I have always felt that this film was vastly underrated. Shirley MacLaine gives one of her best performances as Charity (and that's saying a lot, considering the quality and scope of her work). She can break your heart as Charity Hope Valentine. She has all the right qualities: Vulnerability, toughness, humor, naïveté, and she can sing (well enough) and dance (very well). And she was a big star at the time (… and still is).
In addition, this was Fosse's debut as a film director. I really love that he tried some now-dated cinematic techniques, like the still frame “holds” and “pans,” and running the camera backwards, etc. They will catch you off-guard, and probably make you giggle a bit, but I love them just the same. They are as much a part of this film era as the high hair and '60s eyelashes.
Also, they have John McMartin (from the OBC) recreating his role (wearing way too much makeup, I might add). Sammy Davis, Jr. is a groovy amazement as Big Daddy on “The Rhythm of Life.” Not to be missed. This movie WORKS more often than it doesn't, and is well worth your time.
If you check out the DVD, you'll also be treated to an alternate ending that changes everything.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 12/7/05 at 08:48 PM