The energy in this sequence is simply stunning -- it gets me winded just watching it. Check out where Debbie joins the two lads @1:42 and then continues non-stop until the end of the song. While there are three different shots, it was done in a single take (two camera shoot). At this point, Debbie is no spring chicken and to be able to pull off this kind of intense dancing, holding her own with two younger men and still maintaining the enthusiasm that she does, is a testament to her immense talent. This was the end of the era of the big romantic musicals -- the public's tastes had changed, and MGM was not particularly anxious to green-light the film as it as putting all its resources into what they wanted to be their blockbuster, DR ZHIVAGO. And Reynolds was not the intended star -- the director, Charles Walters was hot to have Shirley MacLaine star, but she was not under contract with MGM and couldn't sign on. MGM execs then wanted Judy Garland, but that didn't work out and Debbie, who wanted badly to get this role, negotiated to invest in it personally to insure the film would go forward and she would play Molly Brown. Luckily for us and posterity, she prevailed.
America's equivalent of France's Edith Piaf, wherein in a voice, the wonder is given and we are simply left in amazement of the incredible gift they've provided us all.
Two Icons Ethel & Judy on one stage back in the 1960's what a dream come true for Barbara who was just starting out but learned a lot from watching i bet because by the 70's it was Super stardom for Barbara in her own right and the rest is history.
I'm here once again getting my dose and as usual I have to watch it about 10 times. This always strikes me to the bone and it always provokes new emotions in me. After studying Judy for years you just know that this particular performance is like none other, she's totally disconnected from the audience, the cameras, everything!!! She's taking herself on an emotional and personal journey here, it's pouring out of her very soul, so much so that her body cant even contain itself, shes trying so hard to keep herself on the ground for this unbelievable rendition. This is one of the most powerful performances of her's that exists on video, no doubt 😢
Am I the only one who doesn't understand why there isn't a movie about Busby Berkeley? The guy was a total genius, 1930s Hollywood was absolutely insane, and the production of those complex dance numbers... I can't even begin to imagine how insane that all was.
At a local used record store I recently found an original copy of the record in near mint condition. Not a single scratch on either album. They had it priced at $3 if you can believe that. What a find!
