Over a decade after his passing, Blake Edwards continues to be celebrated in Hollywood for his remarkable works, including classics like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” and the “Pink Panther” series.

Born in Tulsa and mainly raised in Los Angeles, Edwards, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 88, was married to the iconic Julie Andrews for over 40 years. The couple collaborated on seven films together, such as the groundbreaking musical “Victor/Victoria,” the witty comedy “10,” and the satirical Hollywood film “S.O.B.”

The documentary “Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames,” debuting on PBS at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 as part of “American Masters,” highlights their profound 40-year relationship.

This new film features conversations with Julie Andrews and other actors who appeared in his films, such as Lesley Ann Warren (“Victor/Victoria”), Bo Derek (“10”), and Robert Wagner (“The Pink Panther”). It also includes insights from comedian Patton Oswalt, film critic Leonard Maltin, Edwards’ children, Jennifer and Geoffrey Edwards, and notable directors like Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), Rian Johnson (“Knives Out”), Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”), and Jay Chandrasekhar (“Super Troopers”).

Prior to the PBS premiere (OETA in Oklahoma City), producer, co-writer, and director Danny Gold, along with Michael Kantor, executive producer for “American Masters,” shared insights with The Oklahoman, part of The YSL News Network. They discussed Edwards’ beginnings, his Hollywood love story with Andrews, and his lasting impact on cinema.

The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: What inspired you to create a documentary on Blake Edwards?

Gold: At age 12, I watched ‘Return of the Pink Panther’ at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, and that opened my eyes to Blake Edwards’ work. It was my gateway into his filmography, and I explored his earlier projects, becoming a devoted fan. Peter Sellers was another influence for me, as I was intrigued by their collaboration, which motivated me to pursue this documentary.

Q: Can you share how Blake Edwards’ Oklahoma roots influenced his life and work?

Gold: Blake was born in Oklahoma in 1922, but his parents divorced when he was young. Later, his mother married Jack McEdward, and they relocated to Los Angeles. There’s a notable connection between Oklahoma and many filmmakers, whether through birth or upbringing. While researching for this film, I found that many artists resonate with their roots. One of his films, ‘Wild Rovers,’ which he described as semi-autobiographical, reflected on his origins. Our upbringing becomes part of who we are.

Kantor: His early works were Westerns, like ‘Panhandle’ and ‘Stampede.’ It’s intriguing to see how the Western genre resonated with him, potentially stemming from his early experiences.

Q: What insights did you gain about Blake Edwards’ relationship with Julie Andrews during your interview?

Gold: Their 43-year partnership, both personal and professional, was foundational for them. Julie still holds deep affection for Blake. Throughout our conversation, she spoke of him with great admiration, highlighting their love story and how instrumental they were in each other’s careers. This bond shines through in their films, allowing viewers to feel the depth of their relationship.

Q: Was it challenging to condense his extensive life and work into a 90-minute documentary?

Gold: Indeed, it was quite a challenge to fit his expansive career—comprising 53 films—into a mere 90 minutes. It wouldn’t do justice to his legacy. Therefore, we decided to focus on films that illustrated thematic connections, his directorial techniques, and the influences he imparted on others, as this is crucial to understanding his narrative.

The impact Blake Edwards has had on the careers of many artists is significant, especially in the realms of comedy, storytelling, and filmmaking techniques.

Q: Can you discuss how animation was integrated into the documentary?

Gold: Initially, we planned to include an animated opening title sequence as a tribute to Blake’s style, particularly in ‘The Pink Panther,’ where the title sequences held great significance. The animation team he collaborated with, DePatie and Freleng, served as inspiration for us.

As our relationship with the animator flourished, we found ourselves lacking some visual material throughout the film. To enhance the storytelling and break the monotony of talking heads, we decided to incorporate illustrations. This creative approach allowed us to effectively convey the narrative.

Kantor: Danny and his team were given exceptional access to archival content. Two years into their process — around 1971 — Blake produced a film titled ‘Julie,’ which focuses on his life with her. Clips from this relatively rare film are woven into the documentary, showcasing the backing of the Blake Edwards estate and his long-time partner, Julie, his now widow. Their involvement adds a unique touch to the film, making the materials feel special.

Q: Despite his passing in 2010, do you think Blake Edwards’ influence remains strong?

Gold: I heard recently about a Broadway adaptation of ‘Days of Wine and Roses.’ There are even discussions about a new ‘Pink Panther’ film in the works. More importantly, in terms of his lasting impact, conversations with filmmakers like Rian Johnson, Paul Feig, Jay Chandrasekhar, and Rob Marshall highlight this influence. Rian mentioned that elements of Blake’s style can be seen in the ‘Knives Out’ films. Seeing such prominent directors acknowledge his influence is the greatest compliment to his legacy.

Q: What do you hope viewers will take away from this documentary?

Kantor: Our viewers, like many Americans, are keenly interested in behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood, and this documentary offers just that. It’s a love story set against Hollywood’s backdrop, centered around two legendary figures — a filmmaker and an actress — who collaborated on seven films and built a family together. I hope audiences will be thrilled to peek behind the curtain and rediscover how the partnership between Blake Edwards and Henry Mancini led to timeless pieces like the ‘Peter Gunn’ theme and ‘Moon River’ from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’ These are legendary songs that have stood the test of time. The documentary invites viewers into the creative process, showcasing what makes someone a remarkable artist. I believe this film accomplishes that, especially with Julie’s candid reflections on Blake’s career and insights from other filmmakers.

Gold: I am grateful that Michael and ‘American Masters’ created the opportunity for audiences to discover or rediscover this extraordinary filmmaker, as he truly deserves a place among great filmmakers.

HOW TO WATCH

The documentary “Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames” debuts nationwide at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, on PBS (OETA in Oklahoma City). It will be available to stream for a limited period at https://www.pbs.org.