cats1usa Reviews

Applause (1973 TV Movie)

Wow, found old Reel to Reel Video in School files, WOW!!!

[25 January 2003]

Why Broadway, and Hollywood and Tv Fight to keep some of these American Gems off DVD or Tape bewilders me. This is all but forgotten by even the best memoried Baby Boomers. Well, digging through old tapes, I found this "APPLAUSE" STARRING: Lauren Bacall, Larry Hagman, et al.

Now WHO would not pay to see "APPLAUSE" with it's ORIGINAL LEADING STAR? "APPLAUSE" is great, even after 30 years tucked away on a shelf. This find made my day. From the brilliant writing adaptation of "All About Eve", to the effervescent score. This Musical retelling of the Bette Davis classic is overpoweringly Superb. Lauren Bacall at her best! The production was done true to the original. That alone is worth seeing it again. Even on tv. But, in a theatre, on a big screen would be even better.

"What is it that we're working for?, Applause, Applause..." Love those classic Musicals, or hate them, I think you'd all LOVE APPLAUSE! Now, let's get it released on DVD. I'd sell my soul to see the ORIGINAL "HELLO,DOLLY!" with Carol Channing on DVD. Perhaps if Hollywood stayed true to the original work, Musicals would have lasted as an art medium. If you ever get a chance to see this GEM, DON'T Pass it up!

I Think I Do (1997)

Wow, This Changed my Life and Woke Something up in Me!

[10/10 · 24 June 2000]

Where to start, this alternative love story/comedy is FULL of ROMANCE! The subject matter is current and Timely. (My college days brought to life. Wish I'd have paid more attention when I was in college. Too bad I didn't open up more back then. :-( ).

The Cast Excellent!

The story of Brendan (Christian Maelen, a newcomer) and Bob, (Alexis Arquette) and new found love? There's plenty of interaction among a GREAT cast. Aunt Alice (Marni Nixon) adds a delightful push to help our main characters.

Great 70's / 90's soundtrack accenting the action. A really touching, romantic comedy, that transends the lifestyle thing. This cast makes it look so NATURAL and NORMAL for the characters. We loved this film, my friends and I were hesitant at first, but our gay friends told us to chill, get over the gay-phobia thing and enjoy it for what it is, a touching comedy full of love and amazingly, kept clean. Keep the kleenex box nearby though, you will need it. It is Excellent! As the poster says,"One Wedding, No Funeral" ( add- a lot of FUN). God, I think I'm in love.I (we) Agree.

Thanks Strand Releasing, the Producers, Mr. Sloan and CAST! Who wouldn't want to hug these guys and wish them well? Keep an eye on those delightful facial expressions, they're GREAT!

Hello, Dolly! (1969)

Hello Dolly, should have starred Carol or Pearl, BUT....

[8/10 · 24 June 2000]

Well, my first hgh school musical. Perhaps that's the reason I love this movie. This film stays true to the original,compared to other filmed Broadway stock. Great casting in Matthau, however, Channing or Baily would have been better casting as Dolly! Golly, millions of people world-wide saw and loved this Broadway musical and it's many starring ladies. Had Fox used one of those stars financial success would have been achieved.

Well, Dolly is a busy body & manipulator bent on one goal, to land herself an "Unmarried half a millionaire". From that point on the story begins. Delightfully accented and decorated with the fine performances of: Michael Crawford, (the future, "Phantom"), Marrianne McAndrew, Danny Lockin, E.J.Peaker, and others. The music is wonderfully rousing and costumes and sets beautiful. Dolly is welcomed as expected, by everyone at the Harmonia Gardens with a special and fitting salute by Satchmo (his 1964 recording of "Hello, Dolly!" surpassed the Beatles on the pop charts and topped at #1 for weeks!)

Well, well Hello, Dolly!, it is still so nice to see you there where you belong, in theatres and on video too, and Beautifully Preserved. Don't skip this one!