I did this show at my community theater back in the fall of 2001 (after 9/11, so at the curtain call, we'd sing "God Bless America"). One day while we were rehearsing this song, as soon as we sang, "Look, it has begun!", someone's cell phone rang. After that, whenever my husband and I would attend a performance, during the preshow announcement when the reminder about turning off cell phones is given, one of us will quote what happened at that one rehearsal.
The visual quality of this video is excellent. But it is a pity to realize that all of these extra actors and actresses are now gone. They would be almost centenarians were they still alive. I am in awe of Cecil Beaton for designing these beautiful dresses. He was a real genius.
Ladies and Gentlemen Ev'ry duke and earl and peer is here Ev'ryone who should be here is here. What a smashing, positively dashing Spectacle: the Ascot op'ning day. At the gate are all the horses Waiting for the cue to fly away. What a gripping, absolutely ripping Moment at the Ascot op'ning day. Pulses rushing! Faces flushing! Heartbeats speed up! I have never been so keyed up! And second now They'll begin to run. Hark! A bell is ringing, They are springing Forward Look! It has begun...! What a frenzied moment that was! Didn't they maintain an exhausting pace? 'Twas a thrilling, absolutely chilling Running of the Ascot op'ning race.
Qué precioso recuerdo de la niñez. MY FAIR LADY. MI BELLA DAMA. La formalidad británica, la elegancia de sus damas, la cortesía de sus caballeros, el coro mixto con galana coreografía. Un espectáculo de finura y buen gusto. Cien por ciento british.
At 3:06, there's the older gentleman who bows politely and almost pokes the lady behind him with his cane. This is Grady Sutton, a comedian in many of the W.C. Fields films. I always liked Grady.
I love everything about this scene - the poses, the movements, the facial expressions (or lack thereof), the costumes, and of course the tune and lyrics. Not a huge fan of the movie, but can watch this scene again and again.
I adore this scene. It cuts right before the ending, but the lady at the end with the parasol gets bumped into by Rex(Professor Higgins). The contrast of their perfectly choreographed and decorous movements not only with Eliza Doolittle, as that was the expected thing, but also with Professor Higgins greatly serves to characterize them both, as well as illustrate how much they have in common. It also creates a fantastic satire of London classes during that time, and this scene in particular gives some context clues about the upper class. You can see the costume style ranging from conservative and with very little black (which was seen as racy and offensive, especially as the only color, if worn outside of mourning) on the older folks to more outlandish and modern on the younger ones. And it shows those who did not follow the dress code socializing less with others, and not participating in the race. They are all practically expressionless until the older lady encounters another with the same hat as hers, then the camera immediately displays two gentlemen with identical hats merry-making afterwards. Nobody was safe in this movie, (Spoiler) even in the ending of the movie, the man who wanted his slippers prepared upon arrival had songs that painted the contrast of his proclamations and his actual, true feelings. He would mentally cast her away one moment and fantasize about how gracious he would be to her in his position of power, and the next he would be reminiscing about her and wandering aimlessly. I was surprised to see so much nuance in a film created the greater part of a century ago.
The aesthetic is the prevailing fashion of that particular season, which happens to be black, white, and dove grey. The color is secondary to the fashion of each outfit. Watch it again and see how each outfit uses the simple color palette. That's The ultimate fashion statement
Cecil Beaton was referencing the Black Ascot of 1910. Edward VII had died just before but it was decided to hold the event (as he was a great supporter) and people attended in mourning.
This is glorious, been searching for "ascot races events" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Nenlizaab Horse Ascendancy - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my work buddy got great results with it.
