Not up to the original, which I saw on Broadway, but it's the only version to be televised, so it's churlish to complain. I taped it (Great Performances) in 1980, and I'm so glad I did. Giorgio Tozzi, apparently unhappy with the live audio, post-recorded it, and it's obvious. Sharon Daniels is an adequate Rosabella, and the supporting players (Richard Muenz as Joey, Louise Flaningam as Cleo, and especially Adriene Leonetti as Marie) are all excellent. The dancing is topnotch, and the orchestra handles the Don Walker arrangements flawlessly. Whatever the shortcomings of this production, the Loesser music is the real star, and what music! The story (from Howard's "They Knew What They Wanted") tells of Tony, a rancher in the Napa Valley, who falls for a San Francisco waitress, courts her by mail, and, because he is at least 30 if not 40 years older than she, sends her a picture of his handsome young foreman, Joe. She accepts his proposal and arrives in Napa by train, still thinking that Tony is young and handsome. The period is circa 1930. This is Loesser's masterpiece, even surpassing "Guys and Dolls." The music is operatic, and those who have the original full-score LP have a gem, worth preserving. Still, it's nice to see it as well as hear it, and I will second the opinions of those who lament the disappearance of this video. It and so many other wonderful old PBS broadcasts should be recycled. Let's hope someone decides to mine the gold that's in those vaults.
7 Reviews
Update: Broadway at its BEST!
moosish26 December 2006
I'm updating my original 2006 review to say that I just finished watching the 2-DVD set that I recently purchased from Jim Berg, who has kindly made it available to us TMHF lovers. The DVDs are professionally printed and look quite good. Best of all, the quality of the recording itself is excellent! No, of course the video isn't up to today's HD/Hi-Def quality we've become used to, but when you consider that this was transferred from a Betamax tape; recorded at home by an amateur; from a live TV broadcast; made over 30 years ago; it's really excellent!
Almost the entire show looks and sounds smooth and great, but there's a kind of "pop" (I don't know what else to call it) around 20 minutes before the end of the show. Fortunately, the show still goes on to completion, albeit with a slightly different look and subtle sound quality difference -- still quite watchable, however. (I don't mean to complain; I just want to be as accurate and honest as I can. Anyone who was around in the Betamax days probably knows what I'm talking about here, since the taping process was dependent on mechanical means, rather than digital, so it was subject to problems unknown today.)
So -- that minor complaint aside, this recording is an absolute TREAT for the soul, with a production worthy of watching again and again. In fact, I'm going to order another set from Jim to send to my daughter, who's a big fan of Broadway musicals and will surely appreciate the rare genius and musical complexity of this unforgettable gem of a show.
I had recently been fortunate enough to see an excellent off- Broadway production in NYC of this great show just a few years ago. Short of being able to see such a live production whenever I feel like it, having this 2-disc set is the next best thing!
------------------
This was first shown on PBS in 1980 (before the widespread availability of home video recording machines) so I wasn't able to make a copy for myself. I'd always been a fan of the Original Broadway Cast double- LP album, but this production just about blew me away! I think it was done live on-stage by a community troupe somewhere in Texas. I know that PBS recorded it because it was shown twice that week in 1980...
Musically, this cast was as good as, or even superior to, the audio talent on the LP. Seeing it on the home screen also showed its wonderful choreography, dancers, lighting, costumes, scenery, direction, and musical direction.
Frank Loesser's music was and remains inventive, satisfying, original, and altogether wonderful. So many hummable tunes, such as "Standing On The Corner," "Big 'D'" and so many more! There is lots and lots of music, it having filled up 4 LP sides on the original cast album, which didn't even include a lovely balletic piece shown in this version.
Written in the 1950s I think, the story still holds up, as it deals with issues similar to online dating nowadays, wherein someone isn't completely honest in their pre-meeting communications. It deals with issues of loneliness, age, physical appearance, family, and even pregnancy. It has elements of comedy and tragedy, sin and forgiveness, love and acceptance.
It's a fabulous show I've never forgotten, and I'd give anything to be able to have a video copy of it to watch over and over again! 10**********!
Almost the entire show looks and sounds smooth and great, but there's a kind of "pop" (I don't know what else to call it) around 20 minutes before the end of the show. Fortunately, the show still goes on to completion, albeit with a slightly different look and subtle sound quality difference -- still quite watchable, however. (I don't mean to complain; I just want to be as accurate and honest as I can. Anyone who was around in the Betamax days probably knows what I'm talking about here, since the taping process was dependent on mechanical means, rather than digital, so it was subject to problems unknown today.)
So -- that minor complaint aside, this recording is an absolute TREAT for the soul, with a production worthy of watching again and again. In fact, I'm going to order another set from Jim to send to my daughter, who's a big fan of Broadway musicals and will surely appreciate the rare genius and musical complexity of this unforgettable gem of a show.
I had recently been fortunate enough to see an excellent off- Broadway production in NYC of this great show just a few years ago. Short of being able to see such a live production whenever I feel like it, having this 2-disc set is the next best thing!
------------------
This was first shown on PBS in 1980 (before the widespread availability of home video recording machines) so I wasn't able to make a copy for myself. I'd always been a fan of the Original Broadway Cast double- LP album, but this production just about blew me away! I think it was done live on-stage by a community troupe somewhere in Texas. I know that PBS recorded it because it was shown twice that week in 1980...
Musically, this cast was as good as, or even superior to, the audio talent on the LP. Seeing it on the home screen also showed its wonderful choreography, dancers, lighting, costumes, scenery, direction, and musical direction.
Frank Loesser's music was and remains inventive, satisfying, original, and altogether wonderful. So many hummable tunes, such as "Standing On The Corner," "Big 'D'" and so many more! There is lots and lots of music, it having filled up 4 LP sides on the original cast album, which didn't even include a lovely balletic piece shown in this version.
Written in the 1950s I think, the story still holds up, as it deals with issues similar to online dating nowadays, wherein someone isn't completely honest in their pre-meeting communications. It deals with issues of loneliness, age, physical appearance, family, and even pregnancy. It has elements of comedy and tragedy, sin and forgiveness, love and acceptance.
It's a fabulous show I've never forgotten, and I'd give anything to be able to have a video copy of it to watch over and over again! 10**********!
Among the 10 Best Broadway Shows Ever!
MatsonMan13 August 2007
May 2014
Dear Most Happy Fella enthusiast:
I have a 2 DVD copy of this 1980 PBS broadcast and have made it available to many MHF enthusiasts.
Recently, I exchanged emails with Susan Loesser and later spoken with Georgio Tozzi about this show in general and this performance in particular. This performance of TMHF is on 2 DVDs and was transferred from a betamax of the show.
The DVDs are archival and fabulous!
In Susan Loesser's opinion, it is by far her favorite Broadway show of the three most popular shows of her father...and she ventures an opinion that it was her father's favorite, too. Her step-mother, Jo Sullivan, created Rosabella in original 1956 production which I saw in Philadelphia on its way to Broadway. Her performance and that of Robert Weede and Shorty Long are seared into my musical brain...sorry, I was too young to get a feel for the nuances of Joe's (Art Lund's) role played...thank goodness for the cast recording of the show as its two CDs comprise at least 95% of the entire show - it is all largely sung.
Jim Berg President
MatsonCreative.com
jim@MatsonCreative.com
403 E. Ramsey #101 San Antonio, TX 78216
210.349.3674
Update....................
I get lots of comments and thanks since my original post. I am glad I kept a copy of the show...it may be the only one available.
Incidentally, Tozzi told me recently that the taping for this PBS performance was in a mold filled Detroit theater and that after the show moved to NYC, he replaced his singing with a(perfectly edited) studio voice over.
Jim Berg August 2007
Update June 2008...from a recent customer who loved the show!
"To any interested buyer: I just purchased the 2-DVD set of the MHF and I loved it. I suggest any buyer disregard the posting by a disgruntled customer of an older dubbed copy since replaced - in short he doesn't know what he's talking about. The quality of the video is just fine.
I queried the seller and was initially worried. But I bought the DVDs anyway and I am glad I did!
I am the newest Most Happy Fella!" - turandotfc@yahoo.com
UPDATE July 6, 2010
Yes, Matson continues to provide to TMHF enthusiasts this remarkable 2-DVD set.
wlapides (see her posting above) email of thanks to me was the most evocative of the many I receive as feedback on the show:
"Hi Jim
I am wrung out! Just finished watching the show and it was absolutely fabulous! I can't explain exactly what that music and story does to me, but it's the eighth wonder of the world in my book!
Thank you so much for making it available.
Best regards,"
End of Update
Dear Most Happy Fella enthusiast:
I have a 2 DVD copy of this 1980 PBS broadcast and have made it available to many MHF enthusiasts.
Recently, I exchanged emails with Susan Loesser and later spoken with Georgio Tozzi about this show in general and this performance in particular. This performance of TMHF is on 2 DVDs and was transferred from a betamax of the show.
The DVDs are archival and fabulous!
In Susan Loesser's opinion, it is by far her favorite Broadway show of the three most popular shows of her father...and she ventures an opinion that it was her father's favorite, too. Her step-mother, Jo Sullivan, created Rosabella in original 1956 production which I saw in Philadelphia on its way to Broadway. Her performance and that of Robert Weede and Shorty Long are seared into my musical brain...sorry, I was too young to get a feel for the nuances of Joe's (Art Lund's) role played...thank goodness for the cast recording of the show as its two CDs comprise at least 95% of the entire show - it is all largely sung.
Jim Berg President
MatsonCreative.com
jim@MatsonCreative.com
403 E. Ramsey #101 San Antonio, TX 78216
210.349.3674
Update....................
I get lots of comments and thanks since my original post. I am glad I kept a copy of the show...it may be the only one available.
Incidentally, Tozzi told me recently that the taping for this PBS performance was in a mold filled Detroit theater and that after the show moved to NYC, he replaced his singing with a(perfectly edited) studio voice over.
Jim Berg August 2007
Update June 2008...from a recent customer who loved the show!
"To any interested buyer: I just purchased the 2-DVD set of the MHF and I loved it. I suggest any buyer disregard the posting by a disgruntled customer of an older dubbed copy since replaced - in short he doesn't know what he's talking about. The quality of the video is just fine.
I queried the seller and was initially worried. But I bought the DVDs anyway and I am glad I did!
I am the newest Most Happy Fella!" - turandotfc@yahoo.com
UPDATE July 6, 2010
Yes, Matson continues to provide to TMHF enthusiasts this remarkable 2-DVD set.
wlapides (see her posting above) email of thanks to me was the most evocative of the many I receive as feedback on the show:
"Hi Jim
I am wrung out! Just finished watching the show and it was absolutely fabulous! I can't explain exactly what that music and story does to me, but it's the eighth wonder of the world in my book!
Thank you so much for making it available.
Best regards,"
End of Update
The best theater you'll ever see...
wlapides5 July 2010
Most everyone knows Frank Loesser's "Guys and Dolls" and "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying", but IMHO, Loesser's masterpiece is the lesser known "The Most Happy Fella". I believe the show is not more widely known because it is essentially an American Opera, requiring a cast with superb voices and range. It is therefore a very difficult show for a community theater, high school or college troupe to produce because of the enormous talent it requires.
That being said, run out and buy the Original Cast recording or order the DVD from my hero, Jim Berg, who has the 1980 PBS production available on DVD.(jim@MatsonCreative.com). This stunning and joyous show will stir even the most stoic with its beautiful melodies and life-affirming lyrics. Loesser has left us with a masterpiece that should be on the top of every theater and music lover's list.
That being said, run out and buy the Original Cast recording or order the DVD from my hero, Jim Berg, who has the 1980 PBS production available on DVD.(jim@MatsonCreative.com). This stunning and joyous show will stir even the most stoic with its beautiful melodies and life-affirming lyrics. Loesser has left us with a masterpiece that should be on the top of every theater and music lover's list.
Most Happy Fella 1980 on DVD
ralfinnsports6 November 2008
I can't thank MatsonMan, Jim Berg, enough for transferring the rare 1980 PSB broadcast of The Most Happy Fella to his publicly available DVD set. It is a very difficult show to mount and perform...it demands top standard singers. Having a proper New York theatrical performance of this classic to watch any time one wishes is a real 'mitzvah' from Jim.
Loesser really is some composer and word smith. He's not underrated because he is an acknowledged great. Guys and Dolls is regularly considered the apex of musicals, such is its excellence on every level. But what's not always appreciated is that his songwriting has a depth that goes beyond normal. It really is summed up by the title 'My Heart Is So Full Of You'. Loesser's heart and soul were rich in emotions he knew every one felt and he was conscious these feelings were not always satisfied in the hearts of many an ordinary person...love, confidence, company, respect of peers, job satisfaction, security, kindness. He knew the human condition like no other songwriter and he articulated this awareness into songs of utter grace and beauty, wit and rhythm.
Frank Loesser, the songwriter supreme.
Loesser really is some composer and word smith. He's not underrated because he is an acknowledged great. Guys and Dolls is regularly considered the apex of musicals, such is its excellence on every level. But what's not always appreciated is that his songwriting has a depth that goes beyond normal. It really is summed up by the title 'My Heart Is So Full Of You'. Loesser's heart and soul were rich in emotions he knew every one felt and he was conscious these feelings were not always satisfied in the hearts of many an ordinary person...love, confidence, company, respect of peers, job satisfaction, security, kindness. He knew the human condition like no other songwriter and he articulated this awareness into songs of utter grace and beauty, wit and rhythm.
Frank Loesser, the songwriter supreme.
As a side note... (music from the show)
hotcrossplums29 June 2007
I haven't seen "The Most Happy Fella," but after listening to some of the music from the 1956 original show, performed very well, I'm eager for a revival of the play. You can catch several music clips in an episode of "I Love Lucy" from the sixth season.
In this episode, the Mertzs and the Ricardos try to see "The Most Happy Fella" in New York, but Lucy has forgotten that her tickets are for a matinée showing of the sold-out show instead of for the evening performance they arrive for. They sneak in and out of the theater throughout the episode, and viewers are treated to a lot of catchy, well-sung music from the musical in the background, such as "Standing on the corner, watching all the girls go by" and "Big D" (as in Dallas).
From what I can tell, the 1956 show and the 1980 show are essentially the same. Hopefully, we'll be able to see more soon. It seems like it'd be a great show.
In this episode, the Mertzs and the Ricardos try to see "The Most Happy Fella" in New York, but Lucy has forgotten that her tickets are for a matinée showing of the sold-out show instead of for the evening performance they arrive for. They sneak in and out of the theater throughout the episode, and viewers are treated to a lot of catchy, well-sung music from the musical in the background, such as "Standing on the corner, watching all the girls go by" and "Big D" (as in Dallas).
From what I can tell, the 1956 show and the 1980 show are essentially the same. Hopefully, we'll be able to see more soon. It seems like it'd be a great show.
Plot synopsis
billsincl16 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I won't reveal the ending, but -
It's about a farm owner who is married (I think this takes place in the old west). He hires Joey, an itinerant farm worker, who is a Casanova type, i.e. has a knack for charming the ladies.
Unfortunately, he seduces the farmer's wife and gets her pregnant, and being a transient type, he doesn't stick around very long. (Well, he would been KILLED if he had)
My favorite song (and beloved by many jazz musicians and vocalists) is "Joey,Joey,Joey" a soliloquy about how he must move on:
Joey, joey, joey - Joey, Joey, Joe - You've been too long, in one place - Now it's time to go, time to go -
Joey, joey, joey - Joey, Joey, Joe - You've been too long - In one town - And the harvest time's - Come and gone -
That's what the wind sings to me - When the bunk I've been bunkin' in gets to feelin' too soft and cozy - When the grub they've been cookin' me gets to tasting too good - And I've had all I want of all the ladies in the neighborhood - She sings -
Etc., Etc.
It's still performed even today, but it was a BIG favorite when I was a kid in high school.
It's about a farm owner who is married (I think this takes place in the old west). He hires Joey, an itinerant farm worker, who is a Casanova type, i.e. has a knack for charming the ladies.
Unfortunately, he seduces the farmer's wife and gets her pregnant, and being a transient type, he doesn't stick around very long. (Well, he would been KILLED if he had)
My favorite song (and beloved by many jazz musicians and vocalists) is "Joey,Joey,Joey" a soliloquy about how he must move on:
Joey, joey, joey - Joey, Joey, Joe - You've been too long, in one place - Now it's time to go, time to go -
Joey, joey, joey - Joey, Joey, Joe - You've been too long - In one town - And the harvest time's - Come and gone -
That's what the wind sings to me - When the bunk I've been bunkin' in gets to feelin' too soft and cozy - When the grub they've been cookin' me gets to tasting too good - And I've had all I want of all the ladies in the neighborhood - She sings -
Etc., Etc.
It's still performed even today, but it was a BIG favorite when I was a kid in high school.
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