Liberace

As this picture was produced in 1988, these comments come 17 years later. This picture just showed on TV here in NY (USA). My mother was a Liberace fan as were many other women of her generation. This man was wonderful part of my childhood. His performances were so spectacular and over-the-edge. He was a true showman. The movie portrayed the many aspects of his life that people did not want to acknowledge at that time. The performance by Andrew Robinson was masterful. He looked and acted so much like Liberace it was hard to believe it was not Lee himself. Liberace was one of the most flamboyant entertainers in show business history. His style will never be duplicated.

Two bio films came out the year after Liberace died. This was the good one and it has never been released on video. Andrew Robinson and supporting actors deserve more recognition. I found Robinson to be an effective Liberace with physical resemblance and well captured mannerisms of Mr. Entertainment. It was credible enough that I have watched it several times over the years. (I was sensible enough to tape it when broadcast.) I watched Liberace on TV in the early days and learned about Liszt, Chopin, and Gershwwin from his playing. The first classical record I ever bought as a child was his recording of a Chopin polonaise. I became a fan of the music and bought more, but I also discovered Horowitz and Rubinstein. So I owe more than a half century of fascination with classical piano to Liberace.

Andrew Robinson brought Lee's story to life for me as he found his role in bridging popular and classical music. I will watch the movie again and add specifics. Whether you liked Liberace or have followed the career of Andrew Robinson this movie is worth your attention if you have the chance to see it.

Incidentally John Rubinstein who plays Jamie is the son of the great pianist Artur Rubinstein. His career, too, has been incredible. Good luck finding this. Note that Amazon lists something with Robinson which turns out not to be this movie, so be cautious.

As Liberace, Andrew Robinson gives a performance that is nothing short of brilliant. He captures the man's every nuance, the gestures, the speech, the generosity, the insecurity. As I longtime Andy Robinson fan, I find this unsurprising, he gave an extraordinary turn in an Emmy-nominated role on L.A. Law-many will remember him as the psychotic killer in Dirty Harry, the first in the Eastwood series. Soap fans may remember Robinson as the original Frank Ryan on Ryan's Hope.

Much of Liberace's life is still guarded, and this film is no expose. We are VIPs at a tribute to a master showman, maybe THE master showman. A man who's brilliance in entertaining is even more amazing given the personal demons he fought from childhood until his death.

I was fortunate to have been at Radio City during Liberace's last tour. It was indeed one of the most memorable live performances I have ever seen.

Sit back and enjoy this film, enjoy the music, enjoy Liberace's life, and enjoy Andy Robinson's marvelous performance.