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20th Century Fox were justly proud of Hello Dolly!,
one of the last of the big time musicals.
It was shot entirely on the back lot of their studios in
Century City. In the original stage production Dolly was an
older woman; in the film a youthful Barbra Streisand gives
the role sex appeal; she looks good in an Edwardian blouse
and her voice isn't bad either!
Walter Matthau is perfect as the irascible yet lovable Horace
Vandergelder as he demonstrates unexpected skills in song
and dance.
Michael Crawford tops the bill of a talented supporting cast.
He is energetic and appealing but let down by a rather reedy
voice, which isn't helped by a soundtrack of variable quality.
It's always a test of a good musical if there's at least
one song that the audience keeps whistling. Put on your
Sunday Clothes is one of these, closely followed by; It
only Takes a Moment, It Takes a Woman, and of course,
the title song, Hello Dolly!.
Visually the film is stunning; it's sets, costumes and lighting
enhance Michael Kidd's vigorous and creative choreography.
Director Gene Kelly shoots the film beautifully. The difficulty
is that he doesn't know when to say in dance routines…"Cut!"
Hello Dolly! can be enjoyed by all generations. A
picture like this can't be made these days; there isn't enough
money… or the studio space.
Conclusion: 85% Extras: 50%.
Continued: DVD
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