drednm
Forget the stories about miscasting and squabbles on the set. This production of HELLO, DOLLY! is big and bright and brassy with Barbra Streisand taking center stage as Dolly Levi, the matchmaker with a mind to marry a crusty "half-a-millionaire" from Yonkers.The story line is familiar. The musical is based on Thornton Wilder's play THE MATCHMAKER and was a Broadway sensation for Carol Channing in 1964. This film version trims the story, drops a couple songs, and adds a new one ("Love Is Only Love"). Directed by Gene Kelly and choreographed by Michael Kidd, the film makes good use of location shooting around New York State.Streisand, in only her second film, is in great voice and shows a nice comic touch. Yes, Dolly is supposed to be "middle aged," but it really doesn't matter. And with those turn-of-the-century hair styles and clothes, you can't tell anyway.Walter Matthau is good as crusty Horace (though his accent wanders) and Michael Crawford makes for a delightful Cornelius Hackl. Marianne McAndrew is Irene, E.J. Peaker is Minnie, and Danny Lockin is Barnaby. Others in the cast include Judy Knaiz as Gussie, Tommy Tune as Ambrose, Joyce Ames as Ermengarde, David Hurst as Rudy, and Louis Armstrong as the bandleader.The songs by Jerry Herman are wonderful and have witty lyrics. Two huge production numbers dominate the film. In the first half, "Before the Parade Passes By" is a stunner, sung by Streisand, it turns into a gigantic parade beneath a summer sky and it's as big and brassy a musical number as you'll ever see. Of course the title song is a show stopper and well staged in the Harmonia Gardens on 14th Street. Streisand makes her famous entrance (and return to life after a period of widowhood) down a grand staircase. She wears a glittering gown of gold as she sings and dances with a battery of waiters. She also does a memorable duet with Armstrong (in his final film appearance).Yes, it's old fashioned. But the film is so bright and tuneful, it never lags. It was the #4 box-office hit of 1969. Bottom line: Streisand makes for a great Dolly, and this is a great film musical.
joelovesbabs
Probably one of the most underrated musicals of all time (next to THE WIZ), it is a shame that this movie is labeled overblown and excessive, which it is NOT; it is lavish and elegant and larger-than-life.Barbra Streisand is as magnificent here as she is in FUNNY GIRL, and at least very deserving of an Oscar nomination for her splashy, vibrant and effortlessly spontaneous and vivacious performance.Gene Kelly not being nominated also for directing this classic is as much a travesty as Steven Spielberg not being nominated for directing the best film of 1985, THE COLOR PURPLE, then again, A.M.P.A.S has made many faux pas over its existence. Here's to you Dolly Levi, and Barbra Streisand, so glad to have you both where you belong, in such a beloved and highly admired musical film.
mike48128
Barbra Streisand Musicals are kinda like oysters. You either love 'em or hate 'em! Like the Sound of Music, universally panned by the film critics as overly long and pretentious, but a favorite of the movie-going public. Great cinematography, due in no small part to the huge outdoor Yonkers and New York sets, and the impossibly cavernous "Hermonia Gardens" set. There is always a show-stopping song in a Steisand Musical, and here we have two: "Before the Parade Passes by", and "Hello Dolly." Critics complained that Barbra was too young to play "Dolly", but I can't imagine anyone else. Carol Channing couldn't have carried this film, as her voice wouldn't have had the vocal "range". Michael Crawford, E.J. Peaker, Walter Matthau and the rest of the cast light up the screen in brilliant but overly-long dance numbers. Tommy Tune is not given enough to do here. (Matthau can't dance or sing well, but he fits the role of grumpy "Horace Vandergelder" nicely.)There is not really a "spark" between the two main characters, but it all works out anyway because "Dolly" loves his money. Look for the white horse "nuzzling" one of the actors in the "It Takes a Woman" song and dance. The Hermonia Gardens "dance of the waiters" is intricate, and it borders on slapstick comedy, complete with a classic "pie (or cake) in the face" gag. Louis Armstrong's "Dolly" solo is a nice touch. Overblown, overproduced, and yes, they sure don't make 'em like this anymore, although the movie musical "Chicago" comes close. Yes, it's too long, the songs are repeated too often, and it's also just too much fun! A bit pale on the DVD transfer due to fading Eastman Color by Deluxe.
Armand
for me, it is unique. sure, for admirable performance who, after so many years ago, remains full of grace. the story is only stage for few great actors to define a wonderful world. Barbara Streissand shining and Walter Mathau is ideal choice for the rich and gloomy character. and scene in which Louis Armstrong and Barbara sings is out of definition. because all, each part is a unbelievable show. costumes, dialogs, songs, the force of great work, the rules of musical as bones of a impressive construction, the humor, the nuances, the nice details, the extraordinary costumes - all at perfect place, all - touching are elements of a real show. and, if story becomes confuse after a long time, it remains the flavor of performance. the essence. and the air of pure joy.
AD
