Annie (1982) User Reviews

Curiously maligned musical adaptation is a delight

[mnpollio · 8/10 · 15 May 2017]

Any movie buff alive in 1982 will probably remember the critical lambasting directed at the big screen adaptation of the popular Tony-winning Broadway musical Annie. But watching it with an unjaundiced eye, it is difficult to understand the hatred then or now.

Based on the long-running Little Orphan Annie comics and the acclaimed Broadway hit, Annie keeps the same narrative beats as its predecessors. Curly-haired carrot top Annie is a 10-year-old orphan in Depression-era New York City, whose upbeat attitude and refusal to be cowed by the obstacles thrown at her makes her a thorn in the side of boozy dictatorial orphanage matron Miss Hannigan. By luck, Annie is offered the chance to temporarily reside at the palatial estate of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, and she proceeds to melt the heart of Warbucks and his staff, while Miss Hannigan, her devious brother Rooster and his floozy Lily hatch a scheme to cash in.

It is hard to see where all the carping comes from. The film retains all of the favorite songs and numbers from the stage hit, while getting rid of dead wood like "Hooverville" and adding a few of new songs that fit right in (i.e., Sandy, Dumb Dog, etc.). Director John Huston opens up the film so that it never feels like a filmed stage play, which is usually the main complaint of people in Broadway to film translations. He nicely captures the tone and spirit of the Depression-era NYC. If the number celebrating "NYC" is missing, it is more than made up for with "Let's Go to the Movies", where Annie experiences her first movie-going experience at the lavish Radio City Music Hall where period-garbed Rockettes kick with abandon. I would say that the clips of Garbo's Camille could have been cut in this segment, although it would defeat the last sight gag. Ironically, everyone had the knives out early on for Huston, claiming he was an inappropriate choice for director. I would argue that Huston is infinitely more successful here in crafting joyous musical interludes as opposed to the dead air that "acclaimed" director Clint Eastwood perpetrated in Jersey Boys.

I would also venture to say that Huston's use of his lavish budget is present everywhere and used to great effect, particularly in the film's second half, which concludes with an exciting rescue that avoids the ho-hum effect that impacted the stage version's problematic second act. And while the visit with FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, with everyone singing on "Tomorrow" may seem hokey, it was no more so than in the show, and there are many highlights to counteract that saccharine bit. "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" featuring the orphans is a lovely bit and both "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here", "It's a Hard Knock Life" and "Little Girls" are all showstoppers.

Aileen Quinn nicely anchors everything as an appealing Annie (although I daresay some of the other orphan girls give her a run for her money in the talent department). Carol Burnett hams it up with abandon in a scene-stealing turn as the chronically inebriated Miss Hannigan. Albert Finney walks the tightrope between stern and warm as Daddy Warbucks. Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters are a memorable Rooster and Lily (their Easy Street is also a highlight), while Ann Reinking is a delight as Warbucks' secretary Grace Farrell.

Ironically, for a film declared a misfire by so many critics, I have not come across any musical fan or child who does not get caught up in its effervescent joy. Definitely a film to watch to chase away the blues and instill some hope. Steer clear of the woebegone modern remake with Jamie Foxx, whose sole saving grace was watching the same critics who trashed this film suddenly develop amnesia by pretending they originally liked it and the remake was so bad.

Why the low rating?

[opheliahasrisen · 8/10 · 8 August 2019]

I came on here expecting to see an 8 or something in the 7s, but a 6.6??? This is a solid classic.

I grew up on this movie!

[jonak-45501 · 8/10 · 28 September 2018]

This movie is the best constantly sing the songs from the movie. it will always be a classic.

One of my favorite musical films

[stormhawk2021 · 7/10 · 11 July 2017]

"Annie" is the epitome of a family film in every way. From it's very catchy musical numbers to it's strong heart shown by it's talented cast, this film will make your heart sing even if you are in a bad mood. This film has some obvious faults, as it does not need to be two hours long and some plot devices seem to be thrown in to push the story along, but all-in-all, I had a blast watching it. For the type of film that it is, it's dialogue and lyrics are all well-written and it is very well-produced. "Annie" is the type of kid that you wish you could have been friends with growing up, due to her sheer likability. "Annie" is one of the most enjoyable musicals I have seen. For anyone ho has not seen it, it definitely earns a recommendation from me.

The best musical of the 80's

[afonsobritofalves · 7/10 · 18 September 2018]

One of the best musicals ever and one of the best films of the early 80's. One of the greatest classics ever, full of good songs, good actors and a great story. Highly recommend.

The best Annie

[theknownames · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

A memorable adaption of the Broadway play. Hands Down, the best Annie. The set designs are classic, the casting is impeccable, the costumes, the talent! There is at least one additional song that fits in seamlessly. Aileen Quinn as Annie is iconic. An inspirational timeless and, so far, unsurpassable production. Annie '82' is perfect

The Best Songs

[bellabanana93 · 7/10 · 10 October 2017]

Annie is a family favourite for a good reason. The songs are catchy and memorable. You and your family will be singing and humming them everywhere you go. The entire movie is well done but it gets the most interesting at the ending. The character development of Annie's adopted dad is heartwarming.

One of the most underrated movie musicals!

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 5 February 2009]

The criticisms for Annie have been unfair I feel, then again maybe there's some bias as it was one of my absolute favourites as a kid and still is. There have been worse musicals before and since, as well as better admittedly(Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain, West Side Story), High School Musical movies anyone, as well as The Wiz, Mame and A Chorus Line for examples? As for Aileen Quinn, she isn't ginger! She was wearing a wig, plus Annie has red hair! And she was about 10 years old, when she did this movie, and in my opinion she had a fantastic singing voice for her age, and she is an appealing and spunky actress. Albert Finney is just wonderful as Daddy Warbucks, with his gruff voice, and his slow transformation from stern to heartfelt.. it was totally believable. The locket scene was very moving. Broadway diva Ann Reinking was a lovely Grace Farrell(just look at her dancing in "We Got Annie"), and I liked her voice very much. Sometimes though, it was hidden over the highest voices especially in "I'm think i'm Gonna Like It Here". But to be fair, the arrangements are always done to the abilities of the singers. Bernadette Peters and Tim Curry had a little less to do, but they were excellent in their villainous roles, and their rendition of "Easy Street" was wonderful. Carol Burnett was fantastic in this movie, making Miss Hannigan as nasty as humanly possible, and performance-wise steals the film. The dialogue is very witty and warm-hearted throughout and Burnett has the best lines, she sings and acts the heck out of "Little Girls". The servants did well too, though I don't know any of their names, though Geoffrey Holder was a delight as Punjab. The orphans are delightful, especially Toni Ann Gisondi as Molly, she was so cute, who put rare energy into "Hard Knock Life", and "Without a smile." I was really impressed with the performances. The songs are just marvellous, even the ones added to the movie(especially "Sign"), except for "Dumb Dog", very forgettable and pointless. I have seen the stage play,(my sister Kathryn played Molly) and enjoyed it as well, though the movie should stand on its own and that's what people seem to not take into account. The 1999 film was good if too short and sugary sweet, but while this may seem like blasphemy I've always considered this the better film, more faithful doesn't always mean better you know. The wonderful title song "Tommorow!" played over the title credits, and there was a reprise in the white house, which is one of my favourite scenes. But it showed in her face that Aileen Quinn preferred "Maybe." "Let's Go to the movies" surprisingly worked on its own merits. It looked lovely with some nice movie star references, and the production values in the entire film are fabulous, glitzy and evocative. But the best element of the movie along with Burnett and the songs was the choreography by the immensely talented Arlene Phillips. I disagree that it was overblown, as a matter of fact it worked amazingly well. The only real criticisms I have with Annie, is that I agree that John Huston was the wrong director, I felt his heart wasn't really in it and his inexperience in the musical genre did show somewhat and while nail-biting the climax was a little contrived, but the performances, songs and choreography completely overshadowed them. Fantastic. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Annie Film Review

[Illiana-nilson · 7/10 · 14 June 2012]

Based on a comic strip original written by Harold Gray.  Annie Soon became a sensation that turned into a Broadway musical. It was a huge hit  so Thomas Meehan had the idea to write a book on the musical and received the tony award for the Best Book of a Musical in 1977.  The play ran on Broadway for nearly six years opening in 1977.Annie was set in 1933 during the Great Depression. The Leading cast included Aileen Quinn as Annie, Albert Finney as "Daddy" Oliver Warbucks, Ann Reinking as Grace Farrell, Warbucks' assistant. Miss Hannigan, Played by Carol Burnett and her brother Rooster Hannigan, Tim Curry. Bernadette Peters  Played by Lily St. Regis, and Geoffrey Holder as Punjab. This movie is  considered  an adventure comedy because of Annie's search for her parents and the encounters that she faces throughout the movie.   

Annie  is an eleven year old orphan during the 1930's. She is very adventurous and tries to escape many times from her orphanage, where she lives with the other orphan girls.Their caretaker Miss Hannigan, is very mean and treats the girls badly. One day while the girls are cleaning the house Annie hides in the laundry basket and is taken outside to The laundryman who take the sheets and dry cleans them. While Annie is out in the world she see a dog that some boys are picking so she goes and helps. While a  Policeman is watching her for a distance she is caught and brought back to the orphanage. Soon after Grace Farrell Warbucks assistance comes to the orphanage to take an orphan to stay with his for a week and she chooses Annie. Annie and Mr. Warbucks get along very well. Until Warbucks wants to adopt her and she shows him the locket and note her parents wrote to her saying that they would come back to get her. Warbucks decides that he will help her find her parents and reward the parents 50,000 dollars for coming and taking Annie home. But the people who show up and seem to be her parents turn everything upside down and and things take a crazy twist. (spoiler alert)  

The costumes in the movie are good at telling the differences between social classes in the 1930's. The clothes of the poor at the time were dirty, old and ripped in some places. When you see Grace Farrell she is dressed very nice as she comes out of the car in front of the orphanage, and you are able to see the differences between how rich people dressed and how poor people were dressed.This shows you  how hard it was during the great depression.  For lower class people who had little or no money. The movie's costume designer does a good job creating images of the hardships that these people went through during the movie. You really feel connected to the movie through the characters clothes.

The set design was very well done. It was very elaborate and had many details to show the life  of the characters. You were able to tell a lot about the kids from the orphanage,  where everything was very dirty and old. It wasn't kept in good conditions because they didn't that the time or money. You were able to tell that they did not have enough money and were very poor. Then you have Mr. Warbucks home. It was very big, beautiful, everything was new and kept very clean and tidy. The clothes were new and expensive and kept very well. you could tell that a lot of work was put into the set design so that the audience could get the full effect  of the movie. It helped them  feel the character's pain, happiness, sorrow and anger.

My overall opinion of the film was good. I thought the quality of the film was well made. The singing and dancing was well rehearsed and you could tell they put a  lot of time into the choreography and practice. The acting was believable; when the characters faced a problem in the movie you felt it also. I recommend that people who have not seen the movie should see it because it is a classic movie that will make you laugh and cry.

Kids movie about important things

[ron-198 · 6 August 1999]

I have read a previous comment that says that the only good singing parts are when Carol Burnett sings, and I think that's baloney. The purity of a child's voice still cuts you to the soul (if you have one) and I can still remember the goose-bumps I got from miss Quinn's singing the first time I saw it in the theatre. Carol Burnett is great in this film, and she deserves much praise, but above and beyond that - if you want a movie that you and your kids can watch that won't leave them screaming obscenities (or being just plain rude) at daycare on monday, then this is a good film for you to SIT DOWN WITH THEM and watch.

Contributed to the Death of Film Musicals

[RJV · 3/10 · 13 August 2002]

The original Broadway show was a popular hit because it conveyed innocence and warmth. The film version didn't do well at the box office because it lacks these important qualities.

Part of the problem is John Huston's direction. It is obvious the veteran director's heart was not in this film. He sabotages musical numbers by handling them in a cold, plodding manner. For instance, one doesn't feel for the orphans' plight when they sing "It's a Hard Knock Life" because Huston has them doing acrobatics that detract from the lyrics.

Then there is the mishandling of the songs. As a previous commentator has noted, some wonderful tunes like "We'd Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover" and "N.Y.C." have been scrapped in favor of dreary tunes like "Dumb Dog" and "Let's Go to the Movies." These new songs contribute nothing to the scenario. The remaining original Broadway songs are hampered by inferior renditions and Huston's misdirection.

The scenario is unnecessarily coarsened. The nasty orphanage head Agatha Hannigan (Carol Burnett) is transformed from the blustery harridan of Broadway to an alcoholic vamp. This type of character has no place in a family musical. Neither do orphans and maids who flash their underwear during musical numbers.

As the orphaned title character, Aileen Quinn tries hard but her acting is artificial, so one cannot feel for her. Albert Finney as Oliver Warbucks seems gruff and uptight even when expressing love toward Annie. Ann Reinking seems too cool to convey maternal warmth as Warbucks's secretary Grace Farrell and her husky singing voice is completely inappropriate. Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters as the villains Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis and Geoffrey Holder as Punjab are largely wasted.

No wonder Disney decided to make their own TV version of ANNIE in 1999. Anyone who doesn't have the opportunity to see a stage production should watch the Disney version, which is truncated but captures the original show's charm and simplicity. In the meantime, it is an injustice that Columbia has decided to put the misbegotten film version on DVD while ignoring its real treasures like TWENTIETH CENTURY.

A good family movie

[lorneross73 · 10/10 · 14 October 2013]

This was the first movie I remember watching I cried I was 7 years old I saw this movie at the new Beverly cinema in Los Angeles California. My parents thought it would teach me to enjoy life I did learn a life lesson that everybody does not have a golden spoon. I wish I had a sister and maybe I might adopt a child someday. The music was very good and it sticks in my head all these years later.Take your kids to see it or rent it. The end of the movie is very scary for very young children. The movie is very different from the play it is more evolved. They should make a follow up as Annie grows up. I hope you enjoy watching the movie as much as I did from LORNE.

Really great, and I'm a cold-heart film cynic

[thehotttrock · 7/10 · 23 May 2004]

I loved this film as a child and will always hold fond nostalgia for it. You definitely have to watch this from the point of view as a child (with so many "family" films out today, I know this might be hard, when their goal has been to entertain everyone). I loved all the performances in it from Albert Finney to Carol Burnett and Tim Curry. My most favorite Huston film is The Misfits, but don't expect that from this film, which I think alot of people are doing. As most directors age, they tend to get "soft" in their filmmaking as their hunger is replaced with complacency, but this film isn't as bad as some people describe it. It's a musical, it was made in the 80's, and it's primarily for kids. Compared to other movies made in that time period, this one is actually quite good. And although I've only seen parts of the newer one made by Disney, this one seems alot more mature and crafted, and not so candy-coated.

Annoying little brat...

[TheOtherFool · 3/10 · 6 March 2004]

Oh Boy, is that Annie kid annoying or what! Leaping Lizzards what a waste of talent...

I didn't feel at all for this kid in her quest to find her real parents. The story is dull and unimaginative, the movie is way too long for it's own good, and lacks a good finale. When I was young (about 5) I thought it was really good, but it shows what a small kid knows...

Great actors like Finney, Burnett and Curry are completely wasted in this very disappointing movie. The only thing it has going for itself are a couple of good songs (tomorrow is an undeniable classic) and the fine acting by the older actors. Everything else smells. 3/10.

The oldest orphan in the world

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 7 January 2016]

Little Orphan Annie as a comic strip ran for 86 years from 1924 to 2010 until 1968 under its original creator Harold Gray. Quite a bit is left out when you read a list of Annie's adventures in that period. But the film Annie captures the essence of what she was about. One thing though she never grew up staying a plucky and resourceful orphan with her benefactor Daddy Warbucks the Howard Hughes of the funny papers who had endless money.

Young Aileen Quinn is our Annie and Daddy Warbucks is Albert Finney. The film is an adaption of the Broadway Musical that ran for six years and 2377 performances. It hadn't even finished it's Broadway run when the film came out. The film plot concerns Daddy Warbucks inviting a selected orphan out to the fabulous Warbucks estate and Annie gets to be the lucky girl. She gets to him with her innocent charm and plucky attitude.

But the mean woman who runs the orphanage who is played with delicious panache by Carol Burnett wants to exploit the situation to her own advantage. Burnett enlists her conman brother Tim Curry and his wife Bernadette Peters. What they do and how Annie triumphs over all is for you to see the film.

I'm not sure John Huston was the right choice to direct this, but Busby Berkeley was not available. Probably with a musical or two under his belt Huston might have made a classic. As it is it's not a bad film, just not a great one.

In fact this adaption of a cartoon was really perfected by Warren Beatty when he created his Dick Tracy film. That's how you adapt a cartoon as a cartoon to film with live actors.

Still Annie got a couple of Oscar nominations for adapted musical score and Art&Set Direction. I wish Burnett had been given recognition when she's on the film really takes off.

A good musical with a good adaption for family viewing.

My kids review!

[johnhousewilson · 7/10 · 8 December 2018]

"It was pretty good. It was cute and there were good songs." Magnolia, age 6

How did this beautiful classic get such a low rating???

[laraliu10 · 10/10 · 2 May 2011]

I find it appalling and ridiculous that the Disney movie got a higher rating than this and that this movie got a 6! that is just plain stupid. "Annie" is a classic, inspirational story. It still is one of my favorite movies, and one of my favorites as a child (well, when I was younger, I'm 14 now). Aileen Quinney (sp.) did an amazing job, she has a beautiful voice and brings such a prescense to the songs she sings. Hannigan and Rooster and his wife whose name I can't remember right now had me cracking up that entire song, they bring a hilarious scene, where Hannigan is clearly drunk, and bring the screen to life with a song that's supposed to be sinister (you will find that I am referring to "Easy Street" but I don't want to give too much away). Hannigan was also my main problem with the Disney version, Kathy bates was too strange, Burnett did a much better job, bates was just too strict and serious, while Burnett was more out there and brought some charisma to the part. Oh and I loved Daddy Warbucks, he was a great addition to this movie as well as Grace.

All in all, Annie is beautiful movie that is worth a watch. Please, do not listen to these idiots who tell you it sucked and Quinney can't sing, because she can. Just enjoy the movie, it's great and I promise will become a family classic.

Very entertaining...

[richieandsam · 7/10 · 1 April 2013]

ANNIE

You know what... I was expecting this film to be terrible. The whole thing just sounds awful to me... but it's actually very enjoyable.

I am not a huge musical fan... I don't mind them but musicals are never my first choice. Although I am a big Oliver fan.

Annie was a nice film about a little orphan who is in a horrible orphanage and tried to get away to find her real parents. One day a lady comes to the orphanage and takes Annie for 1 week to live in a huge mansion with a billionaire... he is only allowing this for his image as it makes everyone think he cares.

Now as you can expect from any musical (except Sweeney Todd), the acting was not that good. Especially by Annie. But the bad acting didn't ruin the movie. The songs were very catchy and there were obviously a couple of very famous songs too.

The cast was quite impressive...Albert Finney was quite funny in the movie playing the billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. I also thought that Carol Burnett was very funny as the evil woman running the orphanage. The best role though has to go to Tim Curry. He plays a great character and as always does a fantastic job. The surprise appearance was from Geoffrey Holder... I mainly know him from Live and Let Die (One of my favourite Bond films) where he plays Baron Samedi... in Annie he plays Punjab. Not his best role, but still quite good.

I will give this film 7 out of 10.

Even though the acting was not up to scratch, i can still see why this film is locked into a lot of peoples hearts. Very entertaining.

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Superb Movie Musical

[EveAngel-666 · 10/10 · 19 December 2019]

Shocked to see a low rating for this classic. But then again, the Sound of Music has a low rating too while half the movies in the IMDB top 200 shouldn't be there.

Many great scenes: Annie beating up the boys and finding Sandy, Hard knock life, I'm going to like it here. But my favorite is the climax which is dark and filled with tension between Rooster and Annie climbing a bridge with Punjab coming to the rescue. The sets are terrific, the period looks real, the music numbers are all terrific and memorable.

A movie that stays with you after you are done seeing it, unlike the movies of today that lack soul.

10/10

Likable Musical

[movieratings03 · 28 June 2006]

ANNIE (1982) **** Likable basis of the Broadway musical about a little orphaned girl, Annie, who falls into the care of a well-to-do billionaire. The rich man had intended to boost his political image through this situation, but he ultimately wants to keep the little girl in light of his newfound daughter-like love for her. Aileen Quinn is fine as the titled character, turning in rags for riches, all the while hoping to someday reunite with her real parents who had abandoned her for orphan care. Though the movie goes on for too long, the charm and likability of this musical production more than makes up for it. Of the lead players, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, and Ann Reinking are particularly nice to watch.

Fun Musical

[madblack_diary · 7/10 · 30 August 2013]

Annie was a fun musical. I remember watching it when my mom when I was little. The songs are catchy and Annie/the actress playing Annie was a very likable kid who was a lot of fun to watch and sing and dance along with. I watched it again just two days ago and it obviously doesn't look as cool now that it is so many years old, and it just wasn't as much fun watching as an adult, but this movie obviously isn't for adults so much as it is for kids or at least adults watching the movie with their kids. The songs are still catchy and I'd love for my little girl to end up watching and liking it as much as I did. Worth seeing for sure!

I HATED IT!

[birdie5222 · 1/10 · 6 July 2000]

I am surprised to see how many people actually enjoyed this horrible slice of cinema. Now, I have not been an "Annie" fan for long-- I saw my first production of it in the summer of '99, and I was so thrilled with it, I rented the movie right away. I was appalled almost right away. Here are my top 10 reasons for hating this movie: 10. "The Hard-Knock Life" sequence-- it looked like they were on a playground, not in an orphanage. 9. Toni Ann Gisondi-- I hated her as Molly. Just not cute enough. 8. The new arrangements of many of the songs. I especially disliked "I Don't Need Anything But You" and "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here." 7. Ann Reinking-- Grace is supposed to be a soprano. Hello? 6. Punjab-- Okay, so he was a character in the comic strip, but there was absolutely no reason for him to be in this movie. 5. Carol Burnett-- What in the hell was that performance about? I love her in everything I've ever seen her in, except this. She was way too over the top, even for Miss Hannigan, and that's saying a lot considering it's already an over the top character. 4. The added songs. Personally, I disliked all of them, but one in particular comes to mind-- "Dumb Dog." 3. Annie hanging off a drawbridge-- don't even get me started. 2. Aileen Quinn-- vocally, she was halfway decent I suppose, but had all the charm and charisma of a rock, and all the acting skills necessary for portraying a wooden board. 1. The omission of "Tomorrow." Sure, they sang it over the opening credits, and sang the White House version, but it never really was a crucial part to the storyline, as in the play. "Tomorrow" is the best song of the whole show, and we, the audience, couldn't listen to it all because John Huston didn't like it. Personally, I preferred the Disney version of the film much better. Although it was shortened, it was much truer to the original story with a much more talented cast to tell that story.

The Good Annie

[matthewssilverhammer · 8/10 · 9 August 2017]

The original Annie film is a giant pile of sentimental crap...and I love every second of it. Unlike the 2014 remake (No, Cameron Diaz! No!), it captures the Broadway show by letting the scenes play out naturally, on a big scale, with lots of cast members and tons of fun choreography. And it's all just plain fun; funny (getting rid of bomb), well-toned (Burnett is wonderfully awful), bubbly (singing with President), and affecting (I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING!).

For fans of cartoons and movies, everyone will find something to like in this one!

[MyMovieTVRomance · 7/10 · 1 February 2024]

A little cartoony for an old fashioned musical, but I guess that's to be expected since it's based on a comic strip. I really like it though. I used to have an Annie poster on my bedroom wall!

These days, my favorite part of it is Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan. And I just love how ultimately, she proved herself to have some good inside. I won't spoil it for others who haven't seen the movie, but I will just say it was my favorite part.

Another thing about Carol in this movie, she's super sexy when she kisses the radio haha! And I'm not even kidding. I just love how in touch with her feminine wiles she is. And even though she plays a boozing, bitter orphanage marm, I ultimately sympathized with her. Like, I thought that a lot of times, the kids caused her to be the grouch she was, by constantly laughing at her and mocking her. Sometimes I felt like if they would just be nice to her, it could change her.

Anyways, Carol Burnett is Miss Hannigan was especially sexy during certain scenes, and I loved her bedroom! Got to love that rags trying for riches 1930s aesthetic!

My other favorite part of this movie was the dog! Oh my gosh, what a perfect dog!!

If you like cartoons and Disney musicals, you will like this movie, even if you don't like traditional movie musicals. Because as I say, this has the feeling of a live-action cartoon for much of the time. But even if you aren't a fan of animated films, you will like this for its 1930s aesthetic and it's great stars.

No wonder I had the poster on my wall when I was a kid! This is a good movie!! And absence makes the heart grow fonder, because I think I like it more now than I did before!

A horrible failure that should have been a big hit!!!

[alfiefamily · 3/10 · 25 March 2004]

I really thought that this was going to be a can't miss, super box office hit that would revitalize the movie musical.

However, this movie falls under the category of "What Were They Thinking?" I can't speak for anyone else, but when I here the words, "Light hearted, musical comedy", I never think of John Huston. This was by far the biggest mistake of this movie. Huston had no idea of how to film this movie.

Carol Sobieski took Thomas Meehan's funny, charming musical and gutted it. Someone should have told her that when you're writing a musical comedy, it's important to have some comedy in the script.

Casting - I was disappointed in Carol Burnett. Perhaps it was the writing, or the direction, but I felt as though I were watching an exaggeration of one of her characters from her show, instead of something new and interesting. Albert Finney was fine, although, he's no singer. Ann Reinking is a lovely dancer, but terribly bland in this part. I will not comment on Aileen Quinn, other than to say I think they could have done better than her. In general, there is no chemistry between any of the actors in this movie.

Overall, this movie is awful. The shorter TV version with Kathy Bates and Victor Garber is far better than this mess.

2 out of 10