Dolly Levi age range. — Page 2

You've never heard a 36 year old woman refer to herself as an old girl, especially while being nostalgic? You must not have many female friends in their 30s.

Don't forget, The Matchmaker was Ruth Gordon on Broadway and Shirley Booth in the film. They were definitely women of "a certain age."

I agree with those who say Streisand looked older an more matronly in the film. She was also either pregnant with Jason, or had just had him before they started shooting. That's why she's not necessarily fat, but definitely "thicker" around the middle. Chalk it up to motherhood. Had she played the part a year earlier or a year later, she might have looked "too young" for it. I think she looks at least 5-10 years younger in "What's Up Doc?" --- a movie she made five years AFTER "Dolly." But I always think corsets and upturned, high hairdos make younger women look older anyway.

I'm probably in the minority when I say I adore the film version. I find it delightful, sort of existing in its own "ice cream sundae" reality. Makes me smile every time I watch it. And I like the entire cast. Whatever horrible off-screen tension existed between Streisand and Matthau doesn't show on film to me. They are terrific together, and very funny! Great chemistry. I chalk that up to two professionals, who knew how to put their personal feelings aside when the cameras were rolling.

Some film musicals haven't aged as well as I hoped they would. "Dolly" has actually aged really well.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand: Mrs. Levi should be mid 30s to mid 40s. If she's younger, her emotions seem a bit silly and overwrought, especially the "parade passes by" bit. If she's older, it can easily lean into "camp."

More so than it already does, that is. :)

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I also adore the movie. I decided to watch it on Netflix last year, and couldn't bet enough of it!

I loved Barbra in the movie even if she was way way miscast
Does anyone remember her name was Dolly Gallagher Levi
a nice irish woman....seems a stretch for Babs to pull off
but the singing was superb!

They did drop the Gallagher

I believe that the sentiment is that she and Ephraim LIVED and therefore there was no money to speak of when he died.

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Yeah, I always got the feeling that Dolly (in the musical) and Ephraim Levi had money but spent it. For all we know, he left her with a pile of debts or at least not well off. She went to work doing anything and everything she could to earn a living (and was very clever about it, too). We at least can assume by the fuss at the Harmonia Gardens that she frequented the place at a time in her life when she had money. They all adore her and are "glad to see her back where she belongs."

While I think of it ... I actually love this story.

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