You know that feeling when a movie becomes so famous for one single image that the rest of the film basically disappears? That is exactly what happened with 10. If you ask anyone about it today, they’ll probably mention Bo Derek running on a beach in slow motion with those cornrow braids.
But there is so much more to the cast of movie 10 than just a swimsuit poster.
Honestly, the 1979 film was a massive gamble for everyone involved. It was supposed to be a George Segal vehicle until he walked off the set at the last minute. That one decision changed the course of comedy history. It turned a "virtual unknown" in America into a superstar and gave a legendary actress a chance to play against her "Mary Poppins" type.
Let's get into who actually made this movie work.
The Unlikely Leading Man: Dudley Moore as George Webber
Dudley Moore wasn't even the first choice. Not even the second, really. When George Segal bailed, director Blake Edwards took a huge risk on Moore.
Moore plays George Webber, a 42-year-old songwriter who is having the world's most dramatic midlife crisis. He's rich, he's successful, and he's dating Samantha Taylor (played by Julie Andrews). But he is miserable.
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Why he was perfect
- The Piano Skills: Moore was a legit jazz pianist in real life. Blake Edwards actually changed the character from a dentist to a songwriter just to let Moore show off.
- The Physicality: At 5'2", Moore brought a specific kind of "bumbling but charming" energy. He made the obsession with Bo Derek's character feel more like a pathetic comedy of errors than something creepy.
- The Heart: You've gotta feel for him even when he's being an idiot. That's a hard line to walk.
Moore's performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and for a few years in the early '80s, he was one of the biggest stars in the world. Sadly, he passed away in 2002 from pneumonia related to a rare brain disorder, but his work in 10 remains the blueprint for the modern "sad-sack" protagonist.
Julie Andrews: Breaking the "Nanny" Image
It's easy to forget that Julie Andrews was married to the director, Blake Edwards. At the time, she was still very much seen as the wholesome star of The Sound of Music.
In 10, she plays Samantha Taylor, George’s long-suffering girlfriend. She’s the voice of reason. While George is chasing a fantasy in Mexico, Samantha is back home dealing with his actual life.
She doesn't have the "flashy" beach scenes, but she holds the movie together. There’s a scene where she gives George the middle finger—which, in 1979, was a huge deal for "Maria von Trapp" to do on screen. It showed a grit and maturity that paved the way for her later roles in films like S.O.B. and Victor/Victoria.
Bo Derek: The "11" on a Scale of 10
You can't talk about the cast of movie 10 without Jennifer "Jenny" Hanley. Bo Derek was relatively new to the scene when she was cast as the woman who represents the "perfect 10."
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Actually, in the movie, George calls her an "11."
The Cultural Impact
- The Hair: Those cornrow braids became a global sensation overnight.
- The Music: She’s the reason Maurice Ravel’s Bolero is still associated with... well, you know.
- The Stardom: Derek became an instant icon, though she struggled to find roles that matched this level of success later on.
Interestingly, Kim Basinger and Christie Brinkley were both considered for the role. While they might have been "better" actresses at the time, there’s a specific, ethereal quality Bo Derek brought that just worked. She wasn't playing a person so much as she was playing a dream.
The Supporting Players You Forgot Were There
The movie is packed with character actors who went on to do massive things.
Robert Webber plays Larry Hugh, George’s songwriting partner. He’s the cynical counterbalance to George’s romantic delusions. Webber was a veteran with over 150 credits, and he brings a much-needed groundedness to the Hollywood scenes.
Then there’s Dee Wallace as Mary Lewis. This was right before she became the world’s most famous movie mom in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. In 10, she plays a lonely woman George meets in a bar in Mexico. It’s a surprisingly tender, sad scene in the middle of a comedy.
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And don't overlook Brian Dennehy. He plays Donald the bartender. He’s huge, he’s imposing, and he’s exactly the kind of guy you’d want giving you life advice over a drink. This was early in his career, before he became the villain in First Blood.
Sam J. Jones (The Future Flash Gordon)
If you look closely at the newlywed husband Jenny is with, that’s Sam J. Jones. This was his first-ever film role. Legend has it that his appearance here is what got him the lead in Flash Gordon a year later.
Why the Cast Still Matters Today
The cast of movie 10 worked because it wasn't just a bunch of pretty faces. It was a mix of British wit (Moore), Hollywood royalty (Andrews), and raw "it factor" (Derek).
Most people think this is a movie about a guy chasing a girl. It's actually a movie about a guy realizing that the "perfect 10" doesn't exist, and he's an idiot for ignoring the "8" or "9" he already had at home.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Cinephiles:
- Watch for the Piano: If you re-watch it, pay attention to the scenes where Dudley Moore is playing. He isn't faking it. Those are his actual hands and his actual arrangements.
- Check out the "Unrated" History: Look into the legal battle between Blake Edwards and George Segal. It’s a wild story of Hollywood egos that ended up being the best thing that ever happened to the film.
- Listen to the Score: Henry Mancini (who did The Pink Panther) wrote the music. It’s a masterclass in how to use music to underscore a character's mental breakdown.
If you're looking for a deep dive into 70s comedy, start with the supporting cast. They are the ones who turn a dated "midlife crisis" story into something that still feels relatable (and funny) decades later.
Look for the subtle performances by Max Showalter as the Reverend or Nedra Volz as the housekeeper. They provide the "L.A. weirdness" that makes the first half of the movie so sharp.
To get the full experience, watch 10 back-to-back with Arthur (1981). It shows the incredible range Dudley Moore had before he was pigeonholed by the industry.