I forgot about the Man of La Mancha film, which is truly awful. I've never been able to get past the first 20 minutes or so because it's so bad -- it definitely belongs in the Mame category.
My parents took me to see the South Pacific film in '58 -- I was only 10 and it blew me away. The color filters didn't bother me then. I still get a lot of enjoyment watching it today although I'm aware of its many weaknesses.
Regarding Nine and Sweeney Todd, I was shocked that movie versions of these two excellent stage musicals even got made and ultimately I'm glad that it did happen. I kind of accept what each of their director's particular vision was and pretty much appreciate them for what they are. A Little Night Music is a guilty pleasure for me. Resetting it in Vienna totally destroys the story's key metaphor. Nevertheless, I love Rigg's performance, Cariou and Gingold are fine, and I even think Taylor is pretty good later on in the film.
I'm not exactly sure but I believe I was introduced to the On the Town movie before I became familiar with Bernstein's complete score. The movie on its own is quite good -- I enjoy it, but because the original score is one of my favorites, it's not a film I want to see over and over again. I've never purchased the DVD of it. |
