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Raquel Welch Impact as an Actress, Singer, Producer & Celebrity in the Movies, TV & the Entertainment Field.
Raquel Welch Impact as an Actress, Singer, Producer & Celebrity in the Movies, TV & the Entertainment Field.
Raquel Welch circa 1970s
Before she became a savvy business women with successful enterprises, Raquel Welch was a big-screen star of the 1960s and 1970s who gained fame in movies including Fantastic Voyage, One Million Years B.C., 100 Rifles, as Myra Breckinridge in the film by the same name, Kansas City Bomber, The Three Musketeers 1973 as Constance de Bonacieux in the 1974 The Four Musketeers and as Hannie Caulder in the film by the same name, among others during that period.
Carving out a place in movie history portraying strong female characters and breaking the mold of the submissive sex symbol Raquel Welch unique persona on film made her into an international icon of the 1960s and 1970s.
She continued her career in entertainment after the collapse of her big screen movie career which was the result of her suing MGM in 1982 for firing her from a John Steinbeck adaptation of his book Cannery Row. Raquel Welch was originally cast as Suzy, but was fired after five days of filming, allegedly because she took too long to get ready each day, refused to use the trailer provided for her at the studio and refused to make herself available for early morning rehearsals. Welch claimed that MGM decided to get rid of her when Debra Winger became available at a lower salary. The incident ruined her career, Welch said, perpetuating a perception that she was a difficult actress to work with. The eight-woman, four-man jury upheld Welch's claim that studio executives conspired to induce her to break the contract in order to fire her. The suit went on for a number of years as the studio appealed the decision. Ultimately, Raquel won 10 million dollars from MGM in 1986 for breach of contract. Nevertheless, Welch struggled to get the type of big screen acting jobs she once had.
As her film career as a leading star began to ebb by the late 1970s, she began to do more TV work. Some of her higher-profile roles of the era was the title character in the 1982 NBC television film, The Legend of Walks Far Woman, about a woman who kills her abusive husband.
Welch in Broadway show Woman of the Year
In 1981 Welch took over the roll played by Lauren Bacall in the musical, Woman of the Year on Broadway, providing not only star power, but also a far more pleasing singing voice than Bacall's. In 1987 she returned to the Broadway stage as a replacement for Julie Andrews in the gender bending musical, Victor/Victoria.
Raquel Welch in Broadway show Victor/ Victoria
During her time on Broadway in the musical production of Victor/Victoria, Raquel Welch was approached by Celebrity Signatures International Inc. the to create her own signature collection of wigs and hair additions. WhenThe Celebrity Signatures International, Inc. and Eva Gabor International divisions are merged, the new company changed its name to HairuWear Inc. reinventing itself into the multi-branded, fashion focused company that it is today. Although Raquel Welch passed away in 2022, her signature wig line remains a premier brand for Hairuwear. Peruse the fine selection of Raquel Welch wigs at ElegantWigs.com.
She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Right to Die, where she plays a successful woman whose life is changed forever after she is diagnosed with ALS.
TV guest roles in series included several episodes of Season 2 of Mork & Mindy starring Robin Williams in 1979, in the classic 1997 Seinfeld episode The Summer of George, the actress, playing herself, mistakenly presents a Tony Award to Kramer (Michael Richard) with unexpected repercussions. Other 1990s TV guest roles included Evening Shade, Lois & Clark and multiple episodes of Spin City and C.P.W. In the 2000's her television credits include a recurring role as Aunt Dora on the 2002 PBS series American Family starring Edward James Olmos and Sonia Braga, 8 Simple Rules, CSI: Miami, the 2013 made-for television film, House of Versace where she played Aunt Lucia, the short-lived CBS sitcom Welcome to the Captain and as Rosa in 10 episodes of the 2017 Canadian comedy Date My Dad.
Raquel still appeared in big screen movies, although not as the lead, as Mrs. Windham Vandermark in the 2001 film Legally Blonde and as Celeste in the 2017 film How to Be a Latin Lover
To read more about Raquel Welch's credits as an actress, producer & writer go to her IMDb page Raquel Welch(1940-2023: Celebrate the life of Hollywood icon Raquel Welch.
A comprehensive, but not complete list of Raquel Welch's Big Screen Films:
- A House Is Not a Home (1964) Raquel Welch made her film debut in a small role as a call girl.
- Roustabout (1964) Raquel Welch had just a bit part in this Elvis Presley movie.
- Do Not Disturb (1965) Raquel Welch played the lady in the lobby. It was uncredited.
- A Swingin' Summer (1965) A musical / comedy Raquel Welch stars in her first featured film role as Jeri. She also made her singing debut in the film.
- One Million Years B.C. (1966)
- Fantastic Voyage (1966)
- Bedazzled (1967)
- Bandolero! (1968)
- Lady in Cement (1968)
- 100 Rifles (1969)
- Flareup (1969)
- The Beloved (1970)
- Myra Breckinridge (1970)
- Hannie Caulder (1971)
- Fuzz (1972)
- Kansas City Bomber (1972)
- The Last of Sheila (1973)
- The Three Musketeers (1973)
- The Four Musketeers (1974)
- The Wild Party (1975)
- Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976)
Roustabout with Elvis Presley 1964 - Raquel Welch on right
+++++
One Million Years B.C. (1966)
Poster One Million Years B.C. (1966) with Raquel Welch
Studio: Hammer Film Productions and Seven Arts
Plot Summary: Set in a fictional prehistoric age, the film follows the story of a young man named Tumak who belongs to the Rock Tribe. After being banished from his tribe due to a fight, Tumak encounters Loana (played by Raquel Welch), a member of the more evolved and peaceful Shell Tribe. As Tumak and Loana get closer, cultural clashes arise between the two tribes. The film is also notable for its groundbreaking visual effects, especially the stop-motion dinosaurs.
Production Credits:
- Director: Don Chaffey
- Screenplay: Michael Carreras
Character played by Raquel Welch: Loana
Loana is a member of the Shell Tribe, a more evolved and civilized group compared to the primitive Rock Tribe. She is compassionate and helps Tumak, teaching him the ways of her tribe. Raquel's portrayal of Loana became iconic, especially her appearance in a fur bikini, which became one of the most famous images of the 1960s.
Welch's character had only three lines of dialogue in the film. She assumed the movie would be quickly forgotten. Instead, the image of Welch in her fur bikini, deemed by many as the definitive look of the 1960, became a best-selling pinup. In a 1967 article, the New York Times called Welch a marvelous breathing monument to womankind.
She wrote in her 2010 memoir, Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage: With the release of that famous movie poster, in one fell swoop, everything in my life changed, and everything about the real me was swept away.
Raquel Welch in One Million Years B.C. (1966)
IMBd Review:
6*/10 She'll never live it down...
By moonspinner55 / 21 July 2002
Raquel Welch's later, more solid acting performances will never erase our memories of this dinosaur-epic wherein she runs around in full cavegirl regalia. Then again, she may not want them to. Time has been surprisingly kind to this reworking of 1940's "One Million B.C." The special effects are very good, the wilds of prehistoric nature are often excitingly, colorfully captured, and handsome John Richardson is charismatic as a caveman who, along with Welch, ditches his tribe to set out on a personal journey. Yes, it's Raquel in a fur-bikini that most people will remember, but a good time is had by all.
+++++
Fantastic Voyage (1966)
Poster of film Fantastic Voyage 1966 with Raquel Welch
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Plot Summary: "Fantastic Voyage" is a science fiction film that delves into the world of miniaturization. When a scientist who holds the secret to miniaturization suffers a near-fatal injury, a team of experts is shrunk to microscopic size and sent into his body in a specialized submarine to repair a blood clot in his brain. The team must navigate the dangers of the human body and complete their mission before their miniaturization wears off.
Production Credits:
- Director: Richard Fleischer
- Screenplay: Harry Kleiner (based on a story by Otto Klement and Jerome Bixby)
Character played by Raquel Welch: Cora Peterson
Cora Peterson is the team's technician and the only female member of the crew. She plays a pivotal role in their mission inside the scientist's body. During their journey, there's a memorable scene where antibodies in the bloodstream attack her, requiring her to be rescued by her teammates.
Aademy Awards:
Fantastic Voyage won the 1966 Best Color Art Direction, Special Visual Effects.
Fantastic Voyage also had nominations for Best Color Cinematography, Editing, Sound Effects
Raquel Welch in Fantastic Voyage (1966)
Raquel Welch's appearance in "Fantastic Voyage" further solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood, and she became synonymous with the glamorous world of 1960s cinema.
Reviews: The film was praised for its groundbreaking special effects and imaginative storyline.
"Fantastic" Voyage, 1966 might be better described as "Pretty Good" Voyage. Stephen Boyd gives a very good performance. Raquel Welch, an underrated actress did fine, but had little to do. Hard to lose such a beautiful, talented woman in the mix, but that's what happens. Yet she was the #2 star. False advertising, in a way. Arthur O'Connell and Edmund O'Brien are great and control the plot dice. The effects are cool, but after an hour or so, get a little monotonous. The film excels in conveying real human angst on the part of the "voyagers" as they attempt to be brave facing the prospect of being shrunk to microscopic size. That'd freak ME out too! Raquel looks great in her cropped locks. I just wish her script wasn't cropped similarly short.
John Pripusich 2022
+++++
Bedazzled (1967)
Film Poster Bedazzled (1967) with Raquel Welch
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Plot Summary: "Bedazzled" is a comedic retelling of the Faust legend, set in 1960s London. Stanley Moon (played by Dudley Moore) is a hapless short-order cook who is infatuated with his coworker, Margaret. Feeling despondent and contemplating suicide over his unrequited love, Stanley is visited by the Devil, named George Spiggott (played by Peter Cook). George offers Stanley seven wishes in exchange for his soul. However, each of Stanley's wishes comes with unexpected and humorous consequences. As Stanley navigates his wishes, he encounters various characters, including Lust (played by Raquel Welch).
Production Credits:
- Director: Stanley Donen
- Screenplay: Peter Cook and Dudley Moore
Box Office Gross: While exact figures are not readily available, "Bedazzled" was well-received and performed adequately at the box office.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Lust
Lust, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, is personified by Raquel Welch in a memorable cameo. She represents the epitome of desire and tempts Stanley during one of his wishes. Raquel's portrayal is both humorous and seductive, aligning with the film's comedic tone.
The role of Lust is one of Raquel Welch's most iconic comedic roles, and her appearance further cemented her status as a sex symbol of the 1960s.
Reviews: "Bedazzled" was praised for its sharp wit and clever writing, with many highlighting the chemistry between Dudley Moore and Peter Cook. While I cannot provide specific reviews from named critics, the film is often regarded as a classic British comedy from the 1960s.
+++++
Bandolero! (1968)
Film Poster 1968 Bandolero with Raquel Welch
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Plot Summary: Set in the late 1860s, "Bandolero!" is a Western film that revolves around two brothers, Dee and Mace Bishop (played by James Stewart and Dean Martin respectively). Mace leads a gang of outlaws who rob a bank, but they get caught. Dee, disguised as a hangman, helps his brother and the gang escape. They kidnap a young widow, Maria Stoner (played by Raquel Welch), and head for Mexico. However, they are pursued by a relentless sheriff, July Johnson (played by George Kennedy), and his posse. As they journey towards the Mexican border, Dee and Maria develop feelings for each other, leading to complex dynamics within the group.
Production Credits:
- Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
- Screenplay: James Lee Barrett (from a story by Stanley Hough)
Character played by Raquel Welch: Maria Stoner
Maria Stoner is a recently widowed woman who gets caught in the crossfire between the Bishop brothers and the pursuing lawmen. Throughout the film, Maria evolves from a mere kidnap victim to a strong-willed woman who stands her ground amidst the chaos. Her developing relationship with Dee Bishop adds depth to both characters.
Raquel Welch's portrayal of Maria showcased her versatility as an actress, as she transitioned from the typical damsel in distress to a woman of substance as the story progressed.
Reviews: While "Bandolero!" didn't break new grounds in the Western genre, it was praised for its star-studded cast and the chemistry between its leads. The film offered a blend of action, romance, and drama, making it an entertaining watch. However the critics weren't too impressed- nor was the audience according to RottenTomatoes.
+++++
100 Rifles (1969)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Plot Summary: Set in 1912, "100 Rifles" is a Western action film. It tells the story of an African-American lawman, Lyedecker (played by Jim Brown), who travels to Mexico in pursuit of a criminal, Yaqui Joe (played by Burt Reynolds). Joe has robbed a bank to buy rifles for his people, who are being oppressed by the Mexican government. Sarita (played by Raquel Welch) is a revolutionary who teams up with them. As the story unfolds, alliances are formed, and the trio works together to aid the Yaqui Indians in their fight against tyranny.
Production Credits:
- Director: Tom Gries
- Screenplay: Clair Huffaker and Tom Gries (based on the novel by Robert MacLeod)
Character played by Raquel Welch: Sarita
Sarita is a passionate revolutionary determined to help the Yaqui Indians. She is both a love interest and a fierce ally in the fight against oppression. Her dynamics with both Lyedecker and Yaqui Joe add depth to the storyline.
One of the film's most notable aspects was its tackling of racial themes, especially with Jim Brown's character. Raquel Welch's steamy love scene with Brown was considered quite bold for its time, given the racial tensions in the US during the 1960s.
One reviews of "100 Rifles" commented on the dynamic between Welch, Brown, and Reynolds added a layer of complexity to the traditional Western formula.
However the critics on RottenTomatoes were not impressed.
Nor was Roger Ebert who noted in his review:
All this could be good fun, if director Tom Gries had only made more of the characters. Brown and Reynolds are good together; Brown has a cool, humorous charm and Reynolds plays to it like the other half of a vaudeville team.
Miss Welch, whose acting is not the issue here, tosses her hair contemptuously and poses with her hands on her hips. But that's about all that happens. The celebrated love scene between Brown and Raquel is as big a fizzle.
To compensate, Gries gives us lots of action. Too much action. He isn't really an action director. He thinks action consists of shots of Brown or Raquel shooting a gun, followed by shots of bad guys clutching their chests and toppling over.
+++++
Myra Breckinridge (1970)
Poster Myra Breckinridge (1970) with Raquel Welch
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Plot Summary: Based on Gore Vidal's controversial novel of the same name, "Myra Breckinridge" is a satirical comedy that explores themes of gender, sexuality, and the American dream. The story revolves around Myron Breckinridge, who undergoes gender reassignment surgery and becomes Myra (played by Raquel Welch). Determined to conquer Hollywood and destroy the macho myth of the American male, Myra uses her newfound sexuality and wit to manipulate those around her.
Production Credits:
- Director: Michael Sarne
- Screenplay: Michael Sarne and David Giler (based on the novel by Gore Vidal)
Character played by Raquel Welch: Myra Breckinridge
Myra is a powerful, cunning, and seductive character, using her charm and wit to manipulate the world of Hollywood. She embodies the satirical essence of the story, challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality.
The film's production was notoriously troubled, with clashes between the director, cast, and studio. Raquel Welch and director Michael Sarne reportedly had a contentious relationship on set.
Reviews:
"Myra Breckinridge" received largely negative reviews upon release. Critics found the film's narrative disjointed and its humor hit-or-miss. However, over the years, it has gained a cult following and is often discussed for its audacious take on gender roles and Hollywood conventions.
Outrageous casting & laughs do not a good satire make.
Steve Crum Kansas City Kansan / December 27, 2004
IMDb review 2001
Raquel sinks her teeth into "Myra" with relish!
moonspinner5515 January 2001
Another reviewer writes:
The widow of a gay movie critic hopes to collect on her husband's inheritance, which includes a drama school in Hollywood run by her in-law, Buck Loner, a faded cowboy star. Despite 20th Century-Fox keeping this thing under-wraps for years, the notorious "Myra Breckinridge" is finally beginning to get the recognition it deserves.
This Hollywood satire is indeed a misfire, but it isn't a boring one. Based on Gore Vidal's acidic book, it's an amusingly trashy, wicked and low-down look at Hollywood's loss of morals; it isn't meant to be high-brow, and Raquel Welch is ballsy and bitchy as the gal who takes on Tinsel Town. Rex Reed is her alter-ego, John Huston is perfect as Uncle Buck, Mae West is dazed but ribald as a man-hungry talent agent, and Farrah Fawcett is a sweetly stoned ingenue. Vidal (who penned one of the first screenplay drafts himself before being kicked off the project) chastised the picture but, despite some choppy editing and an uncertain direction, it's a movie perfectly in-tune with the source material.
+++++
Sin(1971)
Known under the titles: Sin for the UK release.
The Beloved was the name for the Us & Canadian release.
Poster of Sin, also called Beloved in US & Canada with Raquel Welch
Studio: EMI Films
Plot Summary:
Yanni (Renato Romano) returns to his homeland on a Greek island after several years in London. Soon he is searching for his teenage passion, Elena (Raquel Welch).
Character played by Raquel Welch: Elena
Elena is a passionate and restless woman, searching for love and meaning in her life.Trapped in an unhappy marriage, she begins an affair. When her suspicious husband starts to show signs of jealousy, the adultery leads to violence and a crime.
Raquel Welch Still from 1971 film Sin with older Greek women of the village.
The film was notable for its erotic content, capitalizing on Welch's sex symbol status but also showcasing her depth as an actress.
Raquel Welch with lover, Yanni.
Review:
The critic at IMDb wrote in 2004:
The Spine Of The Film Is Missing.
The subject of this film is passion; unfortunately, it is a film remarkably devoid of passion, despite its scenario that offers illicit love, jealousy and murder, and its location, set and filmed upon Cyprus, utilizing a cast that includes Greek Cypriots as supporting players and extras, and as well that splendid quality of light for which the island is noted, showcased here by cinematographer Marcello Gatti. The affair is suspected, leading to a grotesquely senseless climax for a film marked throughout with stylistic excesses.
The ever decorative Welch plays herself, and the direction of Yorgo Pan Cosmatos checks a potential perception of believability in a viewer dealing with an overly episodic storyline.
+++++
Hannie Caulder (1971)
Film poster of Hannie Caulder (1971) with Raquel Welch
Studio: Tigon British Film Productions
Plot Summary:
In this western film, Welch plays Hannie Caulder, a woman who seeks revenge after she is raped and her husband is murdered by the Clemens brothers. She teams up with a bounty hunter, played by Robert Culp, to track them down and seek justice. And with his aid she is soon showing that ladies shoot first and can be more deadly than the male.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Hannie
Hannie is a transformational character. Starting as a victim, she becomes a figure of empowerment, learning how to handle a gun and seeking vengeance against those who wronged her.
The staff critics from Variety seem a bit mixed as in their Dec 1070 review: The west may never have boasted so immaculate a markswoman but it seems highly unlikely that anyone is expected to take the film too seriously. Welch, with genteel modesty, makes the character for many rather ingratiating though others undoubtedly will find her plain ludicrous. All she has to wear after her farm has been set ablaze, while being raped by the drunken brothers, is a hastily-grabbed poncho. The avoidance of more than quick glimpses of a shapely thigh seems her main concern.
She is admirably supported by Ernest Borgnine as the meanest of the brothers and Robert Culp as the bounty hunter who befriends her.
Raquel Welch as Hannie Caulder aiming a gun.
Image credit: Heritage Auctions
Nevertheless, the film was one of the earlier revenge-themed films with a female lead, paving the way for future films in the "rape and revenge" subgenre.
+++++
Kansas City Bomber (1972)
Poster of the film Kansas City Bomber (1972) with Raquel Welch
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production
The film was written by Barry Sandler as a UCLA MA Thesis, with Welch in mind for the lead. "Raquel was a huge star at the time--kind of like the pop culture goddess", recalled Sandler. "I just thought it would be great to see her as a roller derby queen; it seemed like a perfect meshing of pop culture with that role."
Although Sandler and Welch shared the same agent, ICM, he was a very new screenwriter and was unsure if the script would actually get read. He delivered a copy personally to the house Welch then shared with her husband and manager, Patrick Curtis. Curtis bought the script in March 1971 for their production company, Curtwel Productions. She was a huge star at the time, and that meant if she wanted to do it, the movie would get made, said Sandler.
Raquel Welch: I believe that he had me in mind when he wrote it. The girl is more than a little bitchy.
Wikipedia Kansas City Bomber
Plot Summary: Welch plays K.C. Carr, a roller derby star. The film delves into her struggles both on the roller track and in her personal life, including conflicts with teammates and the challenges of being a single mother.
Character played by Raquel Welch: K.C.
K.C. is a tough and ambitious woman in a physically demanding sport, trying to balance her professional aspirations with her responsibilities as a mother.
According to the reviewer Dan Callahan February 15, 2023 in a tribute after her death:
She got her best dramatic part in Kansas City Bomber (1972), a roller derby movie that required some bruising physical stunts.
RottenTomatoes critic quote:
Kansas City Bomber is not only the best film Raquel Welch has ever been in, it's also one of the better films to come out of M.G.M. in quite some time.
Robert Sullivan / Los Angeles Free Press / January 6, 2020
Super Reviewer / May 03, 2021
I first saw this picture at an all-night movie marathon of B-pictures. I liked it then (40 years ago). Love it now. It has all sorts of problems associated with poorly budgeted films, but it's early pro-feminist storyline should be celebrated. Watch it and consider all the tribulations the Raquel Welch character goes through and you'll find her character to be truly inspiring.
+++++
Fuzz (1972)
Poster of the 1972 film Fuzz with Raquel Welch
Studio: Filmways Pictures
Plot Summary: This police comedy-drama revolves around detectives in Boston's 87th precinct as they tackle various cases. Welch plays Detective Eileen McHenry alongside Burt Reynolds and Yul Brynner.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Detective McHenry
Detective McHenry is a competent and determined officer, showcasing Welch in a role that was somewhat atypical for her.
IMDb Trivia:
Raquel Welch did not like Burt Reynolds because of comments he made while they were filming 100 Rifles (1969) that she considered unsavory. So in this movie, she insisted that she not have any direct scenes with Reynolds. The closest they get is during the interrogation. Even when in the same room, they never had direct eye contact. Reynolds was very uncomplimentary about Welch when the film was released, even saying (absurdly) that she hadn't realized the film was a comedy.
RottenTomatoes Audience score for the film Fuzz is 16%. Ouch! However some critics were more forgiving.
TOP CRITIC- Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times October 23, 2004
It's an offbeat, funny, quietly cheerful movie in which Ed McBain's 87th Precinct is finally brought to life. Several movies have been based on McBain's 87th Precinct novels, but never one in which the squad room was explored so lovingly by the camera, and the detectives were made so human.
The movie is funny partly because everything is done deadpan. When there's a stakeout for the Mad Bomb Squad, for example. Reynolds and Weston sit down on park benches disguised as nuns, and Skeritt and Raquel pose as a loving couple in a double sleeping bag. But then the guy starts to run and Raquel can't unzip her bag. Everyone is very serious during, this scene, which makes it hilarious.
+++++
The Last of Sheila (1973)
Film Poster The Last of Sheila (1973)
Studio:Warner Bros.
Plot Summary: A year after the hit-and-run death of his wife, a wealthy man invites a group of friends for a holiday on his yacht, where he devises a game that reveals their darkest secrets. The game turns deadly, leading to a mystery that everyone tries to solve. Welch plays Alice, one of the invited guests.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Alice
Alice is a glamorous and somewhat naive actress, caught up in the deadly game and the ensuing mystery.
IMDb Trivia: Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim used to host murder mystery parlor games in Manhattan, New York during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The pair put on these occasional ruses for their friends, such as Lee Remick and George Segal. Another of their guests was producer and director Herbert Ross, who encouraged them to write a script based on this type of party resulting in this film.
James Mason, Raquel Welch, James Coburn, Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon, Joan Hackett, and Ian McShane in The Last of Sheila (1973)
RottenTomatoes Tomatometer gives this film nice ratings: Critics 89% / Audience Critics 85%
A devilishly complicated thriller of superior class.
TOP CRITIC - Roger Ebert / Chicago Sun-Times / October 23, 2004
An audience review; Jun 3, 2007
Classy, sexy, funny murder mystery set on a yacht with a screenplay by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins and a howlingly bad performance by Racquel Welch. Classic line: "Gimme a glass of water and a couple of lesbians!"
+++++
The Three Musketeers (1973)
Studio: Salkind Productions
Plot Summary: Based on Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, "The Three Musketeers" is a swashbuckling adventure set in 17th-century France. The film follows the young and ambitious D'Artagnan, who travels to Paris aiming to join the King's Musketeers. He quickly befriends three of the King's best musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Together, they get embroiled in political intrigue, battling against the scheming Cardinal Richelieu and his agents.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Milady de Winter
One of these agents is the beautiful but deadly Milady de Winter. Many consider this her finest comic role.
Raquel Welch won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in "The Three Musketeers."
Production Credits:
- Director: Richard Lester
- Screenplay: George MacDonald Fraser
Box Office Gross: The film was a commercial success, appreciated by both audiences and critics alike.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Constance Bonacieux
Constance is the Queen's dressmaker and D'Artagnan's love interest. She finds herself in the midst of the political conspiracies and relies on the musketeers for protection. Despite her initial damsel-in-distress portrayal, Constance displays bravery and resourcefulness as the story unfolds.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Constance Bonacieux
Reviews: The film was lauded for its blend of action, humor, and romance. Raquel Welch's performance was particularly praised, with critics noting her comedic timing and chemistry with the rest of the cast.
IMDb review 2004
The best Three Musketeers ever.
This film, and its sequel (filmed concurrently) is by far the best movie version of the Dumas novel ever produced. The cast is excellent. The sets and costumes are marvelous. The swordplay (and there is much) is possible some of the most realistic ever filmed. And it's the only Musketeer movie I am aware of in which the Musketeers actually use muskets. Authenticity seems to have been very important to the producers, as well as staying true to the novel.
If you're a fan of Dumas or just looking for a fun film with lots of realistic sword fighting then you won't want to miss this.
Mvario /Nov 2, 2004
RottenTomatoes review 2003
The finest rendering of Dumas' tale to date. A perfect blend of comedy, romance, and no-holds-barred swashbuckling adventure. The cast is phenomenally good.
Brian Mckay eFilmCritic.com / March 21, 2003
+++++
The Four Musketeers (1974)
Studio: Salkind Productions
Plot Summary: Serving as a direct sequel to "The Three Musketeers" (1973), "The Four Musketeers" continues the adventures of D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The musketeers find themselves entangled in further political intrigue, this time involving the Spanish court. The cunning Milady de Winter seeks revenge against the musketeers, leading to a series of confrontations and duels. Constance Bonacieux's (played by Raquel Welch) role becomes even more pivotal as she is abducted, pushing D'Artagnan and the musketeers to their limits.
Production Credits:
- Director: Richard Lester
- Screenplay: George MacDonald Fraser
Box Office Gross: The film was successful, much like its predecessor, and was well-received by audiences and critics.
Character played by Raquel Welch: Constance Bonacieux
Constance's involvement in the complex web of political intrigue deepens in this sequel. Her relationship with D'Artagnan becomes central to the plot, especially after her abduction. Her bravery and loyalty to the Queen and the musketeers are further highlighted.
Trivia: Both "The Three Musketeers" and "The Four Musketeers" were shot simultaneously, a decision that later led to some disputes among the cast regarding their contracts.
Reviews: "The Four Musketeers" was praised for maintaining the energy, humor, and action of the first film. Critics appreciated the deeper exploration of characters, especially the evolution of Constance Bonacieux, played convincingly by Raquel Welch.
+++++
The Wild Party (1975)
Studio: American International Pictures
Plot Summary: The Wild Party is set in the Golden Age of Hollywood and focuses on the life of silent film comedian Jolly Grimm (played by James Coco), whose career is on the decline. In a bid to rejuvenate his stardom and show off his new film, he throws a lavish party at his mansion. As the night progresses, the party spirals out of control, revealing the dark underbelly of Hollywood's glitz and glamour. Raquel Welch plays Queenie, Jolly's much younger girlfriend and a rising starlet.
Production Credits:
- Director: James Ivory
- Screenplay: Walter Marks (based on the narrative poem by Joseph Moncure March)
Character played by Raquel Welch: Queenie
Queenie is an ambitious young actress looking to make her mark in Hollywood. While she is in a relationship with Jolly, their bond is strained due to his jealousy and declining career. Queenie's allure and charm make her the center of attention at the party, leading to further tensions.
Trivia: "The Wild Party" was one of Raquel Welch's few forays into more dramatic and dark roles. Her portrayal of Queenie showed her range as an actress, moving away from her typical glamorous roles. One IMDb critic wrote: Raquel Welch is superb as the desperate, sweet mistress.
When she worked with director James Ivory on the film The Wild Party, he was scathing in the press about what he felt were her movie star demands and temperament. He ultimately felt it had been his miastake casting her in the film.
Reviews: While the film received mixed reviews, Raquel Welch's performance was generally praised. Critics and particularly the audience scores on RottenTomatoes are dismally low.
As one critic wrote: The Wild Party is a disastrous attempt at combining movie magazine kitsch with social realism. Jacoba Atlas Los Angeles Free Press / November 19, 2019
+++++
Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976)
"Film Poster: Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976) with Raquel Welch
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Plot Summary: Mother, Jugs & Speed is a black comedy that revolves around the lives of three ambulance drivers working for a dubious Los Angeles ambulance company. The three main characters are: "Mother" Tucker (played by Bill Cosby), who's a veteran driver with a penchant for breaking the rules; "Jugs" (played by Raquel Welch), the company's secretary aspiring to be a driver; and "Speed" (played by Harvey Keitel), a former police officer with a dark past.
Production Credits:
- Director: Peter Yates
- Screenplay: Tom Mankiewicz
Character played by Raquel Welch: Jennifer a.k.a. "Jugs"
Jugs is the feisty and ambitious secretary of the ambulance company, who faces workplace sexism and harassment. Determined to prove herself, she trains to become an ambulance driver against all odds, showcasing her tenacity and resilience.
Raquel Welch as Jugs poising with ambulance Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976)
Trivia: The film is notable for its blend of dark comedy and drama, touching on serious issues like workplace harassment, racism, and the challenges of the healthcare system.
Reviews:
While Mother, Jugs & Speed received mixed reviews, many critics praised the performances of its lead actors, especially Raquel Welch, who portrayed a strong-willed woman in a male-dominated environment. She starts out as the switchboard operator at a Los Angeles ambulance company, but spends her nights studying to be an ambulance driver and paramedic. When she brings her diploma in to the boss, he throws her out of the office. She takes off in an ambulance, followed by a high speed chase, a crash, then into a heavy romance scene with Harvey Keitel who had been in the back of the ambulance. The whole movie is like that. The mood changes at random.
The all over consensus was a 50% rating on RottanTomatoes Tomatometer from both critics and audience.
A typical critic comment: Raunchy ambulance comedy wavers between jocular fun, misplaced melodrama, and morbid stupidity.
Scott Weinberg eFilmCritic.com / April 3, 2005.
On the other hand a Super reviewer gave it a 3*
Feb 11, 2007
I used to drive an ambulance so I laughed my butt off at this one.
And this critics comment's from September 20, 2021
Mother , Jugs & Speed has no real sting. This apart, the movie does prove you don't have to be sexist to be funny.
Clare Cherrington / Spare Rib
+++++
While Raquel Welch is often remembered for her iconic roles in the 1960s and 1970s, her career spans decades, and she has continued to work in both film and television. Her versatility and ability to adapt to various genres, from comedy to drama to action to even musicals, have solidified her place as one of Hollywood's enduring stars and an international celebrity.
Raquel Welch circa 2012
