Kiss Me Kate
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Movie Reviews of Kiss Me Kate
Movie Review: Kiss Me Anytime!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was looking at the previous reviews and I must have received an improved DVD. On my screen the colors were very vivid and the images very clear.I bought this because I always enjoyed this movie from the first time I've seen it. The Grayson/Keel duets (and their sparring) are first rate, and the dancers (Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Bobby Van, Bob Fosse) are at their best, though I don't know why in the editing of Tom, Dick and Harry, no one caught Bobby Van nearly being knocked over by Tommy Rall's flying entrance--big whoa!
I'm glad that Howard Keel was selected for the role of Fred Graham. In what I've read and he even admits it himself that he wasn't originally considered for the role. (I've read that Laurence Olivier was one of the actors considered . . . ) One cannot imagine this without Keel's fine voice, the gleam in his eye when he smiles, and that devilish laugh. Kathryn Grayson gives equal whit and energy. Her voice and range is excellent. Their chemistry at its best.
I think more could have been done with the extras, behind the scenes, more on the actors. The clip with Ann Miller's narration (thankfully done before her passing) helps, but I think more could have been said (and probably was but maybe edited for time) by Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel and Tommy Rall.
I've performed in the stage version, and this is an excellent screen adaption of the play. "Kiss Me" anytime!!
Movie Review: Stunning, glorious & delightful: THE definitive 'Kate'!
Summary: 5 Stars
Bursting with color and sounding like it was recorded yesterday, this M-G-M musical gem is a revelation, celebrating its 50th anniversary with this wonderful, new DVD release.Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, and Ann Miller lead a splendid cast translating Cole Porter's best stage musical to the screen without losing any of its greatness in the process. Too often stage musicals make it to the big screen either miscat, missing songs, or both. This cinematic Kate has virtually every song the stage version had, and a superb group of talents who never fail to deliver the goods.
If you saw the recent Broadway production or its pale London incarnation recently shown on PBS, Keel, Grayson, Miller, Bob Fosse, Bobby Van and Tommy Rall show why today's generation of performers can't hold a candle to those whose stars show during the golden age.
Warner Video has done a stupendous job bringing KATE to DVD, with breakthtaking clarity, gorgeous colors, and a booming 5.1 soundtrack to boot. There are some nifty extras, including a retrospective documentary hosted by the movie's co-star Ann Miller. A short subject all about Manhattan from the general era of the film's genesis adds to the fun.
Another reviewer here seemed to think this DVD didn't look good, but all I can say is he needs to upgrade his television set! KATE looks GREAT, and if you love movie musicals, you won't want to pass this one up.
Movie Review: This one deserves more stars!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of my all-time musical favorites and in my opinion, the best MGM musical made outside the Freed unit, with a top of the tops score by Cole Porter, my all-time favorite composer.Grayson and Keel are in top form, their on-screen chemistry at its best moment, in such numbers as "We Open in Venice", the wonderful "Wunderbar", and the wondrous, lyrical and evocative "So In Love", one of the best romantic songs ever written by Porter.
Also in the cast, Ann Miller in excellent tap-dance form, in such show-stoppers as "Too Darn Hot", "Tom, Dick and Harry" (accompanied by Tommy Rall, Bobby Van, and Bob Fosse), but especially "From This Moment On", a number which features the aforementioned male dancers, plus Carol Haney and Jeannie Coyne, which is stolen by Fosse and Haney, in an unforgettable jazz-oriented pairing, as the french say: "la creme de la creme".
And last but not least, the funny couple of Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore, are thrown in for good measure and lots of laughs, getting also their chance at showbiz with "Brush Up Your Shakespeare".
I had longed for this dvd release, and after buying it I can say that I am satisfied with it.
If you are musical film-buff, buy it, it has an excellent score, sophisticated lyrics, very good singing, excellent numbers, expert dancing and some very funny moments indeed!!
Movie Review: It's Too Darn Hot!
Summary: 5 Stars
I look at this film and comment to myself, could anyone else but the legendary Cole Porter write such a masterpiece. Mr. Porter was a master with the piano and his lyrics were suave and sophisticated (very much like his personality)His lyris as some would say were ahead of his time, he would suggestively wirte where you knew what he was saying, but not to the full extent of the singer or actor actually coming out and saying it. "Kiss Me Kate" was originally a Broadway show that opened in 1949, only 3 years later did they begin shooting this motion picture that were vehicles for Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel ('Seven Brides for Seven Brothers') The film (in my viewpoint) is one of the grandest musicals of the golden age and I regret that Hollywood does nothing today that live up to these high standards which moguls like L.B. Mayer and David O. Selznick set for us. The film is a true masterpiece and I find it to be almost as good as Porter's flamboyant musical "Anything Goes". You might also want to look in to buying the soundtrack of this picutre along with the 1999 Broadway Revival Cast. Enjoy Porter at his best and you'll be "So In Love" with this picture!Movie Review: Easy 5 stars, (though the plot can strain slightly!)
Summary: 5 Stars
Just for the incredible "Too Darn Hot" by the unbelievable Ann Miller (My vote for most talented person ever, including sports!), and the nearly as nifty "From This Moment On", this is easy 5-stars..Other song and dance numbers include a rooftop Ann with Partner dazzling amid the clothesline, 2 not-so-bad gangsters toe-tapping to the Bard (Is that Fred Astaire in this scene walking about, or a look-alike?), among others..The costumes and plot are tops, and the switching between the actual Renaissance stage production of "Taming of the Shrew" and modern day life is also very fine..Throw in some good jokes, a hilarious "I Hate Men" Solo by Kathryn Grayson, and this can't lose..Just a few slow moments, mainly with the bickering cast, still this one is without doubt top drawer..But..It would be unimaginable without the late, great Ann Miller!