Blaze (1989)

80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
40% of users liked it
(1,995 ratings)

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… More 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. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Ron Shelton
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 13, 1989 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Supposedly based on fact regarding the relationship of Louisiana's Gov. Earl Long and his stripper girlfriend, this is noted mostly for the offbeat casting of Paul Newman.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
The latter-day Paul Newman is at his rascally best here.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

Paul Newman is good value as the Governor of Louisiana, Lolita Davidovich is a little weaker in her title role.

Cast

            Paul Newman as Gov. Earl K. Long

            Lolita Davidovich as Blaze Starr

            Jerry Hardin as Thibodeaux

            Gailard Sartain as LaGrange

            Jeffrey DeMunn as Tuck

            Garland Bunting as Doc Ferriday

            Richard Jenkins as Times-Picayune Reporter

            Robert Wuhl as Red Snyder

            Patrik Baldauff as Rep. Kennon

            Dianne Brill as Delilah Dough

            Michael Brockman as Bobby

            Teresa Gilmore Capps as Tamara Knight

            Eloy Casados as Antoine

            Robert Earle as Rep. Elfin

            John P. Fertitta as Hospital Director

            James Harper as Willie Rainach

            Jack David Harris
            
            Harold G. Herthum as Earl's Crony

            Harlan Jordan as Dr. Cheeseborough

            Brad Leland as Dufee

            Gilbert Lewis as Rev. Marquez

            Rod Masterson as 1st Town Talk Reporter

            Brandon Smith (I) as Arvin Deeter

            Blaze Starr as Lily

            Emily Warfield as Debbie Fleming

            Thomas Radcliffe Atkins as Rep. Johnson

            Mike Baer as Secretary of Legislature

            John A. Barber as Rep. Hebert

            Michael Brooks as Motorcycle Trooper

            Bob Cherry as Earl's Crony

            David R. Conly as Drunken Sailor

            Ben Cook as Younger Brother

            King Cotton as Jimmie Davis

            Bill Dunleavy as 2nd Town Talk Reporter

            Kevin Graham as Motorcycle Trooper

            Carey Rauhman Holliday as Rep. Alexander

            Sid Lacey as Earl's Crony

            Bill Mesman as Rep. Davis

            Michael O'Neal as Motorcycle Trooper

            Dick Person as General Store Owner

            Wendell Raybon as Motorcycle Trooper

            Brooks Read as Reporter in Store

            Al Robinson as Magnolia Local

            Glynn Rubin as 2nd Crony Wife

            Janet Shea as 1st Crony Wife

            Thomas C. Smith-Alden as Asylum Spokesman

            Pat Snow as Johnnie Mae

            Louanne Stephens as Lora Fleming

            Gary Sturgis as Marquez's Son

            Deano Thornton as Drunken Officer

            George Wyatt as Drunken Officer

            Fred Lewis as Heckling Reporter

            Stanley Hughes as Motorcycle Trooper

            Donald J Lee Jr as Donut Shop Man

            Jay Chevalier
            
See full cast

Blaze (1989)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

Cast