"Like a Porter song, De-Lovely has melancholy, wit and style to burn." Carrie Rickey PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER "the power of the music alone is enough to make this film worth viewing" John A Nesbit CULTUREDOSE.NET "This elegant production beautifully captures a time and place that no longer exists and perhaps never did, except in song." Paul Clinton CNN "De-Lovely is an enjoyable musical biography of Cole Porter with a stellar performance by Kevin Kline." Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH "Kline/Judd are de-lectable and the movie is de-vine." Jackie K Cooper JACKIEKCOOPER.COM

"The numbers are staged with wit and style." Kirk Honeycutt HOLLYWOOD REPORTER "A trip down memory lane for those born before the baby boomers." Richard Surfield THE MOVIE PAGES "The story is sad. The music is witty, wary, impassioned and delightful. The balance is what makes De-Lovely special." Tom Long DETROIT NEWS "It's De-licious. It's De-lightful. And older audiences will find it De-lovely indeed." Richard Surfield THE MOVIE PAGES "De-Lovely is an unexpected delight giving us both the wonderful music of Cole Porter along with Kevin Kline's winning turn as the composer." Daniel M Kimmel WORCESTER TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

At A Glance

"It's a pity that "De-Lovely" will be passed over by many of the young cinemagoers for this is a timeless opportunity to witness songs that span generations performed by greats of the 'now era'." .... Richard Surfield THE MOVIE PAGES

They say "music soothes the savage beast" and if that is true, then the music of Cole Porter must have worked wonders. Now, thanks to the wonderful script of screenwriter Jay Cocks, cinemagoers can experience all the magic of Cole Porter's music and gain an insight into his life through "De-Lovely", a glorious little number that will make many a music lovers heart skip a beat. My first reaction after seeing the film was that here is a film that will probably be passed over by the vast majority of younger viewers who will see this as film for the 'oldies', and that's a real pity. Especially when one looks at the list of great modern era performing artists who appear in "De-Lovely" [singing Porter's timeless songs], many of whom are idolized by 'young' music fans today. Of course there is a lesson to be learnt from "De-Lovely" and that is? Good music and great songs span generations and become timeless pieces that never fade away. So what is it that makes this film "De-Lovely", so definingly wonderful, so magical? Well, it's not just the music of Cole Porter; it's not just the sight of artists such as the great Robbie Williams, Alanis Morissette or one of the modern era's most under-rated recording artists Elvis Costello belting out or crooning a Cole Porter song; no what makes "De-Lovely" so very special is that this is a love story and a most remarkable one indeed! And there's a bonus. Porter and the love of his life, wife Linda are brought to life with stellar performances by ACADEMY Award ® winner Kevin Kline ["Life As A House"] and the beautiful, accomplished, Ashley Judd ["Kiss the Girls"]. "De-Lovely" is helmed by ACADEMY Award ® winning director Irwin Winkler who admits to being [as I myself am] a huge fan of the 'Jazz Age' and classic 'American pop music'. When it comes to Cole Porter though, there is also a fascination with his lifestyle and how he managed to keep it all together for so long. "Porter led a very theatrical life," says Winkler, "his mannerisms, his style of living, his dress. He lived like royalty, partied, drank, and was extravagant in his lifestyle. He epitomized excess and grandeur. And Cole's life was so contradictory. Here's a man who was married for 38 years, but a man who was also gay in a time when it was considered extremely taboo. Cole and Linda's relationship was very unique, to say the least, and I knew exploring their relationship would be fascinating." Before Irwin could make a film about the life of Cole Porter he needed the support and backing of the Cole Porter Trust and The Porter Estate. With fellow producer Rob Cowan the two met with the Trust, telling them "they were only interested if they had the freedom to tell Porter's story as they saw fit." The Trust Estate were impressed and "very helpful in putting together the film," Winkler said. "Because Porter's songs have been so popular through time, the rights to use them are expensive, and it would have been cost prohibitive without their support. Their assistance was also invaluable in granting access to Porter's personal effects and various documents and letters, which lend an even greater authenticity to the story." There are three great strengths for the Winklers film, "De-Lovely". The first is of course that intrguing lifestyle Porter lead. The second is his compositions. When it came to the music, what was it that stood out for Winkler? "The strength of Porter's music is that he was a very complicated man who wrote complicated lyrics and music," Winkler says. "Porter also dealt with a universal subject matter: love. "We use 'In the Still of the Night' at the beginning and end of the film, and one of the lyrics is 'Do you love me as I love you? Are you my life to be?' He is constantly questioning what love is about, as we all do. That's one of the reasons his music has lasted so long." The third strength for the film is obviously the stars Academy Award® winning, two-time Tony winner Kevin Kline as Porter and Ashley Judd as the socialite, divorcee Linda, whom he married. Kevin Kline says that when it was proposed he take the role of Porter he was "intrigued and terrified at the same time. Having been an aspiring pianist and composer when I was in school, I thought it would be a nice way to get back in that world, and I love Porter's music so much." Winkler says he was impressed by Klines commitment to the project noting, "He worked on this project for almost nine months, honing his piano skills, working with a voice coach. He was a consummate professional, and turns in a stunning performance as a result." So that's two of us who agree on Klines performance. And here's a little bit of trivia magic on Klines portrayal of Porter. He really does sing the songs. In fact Kline "insisted upon singing his songs live while filming." No pre-recording and 'lip-synching' for the main man. Why the insistence? "It helped keep the lyrics fresh every time," Kline revealled. "Instead of performing or singing in a void, it was more about acting in the moment." Irwin explained further noting "Most of Kevin's singing in the movie, literally about 90%, was done live on set. That's unheard of." Equally impressed was co-star and onscreen wife, Ashley Judd who adds, "I knew Kevin would be beautifully suited to this films. He's such a committed actor; I'll always remember his devotion and passion. He is Cole Porter, right down to his handwriting. While we were shooting I was looking at some music he had written on and I said, "Do you make your Y's like that?" He said, "No, but Cole Porter did." He's really gone the distance." There's no doubt that given all that, "De-Lovely", even with a limited release and perhaps an audience limited by their love for music or by their age, will prove a real winner. There's so much heartfelt emotion, spiritual joy and admiration for all the performers and of course, the great composer himself. Perhaps the most important question on everyones lips will be, "I wonder what Porter would have thought?" Kline answered that question beautifully saying, "I would hope he'd approve. I think he'd appreciate that we were trying to interpret his life in as entertaining yet authentic a way as possible while also celebrating his genius."
Great Songs Performed By Great Artists

"You're The Top" "It's De-Lovely" "What Is This Thing Called Love?" "Let's Misbehave" "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love" "Night and Day" "Anything Goes" "Begin the Beguine" "I Love You" "Just One of Those Things" "Love For Sale" "So In Love" "So In Love" "Ev'ry Time You Say Goodbye"

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Cole Porter [archive footage] Robbie Williams Lemar Obika Elvis Costello Alanis Morissette John Barrowman Caroline O'Connor Sheryl Crow Mick Hucknall Diana Krall Vivian Green Lara Fabian Mario Frangoulis Natalie Cole

A Look At Cole Porter Cole Porter was born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana USA. He began piano lessons at age 6. He wrote his first song, "Song of the Birds" at the age of 10. It was dedicated to his mother. He attended high school at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. He then went on to study at Yale College where his career as a composer began to take shape. He wrote six full-scale productions and over 300 songs for various fraternities and student organizations while he was at Yale. Graduating from Yale, he enrolled in Harvard Law School. In 1916, Coles first Broadway show, "See America First", was produced. It was a flop. In 1917 he moved to Paris. In 1918, Cole met American divorcee Linda Thomas. They became very close friends and married on December 19, 1919. With Linda's support and guidance, Cole's career finally took off. After several years of hard work and a few notable notices, he had his first big hit in 1928 with "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love" from the musical "Paris." A string of hits followed and Cole soon cemented his position as one of America's most important composers alongside such luminaries as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Jerome Kern. Cole suffered a horseback riding accident in 1937, fracturing both legs. The accident left him in pain for the rest of his life. Doctors suggested amputation, but at Linda's insistence they didn't follow through with it; she felt it would destroy Cole's spirit. The accident was a devastating occurrence and Cole suffered great depression. At Linda's urging, however, he did continue to write. Cole experienced his last and greatest triumph with the Broadway production of "Kiss Me, Kate." The production was considered an instant classic and won the first ever Tony Award for Best Musical. Linda passed away on May 20, 1954, a victim of emphysema; Cole was devastated. Without Linda standing guard, Cole's right leg was amputated in 1958. His spirit broken Cole never wrote another song. He died on October 15 1964 and was buried between his wife and father. The life and loves of Cole Porter [immortalized through his music], has now been revived in the 21st century through the film "De-Lovely". Crew Bytes "De-Lovely" was .......
directed by ACADEMY Award ® winner Irwin Winkler ["Guilty by Suspicion", "Night and the City", "The Net" and "Life As A House"]; screenplay by Jay Cocks ["Made in Milan", "The Age of Innocence", "Strange Days" and "Gangs Of New York"]; costume design by Janty Yates ["Welcome to Sarajevo", "Gladiator", "Enemy at the Gates" and "Hannibal"]; production design by Eve Stewart ["Topsy-Turvy", "Kiss Kiss (Bang Bang)", "Goodbye Charlie Bright" and "Nicholas Nickleby"]; edited by Julie Monroe ["Lolita", "Hanging Up", "Life as a House" and "The Patriot"]; cinematograhpy by Tony Pierce-Roberts ["A Private Function", "The Bourne Identity", "Splitting Heirs", "The Golden Bowl" and "Underworld"]; set decoration by John Bush ["The End of the Affair", "Purely Belter", "The House Of Mirth" and "About a Boy"] produced by Rob Cowan ["Night and the City", "Life as a House", "The Shipping News" and "Enough"], Charles Winkler ["De-Lovely"] and Irwin Winkler ["They Shoot Horses, Don't They?", "Rocky", "Raging Bull", "Life As A House", "The Shipping News" and "Enough"]. Casting About "De-Lovely" stars .......
Ashley Judd ["A Time to Kill", "Kiss the Girls", "Double Jeopardy" and "High Crimes"]; Jonathan Pryce ["Stigmata", "Very Annie Mary", "What a Girl Wants" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"]; Kevin McNally ["The Long Good Friday", "Cry Freedom", "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"]; Sandra Nelson ["Trust in Me", "Maternal Instincts", "Life As A House" and "Enough"]; Allan Corduner ["Yentl", "A Business Affair", "Kiss Kiss (Bang Bang)" and "Moonlight Mile"]; Peter Polycarpou ["Evita" and "Julie and the Cadillacs"]; Tayler Hamilton ["De-Lovely"]; Keith Allen ["Carry On Columbus ", "Trainspotting", "The Others" and "24 Hour Party People"]; Angie Hill ["Doppelgänger", "Split Second", "Shadowchaser" and "Rear View Mirror"]; Harry Ditson ["Reds", "Perfectly Normal", "Back in the U.S.S.R." and "The Tailor of Panama"] and ACADEMY Award ® winner Kevin Kline ["Dave", "In & Out", "Life As A House" and "The Emperor's Club"] as Cole Porter. The Story

"A lovely fantasia on the life and times of the man who said 'I wanted every kind of love that was available' and then described most of them in his songs." ... Jack Garner ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

It's 1964 and composer Cole Porter sits at his piano. Suddenly a stranger appears. His appearance is normal but in fact he is an angel. But no ordinary angel. He's Gabriel. Gabe for short. Porter is about to die but before he does, Gabe wants to take him on a journey through his life. A journey that will bring back the love of his life, his deceased wife Linda, his tragedies and triumphs and all the people who he knew and worked with. Gabriel leaves nothing out. The male lovers, the parties, the deceptions, all interspersed by his musical accomplishments. As the rich tapestry unfolds before his eyes, Porter slowly comes to the realization that without those influences his life would have been an empty one. The Verdict A joyous, wonderful celebration of life. Stellar performances by Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd makes "De-Lovely" a delight to experience. The music is just as entertaining today as it was last century. "De-Lovely" is more than just music; more than great performances; it is a remarkable love story. Highly recommended to music lovers, romantics at heart and young viewers who will get a kick out of seeing stars like Robbie Williams performing 'old' songs. An emotional, glorious journey down memory lane." The Cast

Kevin Kline Ashley Judd Jonathan Pryce Kevin McNally Sandra Nelson Allan Corduner Peter Polycarpou Keith Allen James Wilby Kevin McKidd Richard Dillane Edward Baker-Duly Angie Hill Harry Ditson Tayler Hamilton Lexie Peel Greg Sheffield Peter Jessop Jeff Harding Susannah Fellows Teddy Kempner

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Cole Porter Linda Porter Gabe Gerald Murphy Sara Murphy Monty Woolley Louis B Mayer Irving Berlin Edward Thomas Bobby Reed Bill Wrather Boris Kochno Ellin Berlin Dr Moorhead Honoria Murphy Patrick Murphy Boath Murphy Diaghilev Cody Mrs L B Mayer Stage Manager

The Crew Directed by Irwin Winkler Written by Jay Cocks Produced by Rob Cowan/Charles Winkler/Irwin Winkler Executive Producer Simon Channing-Williams & Gail Egan Cinematography by Tony Pierce-Roberts Film Editing by Julie Monroe Casting by Nina Gold Production Design by Eve Stewart Art Direction by John Hill Set Decoration by John Bush Costume Design by Janty Yates Production Manager Danielle Brandon Run Time 125 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2004 - MGM/United Artists - All Rights Reserved Copyright Protected © 2004 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved