Lauren Bacall in Applause was on television — Page 2

Armstrong sponsored four musicals for TV altogether: in addition to Brigadoon, there was Carousel, Kismet, and Kiss Me, Kate, all with books that were somewhat inexplicably rewritten. The Kate (as you probably know) had particularly '60s arrangements.

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I'd never thought of it, but she is kinda Alexis Smith-y.

I guess not being part of that time, I'm shocked at the gay innuendos that were allowed...granted the UK was/is more liberal. The cinematography is what's distracting to me, they like to do lots of "start back and zoom in on Bacall."

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Doodle-
I would disagree only to say that "Jersey Boys" and "Spamalot" were less deserving IMO.

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It's a matter of opinion, husk, of course...but I think Purlie, while dated was a MUCH better show. My opinion is from seeing both telecasts for Applause and Purlie...and listening and friend's opinions.

I also think Jersey Boys deserved it's win over Drowsy, and I enjoyed Spamalot and loved most of Piazza (disliked the book) and consider that year a draw...Piazza won the tonys it should have.

Again, just my opinion.

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Yup. That Tony Awards show performance of the "Applause" number did contain those "bare" butts and the entire number can be seen as a bonus performance on the 3rd volume of Broadway Lost Treasures.

Do you want the original Broadway cast (with Bonnie Franklin) performing it on the Tony Awards or the version done on the 1973 CBS TV movie version?

I have to say that "But Alive" is one of my favorite theatre songs. I just love how it keeps topping itself during the progression of the song...just when you think it can't be ratcheted up another notch...it is! It's almost a frenzy!!

When I listen to "But Alive" in my head, it morphs into "Knowing When to Leave" from Promises, Promises. Know what I mean?

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I remember watching this eons ago when it was first broadcast. Watching the bits of it that are on "the site that shall not be mentioned" amazes me. I've bid up to sixty bucks for a bootleg of it on Ebay.

I'm amazed that they actually showed naked male buttocks on national television on the Tony Awards in the 1970s!!!!! (This may have started my life long love of naked male buttocks.) But not on the British television version!

And, GOD, does number not seem to go on forever?!?!?!?!?

I love "But Alive". I wish that there were still gay bars like that.

One thing that kills me about that number is that, in the musical, Margo is still a dramatic actress. I can't think of ANY dramatic actress since Tallulah, Bette or Joan who would get a reaction like that simply by entering a gay bar.

I mean, picture it. A croud of gay men that includes everyone from leathermen to twinkies taking a collective gasp and saying:

"Meryl!!!!"

It just wouldn't happen....

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I've seen the Tony Awards number. I'd love to see the title number from your version.

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I thought the television version was bad when it originally aired. Perhaps that was because I saw the original stage production and thought that was great. By comparison, the TV version is fairly lame.

Seems to me that Debbie Bowen played Dainty June in Lansbury's GYPSY in London. Maybe you know that. According to Castalbums.org she also appeared in JEEVES in London in the mid 70's. That seems to be the period she did most of her notable work. Wonder what she's up to now...

That 'But Alive' number is CRAPtastic. I love it. Cheesy choreography, the gay guy gawking at Lauren Bacall in awe with the finger in his mouth is a hysterical sight. I could swear they were trying to slip in the phrase "Gay Power" in there among the neon letters up on the wall behind them. Very subliminal but clever. Overall a gay man's wet dream...I give it an 11 out of 10. Thanks for sharing.