A Night with Larry: The Bittersweet Tale of Lorenz Hart

A night where the world of Broadway's bright lights and dark shadows collide. This is the setting for Blue Moon, a film that takes us back to March 31, 1943, the opening night of the legendary musical Oklahoma! . The story doesn't revolve around the show's creators, but rather Lorenz Hart, a renowned lyricist played by Ethan Hawke. Hart is seen drowning his sorrows in bourbon at Sardi's, a popular theater district hangout, while the rest of New York celebrates the success of his long-time collaborator, Richard Rodgers, and his new partner, Oscar Hammerstein II. Hart's life is a mix of brilliance and tragedy. His collaborations with Rodgers produced iconic shows like "A Connecticut Yankee, " "Babes in Arms, " and "Pal Joey. " His songs, like "My Funny Valentine" and "The Lady is a Tramp, " are still beloved today. Yet, Hart's personal life was marked by struggle. He died just eight months after Oklahoma! 's opening night, at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy that, while celebrated, was often overshadowed by the success of Rodgers and Hammerstein. The film is set almost entirely in Sardi's, with only brief glimpses of the outside world. Director Richard Linklater, known for his ability to make dialogue-driven films engaging, keeps the story lively. Hawke's performance as Hart is a masterclass in capturing the essence of a man on the brink. He's charming, witty, and deeply troubled, all at once. Margaret Qualley plays Elizabeth Weiland, a young Yale student who Hart takes under his wing, hoping for more than just a mentorship. Their dynamic adds a layer of complexity to Hart's character, showing his desire for connection amidst his isolation. The film is a character study, exploring the highs and lows of creative partnerships and the personal costs of success. It's a poignant reminder that behind the glamour of Broadway, there are often hidden struggles. The movie also touches on the complexities of the theater community in the 1940s, a world that was both a safe space and a lonely closet for gay men. Blue Moon is a testament to the power of storytelling. It's a film that makes you think about the people behind the legends, the struggles behind the success, and the bittersweet nature of life in the spotlight. It's a movie that stays with you, long after the credits roll.