Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There (2003)

Interviews and archival footage are used to tell the story of post-war Broadway through the 1960s.

Director:

Rick McKay

Writer:

Rick McKay

Stars:

Edie Adams, Bea Arthur, Elizabeth Ashley

11 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Edie Adams	...	Self
Bea Arthur	...	Self
Elizabeth Ashley	...	Self
Alec Baldwin	...	Self
Kaye Ballard	...	Self
Bryan Batt	...	Self
Betsy Blair	...	Self
Jim Borstelmann	...	Self
Tom Bosley	...	Self
Marlon Brando	...	Self (archive footage)
Carol Burnett	...	Self
Kitty Carlisle	...	Self
Carol Channing	...	Self
Betty Comden	...	Self
Barbara Cook	...	Self

Storyline

In their own words, and not a moment too soon - 'Broadway' tells the stories of our theatrical legends, how they came to New York, and how they created this legendary century in American theatre. This may be the last chance that these stories may be documented, for unlike film and television, live theatre exists only in the memories of those who were there watching, or more importantly, creating this magic. 'Broadway' tells the stories of these legendary performers, composers and writers while illustrating their tales with amazing, rare, archival performance footage and these legends' own home movies and photos.

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Plot Keywords:

legend | manhattan new york city | reference to ludwig van beethoven | musical stage production | broadway musical | 

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Taglines:

The largest collection in history of award-winning stars brought together in a single movie!

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Genres:

Documentary | History | Music

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Elaine Stritch's collaboration with Rick McKay on this film lead to her one-woman show "Elaine Stritch At Liberty" being filmed for television.

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Quotes

Elaine Stritch: I think people are so STUPID when they say, "Oh, we shouldn't revive these musicals, we shouldn't revive that show." My God! There's a whole new generation in the world! They should see 'Kiss Me, Kate.' It's great theater! They should see 'Guys and Dolls.' One of the best musicals ever written. They should see 'Annie Get Your Gun.' It's a ball. This is, you know, Beethoven, this is Bach, this is, uh, somethin'! Fer chrissake...

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Connections

References Carousel (1956)

User Reviews

WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL!

This movie is a valentine to all who love Broadway. Whether you're an actor, a writer, a director or even just an enthusiastic member of the audience, it is impossible not to be affected by this film. This is easily the most important film about theatre of all time. The stories told by these Broadway stars are wonderful. It's amazing Rick McKay has been able to capture everything in one film. I, for one, wished it would never end. I wanted to hear more stories, see more footage and continue to learn what it was like to be on Broadway in those days. The film did a great job of transporting you to those olden days when these stars were just starting out. It's so interesting to hear about how Carol Burnett shared a single dress with her four roommates and took turns wearing it to auditions. And how Shirley MacClaine used to make herself lemonade, asking only for the lemon and using her water and sugar to mix. My favorite part of the film was about the hangouts. Wallgreens Drugstore was a huge hangout for everyone. They all remember what it used to be like, going in there and seeing everyone, getting all the gossip and news regarding what shows were coming in and what was leaving. Great stuff. This is one of the best films I've seen in my life. I dare anyone to watch it and not adore it. If you don't love it, there is seriously something wrong with your life. This is what a real documentary should be and more-- a true testament to the enduring art of theatre. It ensures that it will never die but live on. And even though there will only be one Golden Age, there are still many more ages to come.

Details

Official Sites:

Second Act Productions [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

April 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Broadway

Filming Locations:

Cork, County Cork, Ireland

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,524, 13 June 2004

Gross USA:

$353,580

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$353,580

Company Credits

Production Co:

Creative Projects Group, Second Act Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1