Dustin Hoffman's character is Harvey Shine is en route to his daughter's wedding in London in the optimistic romantic comedy “Last Chance Harvey.” Emma Thompson's Kate is a 40ish workaholic, an employee of the Office of National Statistics, with bad luck on blind dates and a smothering mother (Eileen Atkins). A jingle writer whose career is on the wane, Harvey is the consummate loser. Once in London, his daughter tells him her stepfather (James Brolin) will walk her down the aisle instead of him. Deciding to miss the party and missing his flight back, he lands at the airport bar downing bourbon. Then he meets Kate. This happy coincidence leads to Harvey attending his daughter's reception after all, with Kate as his date. And in one poignant scene, Harvey plays piano for her. Last Wednesday, both stars were on hand for the premiere's after party hosted by The Cinema Society at the Hudson Hotel, attended by an eclectic crowd that included Ivana Trump, character actor Richard Kind, and “Brokeback Mountain” director Ang Lee, as well as some young New York actors who were thrilled to be in a room with Dustin Hoffman. Emma Thompson said she had a great time making the film, but had laryngitis and couldn't speak over the din. Dustin chatted with everyone. Here is a bit of our conversation:
Me: Did I note a little Ratso in your gait? (For those too young to remember this legendary film from 1969, I was referring to his role in “Midnight Cowboy.”)
Dustin: Laurence Olivier said we only have 3 characters and the rest are variations.
Me: Was that really you playing the piano?
Dustin: Yes, I played the piano and composed that tune for the movie. I wanted to be a jazz musician.
Me: You strike me as the kind of guy who can do anything. What stopped you?
Dustin: Talent. [He laughs.] If I could, I'd be doing it right now.
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