Today, it seems audiences know "Bye Bye Birdie" only from the prominent mention of it on "Mad Men," when the Sterling Cooper agency tried to copy Ann-Margret's minimalist opening number for a diet soda commercial. But when the movie musical premiered 50 years ago (on April 4, 1963), it was a huge smash. It made an instant star out of the Swedish-born actress, as well as boosting the fame of co-stars Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde. Based on the Broadway hit musical, "Bye Bye Birdie" was seen as a trenchant pop cultural satire at the time. Everyone knows that Conrad Birdie, the hip-swiveling rocker who is drafted into the Army, and who stages a publicity stunt on the Ed Sullivan show by agreeing to kiss a teen fan before reporting for duty, is inspired by Elvis Presley, who had to put his career on hold in 1958 when he was drafted. But...
- 4/4/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Most of the general movie-going public perceives documentaries as somber, serious cinema that’s ‘gonna’ make you learn somethin’ cause it’s good for you”. More like the steamed broccoli or creamed spinach in the movie meal rather than the dessert. Well, here’s the film to shatter that notion: Most Valuable Players. It’ll put a smile on your face, a spring in your step, and a song in your heart. And yes, you may learn a little something, but the lessons will go down as smoothly as any pastry.
The main focus of the film are three high school drama departments in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania(lovely place and..hey, they make crayons there! Cool!). Turns out that each schools ‘ theatre productions are as competitive as the athletic departments. One reason may be the Freddy Awards which honor high school musical productions and are actually broadcast live...
The main focus of the film are three high school drama departments in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania(lovely place and..hey, they make crayons there! Cool!). Turns out that each schools ‘ theatre productions are as competitive as the athletic departments. One reason may be the Freddy Awards which honor high school musical productions and are actually broadcast live...
- 11/15/2010
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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