{*Possible spoiler alert*} First things first: I LOVE THIS MOVIE. Why? Because it has everything. The stunning choreography and wonderful direction of Bob Fosse, a superb score by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, a terrific plot driven straight from the glorious "Le Notti de Cabiria", the waiflike look and powerful talent of Shirley MacLaine, as well as wonderful performances by John McMartin (as timid, shy and paranoid Oscar), Chita Rivera (a Broadway diva in one of her rare film appearances-- watch her strut her stuff!), Paula Kelly (a bundle of energy and exuberance), Stubby Kaye (who always makes his roles look MARVELOUS-- whether he's playing the owner of a dance hall as in Sweet Charity, or a Runyonesque gambler in Guys & Dolls), Sammy Davis, Jr. (Rat Packer who BECOMES Big Daddy of the Rhythm of Life Church... you've gotta love him) and take note of a VERY young Ben Vereen during the "Rich Man's Frug" and "Rhythm of Life" segments!
MacLaine is a darling... the ever-hopeful dance hall hostess with a heart of pure gold. Watch her during "If My Friends Could See Me Now"... and see the rays of light just shooting out from her eyes, mouth and fingertips. She's sheer perfection, and a ton of talent. All of Bob Fosse's dance numbers are terrific... among the best being "Big Spender", "Rich Man's Frug", "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This." Chita Rivera and Paula Kelly are a delight as Nickie and Helen, Charity's dance hall friends and *mother-figures.* John McMartin recreates his character of Oscar WONDERFULLY (I actually enjoy him here better than in Cabiria... for the sheer fact that his character is more developed with more hang ups and better motives). My only qualms about this underrated masterpiece? Fosse, as he later would admit, was a little too busy with the new film specialties of the day... still-shots and colored lenses and things of the like. And, though I adore MacLaine with every fiber of my being... where was Gwen Verdon? :( She WAS and always WILL be Charity... (If you have seen this movie and feel MacLaine was great in the part, as I do... go rent "Damn Yankees" and take a peek at Verdon. She will leave you stunned.) Be sure to see this one, folks!
MacLaine is a darling... the ever-hopeful dance hall hostess with a heart of pure gold. Watch her during "If My Friends Could See Me Now"... and see the rays of light just shooting out from her eyes, mouth and fingertips. She's sheer perfection, and a ton of talent. All of Bob Fosse's dance numbers are terrific... among the best being "Big Spender", "Rich Man's Frug", "If My Friends Could See Me Now" and "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This." Chita Rivera and Paula Kelly are a delight as Nickie and Helen, Charity's dance hall friends and *mother-figures.* John McMartin recreates his character of Oscar WONDERFULLY (I actually enjoy him here better than in Cabiria... for the sheer fact that his character is more developed with more hang ups and better motives). My only qualms about this underrated masterpiece? Fosse, as he later would admit, was a little too busy with the new film specialties of the day... still-shots and colored lenses and things of the like. And, though I adore MacLaine with every fiber of my being... where was Gwen Verdon? :( She WAS and always WILL be Charity... (If you have seen this movie and feel MacLaine was great in the part, as I do... go rent "Damn Yankees" and take a peek at Verdon. She will leave you stunned.) Be sure to see this one, folks!