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Reviews
Cinderella (1957)
Why Bother with Comparisons
I grew up in the 60's and 70's loving the Lesley Ann Warren version of Cinderella and always will, mostly because of the wonderful score, but, I have always wanted to see this version as Julie Andrews is one of my all time favorite musical stars. She absolutely shines throughout the whole production. And to think they did it all LIVE is just amazing. Only one noticeable goof-up that I noticed (when the prince stepped on the queens lines-but he was a newcomer and probably scared to death) This version is more tongue in cheek than the later version- which Rogers admitted he re-wrote to be more fairy tale like (Disney-like is more like it) But as I said don't bother with comparisons, just be glad to see a new Julie Andrews performance (new to most of us anyway) in an original musical written especially for her. What's especially great is that you get to see what Julie was like during the run of "My Fair Lady" and to see why there was such a buzz about her at the time (Jack Warner sure made a goof not putting her in the film of "Lady").All the cast are wonderful in their parts, especially Kaye Ballard and Alice Ghostley as the bickering stepsisters. All in all a lovely night with a loverly lady.
Mame (1974)
Lucy can`t sing, but she`s still a great MAME
I saw this film when it was originally released in the theatre and I was too young to know that Lucy wasn`t exactly a great choice for Mame. I only knew that the music (Lucy`s singing aside) was wonderful. I`m talking about the orchestrations and the arrangements of the score. From the opening title when the firts strains of MAME are played I was hooked. Over the years I have come to realize that Lucy was miscast as far as the singing goes but having seen a video of Angela Lansbury in the role, I have to say that as far as acting the part, Lucy did an admirable job. Some things about the play were changed for the film but that happens in almost all transfers from stage to screen. It worked well for Cabaret and the Sound of Music and for the most part works well here. No, Lucy can`t sing like Angela Lansbury (who I think is one of the most accomplished actresses of film, theatre and television) but she has her moments, such as MY BEST GIRL with Kirby Furlong and BOSOM BUDDIES with the wonderful Bea Arthur and she brings all her years of experience to the role. She also has a wonderful cast around her to help the film along. My favorite part is the title song sung by Robert Preston and the plantation crowd. A great arrangement of the music and a wonderful adaption of the stage choreography (and Lucy dances wonderfully as well). All in all, if you like musicals and can get past Lucy`s minimal singing talent, then I think you`ll love Mame
Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall (1962)
A great night of Entertainment
Would that there were entertainers like this today. I suppose there probably are but they just don`t get the chance to shine the way they used to. I`ve always been impressed by someone who could just stand at a microphone and sing with an orchestra without having to resort to walking the stage or gyrating uncontrollably like the performers we see today. Julie and Carol were (and are) just that. Of course they were helped by the great Mike Nichols direction and the orchestrations of the always wonderful Irwin Kostal(Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, West Side Story). There is Comedy and music all through this special including a medley of the great standards of the fifties and sixties. If your lucky enough to get a chance to see it don`t let that chance go by.
The Julie Andrews Hour (1972)
Classy and Entertaining
i remember watching this show when it originally aired in Prime time. What a treat to have Julie singing and clowning every week in the tradition of the other great ladies of the variety shows that were so popular then. What a shame these variety shows of the 70`s are not available to buy on DVD or video today. Julie had some wonderful guests on her show including Sammy Davis, Angela Lansbury, Mama Cass, the real Maria Von Trapp, Peggy Lee, Jim Nabors, Henry Mancini and more. I have been lucky enough to obtain a few of these shows but would love to see all of them including the pilot episode in which Julie played herself, Eliza Doolittle and Mary Poppins all at the same time through trick photography. Mary and Eliza were arguing about who introduced Julie to the world through theatre or movies and then all three sang together. Maybe someday we`ll get lucky enough to get to see these shows again.