ShangLuda
Admirable film.
Afouotos
Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.
FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
shadowkat66
I can't say enough wonderful things about this movie! I wish I'd seen it in theatres. Unfortunately, it somehow missed my radar. I bought it almost immediately after renting it through Netflix and can't wait for the others he's making! Some of the stars interviewed surprised me, like Douglas Sills (a personal favorite of mine), Daisy Eagan, and Marisa Jaret Winokur. There were also a lot of the standard favorites like Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, Patti LuPone, etc.The varying views were wonderful to hear from the theatre world. It was nice to see that not everyone thinks that the Broadway of old is totally dead. I have hope for the future and recommend this HIGHLY to anyone who loves theatre!
originaltopherp
Honestly, there's nothing better you could do with your time or money than buy this movie and watch it immediately.I'd heard glowing reviews of this movie, so as soon as it hit Chicago I was first in line, bringing a friend along. The next day, I was back there again, with another friend in tow.Myself, my friends, and everyone else I know that's seen this movie feel it is the most important documentary ever made about Broadway. They say history is made by the people who lived it, and here--from his own personal passion--Rick has amassed the largest number of living legends ever to appear in the same film. Rather than a bland collection of facts, this movie is filled with life and energy and stories--both silly and heartfelt--by the people who were actually there. You can't beat Chita Rivera talking about the original production of WEST SIDE STORY, or Angela Lansbury and MAME, or countless others.As you watch, you're simply spellbound by the love and dedication that went into preserving these people on film and more so, by the love and dedication these legends have for Broadway stage. Your heart aches to be there, with them, in all the glory and splendor they recreate from their recollections.Quite simply, if you care about theatre in any way shape or form, this movie is required viewing. And if you don't care about theatre, this movie will make you a convert to the magic that is live theatre. Rick McKay is a saint of the performing arts and deserves entry into the theatre hall of fame for this movie, right alongside all the legends he interviewed.The only thing you could possibly have against this film is that it's too short. It's two hours, and when it's done, you want to sit for another two, and I imagine another two after that.
jotix100
Rick McKay is an invaluable source when it comes to what theater is all about. His other documentary, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, was excellent. In this new work, instead of concentrating on a single performer, he explores the best years of Broadway and the commercial theater during the era when it was at its peak.The strength of the film is the intimacy one feels whenever the stars, being interviewed, speak directly to the camera, and thus to us. It's just as if these performers are telling us their secrets. There is an immediacy that no other documentary on the subject ever projected before.In a way it is a world that is no longer here. The fact is that not only it's almost prohibitive to go to the Broadway theater, but it's also about the quality of what's being shown these days. When ticket prices for musicals go over $100.00, producers can only bring to the stage only those shows that might prove to be money makers. Then, of course, there is no guarantee for commercial success.Sadly, most so called stars working in musicals these days have no voices to fill a theater. Since everything is amplified, it's as though one is listening to the cast album of the show, not to a live performance. These days producers will import a Hollywood star to do a musical for the name and possible revenue that will be generated, rather than for artistic merit.It was delightful to hear actors talking about their peers. How a Laurette Taylor, a Marlon Brando, a Kim Stanley, were admired for their talent as well as for the integrity they brought to each performance. Since theater happens whenever actors are on a stage, most of the last century's historical performances can't be appreciated because they weren't done in front of a camera.This film is a must see for theater enthusiasts.
mrichards2004
Saw this film recently in a festival and thought, "Thank God for festivals, for where else would I ever see this film?!" But, the filmmaker did an interview with the audience afterwards and said that a distribution company has taken the film and it is going to open in theaters around the country this summer. What great news!This is a movie every young person should see who likes movies, tv or theater. It is so inspiring and it truly captures the brilliance of great actors, singers, writers and composers. I always thought the world would continue to create great creative geniuses who came to places like New York and made history, but it doesn't seem to be any more. Much like the people in this film, "I thought it would go on forever."But, this movie makes me feel optimistic again because any time you see something this powerful (and this is a powerful movie) I begin to believe again in the hope of great art, whether on stage or film or tv or maybe the next era is digital video. Who knows? But, run don't walk to see this movie if it opens anywhere near you!
