Many, many years ago, I saw Richard Kiley in a revival of the play "Man of La Mancha". Considering Kiley received an Emmy for this role, I was fortunate to see him playing this part. But, like so many Hollywood films, instead of allowing Kiley to reprise the role, they cast another actor...one that couldn't sing! This was the case with Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" as well as the ultra-bizarre casting of Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood in "Paint Your Wagon". So, from the onset, that's a strike against the movie. While Peter O'Toole was good, he wasn't Richard Kiley.
Fortunately, despite the odd but typical casting, attempts to denude the story of its original songs were mostly thwarted. This is a big plus since the music is the best part of the movie.
As for the story, it is not a direct retelling of Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote". Instead, it's the supposed story of the author in prison, telling part of the Don Quixote story and inspiring them in the process.
While I much preferred the play, and the film seems like a filmed play, I did appreciate how the filmmakers did not make the attack on Aldonza late in the story more explicit. It was more explicit in the play...something that really seemed unnecessary. Overall, a very watchable film that I enjoyed but might leave folks a bit confused unless they've seen the play.
Fortunately, despite the odd but typical casting, attempts to denude the story of its original songs were mostly thwarted. This is a big plus since the music is the best part of the movie.
As for the story, it is not a direct retelling of Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote". Instead, it's the supposed story of the author in prison, telling part of the Don Quixote story and inspiring them in the process.
While I much preferred the play, and the film seems like a filmed play, I did appreciate how the filmmakers did not make the attack on Aldonza late in the story more explicit. It was more explicit in the play...something that really seemed unnecessary. Overall, a very watchable film that I enjoyed but might leave folks a bit confused unless they've seen the play.