A middle-aged Louisiana governor falls in love with a young stripper, which jeopardizes his political career and the radical policies which have made him a controversial figure.
Acting
Newman at his most deliciously unhinged—sweaty, shouting, magnetic.
Writing
Shelton's script treats Blaze as a person, not a punchline.
Costume
Blaze's wardrobe deserves its own Oscar and a museum wing.
Director
Ron Shelton
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Blaze Starr herself cameoed as a prop—she's the woman sitting next to Newman at the strip club.
Earl Long was the last Louisiana governor to serve consecutive terms before the law changed—his brother Huey built the dynasty, but Earl's the wild one history remembers.
US
