Bye Bye Birdie

Although I always loved the 1963 film version of Bye Bye Birdie I never realized how different it was from the Broadway production until I saw this remake on TV. This was an absolute joy to watch from beginning to end and more tuned to older audiences than the 1963 version which was aimed primarily at the younger set.

This film should be filed in the why bother cabinet. Yes, you could say that it sticks closer to the Broadway version of the show, and you would be right. However, the Hollywood version of this Broadway show was always a lot more fun, with incredibly impressive musical numbers. This version, with alleged choreography by Ann Reinking, is just a big bore. The cast is generally not right for their roles, either. Jason Alexander is in fine voice, but he just isn't Albert, Chynna Phillips (looking more and more like Papa John, everyday), is too old. So was Ann-Margret in the 1963 version; but at least she had the energetic appeal of a 16 year old. Phillips comes off like she has iron poor blood. Tyne Daly, is just too loud and annoying, to give Mae Peterson any real laughs or charm (see Maureen Stapleton's 1963 performance). The lone exception is Vanessa Williams, who is delightful as Rosie. She is the only reason to see this misguided remake. She's a true musical comedy talent! But she's not enough to save it. Watch the 1963 film version. It doesn't disappoint. This one, too often, does.

I was extremely impressed when I sat down to watch this movie in December 2002. It is a lot like the Broadway musical, and even better! And I loved the new songs - Let's Settle Down, A Giant Step, and A Mother Doesn't Matter Anymore. Tyne Daly was extremely funny in her role as Mamma, I think this is the best thing she has ever done. Keep going!

In my opinion this was better than the original. The cast is great. Jason Alexander shines as Albert, he has a fantastic voice!! Vanessa Williams was a wonderful Rosie!! All of the cast was fabulous. If you are a fan of the original film or the musical see this version. It's alot of fun!!

This TV adaptation of Bye Bye Birdie has a few things going for it. Vanessa Williams is sensational, and Jason Alexander, surprise, surprise, is a good singer and adequate hoofer. It follows the original play far better than the film, although, it also takes liberties with it. And doesn't have to pull its punches to quite the same extent as the movie did (1963 was kind of crossover year, where attitudes and mores were beginning to loosen up, but American movies were still stuck in the fifties.The TV version also gets rid of that horrible sped-up ballet that nearly ruins the movie version (the play had another ballet entirely, which is not in either the film or the TV version).

On the minus side, as good as Jason Alexander is, he wasn't right for the part. I'm not sure Dick Van Dyke was either, but he was better. George Wendt adds nothing to the mix, especially when compared to Paul Lynde. The character of Kim McAfee is pared back down to its original content, which is just as well. Chynna Phillips is woefully miscast as a teenager and really can't compete with Ann-Margert (who could?). Marc Kudisch's Conrad is a good imitation of Conway Twitty, who was the original template for Conrad (not Elvis), although Jesse Pearson (who looked like he was imitating Elvis) was better.

On the balance, worth watching if you're interested in Broadway musicals and their adaptations, but it's not a must-see.