California Suite

Vincent Canby of The New York Times writes, “it all works in California Suite, not only because the work is superior Simon, but also because the writer and director have assembled a dream cast.”

Shot on location using a real room at The Beverly Hills Hotel, four couples separately stay in the same suite and unpack their problems, anxieties and marital dilemmas. Divorced couple Hannah and Bill Warren (Alan Alda and Jane Fonda) argue over custody of their daughter. British actress Diana Barrie (Maggie Smith) is more worried about her chances of winning an Oscar than her gay husband Sidney Cochran (Michael Caine) coming out of the closet. A comatose prostitute is found in the bed of businessman Marvin Michaels (Walter Matthau). Dr. Chauncey Gump and Dr. Willis Panama (Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby) settle their longstanding rivalry on the tennis court.

Fun fact: Diana and Sidney’s Oscar scene was shot on the red-carpet at the 50 th Academy Awards while the real Oscar arrivals were happening. Maggie Smith would go on to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1978.
Part of the Bethel Health Care & The Cascades Assisted Living Silver Cinema Series