What a delightful combination of classic musical comedy with fine performances. This film version of the Broadway production proves that Linda Ronstadt can do almost anything musically. (I wish she'd do more Gilbert and Sullivan.) While Kevin Kline is not a favorite, Rex Smith is charming. Angela Lansbury plays a role very different from Jessica Fletcher and shows great understanding of British musical comedy.
While it is enough just to enjoy the film, the viewer might also want to think about the commentary on duty, the pull between the ethics of obedience to duty and the morality of obedience to conscience.
A much lighter version of this material is available in The Pirate Movie, starring Kristy McNichol. Mad About You, with Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser, used the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta as the basis for a delightful episode, and certainly the naming of Jamie and Paul's daughter Mabel was a nod to the play.
While it is enough just to enjoy the film, the viewer might also want to think about the commentary on duty, the pull between the ethics of obedience to duty and the morality of obedience to conscience.
A much lighter version of this material is available in The Pirate Movie, starring Kristy McNichol. Mad About You, with Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser, used the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta as the basis for a delightful episode, and certainly the naming of Jamie and Paul's daughter Mabel was a nod to the play.