Carousel

brilliant and classical musical.

lots of lovely songs and a great storyline.

anyone who loves modern musicals possibly wont like this film, but us classical lovers will

This is the musical that showed that the genre had grown up and needed to be taken seriously. Early Rodgers and Hammerastein work may seem frothy now, but compared to what had come earlier, they were a huge step forward. With 'Carousel', the musical gets its teeth into subjects that are difficult even now - domestic violence and disfunctional families. The idealised songs looking forward to a blissfull married life sung by Julie's best friend have an undertone of creepiness that warns that real life will not be quite so nice, a dire warning against the All-American Apple-pie view of domestic happiness. This musical may seem a little lightweight compared to Stephen Sondheim, but compared to the commercial 'juke-box' musicals filling up the West End now, it is tough stuff indeed.

The direction and photography is flawless, and in those days musicals featured singers who could really sing and dancers who could really dance. The songs represent Rogers and Hammerstein at their best. One scene to watch out for are the sailors dancing in their own traditional style featuring back flips and the like, remarkably similar to current supposedly innovative dancing!

The ballet sequence when Billy comes back to earth is an amzing piece in terms of photography and dance, and given it's length, incredibly daring for it's time. It knocks the proverbial substance out of most contemporary musical cinema, and if released today would probably be described as elitist, difficult and obscure.

I love the songs in Carousel, and was amused by the return of Barry Bigelow from Heaven, as this is totally different to the stage version that I have seen. I got bored by all the dancing, so thank God for fast forward!! Great performances by all the lead actors and actresses. Well worth renting.

I watched Carousel many years ago and thought, wow, really great musical. I think Gordon Mcrae is so gorgeous. Unfortunately I didn't actually recieve the film but a documentary type film of the movie so I was dissapointed. It wasn't bad viewing though. Anyway, I shall be trying again to order the film, so fingers crossed, next time, i'll be reviewing the musical.

Now, finally, January 2010 I get to watch the actual film! In August 2009 I saw the bonus disc first. Great movie. Highly reccomend for musical lovers! The Carousel music alone is lovely, the story and acting grasps you firmly by the hand and holds you! It was as good as I remember it.

I was really looking forward this as I am a huge fan of Fred Astaire. And the write up sounded like a lot of fun. However it was very drawn out and boring. Not enough dancing and often pointless singing. The acting was week and it was very hard to make myself watch it to the end.