Post by snsurone on Dec 8, 2017 3:28:34 GMT
On the whole, I love the MGM musicals produced by the Freed Unit.
But this one is, arguably, its very worst.
Yes, there were some very good song-and-dance numbers here, especially with Lena Horne, Judy Garland, and the "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" ballet with Gene Kelly and Vera Ellen.
But the story line between the numbers was ridiculous, and so fake.
Tom Drake, who couldn't act his way out of a paper bag, was totally blah as Richard Rogers, and Mickey Rooney gave a disgustingly hammy performance as Lorenz Hart.
And this movie doesn't have the staying power of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN or GIGI.
Of course, the Hays Office would never allow the fact that Hart was gay into the screenplay, but I can't understand why the script made no mention of his alcoholism.
And his death scene on a rainy street would be greeted with laughs today.
Truth be told, Rogers and Hart made few memorable songs and their plays are mostly forgotten today.
Richard Rogers had far greater success when teamed with Oscar Hammerstein II, and their plays are considered classics: OKLAHOMA, CAROUSEL, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE KING AND I, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Some day, maybe someone will make a true biopic of Larry Hart, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting.
But this one is, arguably, its very worst.
Yes, there were some very good song-and-dance numbers here, especially with Lena Horne, Judy Garland, and the "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" ballet with Gene Kelly and Vera Ellen.
But the story line between the numbers was ridiculous, and so fake.
Tom Drake, who couldn't act his way out of a paper bag, was totally blah as Richard Rogers, and Mickey Rooney gave a disgustingly hammy performance as Lorenz Hart.
And this movie doesn't have the staying power of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN or GIGI.
Of course, the Hays Office would never allow the fact that Hart was gay into the screenplay, but I can't understand why the script made no mention of his alcoholism.
And his death scene on a rainy street would be greeted with laughs today.
Truth be told, Rogers and Hart made few memorable songs and their plays are mostly forgotten today.
Richard Rogers had far greater success when teamed with Oscar Hammerstein II, and their plays are considered classics: OKLAHOMA, CAROUSEL, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE KING AND I, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Some day, maybe someone will make a true biopic of Larry Hart, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting.