Gilda Live

I had seen this years ago, it was a hit and miss show with Gilda doing some of her most famous SNL characters, which are the best parts. Director Mike Nichols chose to film some backstage stuff which I don't think was needed. Father Guido Sarducci (Don Novello) is given a bit too much footage.

But Gilda provides some hilarious moments with characters like Judy Miller, the little Brownie who does her own fantasy TV show in her room, nerdy Lisa Loopner playing "The Way We Were' at a high school recital, Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci ("Aren't I cute?") and gross newscaster Rosanne Rosannadanna making a guest speech at a journalism school graduation. Some good musical moments like the vulgar "Let's Talk Dirty To The Animals' and the sweet "Honey" at the end.

As one of the first female performers for "Saturday Night Live" back when it premiered in 1975, Gilda Radner help shape the face of comedy. "Gilda Live" is a nostalgic look back on comedienne Gilda Radner live show from 1980. Bringing to life many of the characters she made famous on SNL, Gilda Radner's performance on stage is highlighted by the fact that it's live and uncensored. Many fans have noted that even with it's R rating at the time of it's release, the mostly "Adult" oriented performance was way more refreshing than watching it on TV. Many film critics in 1980, did not care for the movie at the time. However, after many years later...the film has become a true attestment of it's time in comedy. Though the material may seem some what dated and old, fans of the actress look back on it with such fond memories. "Gilda Live" is such a precious treasure of a film showing the late comedienne at her best both on and off the stage. A must watch for die hard fans!!!!!

Celebrated comedienne Gilda Radner stars in her own Broadway show featuring many of her famous SNL characters. Father Guido Sarducci, Paul Shaffer, and others join her in this mostly sketch comedy show. It's directed by Mike Nichols and includes dressing room behind the scene stuff. Like the SNL skits, this is a lot of hit and miss. It's fun when it hits. No matter what, Gilda is full of presence which powers the show when she's on stage. Even when the material isn't that great, she is and at least, she makes it interesting. This is for the Gilda fans and comedy fans in general. It's a comedic time capsule.

It's no more complicated than this: of all the comediennes that came from the early days of "Saturday Night Live", Gilda Radner was the funniest.

"Gilda Live" shows her doing what she does best. Not only is there a sketch featuring our old friend Emily Litella telling an interesting children's story but also a menagerie of other characters in routines that are funny, touching and somehow heartbreaking.

The biggest scene has to be Gilda singing the song "Let's Talk Dirty to the Animals". Just watch it "Gilda Live"; you'll see why.

Nine stars. Big laughs for the little lady.

I envy anyone who had the opportunity to see this performed live. From Emily Littela to Lisa Lupner we get to see Gilda at her comedic best. The highlight for me is the song that closes the show titled Kiss Me With My Clothes On. It is a very sweet and touching song about being in love and the joys of the first intimate moments whilst remaining fully clothed. But it is difficult to watch this and not feel sad at what we loss with her passing. You needn't be a fan of SNL to enjoy this performance. It reminds us what an amazing talent she was.