Brigadoon

Rating:
Summary: Insipid '50s
Review: Some people love this movie. It has Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, two fabulous dancer/performers and I was eager to watch them. Sadly, it's not really a dance movie and what dancing there is is pretty bland, as is the romance between Kelly and Charisse. I found myself sympathizing with the Brigadoon resident who wants to leave---everybody is trying to stop him: if he leaves the spell will be broken and the town of Brigadoon will vanish. I'd feel trapped there too.

Rating:
Summary: A Certain Enchantment
Review: Sometimes what you believe in becomes more real than the actual world in which you live, and isn't there some small part in everyone that's eternally searching for that special place, that world within the world that once discovered becomes the place you want to be in forever? It's the stuff with which folklore and films are filled, manifested in places like Valhalla, Shangri-la, Xanadu and even Never Never Land. A place usually found only in the heart and in the mind, but occasionally stumbled upon in the most unlikely of places, which is the case in point here, when two men-- lost in the Highlands of Scotland-- come across a place you'll not find on any map. A place called "Brigadoon."

Directed by Vincente Minnelli and told through the music and songs of Lerner and Loewe, this 1954 musical is the story of New Yorkers Tommy Albright (Gene Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Van Johnson) who, on a hunting trip to Scotland, become lost in the Highlands and happen upon the village of Brigadoon. Very quickly they realize that things are somehow different in this place, from the attire and attitude of the locals to the way they're received by them. But there's something else, something about this place that seems to draw Tommy to it, that makes him feel as if he belongs here. The cynical Jeff, on the other hand, can't wait to get away. And while they try to sort it all out-- especially Tommy-- they get caught up in the festivities of the day; a wedding is about to take place, and during the excitement a couple of things happen: First, Tommy overhears someone mention something about a "secret" and a "miracle." And then he meets Fiona (Cyd Charisse), and the spell of Brigadoon is upon him.

Minnelli may have directed this picture, but there's not so much as a footnote to it that bears his signature. It does, however, have Gene Kelly written all over it from beginning to end. As the star of the show and the choreographer, everything about it has his style stamped boldly upon it, and it's Kelly's spirit that carries the film, which is far from being one of Lerner and Loewe's greatest achievements. With the exception of "It's Almost Like Being In Love," in fact, the songs are fairly forgettable. But there's a certain enchantment to the "idea" of Brigadoon, plus having Kelly aboard to bring it to fruition, that makes this a pleasantly engaging film. And it's that fairy tale sense of finding the person and place of your heart's desire that makes it so appealing. Some viewers, jaded by the stark reality of much of today's fare, may find this offering a bit corny; but then again, with the phenomenal success of a film like the recent "Harry Potter," it may be indicative of the fact that films like "Brigadoon" are just what audiences are hungry for, and a film like this just may be a pleasant discovery-- or rediscovery-- for many who are indeed looking for just this kind of entertainment. Ironically, in the fantasy of it there is something intrinsically down-to-earth about it that many may find attractive and refreshing.

Of course, any vehicle which affords the opportunity of seeing a great artist like Kelly doing what he does best is worth it's weight in gold. Watching Kelly dance, no matter what the setting or venue, is a transporting experience. Fred Astaire may be the Crown Prince of those who have danced their way to fame on the silver screen, but Kelly is the King, with a commanding, powerful presence that is without equal. Quite simply, nobody does it better, and his presence is definitely the strength of this film.

Cyd Charisse (whom Astaire named as his first choice of all his partners) is at her best here during her numbers with Kelly, but as good as she is-- and she is an extraordinary dancer and performer, arguably one of the screen's best ever-- in retrospect, she may not have been the best choice for this part; someone like Vera-Ellen, perhaps, may have been more able overall to capture the ethereal essence of Fiona, as Charisse is better suited to a more contemporary or modern setting. Still, there are those who will maintain that Charisse was perfect for this role, and indeed, it is an entirely subjective call.

Van Johnson gives a good performance, but there's something of a fish-out-of-water sense about it, which may have to do with the character he's playing. Jeff, after all, is the one who remains grounded while Tommy gets swept away with the fantasy in which they find themselves. And he does get a chance to show off a bit of his ability as a dancer in a brief number alongside Kelly, who very generously seems to tip his hat to Johnson by maintaining a rather reserved presence during their bit together.

The supporting cast includes Elaine Stewart (Jane), Barry Jones (Mr. Lundie), Hugh Laing (Harry), Albert Sharpe (Andrew), Virginia Bosler (Jean), Jimmy Thompson (Charlie), Tudor Owen (Archie), Dee Turnell (Ann), Dodie Heath (Meg), Owen McGiveney (Angus) and Eddie Quillan (Sandy). Also look for George Chakiris as one of the dancers. A somewhat minor, but rather charming musical, "Brigadoon" has a certain universal appeal that will ensure it's place forever among even the most memorable of movie musicals. It may lack the impact that would give it the stature of a "West Side Story," "Oklahoma," "Carousel" or "My Fair Lady," but it has a quality all it's own that makes it enjoyable and entertaining to watch. And that's the magic of the movies.

Rating:
Summary: For Hopeless Romantics
Review: The main theme of Brigadoon is a concept dear to the hearts of all hopeless romantics such as myself - "Love conquers all." It is the story of the magical Scottish village that materializes out of the highland mists for just one day every hundred years, and thus has too little contact with the outside world to lose its simple innocence, love and peace. It is the world that many of us need. To paraphrase one of the characters, "When I go to sleep at night, I sometimes hear voices. I can't understand what they are saying, but sometimes I think it's the sound of the outside world. There must be many, many people out there searching for a Brigadoon." If the world needed a Brigadoon in 1954, then all that I can say is that now, in the year 2001, with the present state of the world is "Boy, do we ever need it now!" The film features arguably the two best dancers in the world, Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse, and an absolutely gorgeous musical score by Lerner & Lowe. It was nominated for three Academy Awards - for Art Decoration, Costume Design and Sound Recording. With all this going for it, one would think that everyone would be happy, but such was not the case. The main flaw that the critics, both professional and amateur, seem unable to forgive is that while the film was originally planned to be shot on location in a real Scottish village, the filming was changed to indoor sets in Hollywood. There have been various reasons given for this change; economy cuts at MGM reflecting declining public interest in musical films, a persistent rainy season in Scotland that would have impacted the shooting schedule, and that the powers at MGM felt that a Scottish village just didn't resemble a Scottish village closely enough. The real reason was probably the first of the three; indeed the last great MGM musical, Gigi, was filmed a mere four years later. But if you can overlook the indoor sets and just let Brigadoon work its gentle magic, then you are subjected to an experience of total beauty and enjoyment. The crown jewel of the film is the dance by Kelly and Charisse to one of Lerner & Lowe's most beautiful songs, "The Heather on the Hill", which then becomes the love theme of the film, playing gently in the background when the two of them are together. Van Johnson is in perfect contrast to Kelly as his sarcastic, wisecracking friend who accepts the real world as he knows it and refuses to accept anything beyond his understanding.I have loved this movie since I first saw it many years ago, and it is my sincere hope that every hopeless romantic like me will be lucky enough to get an opportunity to see it.

Rating:
Summary: Pure Sentiment Can Really Hold the Heart
Review: The musical's songs cannot really compare to the songs in some other musicals (especially by Lerner & Loewe like Camelot or My Fair Lady), the story is quite naive and not that well-developed, the characters not that well-conceived (can anyone say they have a sense of what any of these people from the village are like -including Cyd Charisse's character)?

Yet, having said all this, I am in thrall to the romance of this movie. I utterly agree with one reviewer who wrote about how completely one's heart is moved when Gene Kelly must make a decision. I was swept away, wanted to see it again and again, wanted to see 10 sequels. It is deeply moving about two people have fallen in love and face a wrenching problem. Cyd Charisse is fabulous looking and dancing, Van Johnson sings and dances better than I ever knew, and Gene Kelly is his usual excellent self. It is completely lovely and beautiful to watch. You may end up in tears.

Rating:
Summary: Almost Like Being in Love
Review: The reason I saw this is because I am a huge Gene Kelly fan and I love Cyd Charisse as well! This isn't the greatest MGM musical but it was one of the last ones from the "Golden Age" that make this movie very special. The movie is about two hunters named Tommy(Gene Kelly) and Jeff (Van Johnson) who are in Scotland. While they are lost they stumble into this little village that isn't on their map. The village happens to be Brigadoon and it happens to wake up for one day every one hundred years. Tommy starts to fall in love with Fiona (Cyd Charisse) but Fiona can't leave the village if she does the town will disappear forever. This movie has a lot of great music my favorites are "Heather on the Hill", "Waitin' for My Dearie", "I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean", and "Almost Like Being in Love." This is really one the last great musicals! This a must see movie! I am very happy that Warner Bros. re-released this on DVD with good extras!

Here are the extras:

First-ever New Digital 16x9 Transfer (2:55:1)
Soundtrack Remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1
Three Outtake Musical Numbers: Come to Me, Bend to Me, From this Day On and Sword Dance
Audio Outtake: There But for You Go I
Theatrical Trailer
Languages: English & French
Subtitles - English, French and Spanish

Go out and get lost and fall in love with Brigadoon!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: This is a love story in the classic tradition. If you purchase this movie because it stars Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, or Cyd Charisse, you will be greatly disappointed because it does "not" contain their finest performances. This story is for those people who cried during the last half of Steel Magnolia's, E.T., and Bambi. It is pure sentimentalism....AND I LOVED IT. I have seen it on the stage, screen, and T.V. (Robert Goulet did a remake in the late 1960's.) Purchase this movie, if for no other reason, than to see how one man, and one woman, can love each other so much they overcome all obstacles to bring their love together.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating! A Scottish Shangri La!
Review: This is a specatcular story! Of all musicals, this is one that I long to see again and again. Who could not cherish the simple lifestyle of the Scottish rural village that appears only once every 100 years? This is definitely a must see! If I could give it a 6 or 7 star rating, I would!

Rating:
Summary: A Waste Of Gene Kelly
Review: This movie is borderline unwatchable. I know nothing of the play it was based on so my opinion isn't because the play was so much better. This movie just hurts to watch.

Cyd Charisse's Scottish accent is laughable. It keeps disappearing and reappearing when she speaks. If fact, the only words out of her mouth that consistently sounded Scottish were "aye" and "verra." Even then it sounded fake.

The background is obviously a painted set. I know that they did the best with what they had, but they should have had more because it looks terrible.

The story wasn't interesting. The characters fell in love with each other at first sight so there wasn't any great "getting to know you" scenes.

Here's the falling in love scene:

"Good day." her
"Good day." him
"Good day." her
"Good day." him

Wow, don't hurt me with all the witty dialogue.

The only tolerable character was played by Van Johnson. He had some funny lines but they were too few and far between to make a difference.

The dance sequences were very nice but I've seen better. If you are a fan of Gene Kelly I recommend watching "On The Town", "Anchors Aweigh", or "Singin' In The Rain". Actually, I would recommend sticking your head in the gas oven before I would recommend this movie to you.

Sorry, but I can see why this movie bombed at the box office when it premiered.

Rating:
Summary: Ridiculous Story
Review: This musical puports to be a musical fantasy of romance. I would call it a nightmare of Hell! Who on earth would want to live in a town that is only awake for one day in a hundred years? Ridiculous!

With all due respect to Learner and Lowe, the music is like dullsville, the dance scenes are boring, and the actors seem detached and disinterested in the plot. Truly this ranks as the worst musical I have ever seen! Gene Kelley and Cyd Charisse seem totaly out of touch with each other. They hobble through their scenes with Van Johnson wearing a most pained look on their faces, anxious to get this dreary movie over with.

Can't say I blame them. I watched this movie only because I was trying to get in good with a friend of mine. I decided the friend wasn't worth it! This movie is a total zero!

Rating:
Summary: One of the last Great MGM Musicals
Review: This one was released in 1954 relatively near the end of Arthur Freed's reign as producer of most of MGM's top musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, and towards the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood. At the same time, it holds up pretty well, and in many regards is a stellar example of musical moviemaking. Although it was transformed into a dance- rather than a song-based musical to capitalize on the wonderful talent of Gene Kelly (and, for that matter, Cyd Charisse), the beautiful score survived, for the most part anyway. "Heather on the Hill" gets the full Freed/MGM/Minelli treatment, as does "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean," and, of course, "Almost Like Being in Love." But several songs from the original stage musical didn't make the cut. This is really a shame because, judging from the soundtrack album released on Rhino Records, they are very nicely sung and orchestrated, and probably would have added a lot to the movie. But you can always check out the soundtrack album to see -- actually, hear -- what you're missing, and imagine "what might have been . . ."