The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical comedy, less funny than I thought it would be, but still with odd bursts of humour. It was made into a cult film in 1965 written by Terry Southern and Christopher Isherwood starring a roster of improbable costars from John Gielgud to Liberace.
Dennis Barlow is an Englishman, working in Los Angeles at an animal cemetery. Well versed in the bereavement industry, he naturally helps out a fellow countryman when he hangs himself - an executive fired from Megapolitain Pictures. Dennis visits Whispering Glades, and is introduced to the finer points they offer, including the viewing rooms playing the Hindu Love-song, the cosmetologists, the embalmers, the choice of coffins, the flowers, wardrobe for the dead, and then the choice of location on the vast grounds - Pilgrim's Rest? Poet's Corner? Shadowlands? the Lake Isle young couples boat around for pleasure?.
Will Dennis find new angles to introduce to his Happier Hunting Ground cemetery or will he find true love? During the visit, he meets make-up artist Aimee Thanatogenos, and they begin to date despite the obvious attentions of the embalmer Mr. Joyboy.
In confusion Aimee asks for relationship advice, writing to newspaper columnist Guru Brahmin (formerly 'Aunt Lydia') ...in reality, two gloomy men and a bright young secretary.
"Well...what am I to do?"
With everyone behaving with serious dignity, there are more twisted situations than comedy, humorous lines coming in fits and spurts. Waugh was in Hollywood making a deal with MGM to film his classic Brideshead Revisited (never happened) and was intrigued after touring Forest Lawn cemetery. Shocking at the time, there was question whether The Loved One should appear at all in the USA, and Waugh was sure it was the most offensive thing he had done, showing he had no decency at all. I've read his novel The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold, and not liked it much. This was the better Waugh, but despite a few laughs, not overly recommendable.
Wacky when I think back on it, but while reading I was just mildly entertained.
1948 / Tradeback / 167 pages
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