I can understand why this over-produced Ken Russell musical from the Broadway success that catapulted Julie Andrews into stardom in '54, has been criticized for its overly stylized visuals with overhead camera shots and dizzying camera angles while mixing a backstage story with an on stage musical--but somehow, it works.
It's a welcome spoof of Hollywood musicals of the '20s and '30s and Busby Berkeley dance routines in particular. TWIGGY is charming as the girl who has to step into the leading role and told to "come out like a star" when the show's original lead (GLENDA JACKSON) breaks her leg. CHRISTOPHER GABLE is the Busby-like character that Twiggy is in love with and wants to please with a good performance. She's excellent and does some good singing and dancing.
It's a bit overlong even though the U.S. version was considerably cut, but the music is appealing and the whole show moves along at a brisk, never relenting pace that is full of color and energy. If ever a stage musical was transformed successfully into cinematic material, this is a fine example.
It's a welcome spoof of Hollywood musicals of the '20s and '30s and Busby Berkeley dance routines in particular. TWIGGY is charming as the girl who has to step into the leading role and told to "come out like a star" when the show's original lead (GLENDA JACKSON) breaks her leg. CHRISTOPHER GABLE is the Busby-like character that Twiggy is in love with and wants to please with a good performance. She's excellent and does some good singing and dancing.
It's a bit overlong even though the U.S. version was considerably cut, but the music is appealing and the whole show moves along at a brisk, never relenting pace that is full of color and energy. If ever a stage musical was transformed successfully into cinematic material, this is a fine example.