I laughed out loud at the antics of Meryl Streep as Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York socialite at the end of WW2 who uses her inherited wealth to fund her own musical career despite lacking the required talent, ably supported by husband Hugh Grant who is superb.
Florence is bursting with a never say quit mentality and she ends up bringing joy to many with her gutsy performances. I felt guilt laughing at Meryl performing bum notes, but I think that’s the point.
It’s the second film this year inspired by the life of Florence whose famously dreadful operatic recitals earned her a cult following including Cole Porter.
The film is out on DVD and Digital October 6, 2016 with over twenty minutes of bonus features including “The Music and Songs of Florence”, “From Script to Screen”deleted scenes and more behind the scenes pieces.
Some quick facts about Florence:
* One of the most requested programmes from the Carnegie Hall archive is for the concert given by Florence Foster Jenkins.
* The records she made for Melotone became their biggest seller.
* One of David Bowie’s 25 favourite vinyl recordings was Florence Foster Jenkins’ The Glory of the Human Voice.
* After Florence’s death, Cosme McMoon turned to bodybuilding and became a competition judge until he passed away in 1980.
*St. Clair Bayfield supported New York City’s musical life and lived modestly until he died in 1967.
Jason "Jabba" Davis 