Sweet Charity (DVD)

Sweet Charity, 1969, Running Time 149 min, Rating PG.

The Story:

Set in the 60's Charity Valentine is a dancer in a seedy night club, she is desperate to fall in love and leave the club and settle down with a nice man. After a series of disastrous relationships Charity still manages to look on the bright side of life, and in a twist of fate she meets Oscar in a lift -Could he be the man of her dreams?

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...many Broadway hits prior to Sweet Charity, she has since appeared in many great movies including 'Steel Magnolias', 'Postcards from the edge', 'Bewitched' and 'In her Shoes'.

Oscar Lindquist is played by John McMartin, Oscar is a nervous guy whose worst fear is getting stuck in an elevator - which is exactly what happens the day he meets charity. With Charity's help and encouragement he gets out unscathed, but his heart now belongs ... more

Sweet Charity, 1969, Running Time 149 min, Rating PG.

The Story:

Set in the 60's Charity Valentine is a dancer in a seedy night club, she is desperate to fall in love and leave the club and settle down with a nice man. After a series of disastrous relationships Charity still manages to look on the bright side of life, and in a twist of fate she meets Oscar in a lift -Could he be the man of her dreams?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this film, it is full of great musical numbers and I love the 70's style and costumes used. I am also a big fan of Bob Fosse's work and really enjoyed the dances. Shirley MacLaine is joy to watch in the role of Charity and steals the show. Highlights for me where 'The Rhythm of Life' this is such a fun number and Sammy Davis Jr as Daddy Burbeck is fantastic, I also really enjoyed Charity's song 'If My Friends Could See Me Now' with the hat and cane.
This is a great comedy musical with some very funny scenes and great comic acting; I particularly enjoyed the lift scene which is very funny indeed.
This is a good fun musical and one I would like to see on stage as well which is where it originated.

Character/Actors:

Charity Valentine is played by Shirley MacLaine, Charity is a dancer in a club who is looking for love, and she has an optimistic personality and always puts a smile on every ones face. She dreams of meeting s man and falling in love.
Shirley MacLaine starred in many Broadway hits prior to Sweet Charity, she has since appeared in many great movies including 'Steel Magnolias', 'Postcards from the edge', 'Bewitched' and 'In her Shoes'.

Oscar Lindquist is played by John McMartin, Oscar is a nervous guy whose worst fear is getting stuck in an elevator - which is exactly what happens the day he meets charity. With Charity's help and encouragement he gets out unscathed, but his heart now belongs to her.
John McMartin is also a great Broadway star and originated the role of Oscar.

There are many other characters that the couple meet along the way but one that must get a mention is Mr Daddy Burbeck played by legendary Sammy Davis Jr, Daddy Burbeck runs an alternative church and sings the great musical number 'The Rhythm of Life'.
Sammy is as wonderful as ever and gives a fantastic performance of one of the most memorable songs in the show.

This film was directed by Bob Fosse, and this is evident from the style of the film, particularly in the choreography used. Bob Fosse is known for work on Cabaret and Chicago.

The Songs:

You may not have heard of the show but with out a doubt you will recognise the musicals most famous song 'Big Spender', other songs include 'Sweet Charity', 'I love to cry at weddings' and 'There's got to be something better than this' to name but a few.

Where can I buy?

The DVD of Sweet Charity is available from Amazon for £6.99 or new and used from £3.94.
 

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