RAGTIME - The Movie

[CapnHook]

RAGTIME - The Movie#0

Posted: 11/20/04 at 4:22pm

Besides being a non-musical, how does the film differ from the stage musical?

Is it any good?

"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

[EvelynNesbit1906]

re: RAGTIME - The Movie#1

Posted: 11/20/04 at 5:14pm

It's very different from the stage musical. I can think of few similarities besides Nesbit making an appearance in Atlantic City and Tateh introducing himself to the family there as the Baron. In spite of that, the Tateh-Little Girl storyline is really quite marginalized in the film. Some reviews from 1981 stated that the two major storylines were the "WASPs encounter with a black family" and "the adventures of showgirl Evelyn Nesbit." You should see it. It has a wonderful score and some memorable moments -- especially the shooting at Madison Square Garden and the opening sequence that involves Coalhouse playing ragtime piano for a silent newsreel. By no means is it a great film; the pacing is a bit off and unless you're a historian or have read the book, you won't understand the significance of most characters. But it's decent and has some strong points. I'd like to see it remade as a miniseries for HBO, A&E or another cable network that's comfortable with sex-heavy period pieces.

But anyway, it's good that you ask now because the film just came out on DVD. Cut scenes, a featurette on the making of the film, and commentary from the director and actors are included on the disc. Updated On: 11/20/04 at 05:14 PM

[capnkidd]

re: RAGTIME - The Movie#2

Posted: 11/20/04 at 5:14pm

never saw the musical,but it's a good film-also cagney's last ...