Once I saw "Funny Girl" I assumed the beauties in the Follies could never compare to the 20s/30s standard and wow was I surprised. Those girls were truly beautiful, tip to toe and talented! Typically when you see even 40's musicals, you just assumed that women's stature, legs and poise eventually evolved to todays uber standard. However, in this epic biopic every dame is a winner. I figured since they were'nt wearing mini-skirts and bikinis in those days it was not as hard to compete for men's attentions.
I have been to many stage productions and could never imagine seeing moving sets with dancing girls on mattress tops. The LA Hard Rock show probably is the closet to this technique and I was over the top with just their small interpretation. But in the 20's? How truly shocking, exciting, and spectacular!
Ziegfeld was a genius to attract all that talent to produce unforgettable moments in entertainment history. I had no idea his shows visualized profound eye candy, particularly the sets.
I found the movie too long and was not prepared to see almost full shows and routines. But this is more documentary format than stage play. Ray Bolger exhibited enormous talent that only shone through slightly in the Wizard of Oz. Amazing how many characters from this film ended up together again in 1939.
I did not find the Helm character interesting and her phone scene was overly dramatic and tired. She reminded me of the woman who played Joan of Arc, the silent version, very expressive eyes. I also did not see the appeal for Fanny Brice, Streisand probably spoiled that image for me.
Powell never disappoints and is aged well into his final moments. I watched this film primarily for his performance and this role was most likely very gruelling given the length and amount of dialogue.
High recommend for appreciating Ziegelds's early musical stage shows, the bevy of leggy beauties and fabulous sets.
I have been to many stage productions and could never imagine seeing moving sets with dancing girls on mattress tops. The LA Hard Rock show probably is the closet to this technique and I was over the top with just their small interpretation. But in the 20's? How truly shocking, exciting, and spectacular!
Ziegfeld was a genius to attract all that talent to produce unforgettable moments in entertainment history. I had no idea his shows visualized profound eye candy, particularly the sets.
I found the movie too long and was not prepared to see almost full shows and routines. But this is more documentary format than stage play. Ray Bolger exhibited enormous talent that only shone through slightly in the Wizard of Oz. Amazing how many characters from this film ended up together again in 1939.
I did not find the Helm character interesting and her phone scene was overly dramatic and tired. She reminded me of the woman who played Joan of Arc, the silent version, very expressive eyes. I also did not see the appeal for Fanny Brice, Streisand probably spoiled that image for me.
Powell never disappoints and is aged well into his final moments. I watched this film primarily for his performance and this role was most likely very gruelling given the length and amount of dialogue.
High recommend for appreciating Ziegelds's early musical stage shows, the bevy of leggy beauties and fabulous sets.