eye of a Chicago gangster named King Marchand, played by James Garner.

From its opening scene set in the bustling streets of Paris, the film boasts a light and whimsical energy, with a vivid color palette and lively musical numbers. Andrews delivers a charming and nuanced performance as Victoria, a talented performer who is both ambitious and vulnerable. Preston, who had previously worked with director Blake Edwards in the classic film The Music Man, shines as the eccentric and flamboyant Carroll, who coaches Victoria in the art of female impersonation.

Although the film's central premise involves a comedic gender-bending conceit, the story is ultimately about the complexities of identity and the fluidity of gender roles. Victoria's transformation into a male impersonator brings to the forefront questions about gender, sexuality, and societal expectations. Her success as a performer blurs the lines between male and female, and prompts her to confront the limitations that society imposes on women.

The film boasts several standout musical numbers, including Andrews' powerful rendition of "Le Jazz Hot!", and Preston's energetic performance of "The Shady Dame From Seville". A highlight of the film is a stunning sequence in which Victoria performs a duet with Garner's character, in which they trade off singing the same lines, each playing both male and female roles. The scene is a testament to the actors' talent and chemistry, and serves as a poignant reminder of the fluidity of gender roles and the power of performance to subvert societal expectations.

At its core, Victor Victoria is a celebration of the transformative power of performance and the beauty of individual expression. The film is a testament to the talents of its cast and crew, particularly Andrews, who is at the height of her powers as a singer, dancer, and actress. With its memorable songs, inspired performances, and clever script, Victor Victoria remains a beloved classic of the musical genre, and a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that challenge societal norms and celebrate the beauty of individuality.

Victor Victoria is a 1982 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 84.