George Gershwin - Porgy & Bess / Trevor Nunn · Sir Simon Rattle · W. White · C. Haymon · Glyndebourne Opera

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Summary: Someone has to know where we can get the movie version!!!!
Review: I remember watching it on TV years ago(early 70's) as a child and now no one can find a copy? To all you TV and Motion picture exec's: You stand to make big $$ if you can find the film version and sell video tapes. Please help!!!! We all miss watching the film version w/Sammy Davis, Dorothy Dandridge, and Sidney Poitier.

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Summary: where is the Real thing?
Review: I would love to see the original. Where can find it

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Summary: This is an excellent performance of the first American Opera
Review: To those lovers of opera and especially "Porgy & Bess", as well as dissapointed Sammy Davis Jr. fans: I do plan to purchase this performance of the original "Porgy and Bess". I too inquired about the "movie" version starring Sidney P., Dorothy D., Sammy Davis Jr. as well as many other fine performers, and found out from my library that although this movie is probably the most asked for, it is one of the few that has not become available to us. An opera is a drama completely set to music, and that is just what George Gershwin did. He took all of the joys, pains, adventures,lusts, vices and virtues of the black people on Catfish Row, South Carolina -and weaved them into a tragic and heartbreaking musical masterpiece. This company and it's lead performers seem to me to be particularly sympathetic and sensitive to the core of the story. The ending, where a crushed but hopeful Porgy gets "on his way" to find his beloved Bess, surprised me with it's unique twist & almost mystical interpretation : the flinging crutches flew! Porgy hit the road under his own power!

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Summary: Good..! But NOT the 'Porgy and Bess" I had remembered.
Review: Hey Sidney... Are you out there...? Where can I get a copy of the Video 'Porgy and Bess' with Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Pearl Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr. and other greats. For years I have been looking for this film. No one seems to have any idea!

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Summary: Good... But NOT the 'real' Porgy and Bess I remembered.
Review: Sidney...? Are you there...!!! Where can I get the 'Porgy and Bess' Musical and was with my grandmother in early 50's. Sidney Poitier, Sammy Davis Jr., all the greats.... PLEASE anyone give me a call (707-994-0508) or email me.

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Summary: Great
Review: Awsommmmm

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Summary: An opera of dramatic impact, NOT a collection of show tunes.
Review: This visually beautiful and excellently sung version of Gershwin's opera explains why his estate refuses to allow the Hollywood version to be seen. The sets of this Glyndenbourne production underlines the closed environment where the characters are psychologically imprisoned, but through Gershwin's music and especially Porgy's character, the drama ends in hope. If anyone wants Sammy Davis (who at least sings) and Sidney Poitier (who mouths them), all's the pity.

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Summary: THANK YOU
Review: Thank you viewers for your review. I now do not plan to purchase the video. You see, I too am a fan of the orginal version with Sammy Davis Junior. My mom and I loved it!!!! I remember this film from my teenage years which began my love for Gershwin music. I remain a Gerwhin fan and would love to have the orginal released. I still have the album from long long ago. My search will cease for the video. Porgy and Bess was the first video I ever wanted and still do not have.

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Summary: Lacklustre rendering of the opera
Review: This is primarily intended for all those other reviewers on this page who were disappointed at "being duped". The TODD-AO Preminger film version will probably not be seen for a very long time as those in control of the Gershwin estate loathe it and have permanently barred it from being screened as a film, being shown on television or being released on video. Since they retain the music rights and without their consent, the film cannot be exhibited, it looks as though this film is headed for oblivion. The same holds true of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN which the Irving Berlin Estate is barring for the same reasons. These remain the only two films of important Broadway musicals that have never been released to video.

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Summary: too long
Review: expected original screen play when asked for video with sammy davis jr. very, very disapointed. a waste of money.