Many of the comments on this page have been negative... saying the film was horribly butchered with ridiculous plot twists and a horrible Conrad Birdie, and better yet, a sorely miscast Janet Leigh. I beg to differ!
I have been a fan of this film for years, and recently bought the 1995 version. While the film DID change plot aspects (as oft happens when a Broadway show is brought to Hollywood, and I realize that Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde were very upset by this) and delete songs (most of them belonging to Rosie, who happens to be my favorite character), it is a far cry better than 1995's TV version.
1995's version bored me. The only good thing about it was the inclusion of "An English Teacher," "Normal, American Boy," "What Did I Ever See in Him?", "Baby, Talk to Me," and a ridiculously altered "Spanish Rose" and a great performance by Vanessa Williams. (Too bad she definitely didn't look Hispanic.) The choreography was boring, the cast paled (Jason Alexander was all right, just not an Albert type, and Marc Kudisch was disgusting as Conrad Birdie)... it just wasn't FUN.
But this version is. Dick Van Dyke, repeating his Broadway role, is superb. I love this man, and he's SUCH a triple-threat talent it's insane. He's hilarious as Albert, the mama's boy who's been taking his lovely little Rose for granted. "Rose. Little rose. A precious flower that I trampled on." Then you have Ann-Margret. Yes, we know, she's sexy, but there is more to her than sex-appeal. Her vocals in this film are incredible, much more "big Broadway" sounding than Chynna Phillips could ever hope to be and far more believable as Kim. She's great. Paul Lynde is HILARIOUS. He is THE Harry MacAfee, without a shred of doubt. As incredible as his and Dick Van Dyke's performances were, I must say you couldn't *tell* that they hated this film. For some reason, I really enjoyed the mother in this film as well... reminded me a bit of Donna Reed in character and style. Maureen Stapleton is perfect as overbearing, obnoxious Mae Peterson. And Bobby Rydell is the BEST Hugo Peabody. He's funny, he's kind of gawky but highly adorable... he's terrific. But let's get to the one person that everyone seems to dislike in her role as Rosie.
Janet Leigh.
Granted, her voice is not up to par with the likes of Chita Rivera. But really, who is? Chita could have done a terrific job in this role, but I understand that they were looking for a name, and there honestly was no one better than Janet Leigh. She's funny, she's beautiful, she's warm, she's charismatic, and at least she's on-key! Her dance with the shriners is a riot, and there is nothing cuter than the moment when Albert catches her in his arms. She and Dick Van Dyke have amazing chemistry in this film.
So, would I recommend this movie over the 1995 version?
ABSOLUTELY. ANY DAY!
I have been a fan of this film for years, and recently bought the 1995 version. While the film DID change plot aspects (as oft happens when a Broadway show is brought to Hollywood, and I realize that Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde were very upset by this) and delete songs (most of them belonging to Rosie, who happens to be my favorite character), it is a far cry better than 1995's TV version.
1995's version bored me. The only good thing about it was the inclusion of "An English Teacher," "Normal, American Boy," "What Did I Ever See in Him?", "Baby, Talk to Me," and a ridiculously altered "Spanish Rose" and a great performance by Vanessa Williams. (Too bad she definitely didn't look Hispanic.) The choreography was boring, the cast paled (Jason Alexander was all right, just not an Albert type, and Marc Kudisch was disgusting as Conrad Birdie)... it just wasn't FUN.
But this version is. Dick Van Dyke, repeating his Broadway role, is superb. I love this man, and he's SUCH a triple-threat talent it's insane. He's hilarious as Albert, the mama's boy who's been taking his lovely little Rose for granted. "Rose. Little rose. A precious flower that I trampled on." Then you have Ann-Margret. Yes, we know, she's sexy, but there is more to her than sex-appeal. Her vocals in this film are incredible, much more "big Broadway" sounding than Chynna Phillips could ever hope to be and far more believable as Kim. She's great. Paul Lynde is HILARIOUS. He is THE Harry MacAfee, without a shred of doubt. As incredible as his and Dick Van Dyke's performances were, I must say you couldn't *tell* that they hated this film. For some reason, I really enjoyed the mother in this film as well... reminded me a bit of Donna Reed in character and style. Maureen Stapleton is perfect as overbearing, obnoxious Mae Peterson. And Bobby Rydell is the BEST Hugo Peabody. He's funny, he's kind of gawky but highly adorable... he's terrific. But let's get to the one person that everyone seems to dislike in her role as Rosie.
Janet Leigh.
Granted, her voice is not up to par with the likes of Chita Rivera. But really, who is? Chita could have done a terrific job in this role, but I understand that they were looking for a name, and there honestly was no one better than Janet Leigh. She's funny, she's beautiful, she's warm, she's charismatic, and at least she's on-key! Her dance with the shriners is a riot, and there is nothing cuter than the moment when Albert catches her in his arms. She and Dick Van Dyke have amazing chemistry in this film.
So, would I recommend this movie over the 1995 version?
ABSOLUTELY. ANY DAY!