G | 2h 31min | Biography, Comedy, Drama | 19 September 1968
Director: William Wyler
Stars: Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon.
Herbert Ross ... director: musical numbers
13 songs performed in the Soundtracks.
Previously rated 8, I don't see a reason to change it. I've seen this so often, it's difficult to get more enthused.
My favorite moment is Don't Rain On My Parade song presentation, complete with speeding tugboat.
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Nicky Arnstein (OS) is a very handsome (in real life, looks more like Richard Haydn), charming, unsavory character. I wonder if it's possible to be a professional gambler who's psychologically healthy; seems unlikely. Not that being married to a major star is easy for anyone. But since he decides to commit a crime to earn money, I don't interpret this as a cautionary tale on the showbiz career of his wife.
Streisand (b. '42) is terrific here, luminous. This is her 1st of 19 film acting credits. She originated the role on B'way.
I'm glad I remembered that Tommy Rall is the male lead in the Swan Lake number, and that I've now seen a full Swan Lake performance with Nureyev. TR does some beautiful leaps, and has the crossbow for hunting the swans. And then when BS turns things comedic, he gives some very good reactions. She's such an attention magnet that it's hard to watch others, but because I knew it was him, I made the effort.
I'm glad I remembered that Tommy Rall is the male lead in the Swan Lake number, and that I've now seen a full Swan Lake performance with Nureyev. TR does some beautiful leaps, and has the crossbow for hunting the swans. And then when BS turns things comedic, he gives some very good reactions. She's such an attention magnet that it's hard to watch others, but because I knew it was him, I made the effort.
Columbia & more, dir. Wyler; 8
