Star! (1968) A Robert Wise Film

[Blue_Lotus]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 1:28pm

I am currently watching this now on FXM Retro. I have never seen it before but have read much on it's troubled production and release history. 

It started at 12 and ends at 3 so it's a pretty long film - so far I am loving the costumes, the production design, the musical numbers and Daniel Massey's portrayal of his godfather, Noel Coward. 

Julie is great as always - I especially loved her "Burlington Bertie from Bow" number - she nailed it.

The script though is just all over the place - it lacks focus.

I can however see why it is considered a cult film because it is a film that had so much promise but in the end wound up being a lost opportunity.

 

 

[Blue_Lotus]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 1:31pm

I have to add how ravishingly beautiful Julie Andrews looks in this film. The camera just loves her - truly at the height of her powers. Kudos to Ernest Lazslo for his wonderful work as the film's cinematographer!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 4:08pm

Seeing this film also allows you to appreciate the parody they did in S.O.B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zxwOBcQlbA

[Blue_Lotus]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 4:18pm

To witness what I now consider one of Julie Andrews' greatest musical screen performances  - "The Saga of Jenny" - was worth waiting for since the running time of the film is 173 minutes. It's one of her sexiest - and electrifying - right up there with "Le Jazz Hot" from Victor/Victoria. I did everything in my power not to give her a standing ovation in the middle of my living room, lol! 

Gosh, I can't believe I just admitted that!

[Blue_Lotus]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 4:18pm

To witness what I now consider one of Julie Andrews' greatest musical screen performances  - "The Saga of Jenny" - was worth waiting for since the running time of the film is 173 minutes. It's one of her sexiest - and electrifying - right up there with "Le Jazz Hot" from Victor/Victoria. I did everything in my power not to give her a standing ovation in the middle of my living room, lol! 

Gosh, I can't believe I just admitted that!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 4:19pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM5bjoQaqBA

[Gorlois]

Posted: 7/1/17 at 8:44pm

I love Julie Andrews, and Star! is in my top 5 of her films-- it's where my avatar comes from, too. I even have an original 1968 movie poster from Star! and I have the album on vinyl. Star! may be an acquired taste, but to me, it is like caviar. 

I really hope that Twilight Time picks this up for their Blu-ray label because this is a film that deserves to be seen in high definition.

[LYLS3637]

Posted: 7/5/17 at 10:25am

sabrelady said: "Seeing this film also allows you to appreciate the parody they did in S.O.B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zxwOBcQlbA"

 

S.O.B is brilliant. The first 40 minutes or so are a little slow, but damn it turns into the most epic, hilarious take down of Hollywood ever. And Julie's performance is brilliantly funny! 

[nealb1]

Posted: 7/10/17 at 5:41pm

I attended the 25th Anniversary screening of "Star" back in Nov 1993 at The Director's Guild in Hollywood.  It was the fully restored version of the film with Julie, Richard Crenna, Robert Wise and others attending.  They were giving out free cd soundtracks of the film, as it had just been released on cd.  And, the free food and drinks were flowing.  

If you have the dvd, there's footage in the extras section from that evening.  It was quite something.

Updated On: 7/10/17 at 05:41 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 7/10/17 at 5:57pm

nealb1 said: "I attended the 25th Anniversary screening of "Star" back in Nov 1993 at The Director's Guild in Hollywood.  It was the fully restored version of the film with Julie, Richard Crenna, Robert Wise and others attending.  They were giving out free cd soundtracks of the film, as it had just been released on cd.  And, the free food and drinks were flowing.  

If you have the dvd, there's footage in the extras section from that evening.  It was quite something.

 

"

I was there as well.  I think it is the perfect film to watch at home in bits and pieces.  I could never sit thru the whole thing again.