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California Suite (1978)

California Suite (1978) is a comedy-drama based on Neil Simon’s 1976 play of the same name. The film weaves together four distinct vignettes, each cantered on guests staying at the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel. The stories explore relationships, conflicts, and humorous situations, all taking place in sunny California.


The first story features Hannah Warren (Jane Fonda), a sharp-tongued New Yorker, who arrives in Los Angeles to discuss her daughter’s future with her ex-husband, Bill (Alan Alda), a laid-back screenwriter. Their meeting reignites old tensions as they clash over parenting styles and the cultural divide between their East Coast and West Coast lifestyles. Despite their arguments, their shared concern for their daughter adds depth to their strained relationship.


The second story follows British actress Diana Barrie (Maggie Smith) and her husband Sidney Cochran (Michael Caine), who are in town for the Academy Awards. Diana is nominated for an Oscar, and while she outwardly maintains grace and poise, she struggles with her insecurities and frustrations about her marriage. Sidney’s charm and wit mask his own struggles, particularly with his sexuality, leading to moments of bittersweet humor and poignant revelations.


The third vignette revolves around Marvin Michaels (Walter Matthau), a middle-aged man whose weekend takes a chaotic turn when his brother sends him an unexpected "gift": a young woman who ends up passed out in his bed after a wild night. Marvin’s attempts to conceal the situation from his wife Millie (Elaine May), who arrives shortly after, lead to comedic misunderstandings and escalating absurdity.


The final story follows two couples, Dr. Chauncey Gump (Richard Pryor) and his wife Lola (Gloria Gifford), and Dr. Willis Panama (Bill Cosby) and his wife Bettina (Sheila Frazier), on a vacation that turns into a series of escalating arguments and slapstick mishaps. Their tennis match, riddled with petty squabbles, epitomizes their competitive yet affectionate dynamics.


California Suite blends humour with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of love, ambition, identity, and the challenges of human connections. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, with Maggie Smith winning an Academy Award for her role. The film’s witty dialogue and mix of light-hearted comedy and poignant drama make it a compelling adaptation of Simon’s play.

The programme starts 30 minutes after doors open and on Saturdays the main feature about 60 minutes after doors open.

Misadventures of four groups of guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Doors open:

6:30pm Saturday 12th April 2025

Director:

Herbert Ross

Genre:

Comedy, Drama
Runtime:
1h 43m
Certificate:
12
Starring:
Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Maggie Smith
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Rusthall Community Cinema, Sunnyside Community Hall, Rusthall Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8RA England.  hello@RusthallCinema.club
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