24 May 2012

Pleasant but unremarkable RH Musical Comedy

This is grade B Rodgers and Hammerstein, but that means it's VERY competent and certainly enjoyable to watch once or twice. After that it is just boring. Filmed in Panavision for Universal (the only R&H film not produced or distributed by Fox)the film's one saving grace is the borrowing of Alfred Newman/Ken Darby to orchestrate and score the musical and dance numbers (as they did for the Fox R&H musicals). The score is pleasant but the orchestrations make it seem far more memorable than it is. Unfortunately, no one in the film can act and the director is lethargic in his pacing. The show and the film are curios. What was timely in 1959 when the show premiered on Broadway for 600 performances and in 1961 when the film was released, is now very dated. R&H never had much success with contemporary themes in their musical comedies (virtually everything they wrote after THE KING AND I - 1951). The film DOES go on (for two and a quarter hours). The dream ballet is completely rethought (originally an act one finale equivalent to OKLHAHOMA!'s ballet where Laurey has to make up her mind), no longer Wang Ta making up his mind between Linda Low and Mei Lei, but a strife torn Helen Chao haunted by her impossible love for Ta. The ballet is well choreographed and danced (as is the delightful SUNDAY number). This is like the cliche about Chinese food - tastes great while your enjoying it but an hour later you're hungry again.The film earned five Oscar noms: Cinematography, Art Direction, Costumes, Sound, Scoring butlost out to WEST SIDE STORY.

24 May 2012

True love for two out of three

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) The movie is lovely, the extras in the disc are great and the price is good, whether used or new. Even has commentary by Nancy Kwan and film historian Nick Redman.The film is about Mei Li, played by Miyoshi Umeki, who comes from Hong Kong to the United States for an arranged marriage with a night club owner played by Jack Soo. But he already has his eye on Linda Low played by Nancy Kwan, a modern gold digger who is willing to do anything to get that gold ring on that empty finger. So he tries to dump Mei Li on an old fashion family looking for an old fashion girl to marry the eldest son played by James Shigeta.There is also Helen Chao, played the lovely Reiko Sato, who has a job, has loved the eldest son for years, isn't interested in money or marrying just to get married and guess who ends up without a man in the end? Poor, poor girl. Besides that it is a fun 2 hours and 12 minutes.

23 May 2012

Its a Rodgers and Hammerstein!

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) Not Rodgers and Hammerstein's best work, but pretty darn good. Set in San Francisco, a cute movie providing an excellent cross-sectional view of the generation gaps during the 60's. Fair to good soundtrack with one or two standouts including Nancy Kwan singing "I enjoy being a girl".

Ed Uyeshima

23 May 2012

New DVD Resuscitates Rodgers and Hammersteins Quaintly Entertaining East-Meets-West Musical

As a Japanese-American raised in the 1960's, I always had mixedfeelings about the 1961 film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein'sChinese-American musical comedy. Although it was refreshing to see somany Asian faces in a mainstream studio movie (granted severalJapanese-American actors in Chinese roles), the portrayals alwaysstruck me as trite and catering to pre-existing stereotypes. Now thatit has finally come out on DVD forty-five years after its initialrelease, I can appreciate it much more without raising my eyebrows asmuch, perhaps because it now seems so much a nostalgic product ofEisenhower-era sensibilities. Another reason is that the DVD contains apristine print that balances the saturated use of color throughout.Moreover, there is the music, which while not grade-A material from thelegendary team, has enough of their recognizably melodious style tomake the whole affair quite entertaining now.Set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the late 1950's, the soufflé-lightstory, written by Joseph Fields, is a family-oriented, musical-chairsromantic comedy focused on East-West cultural differences primarily inthe well-to-do Wang household headed by the ultra-traditional MasterWang. It starts with pretty Mei Li, who has stowed away on a Chinesesteamer with her professor father to become a mail-order bride fornightclub owner Sammy Fong. En route, they end up staying in the Wanghome where she develops a crush on eldest son Wang Ta. But he isinfatuated with saucy showgirl Linda Low, who is intent on making Sammyjealous enough for him to propose after five years of non-commitment.Wang Ta and Linda turn out to be a mismatch, which would be good newsif only Mei Li's marriage contract were not so binding. If thatsituation is not complicated enough, dressmaker Helen Chao has alifelong crush on Wang Ta as well.An all-Asian cast was assembled, a rarity in itself back then, and ithelps that most perform within the constraints of the movie quite well.Looking like a porcelain doll brought to life, Miyoshi Umeki lends heruniquely plaintive quality to the role of Mei Li, and she sings withquiet clarity on her trademark song, "A Hundred Million Miracles". AsWang Ta, James Shigeta, also a pleasant singer, is sincere with thematinée idol looks to match, although his naïve character seemsexcessively dim when it comes to women. Both, however, are overshadowedby the shenanigans provided by Nancy Kwan, at her pin-up cutie peak, asLinda, and Jack Soo in full Dean Martin mode as the cynical Sammy. Eventhough their stormy relationship seems to be lifted completely fromNathan and Adelaide's in "Guys and Dolls", they provide the lion'sshare of the entertainment with the domestic fantasy, "Sunday" aparticular highlight.While dubbed, Kwan performs the boudoir classic, "I Enjoy Being aGirl", with sexy flair, and she dances with graceful exuberance on "FanTan Fannie" and especially on "Grand Avenue" with a virtual battalionof dancers. Benson Fong, who memorably played Charlie Chan's #3 son inhis youth, brings the necessary bluster to Master Wang, while JuanitaHall, Bloody Mary from "South Pacific", stays mainly on the sidelinesas the understanding Auntie Liang except when she solos on "Chop Suey".Of the supporting cast, two performers stand out - teenaged PatrickAdiarte dancing energetically as younger son Wang Tan, and as thelovelorn Helen, Reiko Sato leads a stunning ballet on the show's bestsong, "Love, Look Away" (her voice is dubbed by legendary sopranoMarilyn Horne). The opening credits showcase a series of strikingwatercolor paintings from artist Dong Kingman, and Russell Metty'srichly colorful cinematography can finally be appreciated with the DVD.The 2006 DVD extras are generous starting with a solid commentary trackfrom Kwan and British film historian Nick Redman. Even though Kwansometimes gets derailed by her life story, she and Redman partner wellin bringing out intriguing aspects of the production and cast. Thereare five featurettes which feel like components of one feature-lengthdocumentary since the same participants show up in all five. The firstone talks about the story's transition from the original novel by C.Y.Lee to the Broadway musical directed by Gene Kelly to the 1961 movie tothe 2002 Broadway revival developed by David Henry Hwang. The othershorts focus on the casting, the score, sets and costumes, and a morepersonal look at Rodgers and Hammerstein. It's interesting how veteranfilmmaker Henry Koster is barely mentioned since he directed the film,though his pedestrian direction is truly the least impressive part ofthe movie.

Puddin'

22 May 2012

Chinese-american Musical

It is fun movie to watch. I just happen to catch the movie on the AMC channel. The music is by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. My songs from the movie is "Chop Suey" & "It Fun Being A Girl. A movie for the whole family. It is a good american musical with a chinese twist.

22 May 2012

First American Asian movie with an all Asian cast.

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set in Chinatown San Francisco. A mail order bride from China stows away on a freighter to an arranged marriage in San Francisco. But who is she supposed to marry? The night club owner? The rich playboy? And what about the showgirl?

19 May 2012

Movie Classic

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) Wonderful songs and a classic tale of love realized. I hope the next generation finds this movie and enjoys it as I do.

19 May 2012

Such a pleasure

It's such a pleasure to watch a movie that's entertaining without the foul language & violence!

19 May 2012

A hundred million miracles.....

This review is from: Flower Drum Song [VHS] (VHS Tape) Why 'oh why is this not on DVD? This is one of the most delightful musicals ever written both for the stage and screen. The music score is out of this world, the acting, singing, dancing, costumes, sets are all brilliant.. This is truly a wonderful classic and i watch this movie several times a year. Nancy Kwan looks beautiful especially in "I enjoy being a Girl." All the songs are great with a wonderful orchestration.I have this musical on VHS 3-channel stereo. I can just imagine how beautiful this would look in wide screen and 5.1. Please please please someone transfer this to DVD. This is such a feel good musical. This movie deserves 5 stars times one thousand. It's wonderful.

evil_dustmite

18 May 2012

chop suey chop suey!!!

wonderful musical. i know i shouldnt admit this but i know practically all the songs to it. i love the romance. awww!! it has comedy, romance(which i already mentioned), dancing, singing, and lots of other things. here i will attempt to tell you peoples what its about. a father and his daughter come from china to san francisco for her to be married. in an arranged marriage. how freakin mean is that?!! oh well. the other guy is taken by suprise by this because its his mother who set this all up. so he takes her to this other man who he hopes will marry her off to his son. well thats where things get a tad bit complicated and where all the singing and dancing and wooing and colorful stuff happens. so sit back relax and dont get any popcorn because you will probably want to sing along.

18 May 2012

musicals

this is a great musical....if you like musicals, this one has it all....it is one of our favorites of all time!!!

18 May 2012

Finally!

I have been a huge fan of this movie since I was a kid, and was wondering when they'd have this out in DVD. After so many years of seeing the other Rogers and Hammerstein musicals being issued, I began to think that this was going to be ignored, but now I'm so glad it's finally out!As an english-speaking person of chinese descent living in Asia, I feel compelled to say that I do not find the movie politically offensive at all. Sure there are send-ups of some of the more exotic things about the Chinese, but it's all done in good spirit. Besides, some of the wackier stuff is true anyway!! The people who wrote the screenplay have done their research well, and some of the digs are so subtle I feel that only we Chinese would get it! Go buy this DVD and support the movie!ps. I just LOVE the "Chop Suey" number where anything and everything gets speared, and Junaita Hall is just adorable with her whiplash one-liners!

17 May 2012

Good Old Classic

A timeless classic. Beautiful music. I'm a big fan of Rodgers and Hammerstien. I grew up around the San Francisco area and it's wonderful having a movie the represents a time when the city was at it's best.

17 May 2012

Upbeat - bright colors, interesting songs, great sets

Watch this when....you are nostalgic for a bright, happy blast from the past. This is a great old movie (1961); it's got a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, it's set in late 1950s Chinatown in San Francisco, and it's fun to watch. It's an adaptation of hit Broadway musical comedy. The colors and costumes are wonderful; the songs and choreography are very well done and highly entertaining. It's the story of a traditional Chinese girl who has, along with her father, entered the country illegally, for an arranged marriage to the son of a San Francisco family. The problem: the parents have made the marriage arrangements, and the son who is supposed to be the happy and dutiful groom is a thoroughly Americanized nightclub owner with a thing for one of his dancers. He doesn't want to alienate his family, but he's got a life and plans of his own. How do you keep everybody happy when generations and lifestyles collide? The cool thing about this movie is that it went against the late 50s stereotypes by portraying Chinese characters as groovy swingers. And the cast was nearly all-Asian; remarkable for that era. Don't look for cultural authenticity here: many of the actors are actually Japanese not Chinese; there is such a thing as a flower drum, but it's not used in the manner portrayed in the movie, and when it comes right down to it, a lot of the elements of this movie are kind of hokey. But you know what? I love this movie, it's bright, it's cheesy, it's simplistic, it's a no-brainer, it's fun fun fun ~ it's an Elvis movie with chop suey!! In English, suitable for family viewing, run time 133 minutes.Principal Cast: Nancy Kwan, James Shigeta, Benson Fong, Jack Soo, Juanita Hall, Reiko Sato, Patrick Adiarte, Kam Tong, Victor Sen Yung, Soo Yong, Ching Wah Lee, James Hong, Miyoshi Umeki.

Coco Delgado

14 May 2012

For a musical, it actually makes some good points...

I am from San Francisco, and while not of Asian descent, I am familiar withthe cultural difficulties of "East vs West" -- and every time I see thismovie, I am impressed with how this is handled. Ok, granted, it's afluff-and-sparkle R&H songfest, and not one of their best or most famous,but it does have some good commentary - as when the younger brother pops inand out with his completely modern slang...with the more common "generationgap" themes running rampant at this time (early 60's), it's even moreinteresting...and, as I say, I lived in SF very near Chinatown - it "feels"right, even tho it's an entirely fake set. Don't dismiss it out of hand -it's no "Joy Luck Club" or "Double Happiness" but it's not bad,either.

14 May 2012

A forgotten Gem

This is definately a campy musical. I believe it would not have gone nearly forgotten had it not come out the same year as West Side Story. not sure, but I do believe it was nominated for a few Academy awards, of which went to West Side Story. Definately a must see if you are a musical fan and enjoy campy R&H musicals.

13 May 2012

Middling Rodgers and Hammerstein

This pedestrian version of the R&H Broadway musical highlights the drawbacks of the original while sacrificing most of its charm. "Flower Drum Song" was not one of the teams masterworks, although it contains several songs that rank with their best. Unfortunately, the score (which admittedly contains a couple of clinkers) was tied to a superficial and trivial book that sometimes deteriorated into stereotype. That said, the original cast album is a charming document of the stage show, while this film is a crass fiasco. At 133 minutes, it's overlong by half, but it still feels like the characters' relationships are rushed and poorly realized. The garish technicolor has not aged well, nor has the pre-feminist, slightly stereotyped storyline. What lasts is the mostly fine score, the standouts of which include "A Hundred Million Miracles", "I Enjoy Being a Girl", You Are Beautiful" and the gorgeous "Love Look Away". While these are hardly definitive versions, they are lovely to hear. The cast tries hard but they can't defeat the lackluster surroundings. Miyoshi Umeki repeats her stage role but, unfortunately, she seems to have been directed to act like a cross between a simpleton and a doormat. It's a one-note performance. Nancy Kwan, the star attraction, brings vitality and charm to her role, but she is paired with the bland James Shigeta, who barely registers in the male lead. Juanita Hall seems to be reprising her Bloody Mary role in "South Pacific", and what's with Patrick Adiarte as the younger brother? Dressed in a baseball uniform, he still manages to come across as the feyest shortstop in the league. This ultimately lugubrious enterprise is a mixed bag at best. If you like R&H and can sit still through the slow parts, you'll enjoy the music. For everyone else, stick with the cast recording.

12 May 2012

Flower Drum Song and Realpolitik

Flower drum song is one of the best musicals,of all time .5 star+.Why must we wait for so many years for great movies,while radar men from mars gets top priority.An example The movie yentl,A tree grows in brooklyn,claras heart,and so much more.I dont expect hollywood studios to learn,but i can only hope.i thank you ,from Stewart L.

mntwister

12 May 2012

A Wonderful Musical with a wonderful musical score

Flower Drum song is one of those movies that I think was veryoverlooked by the public and also the Academy. Miyoshi Umeki deservedat least an Academy Awards nomination. She carries this film and Ican't imagine anyone playing the role more to perfection. Juanita Hallis fantastic and I wish there was more screen time with her, and theothers are well cast. My only complaint with casting is Jack Soo. Inthe Broadway version, he played the singer in the nightclub, and onthat cast CD, he is a terrible singer. For the movie, somehow he waspromoted to one of the leads, and his singing was not dubbed. I thinkhis acting is just OK, but his singing STINKS, and for me, ruined the 2songs "Sunday" and my favorite "Don't Marry me." How Richard Rodgerswas OK with not dubbing his singing is beyond me.There are some pretty jazzed up orchestrations, which work well inGrant Avenue and Chop Suey, but some orchestrations are better in theBroadway version (again, "Sunday" and "Don't Marry Me."). The setdesign and cinematography are excellent, and Rodgers and Hammerstein'sscore is, in my opinion, up there with their best. Most of the songsfrom the Broadway version (except one) were left intact and someexpanded. Note that Universal gave the makers one of the biggestbudgets and it shows in a good way. The sound recording on thissoundtrack is superb, making for what will be (I hope) a great DVD.This is a fantastic movie, sadly unavailable in any widescreen versionand no DVD release at all, which is sad considering it becameUniversal's top grosser when it was released and is the only R&H filmthat has not been issued on DVD. This was the only Rodgers andHammerstein movie not produced and released by 20th Century Fox, and Iwish it had been because then we would have a DVD.Highly recommend this movie, just sit back, enjoy some great musicalnumbers, acting, and a unique and involving story.

11 May 2012

My Favourite Movie!!

There are only a handful of movies that I can watch over and over again, and Flower Drum Song is one of those films. What a pure delight! I cannot recommend this movie highly enough and for all the ladies out there, you will fall hopelessly in love with James Shigeta! My heart has palpitations just seeing his face and hearing his beautiful voice. Of course, the entire cast is superb and you will find yourself immersed in a romantic fantasy that will melt any heart.