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.

"Gilda Live" may be the best concert movie ever. It's got Gilda Radner performing some of her "SNL" skits on stage. Whether it's nerdy Lisa Loopner playing "The Way We Were", Emily ("Never mind!") Litella, or Roseanne ("It's always something!") Roseannadanna, she always has something. Don (Father Sarducci) Novello gives some of his usual commentary; notice the "coincidenza". It's really too bad that Gilda Radner died. She was really funny (her song at the beginning of this movie is truly something else).

I never would have envisioned Mike Nichols directing a concert movie. Now that's always something!

I tremendously enjoyed Gilda Live. A lot of her most loved characters from SNL in a broadway show, what more could you want? You get to watch this amazingly talented actress do what she did best: making people laugh.

I was one of the (very few) people who saw this in a movie theatre. It was a filming of her comedy act on stage with unfunny Don Novello popping up so she could go backstage and change costumes. When I first saw it I hated it. I had never watched SNL so I was completely at a loss at who these characters were she was playing. The only funny part I found was her song "Let's Talk Dirty to the Animals" (which alone gave the film an R rating).

Years later I saw it again after seeing reruns on the original SNL. This time I knew who the characters were and I loved it! I was laughing out loud a few times and came to realize what a great comedienne she was. The only bad part is this comes across as (obviously) a little stagy and Novello's segments are just horribly unfunny. Still it's worth seeing for Radner's comedic talent. However you SHOULD have a basic working knowledge of the characters she played on TV. Otherwise you might not enjoy it.

I give it a 7--Novello is horribly unfunny and the staginess does wear you down.

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.