Many times have I wondered what Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher were like in their careers (I'm a Star Wars buff). I finally sat down and saw this film. I must say that after watching, I just loved it and wanted more. Since then Debbie Reynolds has become my favorite actress ever. After seeing this I raced to my mother for more info. and she told me of the trouble that followed. I was severely disappointed, because the chemistry in this film was superb. Among the highlights is Debbie's ability to use her magnificent talent to use subtle face gestures to get across the idea of what she is thinking. Eddie was less so, but did an average job. But after hearing the truth, everytime I re-watch this film, I can't help but imagine Eddie with horns on his head or a dunce cap a mile tall. Debbie's charm is the main reason to see this film. She steals the show, the script, the clothes, and anything else she touches. The back-up roles are performed well. This is a remake of the earlier film, "Bachelor Mother." If anyone but Debbie were in the lead, this movie would stink, but it gets a solid 3 stars from me (out of 4).
Reviews
4 Reviews
N.O.W. would be MAD!
23 October 1998
Entertainment Weekly calls this film the machoest musical ever made? That says it all. Would you ever believe that seven backwoodsmen would break out into song and dance on a whim? Howard Keel (in the lead) is tremendous as a cocky, arrogant, ignorant man who thinks that women are things to be picked up like bread. He IS "SBFSB." The combination of he and Jane Powell is one of the three best pairings in film history (in my opinion); the other two being Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in "Gone With the Wind" and Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in "Singin' In the Rain." Thier charisma together in the beginning is like they are matched to spar. Everyone who's anyone who knows about musicals, knows that Michael Kidd's choreography is outstanding. I believe that the barn dance number is the best choreographed and performed number in history; even if director Stanley Donen believes "Moses Supposes" from "Singin' In the Rain" is (which he directed as well). The cinematography is absolutely out of this world too. Okay, why would the National Organization for Women oppose its release nowadays? The male characters are so anti-modern woman, that they make fun of body figures, show disrespect at every turn, and think all women are, are "cook-and-cleans." But the characters are dynamic (they change their ideals). Next to "Singin' In the Rain" and "Oklahoma!," this is my third favorite musical. Kudos to all involved, fabulous work!
Tammy and the Bachelor
(1957)
Can you say...Pure Debbie?
15 October 1998
I saw this picture, right after seeing "Bundle of Joy," thus hoping for Debbie Reynolds patented radiance to be evident in this film as was the case with the former film. She didn't disappoint me. No one but Debbie could have performed Tammy any better (the song and the character). As to Leslie Nielsen, well, I saw a completely different side to his acting ability that we are not used to today. His chemistry with Debbie was nearly perfect. This film is about a young lady who has to move from the Louisiana Bayou because her guardian is taken from her. She falls for the son of her hostess and there are problems; but the rest is for you to discover. If anyone ever liked Debbie in anything, this is a must see. If anyone wants a romantic comedy to enjoy, this is a good pick. What makes Debbie so wonderful in all her pictures, is that she is able to use her facial expressions so well. They make the movie. You'll watch just to see them. This, like "Singin' In the Rain," "Bundle of Joy," and "Two Weeks With Love," show them perfectly. They are all quintessential films to watch her expressions in. They are often subtle, but if you watch close enough, you'll see them. And they'll make you all giddy and warm inside.
Singin' in the Rain
(1952)
Three Words Make This Film-Gene, DEBBIE, and Donald.
15 October 1998
Many people consider this to be the best musical film that has ever been made, or ever will be made. I'm one of them. The three leads were absolutely perfect. Gene Kelly never danced better, Debbie Reynolds gave one of her greatest and probably most underrated performances, and Donald O'Connor was never slicker and more witty. The chemistry between the three leads is perfect, Gene and Debbie exude growing love. You feel a REAL friendship between Don Lockwood and Cosmo Brown. This chemistry is one of the reasons why this film works so well; can you see Howard Keel dancing in the rain as originally planned? Or someone else besides Debbie popping out of a cake. The music is the best and the dancing is SECOND TO NONE. The most famous obviously is Gene Kelly splashing around in puddles; and is the second most recognizable moment is screen history (first is Scarlett O'Hara's silhouette in front of Tara-with that classic score behind her.) I LOVE Debbie Reynolds, so I really enjoyed "All I Do Is Dream Of You." But my favorite number by far is "Good Mornin'" and this is why: it is the only number to include all three leads. Plus, it's fun to imitate. This is my favorite film after the Star Wars Trilogy. If not for George Lucas, I'd have missed so many classic films, I have to give him thanks. If he never hired Carrie Fisher for Star Wars, I'd have never paid any attention to her mother. Debbie Reynolds is truly a classic work. I'm glad I started paying attention. Thanks George.
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