The Worst Action Scene in Film History: A Classic Flop in Doris Day's 'Caprice'

In the annals of cinematic history, certain films have managed to stand out not for their brilliance, but for their spectacularly poor choices, one such egregious example being the final helicopter chase in Doris Day's film 'Caprice.'

The Embarrassing Chase

The helicopter chase in 'Caprice' is a clear candidate for the title of the worst action scene in film history. The scene, despite its questionable execution, was the capstone of the film's capper of all action films in the traditional sense. Instead of showcasing thrilling aerial stunts, the scene is a pathetic display of ineptitude, leaving viewers to wonder how it managed to be included in such a reasonable caper film.

The Film's Setting

Directed by Charles Vidor, 'Caprice' was a film that could have been quite exciting, given the era and the lead actress. Doris Day, known for her sweet and relatable persona, was set to bring charm and brilliance to the screen. However, the film, while not terrible in overall quality, had its fair share of pitfalls, especially towards the climax with the infamous helicopter chase.

The chase scene, set against the backdrop of a glamorous and bustling city, should have been a memorable highlight. Instead, it was more of a letdown that felt like it was a step back. The action, which should have been exciting and thrilling, is instead met with a resounding thud, as the lines between suspense and sheer embarrassment blur.

The Longevity of the Film Obituary

What makes the helicopter chase even more memorable is not just its poor quality but the historical context surrounding it. 'Caprice' is the last Hollywood film to be shot entirely in Cinemascope by 20th Century Fox. Cinemascope was once hailed as a revolutionary technology that would change the shape of the moviegoing experience. Its final use in a gaunt film like 'Caprice' serves as both a bittersweet and poignant reminder of a bygone era in Hollywood.

The choice to utilize Cinemascope in a film that should have been a high-energy spectacle is another layer of irony. The widescreen format was meant to enhance the grandeur of action scenes and the story itself, but in 'Caprice,' it seems to have done the opposite. It's hard to imagine any other film that could highlight the shortcomings of its era more poignantly than 'Caprice.'

The Last of Its Kind

To put the cherry on top of the irony, 'Caprice' also had a significant place in film history as a farewell to Cinemascope. This is largely because other 20th Century Fox films were beginning to show more restraint, particularly after the release of 'The Robe' in 1953, which was the first film to use the widescreen process in color. 'Caprice' thus stands as both a testimony to the golden age of Hollywood and a cautionary tale of what can go wrong when the right technology hits the wrong project.

Conclusion

The final helicopter chase in 'Caprice' is a testament to how even a film with potential can sometimes collapse under its own weight. It is a striking example of a scene that failed to live up to its historical context and failed to evoke the excitement and energy that a chase scene should conjure. While 'Caprice' stands as a forgotten gem in the film industry's archives, its most memorable moment is a classic case of everything that can go wrong. It is a tragic and humorous reminder of the challenges filmmakers face when trying to take their action scenes to new heights.

While Doris Day herself may have left a lasting legacy on the silver screen, it's the scenes that sometimes go the furthest that remind us the most about the artistry and skill that goes into making a film truly memorable. 'Caprice' certainly serves as a poignant reminder of that fact.

Additional Reading

IMDb - Caprice (1958) MICHFLIX - Caprice Film Movement - Cinemascope vs. Anamorphic