Waltz of the Toreadors (1962)

"Waltz of the Toreadors" (1962) plunges us into the world of General Fitzhugh, an ageing Lothario with an over-active eye for a pretty woman. Despite a long and satisfying career as a seducer extraordinaire, something always seems to get in the way of his bedding the breathtakingly lovely Ghislaine, a more-than-willing town local. This black comedy, adapted from Jean Anouilh's play, masterfully captures the General's increasingly desperate attempts to recapture his glory days of romance, navigating a minefield of comic mishaps and self-deception. The film is a witty and cynical exploration of love, aging, and the persistence of the human heart, even when that heart is a little past its prime. This film's inclusion on a list of "Best John Guillermin Movies" is well-deserved, representing a clear demonstration of Guillermin's versatility as a director. Known primarily for his action and adventure films like "The Blue Max" and "The Towering Inferno", "Waltz of the Toreadors" showcases his skill with character-driven comedies. Guillermin expertly guides the narrative, using sharp direction and pacing to highlight the darkly comedic elements of the story and drawing strong performances from the cast. It’s a stylish and sophisticated piece, demonstrating his adaptability and proving his capabilities beyond the genres often associated with his name.