Something for Everyone (1970) User Reviews

Deliciously wicked, seldom-seen black comedy that really shows off Michael York and Angela Lansbury.

[gbrumburgh · 8/10 · 19 May 2001]

Once upon a time there was a young, handsome, fair-haired commoner who dreamed of being a young, handsome, fair-haired prince. In fact, while the Britisher is bicycling through Austria, he sees the very castle described in the fairy tale picture book his mother gave him when he was young, and that he now carries with him at all times. Encouraged by this vision of splendour, the young drifter sets out to fulfill his life's dream.

Doesn't this sound like a lovely, whimsical, touchingly optimistic tale about believing in one's destiny and having the courage to seek it out? Normally, yes. But in the hands of director Hal Prince, this darkly comic tale takes another direction altogether. Michael York plays the clever, enigmatic young opportunist who is willing to seduce, charm, outmaneuver, even murder whoever he has to in order to become "king of the castle."

The afore-mentioned domain is inhabited by none other than the Countess Von Ornstein (the wonderfully eccentric Angela Lansbury) and her brood. The widow has fallen on hard times since the death of her husband and realizes she must marry into money once again to return to her former glory. But with a homosexual son and chubby, homely young teenage daughter left to carry on the family dynasty, prospects look truly abysmal.

To say any more would be a dastardly move on my part. Suffice it to say that the sharp, highly astute performances alone make this seldom-seen little gem worthwhile. There are enough twists and turns to keep things compelling from start to finish. Director Prince takes full advantage as well of the breathtaking Bavarian landscape.

York, as Konrad, has seldom had a meatier role as he first becomes a footman to the castle, then proceeds to eliminate all the other human elements that interfer with his rise to the social top. Lansbury steals every scene she is in, while given a number of deliciously wry monologues to remind viewers that the Jessica Fletcher character she played in "Murder She Wrote" was a popular move but a real step down. Jane Carr, who the year before gave a touching, timorous performance as the ill-fated student in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," does a 100% turnaround here as the dry, sardonic "plain Jane" daughter who is wise to York's game from the very start. And Anthony Higgins as the smitten gay son and Heidelinde Weis as an amorous young heiress are quite effective as two of Konrad's romantic pawns.

"Something for Everyone" definitely HAS something for everyone. A real find in my book.

A Lansbury Pearl

[carlostallman · 8/10 · 21 December 2006]

Angela Lansbury as a decadent noblewoman, glaring out into her shaky future is nothing short of sensational. One of the most entertaining performances ever put on film. She has to overcome two massive obstacles, wooden Michael York as a co-star and Broadway legend Harold Prince as her "film" director. She succeeds and overcomes both problems with the help of a scrumptious script and a personal zest that it's pure Lansbury. She has been, consistently, one of the most startling actresses to come out of Hollywood, she is, often, the only redeeming quality of some indifferent movies. Unfortunately, the enormous success of "Murder She Wrote" has overshadowed her powerful impact as an actress. To introduce her to a younger audience that knows her only as Jessica Fletcher is always a thrill. From "Gaslight" right up to "Nanny McPhee" As a piece of trivia...Did you know she was offered the part of Nurse Ratchet in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"?

A subversive happy-ever-after comedy

[lasttimeisaw · 8/10 · 10 November 2017]

A subversive happy-ever-after comedy directed by the famed Broadway director Harold Prince, who has only directed 2 pictures for the celluloid. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE stars a fresh-faced Michael Fork as a twenty-some stripling Konrad Ludwig, insinuates his way into the family of widowed Countess Herthe von Ornstein (Lansbury), whose financial situation is running on empty in spite of owning a Mittel-European castle, which, curtailed by an inheritance entail, is prohibited to sell.

Who is Konrad anyway? Throughout the whole movie, audience has no inkling of his past, like a tabusa rasa, he pops up from nowhere, and miracle comes about around him just like the butterfly of a rare species landing on his hand in the opening, he can always find "something for everyone", a miracle worker indeed, but morbidly, with a tendency of homicide if he sees fit. Chirpily injecting its daringly amoral keynote with a tongue-in-cheek mischief, the story sends Konrad rising through ranks, and plays up his pansexuality with utter candidness. Soon Konrad incubates a scheme to bring affluence and glory back to the castle, through a marriage arrangement between Herthe's son Helmuth (a wiry and delectable Higgins) and Anneliese (Weis), the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pleschke (Gill and Meineke respectively), a nouveau riche couple salivating for aristocratic luxury.

But there is a catch, both Helmuth and Anneliese are Konrad's lovers (and clearly he has a preference), the aftermath of their disastrous honeymoon drives Konrad's plan to an almost breaking point, but thankfully, the marriage is official and money is secured, so it is just a matter of dispensing with those unwelcome nuisances, between the patrician and the parvenu, it is a cinch to guess when side Prince/Konrad is inclined to choose by thinking on their feet.

Konrad's star is rising, he cannot get a break, Herthe is swept off her feet eventually, a marriage proposal, however scandalous, is propounded, and he is in no place to decline, in the final twist, there is someone in the upper crust finally can give Konrad a good run for his money, it is neither the self-involving Herthe, nor the effete Helmuth, but a cherubic lass who sees through Konrad's trickery and ploys, and gets what she always want through blackmail without hazarding her own safety, now we are talking about a film truly merits a sequel treatment.

Angela Lansbury entrancingly flaunts royal poise and rhetoric, a facade she nails on the stage but rarely opens to his film audience, and Michael York, is such a unique leading man, angular, confident, charisma-oozing, and the pride in his eyes is undiminished. As a comedy ruthlessly sends up a morally conscious society, this little-seen picture is a blast from the past, and worth being dusted off to, at the very least, give a scare to the prim, proper and prudish.

One of the greatest rants ever recorded

[brucito11 · 21 May 2010]

Thank god I had the good sense back in 1984 to video tape this movie. I got all but the last 2 minutes of it and I kick myself every-time for not adjusting the clock on my video recorder. I paid $750.00 for that VCR back in 1984 because it had fast forward, slow motion and freeze frame capabilities. Now, when I look at my $199.00 Sony HD video pocket camcorder I think back to how times have changed.

This movie is such a classic I am surprised that it is ignored by TCM, the Independent Film Channel and every other cable movie channel out there. It is just unbelievable what a mistake they are all making in not showing this movie. The rant by Angela Lansbury after the party is one of her greatest scenes and I show it to everyone young person who think they know all there is to know about her. It seems none of them have even heard of this movie. What a shame that fact is.

My #1 Guilty Pleasure Movie of All Time

[roedyg · 10/10 · 19 May 2006]

This movie tickled me to the bone.

I can laugh decades later just thinking about Angela Lansbury greedily but daintily scarfing down strawberries.

Michael York is infinitely sexy and sinister at the same time. Just the memory of his performance gives me goosebumps.

Everyone in the cast is such a juicy distinctive being and such fun to watch.

It seems funny ranking this movie up there with Citizen Kane as one of the greatest movies of all time, but in terms of sheer enjoyment, for me, it ties with Cabaret (another Michael York movie) as #1.

Love and marriage

[AAdaSC · 7/10 · 10 April 2017]

Michael York (Konrad) has a fantasy. He wants to live in a fairytale palace like the one in the children's book he carries around everywhere with him. Whilst holidaying in Austria, he comes across such a palace and makes it his mission to one day lord over it. It's at this point that we discover that he is quite an evil character. He certainly has some unusual ideas about friendship and relationships. Does his fantasy play out as planned….er, no…

Angela Lansbury plays the once wealthy Countess who lives in the castle along with her son Anthony Higgins (Helmuth) and daughter Jane Carr (Lotte). The family needs money to survive and York has an idea for this. The film is set in Austria/Germany and this provides interesting landscapes and a slice of village life. Wolfried Lier (Klaus) plays the butler with a secret and there are also good performances from Eva Maria Meineke and Heidelinde Weis as a wealthy mother and daughter who get lured into York's plans.

It's a dark story with twists and turns and the film keeps you guessing as to what York is going to do next. I find York slightly creepy in a Prince Edward sort of way but he plays his part well. From an opportunistic start, things seem to be going well….. until…. ha ha….

Why oh why isn't it available on DVD?

[ekeby · 10/10 · 15 April 2007]

I haven't seen this movie in a long time. I've seen it more than once, so I must have rented the VHS when it was available. I did see it when it was originally released theatrically. If you weren't that lucky, let me tell you, when Angela Lansbury appeared on screen about to board a train in her white satin traveling suit and matching (stewardess-style) cap, there was a collective gasp from the audience--admittedly mostly gay men. You'd never seen anything like it EVER. And you never saw anything like it again until Dynasty in the 80s.

Furthermore, Jane Carr utters one of the best lines in all of cinema history: "There's nothing like a bit of pre-breakfast chocolate cake."

The movie is pitch perfect, and I'd say required viewing for gay people, even though that theme is a small part of the movie. Hunt it down and see it! And pray for Criterion to get the rights!

a new world for the old aristocracy

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 2 August 2013]

Harold Prince's black comedy "Something for Everyone" casts Michael York as a man who goes to work for fallen Bavarian aristocrat Angela Lansbury, not refraining from doing what he wants to in order to take over the estate. By extension the movie comes across as a look at how Europe's old aristocracy was forced to accept the new realities of the post-war era. Capitalism had been driving out feudalism for over a century, but the baby boom came of age in an era of the greatest social change in history. No longer would the aristocracy get seen as the most virtuous entity of all (although we all saw the hoopla over William & Kate's wedding, and then their baby).

Aside from that, it's a pretty funny movie. The aristocratic family has more than a few skeletons in its closet. Not the funniest movie, but worth seeing. It's apparently available on DVD, but I could only find a VHS copy.

Neglected classic black comedy

[nice.guy · 10/10 · 31 May 2004]

This is one of only two movies directed by multi-Tony winning Broadway (and opera) director Hal Prince and redeems him for the ghastly film adaptation of his brilliant stage work on Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Angela Lansbury is beautiful and brilliant as a penniless countess who is desperate to save her beloved Schloss - played in part (the Schloss, that is) by one of Mad Ludwig's castles whose construction costs bankrupted Bavaria. Other reviewers have commented on the Machiavellian plot, with Michael York charming and subversive as the upwardly mobile manservant. Black humor with clever dialogue, beautiful sets and costumes and fine performances all around. For some reason, in its theatrical release, it was NOT, in fact, "for everyone", but this movie is long overdue for release on DVD and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Sexual ambiguities in clever, sophisticated dark comedy...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 3 October 2006]

Handsome young MICHAEL YORK is a drifting social climber who takes advantage of an impoverished Countess (ANGELA LANSBURY) and her underwhelming family--a plain daughter and a homosexual son--using them for his own twisted needs to become the Prince Charming of a Bavarian castle.

Directed with finesse by Harold Prince, it's a dark comedy that abounds with wit and a never ending series of complications that ensue when York manipulates and charms his way into everyone's affections. It has a TALENTED MR. RIPLEY kind of feel to it, but decidedly more comic than serious. ANGELA LANSBURY did not even mention this film during a one hour session with Robert Osborne on TCM recently, but it has to be among her best work.

It raised eyebrows but failed to connect with whomever the target audience was back in the '70s and became a favorite among the art house crowd for obvious reasons. Rampant with sexual implications, it's way ahead of its time and would probably do better box-office business in today's more accepting world of oddball themes.

Angela Lansbury saves this cinematic bore

[jromanbaker · 2/10 · 6 August 2020]

I watched this in the company of a best friend and out of politeness watched it to the end. The plot is dull and Michael York plays a character who vaguely brings to mind Thomas Mann's ' Felix Krull '. The book is a masterpiece, but this film is in my opinion very bad indeed. As a film it is poorly made and has all the the usual German stereotypes that were found in so many films after WW2. The only redeeming feature is Angela Lansbury who gives a performance worthy of watching. There is also a Gay kiss that had me in hysterics as it was so inept. The consequences of this leads to more ' dramatic ' hilarity ( I was not laughing ) and Michel York carries on regardless seducing almost everyone he needs on his ambitious path. If some astute reviewer is thinking of Pasolini's ' Theorem ' then do not raise any hopes. It hints often that the main character is Gay, but does not deliver the goods. I have no idea why there are high ratings for this nonsense.

A stylish, wicked and completely delightful film

[danpatter2002 · 10/10 · 23 July 2002]

The wit and glinting malice of this film, combined with stellar performances by Michael York, Angela Lansbury and the completely delectable Jane Carr, keep it as fresh as the day it was released. I've watched it over a dozen times in my life, always with renewed enjoyment. Delicious!

'Room at the Top' 1970s style

[HotToastyRag · 3/10 · 9 January 2023]

Something for Everyone has a very funny tagline: "The butler did it...to everyone." Set in post-war Austria, a poor young man, Michael York, with ambition sets his sights on conquering a beautiful castle inherited by an attractive widow, Angela Lansbury. He starts at the bottom, by getting a job as a butler there, but quickly sizes everyone up to see how he can advance in the ranks and eventually win over the countess. He doesn't care how he has to do it. . .or with whom.

This was obviously Michael York's audition for Cabaret, as he fits into the Austrian setting and seduces both genders with little thought to consequence. My favorite parts of the movie were the beautiful scenery and costumes. One might wonder why Angela Lansbury signed on to the script, but when you see her dolled up in her beautiful gowns, you'll understand. If you like this one, check out a similarly-themed story Gentlemen Don't Eat Poets, with Sting as the butler. You might also like Room at the Top, featuring another Brit who plans on sleeping his way to the top.

A beautiful, black, wry, comic fairy tale.

[gpadillo · 29 March 2004]

Hal Prince's Something For Everyone is perhaps one of the most looked over American classics of the 70's. The blackest of comedies the title might, if taken literally, be misleading since it is, obviously NOT for everyone. Prince's theatrical touch can be felt and lends a strong hand in the telling of the tale and keeping tight reigns on what could easily have become an out-of-control experience (i.e., "Happy Birthday, Gemini"), a taut, thrillingly wry comedy – one of the best of its type. Combining the fantasy of fairy tale with the social repression and economic dire straits of a Post-II World II Bavaria the film provides a vastly entertaining (and darkly hilarious) look into subject matters verboten at the time of the tale including the Nazi issue, social pariahism, class distinction and sexual appetite.

The dichotomy between classes has never been more closely paralleled in film: on one hand there is the starving, eager and willing to do anything young Konrad (Michael York) and on the other the Countess von Ornstein – she of by gone nobility. Countess or now, she too is starving, clinging to a past which has not only faded, but threatens at any minute to disintegrate. Her prospects poor she does what she must. Lansbury's Countess is priceless and she plays it with an unlikely combination of superego and hopeless despair – and she is brilliant. A tour-de-force.

If released today – the film would be at the top of every best 10 list and be talked about salaciously at every Starbucks.

With nazis hiding in the woodwork, sexual weaponry, misplaced romantic feelings, murder, social climbing combining with delicious Bavarian countryside, castles, beer gardens, stunning mountain vistas and even Wagnerian opera, Prince gives us a fairy tale gone wrong. Wondrously, terribly and gloriously wrong.

p.

summer camp

[yawnmower1 · 10/10 · 15 July 2006]

This celebrated black comedy from 1970 marked the directorial debut of legendary Broadway producer Harold Prince. It has justly earned cult status and a devoted following due, in great part, to Angela Lansbury's remarkable virtuoso performance. She has flawless support from the delectable Michael York, a very seductive young Anthony Corlan, and gifted Jane Carr.

Against a picture-perfect Bavarian backdrop, Konrad (York) rides into town sporting the sexiest legs ever seen in cycling shorts. He pauses to admire Castle Ornstein with visions of grandeur dancing in his head, and we get another gander at those gorgeous gams. He quickly 'arranges' (and therein lies the fun) a job as footman to the impoverished Countess von Ornstein (Lansbury), focusing his attentions on her beautiful, lonely son Helmut (Corlan). An epicurean choice, as Helmut is as physically stunning as Konrad. His sister Lotte (Carr), is improbably dumpy, frumpy, annoying, and furtive. She has Konrad's number right off the bat, though, and asks him which he is, murderer or pervert. His response is congenial and commendably candid.

Simultaneously, Konrad dupes a snobbish, social-climbing family, debauching their beautiful, lonely daughter. So, his perpetual pursuit of passion, power, and position proceeds apace: he has it – and them – all. But his baroque scheme suddenly begins to career dangerously out of control. The end, with several clever twists, bears mercilessly down upon poor Konrad.

The talent and beauty of Michael York and Anthony Corlan notwithstanding, the film belongs to Angela Lansbury. Her every gesture and movement bespeak consummate skill, drama, humor, and camp. Few actors could pull off such theatrical monologues as she does, with the command of Callas incarnating Tosca.

Mr. Prince underscores the operatic nature of his story by introducing Wagner early in the film. Tristan und Isolde personify the intensity, if not the incandescence of his perfect protagonists. Even with its delicious, decidedly 70's bisexuality and social outlook, this minor masterpiece remains fresh as a daisy after 35 years. It deserves the full DVD treatment, lovingly re-mastered and in wide-screen.

Let's cross our fingers for a decent DVD version

[fjoffily · 9/10 · 23 August 2010]

A masterpiece of humour with splendid performances by Angela Lansbury, Michael York and a very competent (and well-directed) cast, remains a classic of the genre. The gorgeous Bavarian summer landscape adds an extra flavour to the plot. I still keep the movie's VHS incarnation (very poor quality though).

Therefore, I was glad to read that a DVD version had been launched in Spain and ordered it. Much to my regret, however, sound and image quality are totally unacceptable. Original film scratches, blurred image and squeaky sound do the nasty job. "Something for Everyone" surely deserves a first-rate remastering. Let's hope Criterion or some other good label will do it. And, please, with English subtitles, among others.

Surprise script with glowing performances!

[shepardjessica · 8/10 · 10 July 2004]

One of my favorites of 1970, this intelligent script certainly took me my surprise back then. I've never been an Angela Lansbury fan (except for The Manchurian Candidate and Gaslight), but she's finally perfectly cast and Michael York actually had a persona back then (two years before Cabaret) and gave some interesting performances in the 1970's.

I imagine this is available on DVD and video. Even the unknown films of the 70's had some expert screenwriters and this one probably didn't even make a dime. Beautiful terrain and cinematography make this a delightful piece with real wit and class. An 8 out of 10! Best performance = A. Lansbury.

A fractured fairy tale about enchantment and deception...

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 9 August 2015]

Dark comedy, "suggested by" Harry Kressing's novel "The Cook", has opportunist Michael York worming his way into the lives of the eccentric, cash-strapped family living in a weathered German castle, at first by gaining employment there as a footman. York is exceptional as the shameless Conrad, who uses his charm to beguile everyone around him, but Angela Lansbury is too beautiful, too vital to be convincing as a dowager Countess (one can imagine this curvy lady having her pick of any eligible man in the country). Still, Lansbury's fluttery flamboyance, which the Countess seems to put on--like a costume, for show--is colorful and amusing, while theatre director Harold Prince oversees the proceedings with knowing wit and self-assurance. Not for every taste, but a well-done show of manners and immorality. ** from ****

just as fine as I remembered it...

[oyvay · 10/10 · 7 May 2003]

I remember this film from the 70s...it was one of my favourites. Finally got hold of a copy from the USA. Unfortunately the scene between Conrad and the son was cut out, but otherwise it was still brilliant. Angela Lansbury was superb. Seemed a role made for her. Anuntie Mame gone upmarket and euro. If you can find a copy to rent, do it. A ten from me.

Not Much for Everyone...

[JasparLamarCrabb · 5/10 · 16 March 2014]

Not much for everyone, but still fairly entertaining. Michael York insinuates himself into a family of decaying royals and proceeds to wreak havoc. Countess Angela Lansbury figures out York's game early on & decides he's just what she and her hapless brood needs. She relies on his duplicity to restore her fortunes. One grotesque deception after another ensues as York attempts to have Lansbury's homosexual son (Anthony Higgins) married off to a wealthy débutante he himself is bedding. Directed by Hal Prince (the great stage director making his film debut), this movie is an intriguing curiosity. York is excellent and Lansbury is great as a bitter yet entirely realistic wreck. She utilizes York's underhandedness for her own gains. Jane Carr is very funny as Lansbury's bitchy and extremely sharp daughter and Wolfried Lier is York's unlucky predecessor (a former Nazi who is disposed of rather quickly).

something, indeed

[smswenson · 14 May 2003]

Charming, machiavellian drifter manipulates widowed aristocrat and her family to gain control of the estate. Exemplary characters and script, and striking scenery for atmosphere. Viewers may also enjoy "A New Leaf" (1971).(Rating: A)

Oh why, oh why?

[jefscottmpls2 · 10/10 · 11 July 2012]

I have the crappiest postage stamp sized conversion to DVD of this movie. I'm joining the chorus when I ask why isn't it on a proper DVD? I too include this film as a guilty pleasure, not because it is inferior, but because it is decadent and so good. It was introduced to me by a friend. For the longest time, it seemed to be our secret. Why didn't anyone seem to know about this film? It had Angela Lansbury, who was in the Manchurian Candidate (pulled by Sinatra for years, I've heard), and Michael York. I've always thought this movie and Cabaret made a great double bill. I guess I will consider myself lucky to at least have a copy, until a proper DVD comes to market.

YOU WON'T FORGET THIS FILM FOR A LONG TIME.

[vg40 · 10/10 · 23 January 2019]

Do watch it without much thought and research. I am very surprised it has only 24 reviews while I am typing this here. I and my wife enjoyed every moment of it. Shocking, surprising, enjoyable.

Smart, Funny, and Twisted

[joanclarke-81661 · 9/10 · 16 September 2019]

Michael York plays an opportunistic cad who weasels his way into the home of a penniless former rich family and proceeds to use his charms to seduce them into making him a part of the family and bring them wealth and status again.

This has to be one of the most surprising films I've seen recently. It has a smart, twisty, and frequently funny script and the performances (especially by Angela Lansbury as the lusty matriarch) are excellent. Somehow, this movie is rated R, but there's no gore, strong language, or even nudity. This must be one of those rare times when a film's tone dictates the rating and I can understand why, because Something For Everyone is one horny movie. Everybody in this movie is getting laid or wanting to. For 1970, it must have been incredibly daring, especially to see a male on male kiss.

Something For Everyone is a hidden pearl of a movie and Lansbury fans will especially love it.

fun names in an oddball film

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 31 July 2020]

Thank goodness for Michael York; willing to take oddball roles to continue his career. From this one, on to Cabaret. Also stars Angela Lansbury and Anthony Higgins. Konrad (York) is a go getter in Bavaria. he schemes his way into meeting the beautiful, rich Anneliese. and into the castle. with the cute son of the Countess (Lansbury). his only adversary seems to be Klaus, the butler, who doesn't trust Konrad at all! but the Countess is running out of money, and it's up to Konrad to figure out how to keep the bill collectors away. he thinks he has it all figured out, but someone throws a wrench into the works... fun. and funny. Directed by Harold Prince, who didn't direct many films, but DID work on some of the greats in various occupations. Cabaret, Fiddler, West Side Story. Written by Harry Kressing. Currently showing on youtube streaming vids. fun stuff. Michael York is always good!