Gypsy

Rating:
Summary: A Must for Movie Purists and Collectors!
Review: All right, so it's not the Grand Diva Ms. Merman in the powerful role of Momma Rose, but Gypsy fans will surely appreciate this newly released original aspect ratio version nonetheless.

Finally, footage containing the deleted scene where Momma Rose, Gypsy, and Herbbie sing "Together Wherever We Go" can be seen at last. Once you view it, you will understand why it was deleted; however, it is a nice treat for those who have often wondered why this song was cut, to finally view this rare gem and draw their own conclusions.

I'm extremely pleased that more and more movie studios and distributers have begun releasing its movies in their original aspect ratio. Now the beauty of CinemaScope and Panavision can be seen in all its glory. I often use the analogy that a movie is like a painting. If you find a Piccaso that you love, but decide to crop it to fit in a smaller frame, people would proclaim you insane. This same feeling of angst is felt when a cinematographer views his or her work which has been modified for television. Bravo to Warner Brothers and bravo to the stuidos that continue to bring us real entertainment in its purist format.

Cinemajohn Dallas, TX

Rating:
Summary: Merman Missing
Review: Although I still belive Ethel Merman should have done the role she created (I certainly didn't care for Tyne Daley's rendition on stage, and boy was Bette Midler's TV version bad!, the show overall is quite entertaining and can withstand all but the worst treatment. Was delighted to learn that the DVD version is letterboxed and the soundtrack done 5.1 -- anxiously awaiting my copy. As for Karl Malden not having much of a singing voice, the Broadway original (Jack Klugman) didn't either and wasn't supposed to!

Rating:
Summary: Great Performances
Review: Although it's regrettable that Ethel Merman was not given the opportunity to recreate the role of Mama Rose for the screen, Rosalind Russell gives a superior performance in this film adaptation of the Broadway smash based on the autobiography of the celebrated burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. The supporting cast is equally fine, with enjoyable performances by Natalie Wood as the future Gypsy Rose Lee, a very young Ann Jillian as the future June Havock, and Karl Malden as their would-be stepfather; the three strippers of the famous "You Gotta Have A Gimmick" number--Betty Bruce, Faith Dane, and Roxanne Arlen--are a particular delight.

Even so, and in spite of some delightful musical turns, GYPSY is a clunky film with as many bumps and grinds as a uninspired stripper. Director LeRoy has flattened both the lighter and the darker aspects of the show into one note, and the film has an overblown feel characteristic of "big" movie musicals of the 1950s and 1960s. It never quite manages to catch fire. Most viewers will probably consider it reasonably entertaining but lacking inspiration.

Rating:
Summary: ANN JILLIAN & NATALIE WOOD ALL BUT STEAL THE MOVIE!!!
Review: ANN JILLIAN was perfectly casted what with her excellent singing and dancing talents, she makes the perfect "Dainty June" the June Havoc bio. NATALIE WOOD as "Gypsy Rose Lee" gives a lovely, under played performance, if she has a flaw, it's in her singing voice, she lacks the vocal ability to carry, but then again so did "Gypsy Rose Lee". Rosalind Russell & Karl Malden are GREAT support with Rose Turn, Rosalind is right on target. But it's the young, budding actress ANN JILLIAN who stole all but the cameras as she shared "Junes" dream with all us viewers. The scene with ANN & NATALIE by the piano in the office and ANN says; " Why do you do it Rose, you always think of me, never yourself" and "NATALIE says; "Because you are real show business, your a star!" - and how true those words echo now with ANN JILLIAN's Star Shinning all these past twenty years...This is the movie every Mother who thinks her child has show biz in them MUST see. J. Ballard, Los Angeles, Ca.

Rating:
Summary: ANN JILLIAN & NATALIE WOOD ALL BUT STEAL THE MOVIE!!!
Review: ANN JILLIAN was perfectly casted what with her excellent singing and dancing talents, she makes the perfect "Dainty June" the June Havoc bio. NATALIE WOOD as "Gypsy Rose Lee" gives a lovely, under played performance, if she has a flaw, it's in her singing voice, she lacks the vocal ability to carry, but then again so did "Gypsy Rose Lee". Rosalind Russell & Karl Malden are GREAT support with Rose Turn, Rosalind is right on target. But it's the young, budding actress ANN JILLIAN who stole all but the cameras as she shared "Junes" dream with all us viewers. The scene with ANN & NATALIE by the piano in the office and ANN says; " Why do you do it Rose, you always think of me, never yourself" and "NATALIE says; "Because you are real show business, your a star!" - and how true those words echo now with ANN JILLIAN's Star Shinning all these past twenty years...This is the movie every Mother who thinks her child has show biz in them MUST see. J. Ballard, Los Angeles, Ca.

Rating:
Summary: Gypsy -- A Disappointing Pleasure
Review: As a longtime fan of the musical "Gypsy", inspired by the memoirs of the infamous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, I was ecstatic to come across a copy of the 1962 movie version on DVD. Though the acting was superb and charming, the one of the key words in a movie-musical is "musical", which this movie certainly wasn't.

First off: hats off to Rosalind Russell, an excellent Mama Rose. Miss Russell portrays Rose as the ruthless but lovable dominating stage mother that she is. She gives an marvelous performance as Rose. Though there is controversy on whether her vocals were dubbed by another performer (a rumor which Russell vehemently denied until her death), who really cares? Even if it isn't her singing, you can clearly see her put in emotion into whatever song she is belting(or lip-synching).

Karl Malden, as the bumbling Herbie, Rose's boyfriend and manager for her two daughters, Louise and June, gives his all. He is extremely believable in his role, as well as comfortable. Though unfortunately most of his singing scenes were cut for the final movie, they can still be seen in two additional bonus tracks that were cut from the final product. His talents as a vocalist are clearly displayed, along with his happy-go-lucky stage presence.

The last true musical charmer in this movie is that of the character of Tulsa, who gave a charming and whimsical performance in the song and dance splendor of "All I Need Is The Girl". I became a true fan of this number after seeing him flit across the screen.

Though these few people bring a great musical quality to this movie, not much can be said for the others in it. Natalie Wood, who plays Louise, the awkward teenager who ends up becoming the stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, definitely made her evolution believable. Though her acting was fantastic, I can't say the same for her singing abilities. Let's just say that I finally realized why someone dubbed her vocals for "West Side Story". "Gotta Get a Gimmick", possibly one of the best showstoppers I've seen on stage (about three strippers that give Louise tips on how to become a stripper), was pathetic on screen. There was more shouting than singing, and I kept counting the seconds until the end of the number so I could pretend it never happened. June was somewhat talented as a singer, but didn't give much of a performance.

Though most of the acting was splendid, the music was not. I have to give this one a 3 for the movie overall, but a 4 for the acting.

Rating:
Summary: It`s Roz`SHOW
Review: Because of numerous reviews in moviebooks I have avoided this film... "No... she`s nothing like Ethel Merman on the stage!"

However! Rosalind Russel gives a depth to the character that Miss Merman NEVER could have achived(and I`ve seen a lot of Ethel`s films).. True... we do miss the vocal power of the Merm(for instance Some People and Coming Up Roses), but the greatness of Russell is a treasure to behold. It could have been a good vehicle for Garland in good health, but faith wanted it differently...

But Miss Russell: YOU GOOO GIRL - GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO:-))))

Rating:
Summary: A fantastic film adaptation of a great Broadway show.
Review: Broadway rats always denigrate Rosalind Russell's performance as Rose in this film version of "Gypsy," preferring instead the Broadway bombast of Ethel Merman's original performance, but pay no mind -- she's terrific. I guess those same Broadway rats always conveniently forget that Russell originated the lead role in "Wonderful Town" (currently in revival on Broadway) to great acclaim, but no matter. Merman always defended Rose's excesses and monstrousness and inexplicably thought she was a "warm" character, but Russell's performance demonstrates that she is well aware of the character's voraciousness and selfishness. Russell's Rose is a monster, but a surprisingly sympathetic one. And no matter what anyone says, her singing is great and very affecting -- I don't think any subsequent Rose (Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters) has done a better job with Stephen Sondheim's clever lyrics on "Some People." And oh yeah -- Karl Malden, Natalie Wood and a very young Ann Jillian are terrific as well (as are the very talented dancer who plays Tulsa and the three hilarious strippers who essay "You Gotta Have A Gimmick" with such aplomb). In short, "Gypsy" is a fabulous film musical (even though they do leave out the great "Together").

Rating:
Summary: You gotta get "Gypsy" if you wanna get ahead!
Review: Buy this wonderful DVD issue of the 1962 "Gypsy" NOW! Fantastic color, film quality, sound...it's like seeing it for the first time. Wonderful stars and music. The two numbers "You Gotta Get a Gimmick" and "Let Me Entertain You" alone are worth the price. When Natalie takes those long legs to the runway, circling the stage performing the latter - whew - TOO hot to handle! "That's how burlesque was born!"

Rating:
Summary: You gotta get "Gypsy" if you wanna get ahead!
Review: Buy this wonderful DVD issue of the 1962 "Gypsy" NOW! Fantastic color, film quality, sound...it's like seeing it for the first time. Wonderful stars and music. The two numbers "You Gotta Get a Gimmick" and "Let Me Entertain You" alone are worth the price. When Natalie takes those long legs to the runway, circling the stage performing the latter - whew - TOO hot to handle! "That's how burlesque was born!"