The Wild Party (1975)

(On Cable TV, September 2022) There are many reasons why The Wild Party should be an interesting film, but most of them fail to show up on-screen. The subject matter alone is intriguing for film buffs –a party given by a silent film star in order to boost his profile in a world increasingly dominated by sound films. The era being firmly set in 1929, this lavish early Merchant-Ivory production has a sumptuous historical atmosphere and sometimes pokes at Hollywood history: for instance, in using Fatty Arbuckle as the model for its protagonist. The film goes from hope to disillusionment to violence, and no less than Raquel Welch is showcased in the female lead role for obvious purposes. And yet, watching the film, very little of this is used, even less capitalized upon. The lavish atmosphere of the late-1920s jazz era, as filtered through the dirty ugly downbeat 1970s, doesn’t support a compelling narrative. Whatever plot remains in the film is confused between several tones, from comedy to tragedy, Welch is boring (rumour has it she was a terror on the film set and fired nearly everyone, which may explain why the film swerves between tones) and titular wild party feels incredibly sedate. Those looking for a serious take on the end of the silent era will be better served by another viewing of Singin’ in the Rain and those thirsting for a bit of Welch will be better served by almost any other film she appeared in. The Wild Party may be a tempting curio, but it’s far less than what you’d imagine from reading about the premise, cast and crew.