I just recently saw the 1962 film Sweet Bird of Youth, starring Paul Newman and based on the Tennessee Williams play.And I have absolutely no doubt Prince, writer Becky Johnston, or perhaps both took inspiration from it for Under The Cherry Moon.

Paul Newman plays Chance Wayne, a wannabe actor who becomes a gigolo to get ahead. He races about in a large white convertible romancing wealthy older ladies. But his true love is Heavenly Finley, the girl he left behind. Unfortunately, her father---a powerful, corrupt politician---wants to keep them apart so he can marry her off to someone from a powerful family. Chance returns to their hometown of St. Cloud with Alexandra de Lago (Alexa de Paris?), a faded movie queen (and "Mrs. Wellington" type) Chance thinks can provide him with his break. He and Heavenly have a forbidden rendezvous at a lighthouse, at a secret grotto.

The ending is different (I won't give it away in case you're interested in seeing it) but some of the shots and dialogue are identical to UTCM. And there are undeniable similarities in the plot. I think someone was undoubtedly influenced by this. Which is fine, because it's a great movie.

Has anyone else ever seen Sweet Bird Of Youth?

Interesting. I've heard about the movie but have never seen it since I don't think it's available on DVD yet. Thanks for sharing it!!

cool! I want to see this. Paul Newman's the bomb.

rainbowchild said:

It just came out this past week.

And Paul Newman is the bomb.

Sounds interesting.

The Great Gatsby was the primary inspiration when the script for Under The Cherry Moon was in development.

After that anything else could very well have come into the mix, whether intentionally or by design.

.

giotto said:

but it's nothing like the Great Gatsby... not anything like it!

renfield said:

You're right. I didn't even know it finally came out on DVD. I've been wanting to see this movie. I'll pick it up soon!

renfeld, very good catch. Usually on here, when someone hips folks about something that P took from, they get VERY agitated. Like "Oh, how dare you say that MY Prince took from anything else but the Purple Heavens that he dwells in. Prince is a total original How dare you!"