This film is finally out on DVD. The quality of the picture and sound is excellent, and so is the packaging. Unfortunately, the movie isn't much. It's far too long, the script is consistently weak, the dance numbers make you think you're watching the "Carol Burnett Show," the acting is mediocre, and the music, with a couple of exceptions, is forgettable. That "I Enjoy Being A Girl" is touted as the masterpiece of the production, says much. Yes, the musical numbers are lavish, and a lot of money was spent on such items as a Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco. But where is the wit? And where is the beauty? Even when the music is passable, it seems to be imitating "Oklahoma" and "South Pacific." (Unlike in the filmed version of the latter, Juanita Hall is allowed to sing her role here. Several of the other voices seem to be dubbed.) By far the most believable performer in the production is Myoshi Umeki. Believable because she actually seems to be Chinese and can show a range of emotions that no one else in the cast apparently can. All in all, this is a weak way to spend two hours and twelve minutes, unless you're a musical historian interested to know how far the talents of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II have slipped by 1961.
Review of Flower Drum Song
