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Plot

Blaze is a comic-strip re-telling of the curious late-1950s relationship between famed striptease artist Blaze Starr (Lolita Davidovitch) and Lousiana governor Earl Long (played in gorgeously flamboyant fashion by Paul Newman). Their romance is counterbalanced with the story of Long's efforts to win voting rights for Louisiana's black citizens. The governor's political enemies ruin his chances at re-election, then try to put him out of the way permanently with a trumped-up insanity charge. But with faithful Blaze at his side (and in close proximity to other portions of his anatomy), Long confounds his foes by winning a congressional seat. On the eve of this triumph, Earl Long dies, bringing this boisterous story to a sobering conclusion. Since the film is based on Blaze Starr's own reminiscences, one might prepare oneself with several grains of salt. The real Blaze Starr shows up early in the film as a stripper named Lily.
MPAA Rating:
Genre(s):
Comedy,Drama,Romance
Run Time:
117min.
Theatrical Release Date:
12/13/1989
DVD Release Date:
04/06/2004
Distributor(s):
Buena Vista
Director(s):
Ron Shelton
Starring:
Paul Newman , Lolita Davidovich , Jerry Hardin , Gailard Sartain , Jeffrey DeMunn
Themes:
Social Injustice,On the Campaign Trail,Opposites Attract,Age Disparity Romance
Tone:
Easygoing,Racy,Witty,Wry,Earthy
Keywords:
Civil-Rights,forbidden-love,governor,love,politician,scandal,stripper,voting
Country of Origin:
USA (12-13-1989)