The Star-Spangled Girl by Neil Simon

I like Simon's wit, and The Collected Plays of Neil Simon, Volume 1 contains The Odd Couple, Plaza Suite, Barefoot In The Park, and The Last of the Red Hot Lovers - as well as The Star Spangled Girl. If you're looking for the great theatre comedies, this is a classic collection.

In Star Spangled, Andy and Norman run a failing anti-American magazine called Fallout. While they are trying to avoid being evicted, Sophie Raushmeyer knocks at the door. She's just moved in from Arkansas and is everything Fallout is not. She smells so good! Andy is smitten.

There's some hilarity and hijinks, but it's all about the lines, and this is full of one-liners. Obvious ones, ones I never saw coming, ones falling over the couch, ones on Mrs. MacKininee's motorbike.

It's warm and witty, and reminded me what a terrific writer Neil Simon is, one of the greats of the theatre. Even a slightly known, non-classic Simon, like The Star-Spangled Girl, still shines out. I was smiling while I read it, between laughing out loud.

I've always loved the film of Neil Simon's The Star-Spangled Girl.

Sandy Duncan and Tony Roberts tossing jabs. I knew Neil was with actress Marsha Mason, and I sought out her movies. Tony was in Annie Hall and Manhattan, and Sandy Duncan—has she played any un-perky roles? Mother of a serial killer on CSI maybe? No? The film came out in 1971 and wasn't a hit, so it may seem very dated and stilted now.

Neil Simon has written some great hits, but even with some misses, he has his own style. Like Woody Allen, he writes from life and is immediately identifiable.

1968 / Paperback