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It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s ‘De-lovely’

Cassie Pence
Special to the Daily
ALL |

When I went to see “De-lovely” at the Crossroads Cinema in Vail, I didn’t even know who Cole Porter was. His songs, however, I did recognize.The cast of Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd, and musicians Alanis Morrisette, Robbie Williams, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall and Vivian Green, performers who lend a voice to Porter’s timeless ditties, drew me to the film.

Director Irwin Winkler uses an “It’s a Wonderful Life” narrative device where an angel-director (Jonathan Pryce) and aging Porter (Kline) watch the American composer’s life vignettes unfold on stage. We follow as the notoriously gay young composer falls in love and weds American divorcee Linda (Judd) – his unmistakable muse for life – but struggles with his marriage because he indulges in his homosexuality.

Although their marriage was sexless, Kline and Judd do a remarkable job portraying the real intimacy Porter and Linda shared. Porter’s clever songs about life and love become more acclaimed, but his marriage more distant as the once-tolerant Linda becomes increasingly irritated by his misbehaving and adultery. It isn’t until Linda is diagnosed with lung cancer that Porter realizes the consequences of his selfish acts.



Winkler succeeds in capturing the fascinating life story of Porter through his most popular numbers, like “Anything Goes,” “Night and Day,” “Let’s Misbehave,” “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love,” “Just One of Those Things” and “Love for Sale.” I leftthe theater knowing more about the man behind the tunes I often find myself humming, but never know where I heard them first.For showtimes, call (970) 476-5661.


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