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Throughout a filmmaker’s professional journey, their image gradually solidifies into one that is hard to change or tarnish. From the very start, people begin to form impressions about them, which can be subtly influenced and occasionally diverted, but they will always recall the origins of this talent. For instance, even though Jordan Peele made a remarkable debut in horror filmmaking, he remains primarily known as “the comedy guy dabbling in horror.” This fixed perception can sometimes work to an artist’s advantage or disadvantage, depending on the circumstances. One such instance where it nearly ruined a director’s standing occurred in 1975.

1975 marked the debut of Peter Bogdanovich’s musical comedy, “At Long Last Love“. This film featured Burt Reynolds, Cybill Shepard, Madeline Kahn, and Duilio Del Prete in the principal roles. The movie is as cheerful as a sunny day, but unfortunately, it failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike. The film was met with a harsh critical response, much of which can be attributed to Peter Bogdanovich’s reputation preceding the release of this film. However, despite its negative reception, “At Long Last Love” is a hidden gem that deserves recognition.

A Musical Was The Last Thing People Expected From Peter Bogdanovich

Sometimes, movies that deserve more recognition don’t get it when they first come out. Occasionally, there’s a puzzling disconnect between the opinions of critics and audiences, and one such instance occurred in 1975. The mid-70s was a time when musical films were plentiful, ranging from masterpieces like Robert Altman’s Nashville to perhaps less timeless examples like Saturday Night Fever and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. While audiences and critics were willing to watch other earnest musical productions, for some reason, they did not extend this tolerance to At Long Last Love.

Before I even dipped my toes into the filmmaking world, I was a critical and relentless film journalist. My work eventually caught the eye of (The Little Shop of Horrors, The Shooting, House of Usher), and before I realized it, I found myself working as an assistant director on Corman’s The Wild Angels. Just two years later, I was completely taken aback when I found myself sitting in the director’s chair for my very first feature film. My career took off with a bang when I released my debut in 1968, Targets.

The movie, originally based on a script by Samuel Fuller, is a raw and unrelenting suspense-thriller that follows a character planning a murderous rampage. This gritty film is filled with criminal undertones, tension, and excitement, and features Boris Karloff (famous for his roles in Frankenstein and The Mummy) playing an elderly horror movie legend as a playful nod to self-reflection. However, after the debut of this film, spectators and critics alike anticipated Bogdanovich to carry on in that vein; however, he chose a different path.

After making the memorable film “Targets”, the renowned director delved into several intensely crafted projects spanning various genres. These included his lively comedy “What’s Up Doc?”, his eccentric period piece “Paper Moon”, and his passionate romance endeavor “Daisy Miller”. Each of these films showcased unique storytelling, and were warmly acclaimed by both critics and audiences. However, despite the growing trustworthiness of his work, people struggled to move past their initial impression from 1968 when evaluating Bogdanovich’s subsequent movies.

Ultimately, the film “At Long Last Love” struggled with a sense of being overshadowed, given Bogdanovich’s past accomplishments and Burt Reynolds’ established stardom at that time. In 1975, Reynolds was well-known for his roles in action and western films, having achieved significant success with movies like “Smokey and the Bandit,” which was yet to come, as well as “Navajo Joe,” “Deliverance,” and “Shark.

Initially, I was apprehensive about Burt Reynolds’ foray into musical cinema, given the widespread belief that he was primarily a western and action movie star. However, my reservations were unwarranted, as Reynolds and the entire cast delivered exceptional performances in “At Long Last Love”. Their heartfelt, passionate, and romantic portrayals, complemented by breathtaking cinematography and some of Peter Bogdanovich’s finest directorial moments, culminated in a film that stands as a testament to cinematic greatness. It’s a masterpiece that deserves recognition and remembrance.

What is At Long Last Love About?

In 1975, after navigating through the studio-induced alterations on my second feature film, I found myself with a clean slate and unbridled creative freedom for “At Long Last Love.” Despite the rocky past, I had by then earned a reputation as a trustworthy and respected filmmaker. This was my sixth or seventh project, depending on who you ask, but this one was different – it was a chance to bring my true vision to life without interference.

1975 saw a creative yearning in one individual to craft a romantic comedy musical, filled with tributes to the classic screwball comedies of yore, using the timeless melodies of Cole Porter. The movie primarily focuses on two affluent New York couples: Brooke Carter (Cybill Shepard), an heiress who’s never held a job, and Michael Oliver Pritchard (Burt Reynolds), a wealthy charmer, form the first pair. In opposition are Kitty O’Kelly (Madeline Kahn), a Broadway actress facing her swan song, and Johnny Spanish (Duilio Del Prete), a high-stakes gambler, who make up the second couple. Both sets of lovers are brimming with love, desire, and a deep affection for music.

In this movie, we follow several couples, including their romantically complicated staff members, as they navigate a luxurious lifestyle. As the story unfolds, they end up falling in love with each other’s partners. The narrative primarily revolves around their weekend getaway to the countryside and the numerous romantic mix-ups that transpire. The plot of At Long Last Love is characterized by its humorous twists, a classic example of screwball comedy, featuring everything from innocent misunderstandings to instances of mistaken identity, culminating in awkward encounters that often leave both parties in a heap on the floor.

As the movie unfolds, pairs keep shifting and swapping, yet genuine feelings and underlying conflicts gradually surface. Dramatic scenes are contrasted with the opulent and ornate high-society backdrop. Each scene, whether humorous or intense, is handled consistently. The film stands out for its flawlessly synchronized live musical performances, a requirement emphasized by Peter Bogdanovich due to his preference for live musical numbers in screwball comedies reminiscent of the 1930s, such as The Love Parade and The Smiling Lieutenant.

Critics and Fans Hated At Long Last Love

Although Peter Bogdanovich is recognized as a skilled filmmaker by many today, his film At Long Last Love fell flat with moviegoers across the board. Regardless of the attempt to enhance it, this critically panned production left audiences puzzled and unimpressed. What factors led to such harsh reviews from the masses?

It’s widely acknowledged that the movie At Long Last Love, visually, is one of Peter Bogdanovich’s finest works when it comes to films and musicals. The cinematography is truly breathtaking, particularly during the early musical scenes starring Burt Reynolds. However, what seems to deter both viewers and critics isn’t the stunning visuals but the acting performances. Although some of these actors later made a name for themselves in the music industry, they were not professional singers or dancers when this film was made.

IMDb ScoreTomatometerPopcornmeterLetterboxd Score
5.3/1024%43%3.3/5

Critics of the movie argue that it featured overly rigid and awkward acting performances. Burt Reynolds, in specific, seemed to struggle with the singing and dancing aspects, which made his portrayal particularly hard to watch for those anticipating a performance similar to his past work. However, admirers of At Long Last Love find the subpar singing and dancing to be its most appealing feature. Conversely, those who dislike the movie are instantly deterred by these elements. As of 2025, At Long Last Love has garnered negative reviews across all movie rating platforms. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film is universally panned with a dismal 24% rating from critics and an almost equally poor 43% from viewers.

Initially panned by critics and viewers upon release, “At Long Last Love” has since found favor among the online community of Bogdanovich enthusiasts. Although it was understandable for its initial detractors to dismiss the film, time has provided a more sympathetic perspective. Much like certain timeless classics, “At Long Last Love” benefits from its minor flaws. The raw, live musical performances lend the film an authentic warmth that fans of musicals, comedies, or Burt Reynolds should not overlook.

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2025-05-30 00:07