Bob And Carol And Ted And Alice All the secrets and big mistakes
When Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice premiered in 1969, it shook up the film world with its daring exploration of relationships and social norms. The film delved into controversial topics like open marriages, offering a satirical yet honest look at the evolving views of love and fidelity in the late ’60s. It wasn’t just a movie; it became a cultural moment, capturing the era’s questioning of everything from romance to commitment.
The movie’s success wasn’t solely due to its groundbreaking subject matter. The star-studded cast, including Natalie Wood, brought depth and emotional complexity to the film. Natalie, already a Hollywood legend, portrayed Carol with her signature grace, grounding the film’s exploration of complicated dynamics. Her performance helped anchor the narrative, making the satirical commentary on marriage and relationships feel genuine and relatable.
But Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice wouldn’t have reached iconic status without the stellar contributions of its other lead actors—Robert Culp, Elliott Gould, and Dyan Cannon—as Bob, Ted, and Alice, respectively. Their performances brought humor, depth, and authenticity, elevating the film into a cinematic milestone.
Behind the scenes, it’s impossible not to be amazed by how the film evolved from a script to a phenomenon, earning four Academy Award nominations despite its controversial content. Directed by Paul Mazursky, BCTA (as we’ll abbreviate it) became a defining film of the New Hollywood era, a period that saw directors take creative control away from the traditional studio system. Mazursky’s bold vision pushed boundaries, reflecting the era’s cultural shifts.
The story behind the film’s creation is just as intriguing. Mazursky was inspired by an article he read about Fritz Perls, a gestalt therapist, and his unconventional practices at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. After a visit to Esalen with his wife, Mazursky found the inspiration for a script that would challenge traditional ideas of relationships and the family structure. The film’s success was born from Mazursky’s personal experiences and his ability to turn a thought-provoking concept into a hit movie.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the inexperienced director. On his first day on set, Mazursky froze in the face of overwhelming pressure from the crew. However, director of photography Charles Lang, sensing his panic, guided him calmly through the process, even taking him up in a film crane to help him find his bearings. After a few minutes of advice, Mazursky found his confidence, and from then on, his approach to directing changed. “From then on, I was a cocky little bastard,” he joked later.
Natalie Wood’s role in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice marked a significant return to the screen for the actress. However, it would also be her last major film for several years. Though the film’s success could have reignited her career, Natalie chose to take a break from Hollywood, and it wasn’t until 1975 that she returned to acting with Peeper, after a six-year hiatus.
One aspect of her performance in BCTA that remains unnoticed by many was her choice to wear a bracelet on her left wrist throughout the film. This subtle detail was meant to conceal a childhood injury she sustained while filming The Green Promise at the age of 10, which left her wrist slightly deformed. As a result, Natalie wore the bracelet to hide the imperfection, a detail that often went unnoticed by audiences but was part of her effort to maintain control over her image.
In a surprising cameo, future pop icon Leif Garrett made his film debut in BCTA at the age of five. The film also included fleeting appearances by Bill Cosby, Donald F. Muhich (who played Alice’s therapist and was actually Mazursky’s real-life therapist), and even Mazursky himself, who made an uncredited cameo screaming in the background at the Esalen Institute.
Natalie’s fashion in the film, designed by the legendary Moss Mabry, became iconic for its reflection of the era’s bohemian chic. Her wardrobe effortlessly blended star quality with an approachable, down-to-earth charm. Mabry also designed a special bra for Natalie, famously dubbed the “Natalie Wood bra,” though its design remained a closely guarded secret.
Alongside Natalie, Dyan Cannon also made a triumphant return to the screen after a turbulent time in her personal life. Cannon had been embroiled in a public and bitter divorce from Cary Grant, which had left her financially drained. But Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice provided her with the opportunity to revive her career. Her role as Alice Henderson marked a turning point, helping her find her footing again after months of personal hardship.
BCTA is filled with quirky goofs, such as continuity errors and mistaken shots, which only added to its charm. From forgotten dessert plates to missing records on turntables, the film had its fair share of mistakes, but these missteps didn’t detract from its authenticity and appeal.
One of the most memorable moments in the film was the chaotic bed scene, where Mazursky encouraged the actors to improvise. This unscripted moment allowed the cast to create raw and genuine performances, though not all were initially comfortable with the scene. It was Robert Culp, playing Bob, who seemed at ease, while Natalie Wood and Elliott Gould were unsure of how to proceed. This improvisation became one of the defining aspects of the film’s authenticity, with critics praising its naturalistic approach.
For Natalie Wood, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice was the beginning of a bittersweet chapter. While the film marked the start of her hiatus from acting, it also showcased her incredible talent and beauty, cementing her place in cinematic history. Sadly, her untimely death in 1981 overshadowed the potential for even greater roles, but her legacy lives on through her remarkable work, including this groundbreaking film.
