Blaze 1989
"A governor. A stripper. Forced to chose between the office he held and the woman he loved, he chose both."
In Ron Shelton's sharp-witted comedy-drama *Blaze (1989)*, Oscar winner Paul Newman commands the screen as a Louisiana governor whose political ambitions collide with his heart when he falls for a spirited young stripper.
Director: Ron Shelton
Cast
Paul Newman
Gov. Earl K. Long
Lolita Davidovich
Blaze Starr
Jerry Hardin
Thibodeaux
Gailard Sartain
LaGrange
Jeffrey DeMunn
Eldon Tuck
Garland Bunting
Doc Ferriday
Richard Jenkins
Picayune
Brandon Smith
Arvin Deeter
Blaze Starr
Lily
Glynn Rubin
Crony Wife #2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blaze (1989) about?
The film follows a Louisiana governor who risks his political career by falling in love with a bold young stripper. As their relationship deepens, he's forced to confront the tension between his public duties and private desires, sparking a scandal that tests both his principles and his heart.
Who directed Blaze?
Ron Shelton, known for his sharp character-driven films like *Bull Durham*, directed *Blaze*.
Who stars in Blaze?
The film stars Paul Newman as the governor, Lolita Davidovich as Blaze, and features strong supporting turns from Jerry Hardin, Gailard Sartain, and Jeffrey DeMunn.
Is Blaze (1989) worth watching?
With Paul Newman at his most magnetic and a story that balances romance with political intrigue, *Blaze* is a solid pick for fans of character-driven dramas. Its blend of humor and heartache makes it a standout, even if it doesn't always hit the highest notes.
How long is Blaze?
The film runs for 117 minutes, roughly 1 hour and 57 minutes.
About Blaze (1989) — A Political Romance That Forged Its Own Rules
In Ron Shelton's sharp-witted comedy-drama *Blaze (1989)*, Oscar winner Paul Newman commands the screen as a Louisiana governor whose political ambitions collide with his heart when he falls for a spirited young stripper. Played with fiery charm by Lolita Davidovich, the titular Blaze challenges everything the governor stands for, from his progressive policies to his moral compass. As their passionate affair unfolds against the backdrop of Southern politics, the film explores the messy, all-too-human struggle between duty and desire.
Set in a sultry, politically charged atmosphere, *Blaze* blends humor and heartache to deliver a story about compromise, redemption, and the cost of ambition. With a stellar cast led by Newman and Davidovich, Shelton crafts a tale that's as much about the complexities of love as it is about the quirks of power—where every choice comes with consequences and every relationship tests loyalty. It's a Southern-tinged romance that's equal parts intoxicating and thought-provoking.
