Director Peter Bogdanovich’s “comedy” has become primarily known as the third and last film Dorothy Stratten appeared in. 1980’s Playmate of the Year was killed by a shotgun blast to the face by her husband/manager Paul Snider, who then killed himself. Bogdanovich, the survivor of the lover’s triangle was left alone to edit his film.
Backstory. “They All Laughed” was written for Audrey Hepburn by the director himself and meant to be a throwback to the screwball comedies of yesteryear.
Earlier in 1979, after meeting and falling in love with Miss Stratten, Peter would rewrite the script, making her character central to the two stories happening simultaneously. (Audrey Hepburn and Ben Gazzara’s roles were shortened to make room for the Dorothy Stratten-John Ritter story.)
PLOT. Three detectives, (Ben Gazarra as John Russo, John Ritter as Charles Rutledge and Blane Novak as Arthur Brodsky) investigate two seperate cases. Russo is hired to find out if Audrey Hepburn’s character (Angela Niotes) is having an affair. Rutledge is investigating Stratten’s character Dolores Martin.
What Works, What Doesn’t
It’s always good to see Audrey Hepburn again.
Ben Gazzara with Audrey Hepburn
This would be one her last film roles. It’s too bad she doesn’t have much to do, except play off a morose Ben Gazarra, who was going through a divorce at the time. [A year earlier, they had their own affair while filming “Bloodline” (1979).]
Dorothy Stratten has an undeniable screen presence.
Dorothy Stratten
Whether she can act or not is beside the point: she is playing herself. Besides stunning good looks, she knew how to move and that is not a little thing. Graceful, tall, lean and voluptuous, Bogdannovich artfully uses her to her best effect. It’s unfortunate others used her for their own ends.
John Ritter’s comedic timing is perfect for the film.
with John Ritter
His scenes with Stratten and Coleen Camp (as C & W singer Christy Miller) are the highpoints. The standout, laugh-out-loud moments are the rolling rink sequence with Dorothy –
and the “touch assist” massage he gets from Coleen Camp.
John Ritter with Coleen Camp
As comedies go, “They All Laugh” is unusually long and complicated. It may take several viewing for the average viewer to figure it out.
For Dorothy’s fans, it’s a must. She would never be more gorgeous and like a flower be cut down in her prime.
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