Straight-Jacket (2004)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Richard Day

Writers (WGA):

Richard Day (play)
Richard Day (screenplay)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Fame... Money... Girls... What's his secret?

Plot:

In 1950's Hollywood, movie star Guy Stone must marry a studio secretary in order to conceal his homosexuality. Sally has no idea her marriage is a sham, though, and turns Guy's life upside-down. Then he falls in love. |

Plot Keywords:

Secretary | Marriage | Hollywood | Homosexuality | Agent

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Matt Letscher	...	Guy Stone
Carrie Preston	...	Sally Stone
Adam Greer	...	Rick Foster
Veronica Cartwright	...	Jerry Albrecht
Victor Raider-Wexler	...	Saul Ornstein
Jack Plotnick	...	Freddie Stevens
Michael Emerson	...	Victor
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
George Alan	...	Waiter
David Burke	...	Ray Verrine
Matt Bushell	...	Moron #2
Jennifer Elise Cox	...	Betty Bright
Shea Curry	...	Starlet
Tammy Dahlstrom	...	Tourist
Scott Fishkind	...	Reporter
John Ganun	...	Crewman
David Alan Graf	...	Bailiff
David Jahn	...	Priest
Chris J. Johnson	...	Jeff
Butch Klein	...	Waiter
Tom Lenk	...	Teddy
Clinton Leupp	...	Bernice Ornstein
Chad Lindsey	...	Mike
Ricky Dean Logan	...	Moron #1
Ron Mathews	...	Salvation Army Man
Adrian Neil	...	Jeroen
Sam Pancake	...	Tour Guide
Adrian R'Mante	...	Hector
Lorna Scott	...	Louella
Benjamin Sprunger	...	Trick in Alley
Eric Stonestreet	...	Labor Organizer
Darlena Tejeiro	...	Viola
Hamilton von Watts	...	Clyde, the Bartender
Paul Willson	...	Coal Executive
Ryun Yu	...	Bess, the Make-Up Man

Runtime:

USA:96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:15 | New Zealand:M | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Company:

SRO Pictures

Trivia:

Jackie Hoffman, who originated the role of Jerry in the stage play, was asked to reprise her role, but couldn't due to her appearance in "Hairspray: The Musical."

Goofs:

Continuity: One of the production drawings for "Ben-Hur" in Saul's office is missing after the first scene.

Quotes:

Guy Stone: [trying to hurry Sally out the door:] Now you mustn't be late for Bernice.
Sally: I hate her stupid women's group. Barbara Stanwyck is such a bully. And that Edith Head...
[shudders a bit]
Sally: just stares at me.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in 2005 Glitter Awards (2005) (V)

Smart and Sassy

I had the privilege of attending a screening of STRAIGHT-JACKET at SXSW Film 2004, and it's been, hands down, my favorite film so far from this year's selections.

It's a smart and sassy homage to fifties films that expertly balances farce with message. Guy Stone (Matt Letscher), a Hollywood sex symbol whose randiness keeps threatening his career until his agent (Veronica Cartwright) and studio boss marry him off to a naive secretary (Carrie Preston). Everyone knows the marriage is a sham but Sally, who enthusiastically tries to domesticate Guy. Meanwhile, Guy meets Rick, (Adam Greer), who challenges his promiscuous ways as well as his willingness to live a lie at the height of the communist scare.

Letscher has the part down perfectly; he's an adorable cad who could be inserted into any romantic comedy of that era and fit right in. Preston and Greer, both from the original theatrical cast, are also solid casting. Cartwright seems to channel several actresses of the era known for being ballsy women. But the most enjoyable moments are the droll lines delivered by Michael Emerson, as Victor, Guy's Butler; I couldn't wait to hear what he'd say next.

Stylistically the film captures the spirit of the era, from the titles, to music, and the creative use of computer imagery and set design. The in-jokes are fast and furious, remaining suggestive without being offensive. It's solid film-making from top to bottom.

This is a movie I intend to own the moment it's available on DVD, as well as see again as soon as it gets distribution.