esrosedotblog

I am nearly finished with the recent biography of the choreographer and director Bob Fosse, simply named Fosse. He was a fascinating and driven man who provided at least the dancing part of some of the best Broadway shows in the 50s through 70s. A golden era for musical comedies. I cannot resurrect the shows (all of which I saw) but I can see the films he also made of the same shows. Films are never as good as the live version but, in this case, close. Today's film was Fosse's first which he choreographed and had a leading part. The only role he played in any film he made. A rare occasion. My Sister Eileen (1955) had not been a live show but there had been several versions done before. This one is not the most memorable. The songs are weak but the dancing is great. Janet Leigh, Betty Garrett, Jack Lemon, Tommy Rall, Dick York all join Fosse in some great numbers. The film comes alive when these people are dancing. Betty Garrett was a favorite of mine so it is fun to see her here at her best. Fosse's work in the film is immediately recognizable. He was one of the last song and dance men and he brought with him a tradition of singing and dancing right out of the music halls, the strip joints and the last days of vaudeville. Great moves. All the body. Hands, arms, attitude. There is a signature hat routine that he does with Rall as both men tap their challenge dance with the wildest energy. This is a good not great movie well worth seeing for basic Fosse and some delightful dancing. You will not remember even one song from it. All those are in the first version with Rosalind Russell and the second which was named On the Town. Same story. Different takes. A 3 out of Netflix5 as a film, 5 for the dancing. I forget how much pleasure came from these musicals. They are all around on disc.

Labels: books, dancing, films