Sometimes what you believe in becomes more real than the actual world in which you live, and isn't there some small part in everyone that's eternally searching for that special place, that world within the world that once discovered becomes the place you want to be in forever? It's the stuff with which folklore and films are filled, manifested in places like Valhalla, Shangri-la, Xanadu and even Never Never Land. A place usually found only in the heart and in the mind, but occasionally stumbled upon in the most unlikely of places, which is the case in point here, when two men-- lost in the Highlands of Scotland-- come across a place you'll not find on any map. A place called `Brigadoon.'
Directed by Vincente Minnelli and told through the music and songs of Lerner and Loewe, this 1954 musical is the story of New Yorkers Tommy Albright (Gene Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Van Johnson) who, on a hunting trip to Scotland, become lost in the Highlands and happen upon the village of Brigadoon. Very quickly they realize that things are somehow different in this place, from the attire and attitude of the locals to the way they're received by them. But there's something else, something about this place that seems to draw Tommy to it, that makes him feel as if he belongs here. The cynical Jeff, on the other hand, can't wait to get away. And while they try to sort it all out-- especially Tommy-- they get caught up in the festivities of the day; a wedding is about to take place, and during the excitement a couple of things happen: First, Tommy overhears someone mention something about a `secret' and a `miracle.' And then he meets Fiona (Cyd Charisse), and the spell of Brigadoon is upon him.
Minnelli may have directed this picture, but there's not so much as a footnote to it that bears his signature. It does, however, have Gene Kelly written all over it from beginning to end. As the star of the show and the choreographer, everything about it has his style stamped boldly upon it, and it's Kelly's spirit that carries the film, which is far from being one of Lerner and Loewe's greatest achievements. With the exception of `It's Almost Like Being In Love,' in fact, the songs are fairly forgettable. But there's a certain enchantment to the `idea' of Brigadoon, plus having Kelly aboard to bring it to fruition, that makes this a pleasantly engaging film. And it's that fairy tale sense of finding the person and place of your heart's desire that makes it so appealing. Some viewers, jaded by the stark reality of much of today's fare, may find this offering a bit corny; but then again, with the phenomenal success of a film like the recent `Harry Potter,' it may be indicative of the fact that films like `Brigadoon' are just what audiences are hungry for, and a film like this just may be a pleasant discovery-- or rediscovery-- for many who are indeed looking for just this kind of entertainment. Ironically, in the fantasy of it there is something intrinsically down-to-earth about it that many may find attractive and refreshing.
Of course, any vehicle which affords the opportunity of seeing a great artist like Kelly doing what he does best is worth it's weight in gold. Watching Kelly dance, no matter what the setting or venue, is a transporting experience. Fred Astaire may be the Crown Prince of those who have danced their way to fame on the silver screen, but Kelly is the King, with a commanding, powerful presence that is without equal. Quite simply, nobody does it better, and his presence is definitely the strength of this film.
Cyd Charisse (whom Astaire named as his first choice of all his partners) is at her best here during her numbers with Kelly, but as good as she is-- and she is an extraordinary dancer and performer, arguably one of the screen's best ever-- in retrospect, she may not have been the best choice for this part; someone like Vera-Ellen, perhaps, may have been more able overall to capture the ethereal essence of Fiona, as Charisse is better suited to a more contemporary or modern setting. Still, there are those who will maintain that Charisse was perfect for this role, and indeed, it is an entirely subjective call.
Van Johnson gives a good performance, but there's something of a fish-out-of-water sense about it, which may have to do with the character he's playing. Jeff, after all, is the one who remains grounded while Tommy gets swept away with the fantasy in which they find themselves. And he does get a chance to show off a bit of his ability as a dancer in a brief number alongside Kelly, who very generously seems to tip his hat to Johnson by maintaining a rather reserved presence during their bit together.
The supporting cast includes Elaine Stewart (Jane), Barry Jones (Mr. Lundie), Hugh Laing (Harry), Albert Sharpe (Andrew), Virginia Bosler (Jean), Jimmy Thompson (Charlie), Tudor Owen (Archie), Dee Turnell (Ann), Dodie Heath (Meg), Owen McGiveney (Angus) and Eddie Quillan (Sandy). Also look for George Chakiris as one of the dancers. A somewhat minor, but rather charming musical, `Brigadoon' has a certain universal appeal that will ensure it's place forever among even the most memorable of movie musicals. It may lack the impact that would give it the stature of a `West Side Story,' `Oklahoma,' `Carousel' or `My Fair Lady,' but it has a quality all it's own that makes it enjoyable and entertaining to watch. And that's the magic of the movies. I rate this one 7/10.
Directed by Vincente Minnelli and told through the music and songs of Lerner and Loewe, this 1954 musical is the story of New Yorkers Tommy Albright (Gene Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Van Johnson) who, on a hunting trip to Scotland, become lost in the Highlands and happen upon the village of Brigadoon. Very quickly they realize that things are somehow different in this place, from the attire and attitude of the locals to the way they're received by them. But there's something else, something about this place that seems to draw Tommy to it, that makes him feel as if he belongs here. The cynical Jeff, on the other hand, can't wait to get away. And while they try to sort it all out-- especially Tommy-- they get caught up in the festivities of the day; a wedding is about to take place, and during the excitement a couple of things happen: First, Tommy overhears someone mention something about a `secret' and a `miracle.' And then he meets Fiona (Cyd Charisse), and the spell of Brigadoon is upon him.
Minnelli may have directed this picture, but there's not so much as a footnote to it that bears his signature. It does, however, have Gene Kelly written all over it from beginning to end. As the star of the show and the choreographer, everything about it has his style stamped boldly upon it, and it's Kelly's spirit that carries the film, which is far from being one of Lerner and Loewe's greatest achievements. With the exception of `It's Almost Like Being In Love,' in fact, the songs are fairly forgettable. But there's a certain enchantment to the `idea' of Brigadoon, plus having Kelly aboard to bring it to fruition, that makes this a pleasantly engaging film. And it's that fairy tale sense of finding the person and place of your heart's desire that makes it so appealing. Some viewers, jaded by the stark reality of much of today's fare, may find this offering a bit corny; but then again, with the phenomenal success of a film like the recent `Harry Potter,' it may be indicative of the fact that films like `Brigadoon' are just what audiences are hungry for, and a film like this just may be a pleasant discovery-- or rediscovery-- for many who are indeed looking for just this kind of entertainment. Ironically, in the fantasy of it there is something intrinsically down-to-earth about it that many may find attractive and refreshing.
Of course, any vehicle which affords the opportunity of seeing a great artist like Kelly doing what he does best is worth it's weight in gold. Watching Kelly dance, no matter what the setting or venue, is a transporting experience. Fred Astaire may be the Crown Prince of those who have danced their way to fame on the silver screen, but Kelly is the King, with a commanding, powerful presence that is without equal. Quite simply, nobody does it better, and his presence is definitely the strength of this film.
Cyd Charisse (whom Astaire named as his first choice of all his partners) is at her best here during her numbers with Kelly, but as good as she is-- and she is an extraordinary dancer and performer, arguably one of the screen's best ever-- in retrospect, she may not have been the best choice for this part; someone like Vera-Ellen, perhaps, may have been more able overall to capture the ethereal essence of Fiona, as Charisse is better suited to a more contemporary or modern setting. Still, there are those who will maintain that Charisse was perfect for this role, and indeed, it is an entirely subjective call.
Van Johnson gives a good performance, but there's something of a fish-out-of-water sense about it, which may have to do with the character he's playing. Jeff, after all, is the one who remains grounded while Tommy gets swept away with the fantasy in which they find themselves. And he does get a chance to show off a bit of his ability as a dancer in a brief number alongside Kelly, who very generously seems to tip his hat to Johnson by maintaining a rather reserved presence during their bit together.
The supporting cast includes Elaine Stewart (Jane), Barry Jones (Mr. Lundie), Hugh Laing (Harry), Albert Sharpe (Andrew), Virginia Bosler (Jean), Jimmy Thompson (Charlie), Tudor Owen (Archie), Dee Turnell (Ann), Dodie Heath (Meg), Owen McGiveney (Angus) and Eddie Quillan (Sandy). Also look for George Chakiris as one of the dancers. A somewhat minor, but rather charming musical, `Brigadoon' has a certain universal appeal that will ensure it's place forever among even the most memorable of movie musicals. It may lack the impact that would give it the stature of a `West Side Story,' `Oklahoma,' `Carousel' or `My Fair Lady,' but it has a quality all it's own that makes it enjoyable and entertaining to watch. And that's the magic of the movies. I rate this one 7/10.