Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

A rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his "farewell" television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted.

Director:

George Sidney

Writers:

Michael Stewart (book), Irving Brecher (screen play)

Stars:

Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margret

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Janet Leigh	...	Rosie DeLeon
Dick Van Dyke	...	Albert F. Peterson
Ann-Margret	...	Kim McAfee
Maureen Stapleton	...	Mama Mae Peterson
Bobby Rydell	...	Hugo Peabody
Jesse Pearson	...	Conrad Birdie
Paul Lynde	...	Harry McAfee
Mary LaRoche	...	Doris McAfee
Michael Evans	...	Claude Paisley
Robert Paige	...	Bob Precht
Gregory Morton	...	Maestro Borov
Bryan Russell	...	Randolph McAfee
Milton Frome	...	Mr. Maude
Ed Sullivan	...	Himself
Ben Astar	...	Ballet Manager

Storyline

Conrad Birdie is the biggest rock & roll star of the 60's ever to be drafted. Aspiring chemist and song writer Albert is convinced he can make his fortune and marry his girlfriend Rosie if he gets Conrad on the Ed Sullivan show to kiss a high school girl goodbye. Albert's mother will do anything to break him up with Rosie. Kim and Hugo, the high school steadies, live in Sweet Apple, Ohio where most of the action takes place.

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Plot Keywords:

kiss | song | ohio | secretary | high school | 

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Taglines:

The Most WONDERFUL Entertainment EVER! EVER!

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Genres:

Musical | Family | Comedy

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian Cantonese

Release Date:

27 May 1963 (Brazil)

Also Known As:

Adeus, Amor

Filming Locations:

Courthouse Square, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Kohlmar-Sidney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording) (optical prints) 4-Track Stereo (RCA Sound Recording) (magnetic prints) 70 mm 6-Track (RCA Sound Recording) (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Melody Patterson.

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Goofs

When Rosie originally confronts the Shriners, she twirls her shawl and tangles her hands in the ends. Viewed from the side, her hands are untangled and the shawl hangs freely at her sides.

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Quotes

Doris McAfee: Tell me, Mrs. Peterson, what does your husband do?
Mae Peterson: I don't know, he's dead.

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Crazy Credits

There is no "The End" credit or cast list at the end of the film. Ann-Margret simply sings an on-screen reprise of the song "Bye Bye Birdie" at the end, and then says " 'Bye, now!".

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Connections

Version of Bye Bye Birdie (1995)

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Soundtracks

"Hymn for a Sunday Evening"
(aka "The Ed Sullivan Song")
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Performed by Ann-Margret, Paul Lynde, Mary LaRoche & Bryan Russell

User Reviews

Great Fun!

While much of this Broadway hit has been altered for the film version, it doesn't really matter. The theatrical film production of "Bye Bye Birdie", is leaps and bounds of fun, over its stage counterpart (and the wretched TV remake). Every cast member gives it their all, with scene stealing performances from Paul Lynde (from the Broadway cast) and Maureen Stapleton. Dick Van Dyke (from the Broadway cast) and Janet Leigh are wonderful as Albert and Rosie, Bobby Rydell, proves that he can act and dance, as well as sing; but it is Ann-Margret who caused such a sensation, when the film was released. She may not exactly look like any sixteen year old you know, but she's just plain perfect in the role. The musical numbers (choreographed by Onna White), are exceptional. Every one of them is a highlight. This is one of the best screen musicals, ever. Don't miss it!