In 1970, I saw a British-made comedy-drama called The Man Who Had Power Over Women, which starred Rod Taylor and Carol White. I recall liking parts of it and not liking others but being really, really fascinated by the film. It was about a man named Peter Reaney, a successful talent agent (or maybe a publicist) who doesn't understand women except in a very shallow, hormone-driven way. He also doesn't know much about personal morality except that it sometimes gets in the way of his profession and income.
Taylor, I recall, was wonderful in the role and whoever wrote it had a very wicked sense of humor. I left the theater wanting to see it again, if only so I could decide if I really loved it or really hated it. I felt there was the potential for either verdict…or maybe even both.
So now it's 47 years later and I still haven't seen it a second time. If it was ever on TV, I managed to miss it. I did miss its brief release as a Beta tape and maybe on VHS. I once asked on this site if anyone had a copy of it and a nice person mailed me a homemade DVD since I don't think there's ever been an official release. Alas, it arrived at a time when I was busy and unable to give it my immediate attention.
The homemade DVD laid around on a table for a week or so before it was spotted by a lady friend who was visiting. She asked what the movie was. I told her more or less what I just told you. "Oh, I love Rod Taylor," she grinned. "Could I borrow it? I'll watch it and get it back to you right away." Somehow, she lost it and also the accompanying letter. Thus, I also lost the name and contact info for the kindly samaritan who sent it to me. If you were that person, thank you.
In January of 2015, shortly after Mr. Taylor passed away, I appealed to the folks at Turner Classic Movies to get it and run it. They're finally doing that this Friday evening and I'd like to think it just took them 32 months to get around to granting my wish. On my set, it'll be on at 9:15 PM. Check your guide if you want to record or watch it.
This is not really a recommendation since my mind's not made up as to whether I liked it or not…but I recall thinking it was full of very inventive scenes, including the one with the truckload of toilets. I won't tell you what happens in it but it was very…odd.
The film may interest some of you just because it's so rare and unseen, and I'm pretty sure you'll think that Rod Taylor is great in it. He was great in everything. I do not guarantee you'll like it. Heck, I can't even guarantee that I'll like it but I'll try to watch it before next weekend is over and I'll report back here.