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cinema : features
I'm in the Mood for Dancing…..
Back in the days when dancing was as regular a fixture
on the big screen as sex, violence and Colin Farrell are today, they produced
some top quality musical masterpieces. After the recent flush of musicals
brightening up our cinema screens, some of them fabulous (Moulin Rouge)
and some of them complete duffers (Down With Love) we thought we
would chose our favourite musicals through the decades. Only time will
tell if this new trend will continue, but if the recent resurgence has
inspired you to put on your top hat, here are a handful of melodic treats
you might like to try.
EXPRESSO BONGO
(Val Guest, 1960)
A giant amongst British musicals, this entertaining 50s Cliff Richard
vehicle is criminally underrated, especially against the better-known
Summer Holiday. Snazzy and witty, and If you love bongos, you'll be in
heaven.
FUNNY FACE
(Stanley Donen, 1956)
A beautiful, beautiful classic of the genre. Everything about it works,
from Donen's deft direction, to the fantastic routines and the charming
turns from Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn in the lead roles.
ON THE TOWN
(Stanley Donen, 1949)
By the laws of film history, I should be choosing Singin' In the Rain
at this point (which of course is a classic that everyone should watch)
but I'm going to rebel and suggest the brasher and less fluffy poor cousin.
I might be kept in detention, but I don't care.
ONE FROM THE HEART
(Francis Coppola, 1980)
A stylish and atmospheric piece of Las Vegas whimsy from Coppola. It's
all neon-lit fantasy and just a little bit odd, with a contemporary score
from Tom Waits, making it one of the most interesting film musicals.
CRY BABY
(John Waters, 1990)
It's a little piece of trash-kitsch heaven from freak monger Waters, as
rival gangs rampage around 1950s Baltimore, with Johnny Depp as our hero
gang leader Cry Baby. Great cast, great soundtrack, great fun.
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