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Reviews
Where's Charley? (1952)
A Tragic Mistake
This is a really good musical that was a big hit on Broadway and on film. The only version of the film (there are no stage versions, I'm aware of) is a very poor video dub on YouTube. See it! You'll enjoy it even under such miserable conditions. The performances and production are stagey, but fit the scenario. Best is Ray Bolger's enjoyable star turn as Charlie. It's also a great opportunity to see Michael Kidd's early choreography. You'll notice it's influence on Kidd's later choreography for Hello Dolly! This delightful film is not avaliable in the US due to copyright restrictions placed on it by Frank Loesser's estate with the mistaken assumptions that it is one of the composer's (so the story goes) that it's a lesser work. To deny the public from seeing this enjoyable film and one of Bolger's most famous roles is a tragedy. Thank you to the YouTuber for posting what's there.
Oh... Rosalinda!! (1955)
What were they trying to accomplish?
Strange by any measure. Did Powell and Pressburger really make this? A dreadful version of Strauss' masterpiece. The color and scenic design is somewhat similar to P&P's Tales of Hoffman but way overdone. The performances are embarassing. Lots of yelling and loud singing with absolutely no subtelty..Worth a look for the scenic design and Anton Walbrook who seems to recognize how silly the whole thing is. Not shown in the US until 1985, for good reason.
Oklahoma! (1955)
The Greatest
Oklahoma! is the greatest musical ever filmed. You may have other personal favorites, but when R&H decided to produce the film version, they micromanaged their baby until it was perfect. They succeeded on all counts-acting, singing, timing, choreography, photography that blows you away. It also shows the darker side in what is seemingly a simple romantic story. Director Zinneman's choice to have threatening Rod Stieger as a counterpart to the sweet story, There is no argument that the songs are performed as the composers wanted, and McRae and Jones signing and performances are unequaled. The movie sets a high bar for any production to cross, and having seen many stage productions, none has the effect of the magnificent movie. I was fortunate enough to see the original release at the Egyptian in Hollywood, and the revival at the same theater 38 years later, both on the marvelous TODD-AO curved screen. Its more impressive on a big screen and I would gladly pay to see this on a large screen. The latest Blue-Ray version look and sounds absolutely beautiful, has impressive 7.1 DTS-HD sound and is a big improvement over the 2005 release which was pretty worn. Thank you 20th Century Fox for restoring this not only historic first Todd-AO film, but allow the firm to be shown as it was originally meant to be seen