Camelot

I have seen many performances of Camelot, and this is by far the best. I hope it will soon be released on DVD so everyone can enjoy this truly fabulous production! The "film" versions of Broadway musicals have always lacked the special feeling of "live theater"- but this production truly captures the unique feeling of the New York stage.

Having been a fan of the Legend, book and film before hand, I was always going to have a bit of a treat when watching this, but i really did love it. The shows look is beautiful and captures the mood of the story almost perfectly throughout with as good a script the musical has ever had accompanied by some groovy stage effects.

I think its probably easyer and fairer to compare this to the Camelot experienced on stage in London and around the world a few months after filming (how it compares to the live experience) than to the film, which though also great was never going to be exactly the same as this rendition. On this account it comes out beautifully, it was the first time Camelot was turned into an effectual fairytale, and it really worked, adding a mythical quality that really strengthn'd it. The only negative slant i have on this plain, looking at both the film and London staging is how the cast is cirtainly a big weaker on some accounts in terms of performance. Richard Harris is absolutely brilliant as the kindly yet deeply troubled king torn apart by his wife and son. However, though perfectly acceptible, Meg Bussert is to me never really anything more. She is fair looking, and convincing enough, but you never really believe her Guinevere is worth tearing a kingdom apart over. Her voice is also a big operatic for me (though always note perfect) loosing any emotion in the more touching songs like 'before i gaze at you again'. Fiona Fullerton was definitely more suited in that sense. Muenz is also a little lacklustre in his portrayal of lancelot. Although the blind pride and arrogance is there, he really misses the charmming and charismatic side held by Franco Nero in the film, appearing a bit wooden in the emotional scenes. However, these, although a little upsetting, are only blemishes on this gleaming version which (also overlooking a completely OTT Merlin) displays the play in all the majesty and beauty once invisioned by Learner and Lowe.

Another compelling quality lies in how the play starts upbeat and very comic before stripping this slowly away until in the under three hours you spend watching it you get up thinking you've just witnessed a full blown arthurian tragedy.

Great Stuff, I believe its on DVD this month

This 1982 Stage production of 'Camelot" as filmed for HBO is about as perfect an adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe musical as you will ever see. The set design and lighting captures the magic of the piece brilliantly. Richard Harris was born to play King Arthur and he is even better here than in the 1967 film version. Full of passion,wistful humor and majesty His performance borders of the Shakespearean. Meg Bussert is a perfect Guenevere,Pretty,impudent and later heartbreaking. Her singing voice is wonderful and is excellently used in the production. Richard Muenz makes Lancelot funny at every turn during his well delivered "Ces't Moi" number and has some masterful double takes,Later he is touching as the dream of Camelot unravels due to his infidelity with the Queen. Barrie Ingham is the epitome of the the comical King Pellinore and nearly steals every scene he is in.Richar Backus is evil personified as Mordred (His "7 Deadly Vitues' number is one of my favorite moments) and James Valentine is a hammy and thunderous Merlyn.

Highlights of the production are Harris' touching "Hoe To Handle A Woman" Bussert's show stopping "Simple Joys Of Maidenhood" and The rousing 'Guenevere" chorus lead by William Parry's Sir Dinadin. Although I like the film version quite a lot,this Broadway production captured on tape is a gem to be treasured. To bad its not available on Video or DVD.

I saw this version back when it first appeared on HBO and have never forgotten it. I hope they release it on DVD some day as I much prefer it to the earlier film version, which was much too dark and weighty. The added scenes enhance the continuity of the play, and the convoluted relationships of the story are much easier to grasp.

Ms. Bussert portrays a delightful Queen Guenevere. Her interpretation makes the role genuine and sympathetic as she matures from a naive romantic to a woman who is torn apart by her loyalty to Arthur and her passion for Lancelot.

My only regret is that I had not taped this 20 years ago.

It's obvious that the previous reviewer doesn't like musicals (stated by him) and has never seen live theater. This is a video of live theater, not a movie version. It is an entirely different style of acting and Harris was one of the best stage actors of our time! Richard Harris does a lot of "song speak" instead of actual singing, but then again so did Rex Harrison in "My Fair Lady". It is not distracting and he does actually sing parts of songs. I think it's wonderful that HBO made it possible to see a stage revival of this great Lerner & Lowe musical for people who couldn't see it in New York. I did see a touring show in Detroit of "Camelot" with Richard Harris and loved it!! Fabulous actor who is missed.