Lili is incorruptible but not particularly bright and has difficulty reconciling Paul’s bitter exterior with the tenderness he exhibits through his puppets. Eventually, Lili tires of the abuse and leaves the carnival, just as the show receives a big break when two theatrical agents (Wilton Graff and George Baxter), come calling. No worries though, the story ends in a happy, romantic, way.
Something of a box-office sleeper, Lili was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Leslie Caron—it won for Original Music Score—and remains fairly well regarded today. Caron’s winsome charm is undeniable. Charles Walters directs from a script by Helen Deutsch (National Velvet, Valley of the Dolls). Both of them do a fine job of creating a fantastical atmosphere and feeding into Leslie Caron’s waifish qualities.
Strangely though, for a musical, Lili is pretty short on music. While the score is wonderful, it seems odd that there’s only one song in the entire film; though it should be said, “Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo” is certainly memorable. There are also only two dance numbers. However, Lili proves that occasionally less is more. The dance numbers are highly imaginative, taking place inside Lili’s head as she daydreams about different romantic scenarios.
Lili may not be a great film, but it’s certainly likeable. Leslie Caron gives a fine performance and the story, despite some flaws, is sweet. Fans of romantic movies and musicals should definitely give Lili a try.
Released via the Warner Archive movie-on-demand program, Lili is framed in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, in full color. The transfer does exhibit some scratches and occasional grime. The colors are rather muted. But not really washed out. There is also some slight ghosting that pops up regularly. This is an average transfer at best.
The mono soundtrack sounds fine. There are no distortion issues to speak off. The dialogue is a bit flat, but clear.
A Trailer is included.
