Our Town

[Gothampc]

Posted: 4/10/14 at 11:22pm

I'm watching the different versions of Our Town.

The 1977 production was created especially for tv and has a great cast. I think it's a good representation of the play. Thornton Wilder wasn't happy with the 1940 film or 1957 musical so he worked with the producer and director to perfect this version.

But what's up with the 1989 Lincoln Center production? The acting is awful. Everybody is ripping through the lines like they're going to miss their reservation at Angus McIndoe. And the acting is like they are trying extra hard to make it modern. The dialogue has a specific vernacular but the actors don't seem to recognize it. No text analysis, no character work. It's dreadful.

Up next, the Paul Newman version, which I've seen but need to revisit.

Updated On: 4/10/14 at 11:22 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/11/14 at 4:55am

I'm assuming the '77 version is with Robby Benson....and Glynnis O'Connor? They were the teenage love pair of that era.

I vaguely remember it, and, of course, I've seen Newman's. I do have to admit, that I was never truly awed by the piece until I saw Cromer's version a few years ago. That is the only one that blew me away.

[best12bars]

Posted: 4/11/14 at 6:47am

I agree that the '77 version is the best and the '89 version has horrible acting.

I do have a soft spot for the film. The ending is the real shock, because it's so totally different than the play. I think it works okay. It's not a disaster, but it doesn't leave audiences with a dead leading lady. I love the cast of the film and especially the score by Aaron Copland.

But if I had to pick one filmed (or videoed) adaptation of the work that best represents the play, it would be the 1977 version.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/11/14 at 8:14am

The 1977 version is flawless and shows why it is the greatest play ever written.

[Owen22]

Posted: 4/11/14 at 9:27am

I love the 77 version as well, perhaps as it was my first OurTown.. But the Cromer version is my touchstone and I expect now always will be...

[Gothampc]

Posted: 4/14/14 at 10:08pm

I just watched the Paul Newman version, but I still think the 1977 tv version is the best.

The people in the Paul Newman version seem to be too harsh. And their accents are too overdone and sometimes sound more like Runyon gangsters than New Hampshire residents. Jane Curtin borders on the hilarious. Her over the top harshness is comical. And I think the man playing George looks like he's about 35. He doesn't really read as young.

The best part of the Newman version is Stephen Spinella as Simon Stimson. He has found a good characterization and even though it's a small role, he makes the best use of his time on stage.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/14/14 at 10:31pm

There's also the 1940 film version.

https://archive.org/details/Our_Town

[Steve721]

Posted: 4/14/14 at 10:40pm

Of course, the 1977 version also has the sublime Sada Thompson as Mrs. Gibbs. One of my very favorite actresses.