During World War I, a British stage performer who moonlights as a spy for the Germans is assigned to seduce and get top secret information from a charming American fighter pilot.
Blake Edwards is best known for the Pink Panther film franchise, but also directed works in the thriller, drama, western, and musical genres over his 40-year career, and is responsible for many iconic comedies including Breakfast at Tiffany's, Victor/Victoria, The Party, Operation Petticoat, and "10". Darling Lili itself is a hybrid of sorts, combining elements of wartime romance, espionage, musical, and slapstick comedy. The script was co-written by Edwards and William Peter Blatty, who would go on to write the best-selling novel The Exorcist, which he also adapted for the screen.
Darling Lili marks the first of many Edwards films featuring actress/singer Julie Andrews, who he would marry before its release. Following her celebrated roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, this film gives her a darker, more complex, and sexier character to work with. Starring with Andrews is screen idol Rock Hudson in one of his last leading roles. Another important collaborator is composer Henry Mancini, who worked on 30 Edwards films and was decorated with multiple Oscars and Grammy awards during his career.
The film had a large budget due to various foreign locations, high production values, and the use of authentic period airplanes for extensive dogfight recreations. Despite the studio's investment, a questionable release strategy ensured its failure at the box office, as well as bringing Paramount Studios to the verge of bankruptcy. Critical reception was mixed, and many felt that the film was old-fashioned in the wake of recent New Hollywood successes like Easy Rider, The Graduate, and Bonnie & Clyde. It was not the only big "prestige" production to suffer a similar fate around this time, but for Andrews it was her second bomb in a row, and she would only make two films for the remainder of the decade.
Despite its troubles, the film managed a Golden Globe nomination for Andrews' performance, and Academy Award nominations for its costume design, musical score, and one of its songs. Edwards would use his experience on the production as the basis for his Hollywood satire S.O.B. in 1981, which came during a career resurgence for both him and Andrews. In 2004, Edwards received an honorary Oscar for his contributions to the film industry.
Film runs approx. 1 hr, 45 min.
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