We take a look at some of our favourite classic musical films that we have watched over the years…
Singin’ in the Rain:
Would it be a list if we didn’t include Singin’ in the Rain? This musical film stands the test of time for so many reasons – the wonderful tribute it pays to the film industry, incredible dancing and the sheer joy that it exudes from start to finish. Whoel of course Gene Kelly is fabulous in it, I really enjoy Donald O’Connor’s delightfully funny performance that is filled with such a great energy , with ‘Make ’em Laugh’ being my favourite sequence in the film.
My Fair Lady:
This is a really lavish and dazzling musical film and thoroughly deserved its Oscar wins. The attention to detail in every aspect from the way the musical numbers were staged through to the set and costume design is truly incredible. The performances as well are truly joyous, from Rex Harrison’s direct Professor Higgins, Stanley Holloway’s brilliantly warm and funny Alfred P. Doolittle and of course Audrey Hepburn as Eliza who brings real feeling and wit to the character. I just wish she had been able to sing the songs (which she practised her heart out of).
The Sound of Music:
Set against the backdrop of an upcoming war, this is still a genuinely heartwarming and enjoyable film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. At the centre of it all, it is impossible to resist Julie Andrews as Maria, highlighting her joyful attitude towards life, which makes for a lovely contrast to Christopher Plummer’s abrupt Captain Von Trapp, making their romance feel believable. It was also ambitious in the way it staged musical numbers such as ‘Do-Re-Mi’ that sweeps the audience into the world of this one family trying to find their way back together.
Top Hat:
It may have been released back in 1935, but this classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical is still a delight to this day. This isn’t only down to their delightful performances but also thanks to Irving Berlin’s gorgeous songs that have really stood the test of time. The script also sparkles with charming comedy and it is just a joy from start to finish.
Thoroughly Modern Millie:
This has to be one of the happiest musical films that I have ever seen. It is delightfully silly in more than one scene that the cast thoroughly embraces from start to finish. It tells the story of Millie who arrives in New York to marry for money rather than love until she meets Jimmy Smith and Miss Dorthy among others who help her to see a different way of life. It is light and breezy with plenty of catchy tunes that leave the audience beaming throughout.
Calamity Jane:
Doris Day and Howard Keel have fantastic chemistry as Calamity and Wild Bill Hickok – but Calamity Jane also offers the chance to enjoy their wonderful singing voices courtesy of Sammy Fain’s music and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. The incredibly catchy ‘The Deadwood Stage’ and ‘The Windy City’ are two such highlights, while I love the feistiness of ‘I Can Do Without You’.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes:
The 1950’s were a great time for musical comedy films and Gentleman Prefer Blondes is a strong example of that. It is based on on the 1949 stage musical of the same name, which in turn is based on the 1925 novel of the same name by Anita Loos. Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell are exquisite as Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw who are friends but have different very ideas about the important factors in finding love. It is light and bubbly and comes to a very satisfying ending.
The Wizard of Oz:
While these days it is all about Wicked, The Wizard of Oz is still a timeless classic that features memorable characters (and portrayals of those characters) that whisks the audience on a magical adventure. The moment in which the film transforms from black and white to full colour is such a beautiful moment and makes you embrace the whole situation. There is something about it that feels ahead of its time.
Oliver!
I’m sure when the idea to transform the story by Charles Dickens into a musical came about there was some concerns as to whether it would be too frivolous for audiences to appreciate in quite the same way as the book. But Lionel Bart’s music and lyrics as well as the book (which is faithful to the original) ensures tat the balance of darkness and light in the story is nicely judged. Ron Moody delivers a cracking performance as the roguish Fagin, while Oliver Reed offers an incredible performance as the menacing Bill Sykes – there is so much to be enjoyed about this musical!
White Christmas:
Yes it is is a festive classic and one that I enjoy more than Holiday Inn – mainly because it has a more heartwarming feel to it as well as plenty of beautiful moments that allow the harmonies of the cast to shine through. Danny Kay and Bing Crosby are able to showcase their different talents brilliantly, while Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen are perfect foils as the story unfolds.