Not enough people appreciate the true genius of "Oklahoma!", mostly because too many associate Rodgers and Hammerstein to be overly sweet and happy ever after. But if one were to truly look at the material, as Trevor Nunn did in his superb 1999 London revival, they would see how dark and complex their musicals really are. Unfortunately, most of the R&H films don't uncover that, "Oklahoma!" especially, but as far as musical films go, their all enjoyable, even if "Oklahoma!" is one of the less enjoyable.
It's hard to say why that is. It remains mostly faithful to the stage show, and the cast is mostly fine, but something about the film seems tired and bland. It is wonderful that Trevor Nunn's production was recorded and released on DVD, since that is an excellent example of finding new light on a classic piece when it seemed impossible. While Nunn's "Oklahoma!" is preferable, the original film is still worth viewing, especially since Gordon Macrae and Shirly Jones are in much better form here than they would be in the eventual film version of "Carousel"
It's hard to say why that is. It remains mostly faithful to the stage show, and the cast is mostly fine, but something about the film seems tired and bland. It is wonderful that Trevor Nunn's production was recorded and released on DVD, since that is an excellent example of finding new light on a classic piece when it seemed impossible. While Nunn's "Oklahoma!" is preferable, the original film is still worth viewing, especially since Gordon Macrae and Shirly Jones are in much better form here than they would be in the eventual film version of "Carousel"