I just ordered the "Barnum" movie

[MarkRascati]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 2:21pm

can some nice person give a quick review?

[Pippin]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 2:25pm

I only saw it once in high school, becuase we did it during my freshman year, and I was not that knowledgeable back then. but from what I remember, the quality was grainy, only because of when it was made, but it was very entertaining, with very good performaces both in the acting and acrobatics departments.

[Buscee]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 2:31pm

Is that the one with Michael Crawford? If it is, it is a filmed stage show. Pretty much as it was done on Broadway. This was the London Production, and Crawford did a few more tricks etc. But its the same show. An enjoyable viewing for sure. It was aired on PBS years ago.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 2:57pm

LOVE this MC is great as always. I've had this video for a while and enjoy it.

[MarkRascati]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 3:50pm

Yes, it's the michael crawford version.


Thanks for the replies, guys

[Jon]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 4:20pm

I saw Jim Dale live on Broadway, and I actually think Crawford is better.

The staging of this show is marvelous.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 4:23pm

I saw the original and thought Jim Dale was incredible. Michael Crawford on the other hand is just horrendous.

To each their own.

Updated On: 8/2/06 at 04:23 PM

[MarkRascati]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 5:15pm

Jim Dale is my idol... I wish I had seen him live durring this show. I was born a decade or two too late

[jasonf]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 6:13pm

I have it and really enjoy it. Michael Crawford does some pretty incredible work there. There's one moment in the show that I would LOVE to know how genuine it is where it seems like a trick goes a bit awry -- it DEFINITELY looks like it wasn't planned - but they play it off very well if indeed it wasn't.

[Producer2]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 7:14pm

Barnum has a wonderful score and is delightful to the eye.
If you love the circus, you'll love Barnum!
If you can celebrate the man despite his cheating on his wife, then you'll enjoy it even more!

[morosco]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 7:29pm

Entertaining show. Fun. You'll see why Hugh Jackman would be a perfect choice to play P.T. Barnum in a revival.

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 7:36pm

Or Raul Esparza, he would make an excellent Barnum as well.


Wish I had seen Dale, but I love this taped production, cause you really don't see it done much anymore. It is a horribly underrated musical.

[MarkRascati]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 8:45pm

Raul Esparza's version of "There's A Sucker..." is on youtube if you search "barnum"


He does an exelent job

[DezBryner]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 8:51pm

I showed this movie to my drama class this past year and they really liked it. For some reason this surprised me. The staging is really impressive.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 8:53pm

You're in good hands, dude. It's a good movie.

[jsand25]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 9:03pm

Norbert Leo Butz is a much better choice than Hugh to play Barnum. There will be a revival of Barnum within the next few years with Norbert as the star. You can mark it down.

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 9:18pm

All 3 men would be excellent choices to play Barnum. All equally talented and could each bring something different to the role, but no one choice is better than the other.

[Jon]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 9:47pm

I'm prety sure the screw-up with the fire trick was real, and Crawford really did burn his hand slightly.

[jasonf]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 9:51pm

It definitely LOOKS real -- I just couldn't imagine they would keep THAT clip in the show if it was. I mean, it does look painful!

[Producer2]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 10:31pm

James Naughton?

[MarkRascati]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 10:45pm

I also think he would be great for the role, but do you guys think Norbert could pull off 'Meuseum Song'?

[jsand25]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 11:00pm

Of course he can. Why would you doubt his ability to sing that song? While we're on the topic, who should play Charity? I think its an obvious choice. Kelli O'Hara.

[Producer2]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 11:15pm

He calls his wife Chairy. And Victoria Clark could do it!
Updated On: 8/3/06 at 11:15 PM

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 8/2/06 at 11:40pm

I listened to the OBC today. Glenn Close is dreadful!

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 8/3/06 at 12:14am

A couple of things: I saw BARNUM in New York with Jim Dale and Glenn Close in 1980 and was knocked out. I thought it was terrific. I don't know how anyone could not find Close enchanting, but to each his own, I guess.

Second, I saw BARNUM in London in 1985 with Crawford and he 'burned' his fingers there too. I asked an usher about it afterward and he told me (with typical British understatement) that the show is performed 'exactly the same way every night, sir'.

I actually thought Crawford was better than Dale and waited at the stage door for his autograph. When I asked him if it was appropriate to tell him that I preferred his performance to Jim Dale's he replied "Oh, yes, it's quite appropriate!" He was most gracious to all of us at the stage door, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Lastly, P.T. Barnum's wife's maiden name was Charity Hallett. One presumes he called her 'Chairy' as a pet name.