Movie Musicals
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In addition to Gershwin songs and
talented stars, this film also boasts some of the most beautiful dance numbers
ever produced. The 17-minute ballet is a masterpiece, inspired by the movements
and colors of centuries of French art. A visual triumph that will take your
breath away.
An American in Paris
With a morally questionable
storyline and a somewhat perverse pretense (is Gigi a girl? or a grown woman?
or does it even matter?), it's a wonder that Gigi managed to become one of the
most popular musicals of the staid 1950s. Perhaps the film's success was due to
its optimism, which ultimately allows love to win out over commerce. And, of
course, a perfect cast helps as well. This one is worth watching for Maurice
Chevalier's consummate performance alone.
Gigi
While the movie may not be
historically accurate, it is a lovely story of the relationship that grows
between the eastern king and western schoolteacher. Humor and drama mix
perfectly, with Yul Brynner in the role he was born to play. Aside from some
great songs ("I Whistle a Happy Tune" and "Getting to Know You"
are classics), the movie also boasts a beautiful score.
The King and I
A lavish and beautifully polished
screen production of the Broadway musical. Rex Harrison is superb as the ornery
Henry Higgins. And even with her musical numbers dubbed, Audrey Hepburn is the
ideal Eliza, both brazen and vulnerable. I can watch Eliza sing "I Could
Have Danced All Night" again and again!
My Fair Lady
Largely regarded as the best movie
musical of all time, and with good reason. Thoroughly enjoyable, every musical
number is a gem. Gene Kelly is at his best as the silent movie star Don
Lockwood. Jean Hagen gives a terrific performance as Lina Lamont, the actress
with a voice that could shatter glass.
Singin' in the Rain
Corny? Yes. But no less lovable.
I'll admit that the ever-so-cute performance of "So Long, Farewell"
makes my stomach turn (where are those Nazis when you really want them
to come in and break up the party?). But despite the saccharine, the film still
remains delightfully appealing. Liesl & Rolfe's beautifully filmed dance
number is one highlight, while Julie Andrews is at her most dazzling as her
voice soars through these melodious songs. And the Austrian scenery is
gorgeous.
The Sound of Music
My own personal favorite. Romeo
& Juliet meets the gang-ruled streets of New York City.
West Side Story
How can you not love it? A genuine
classic that has become part of our popular culture, Oz is the perfect fantasy
with some great song and dance numbers thrown in. And it stays just as fun and
frightening with every viewing! Remember how blown away you were when Dorothy
steps out of her black-and-white farmhouse into the technicolor Munchkinland?
Or how scared you were by those nasty flying monkeys? Or how sad you were when
Dorothy says her goodbyes and heads back to Kansas? Spectacular - after one or
ten or a hundred viewings!
The Wizard of Oz
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This page was last updated on March
17, 2004.
*DISCLAIMER*
All
images from An American in Paris, Gigi, Singin' in the Rain,
and West Side Story are property of MGM/UA. All images from My Fair
Lady, The King and I, and The Sound of Music are property of
20th Century Fox. All images from The Wizard of Oz are property of
Warner Bros.
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