The Balcony

Jean Genet’s play about the illusions and self-deceptions in an establishment where patrons live out their fantasies. Shelley Winters, Peter Falk, Lee Grant. Judge: Peter Brocco. General: Kent Smith. Thief: Ruby Dee. Horse: Arnette Jens. Roger: Leonard Nimoy. Bishop: Jeff Corey. Penitent: Joyce Jameson. Noble effort; arty, obscure results. Directed by Joseph Strick., This 1963 film from director Joseph Strick was adapted from the play of the same name by Jean Genet. The scene is a European brothel managed by Shelley Winters. Within the establishment’s walls, customers can live out their fantasies: One man who would like to be a Bishop defiles a crucifix, another who wants to be a Judge flogs an under-dressed young “penitent”, a third poses as a General, “riding” a prostitute dressed as a horse. Meanwhile, a revolution rages outside, and the country’s genuine Bishop, Prelate, and General are killed–as is the Queen. To keep up appearances, Winters and her customers are ordered to impersonate the deceased powers-that-were. The supporting cast includes Ruby Dee, Lee Grant and Leonard Nimoy.