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Before there was "Grease"; before there was "Hairspray" there was the real thing-"Bye Bye Birdie", a freewheeling, charming show that opened on Broadway in early 1960 and won the Tony Award for Best Muswical. This is the 1963 film version which evokes the era better than most pieces that have come after it. It is vintage 60s to the core-complete with shots of a disapproving (of Birdie) John F. Kennedy to a laughing Nikita Krueschev. The score is irresistable, despite the fact that half the songs were cut for the film version. Ann Margaret steals about the whole show and shows what an exciting new talent she was way back when. Her rendition of the title song, written espcially for the movie, is a classic. Dick van Dyke excels in the part he played on Broadway. In the movie, instead of wanting to be an English teacher (as in the stage version) he yearns to quit the music biz and become a chemist. This is strictly 60s sitcom stuff, but is palatable due to the charm of the leading characters who support the wonderful van Dyke-Janet Leigh, striking as a brunette, shows off dancing talent no one knew about; Paul Lynde as Ann Margaret's father is a laugh riot and gets many of the best one liners in addition to two great tunes: "Hymn For a Sunday Evening" (you may have to explain Ed Sullivan to anyone under 40) and the famous comic ode to "Kids". Maureen Stapleton, in a departure from her usual great dramatic roles, stands out as van Dyke's annoying, clinging mama who stands in the way of the lover's happiness in the funniest of ways. The signature song of the show, "Put on a Happy Face" is well staged and engagingly performed by van Dyke and Miss Leigh. This picture is not for Broadway purists. The situations remain the same, but the devil is always in the details. Enjoy this fluff for what it is. If you prefer a version that is more close to the original stage version, with the songs cut from the movie, I would recommend the 1995 TV film starring Jason Alexander and the magnificent Vanessa Williams- long before she was a big meanie on "Ugly Betty."Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Of course, the film's a little dated, but rich in nostalgia. Everybody in the cast has some good moments, but Ann-Margret is positively incandescent! She not only has beauty, she has genuine zest for life that transcends her character - and even the story of 'Elvis Presley' that inspired it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great song and dance numbers and top notch comic acting. Dick Van Dyke and Janet Leigh are the standouts, and Ann-Margaret's character breaks through to another level in the second half. I only wish Paul Lynde had more screen time because he's always hilarious.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It is a great movie! I haven't seen it in a long time so it was fun to see it again I love Dick van dyke and ann Margaret!! She has a great voice and they are both amazing actors I highly recommend seeing this movie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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