Positivamente Millie

Roaring '20s musical is a fun, eager-to-please live-action cartoon with satire and slapstick. Julie Andrews plays a small town lass who has moved to New York City to land a steno job with an unmarried boss for her to conquer; Mary Tyler Moore is her timid new friend at the all-girl boarding house; Beatrice Lillie is their shady housemother; and Carol Channing (in an outrageous performance that must be seen to be believed) is a wealthy, swinging do-gooder. Tongue-in-cheek production from Ross Hunter and director George Roy Hill, inspired by the Broadway show "The Boy Friend", offers Julie Andrews one of her best film roles; whether dancing like a trouper to keep her elevator in motion or addressing the camera à la the silent movie era, Andrews is so loose and charming she even gets laughs crossing the street. There are a few slip-ups: the Jewish wedding sequence sticks out as an artifice, Moore's listlessly girlish performance is all on one note, and the Harold Lloyd-inspired comic ballet (with Julie falling out of a high-rise window) is too broad and silly. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, "Millie" picked up one Oscar for Elmer Bernstein's score (the smashing costume designs by Jean Louis probably should have won also). Overlong, and with a drab Universal backlot appearance, the film is nevertheless "delish!" Engaging, high-spirited fluff. *** from ****

Julie Andrews really shines in this twisted-up romance. She stars as the young, pretty Millie Dillmount, who came to New York, intent on becoming a "modern" and marrying her boss, as was the 'cool' thing to do. She at last finds the 'perfect' boss, a handsome young man named Trevor Graydon. Despite her attempts to suggest her love to him subtly, he doesn't seem to be taking the hint. Along comes Jimmy, too, an irrepressible, lovable paper-clip salesman, who's got his heart set on Millie. Millie tries to stay away from Jimmy and get Mr. Graydon to notice her, going to drastic measures to do so, and all the time while Millie is chasing Mr. Graydon, Jimmy is chasing Millie, and on top of that, Miss Dorothy, Millie's best friend, appears to be chasing both men. In the end, wild and crazy "jazz baby" Muzzy is needed to clear the air and match up lovers once and for all. With an upbeat air and a peppery score, along with Millie's realistic problems and the strange behavior of the housemother, this is definitely a ten on my list.

I remember seeing this movie in college, and was impressed with it at the time; I bought the DVD recently and find it is a wonderful presentation; the colors are vibrant again and the music is well preserved and very listenable especially in surround sound....this version includes a musical intro. intermission music and exit music; unfortunately not any extras, other than the original trailer, but all in all a good package for the price....The twenties era is well portrayed, with the many fashions and fads brought into play and interwoven into the plot of the movie. The leads are all very good, with the exception of Mary Tyler Moore, whose acting is not very on key...Carol Channing is exceptional in the comic part of Muzzy, and there is a twist ending that involves her, which I won't give away to anyone who has not seen the movie....again the music and dancing make the movie with old standards such as Baby Face, Poor Butterfly, Do it again, and on and on with a few new ditties thrown in, by Elmer Bernstein and Andre Previn....this movie was nominated for several awards and one one for music...Enjoy!!

I will admit the plot is a little confusing at times, and the last half hour or so is rather silly, but putting all that aside it is a hugely enjoyable and extraordinarily delightful musical. I cannot praise enough the splendid songs, the superb choreography and the funny script. Julie Andrews is perfect as Millie, then again there may be a sense of bias because I love her. I love the angelic quality in her voice and her dazzling stage presence. She is also aided by terrific supporting turns from the lovely Mary Tyler Moore and the dashing James Fox. The scene stealers for me though were Beatrice Lillie and Carol Channing, both of whom were hilarious. Plus Pat Morita as one of the henchmen was inspired casting. The direction is good, there are some priceless moments, like the dancing in the elevator to make it work. Thoroughly Modern Millie has its flaws, but I do think it is a delightful film, and an underrated one too. A solid 8/10 from me. Bethany Cox

If you got to see this film when you were six like I did, you pleasantly discover that viewing it at 33 is still a lot of fun. In many ways it's better- contrary to most films you remember enjoying as a kid. Even though my nostalgic memories of this movie included some mildly scary imagery, when I view it now it still has impact but from a more humorous standpoint. I must also add on a more base level that Julie Andrews level of attractiveness is on par with her considerable talent. An interesting observation particularly since I remember being more attracted to Mary Tyler Moore when I was a kid and barely noticed Julie. The director's intention no doubt. Digressions aside, this movie is an ideal choice for a family movie night. Although it has aspects that are not as culturally sensitive as some may like, these details are not intended to be malicious but are included as contrast devices. Particularly for 1967. Do yourself a favor and rent or purchase the DVD. A widescreen treat that will get your feet tapping. The child and the middle aged man in me must both give this film a 9 out of 10.