O.K., This has been critically smeared since the day it came out.... Lucile Ball was said to have been, "Perfect for the role, 15 years ago". To Hell with critics! I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this delightful film. Granted, Lucy does not hold a tune as well as the former Broadway actors who played Mame previously, but she sure has heck can act as well as or better than her predecessors. Who wouldn't enjoy seeing a film with Bea Arthur as an alcoholic in denial, and Lucy exiting a department store with roller skates after being fired. There are lines that will bring you to tears just because of the Stars who are saying them! The film quality is impressive, great cinematography, and flashy dance sequences make this film not just an old movie to be passed up by the eye at a glance. I would compare the film quality to Cabaret. It isn't grainy and choppy and full of obvious mistakes like some older musicals. Mame is a great musical that has withheld the test of time, and the film version gives the stage production justice. Any Lucy or Golden Girls fan would love to own this Gem of a film. A must see for musical lovers of all ages!
Despite all the negative press this film recei...ved, MAME starring Lucille Ball, Bea Arthur and Robert Preston is a gem. Broadway purists bemoan the fact that Angela Lansbury was passed over for Lucy in the title role ... and granted, Lansbury can sing circles around Miss Ball. But Lucy's charm and comedy savvy make this very watchable, especially presented in widescreen for the first time on home video. The color, choreography and costumes are knockouts. The musical version dates far less than the wonderful Rosalind Russell non-musical AUNTIE MAME. Let's face it ... Roz was born to play the role, as was Angela on Broadway. But Lucy is Lucy and no fan should shun this release because of negative reviews. I've found that a whole new generation of viewers have been far more kind to this version than 1970s audiences. If you love Lucy, you'll love MAME!
Lucille Ball gives a memorable perfomance as the eccen...tric Auntie Mame, Mame is an underrated musical with a great cast and production value. Mame is a highly enjoyable musical , even though Lucille Ball's vocal aren't the greatest it is still fun to watch. When Mame was released in the mid 70s (1974) Broadway musicals had fallen out of fashion with the audience of that era, and were considered old fashion. Critics were brutal and unfair to this movie because many critics were upset that Angela Lansbury who originated the part on Broadway in 1966 did not recreate the title role in the movie version . To Sum it all up fairly Lucille Ball was great as Mame for the movie version and Angela Lansbury was great on Broadway
DVD came in great condition. The movie is definitely hoke...y and lacks polish at times, but it's a fun camp classic nonetheless and Bea Arthur's role as Mame's lush actress friend is worth the watch alone.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great movie. Lucille Ball did a super ...job in it. Lots of fun music. There are some other super actors in this movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned