Following two successful solo specials for CBS, Barbra Streisand returned in 1967 with a new concept: a vaudeville revue culled from the 1920s, with Barbra (in several different guises) joined by guests on-stage in front of a live audience (who were also in character). Reportedly, 50 hours of footage were filmed and edited down to just over 51 minutes. This may explain why the attempts at humor are scattershot and never come to bloom, while comedic ideas such as Streisand portraying a Shakespearean actress with a flagrant Southern drawl aren't pointed enough to make much of an impact. Streisand singing "I Don't Care" over the opening credits (animated with cut-out, paper doll-style photos of Barbra) is endearing...though the special nearly peaks here. Jason Robards is an ill-suited musical partner for the star, and his would-be lascivious opening number about apples is excruciatingly 'cute'. Streisand (as a stripteaser, a German soprano, a patriotic Duncan Dancer, and as a singing boy seated in the audience) hasn't a truly wonderful moment until the second half of the program, when she transforms herself into the title creation. The leaden show finally comes to life with Barbra singing, among others, a lovely medley of "My Buddy" and "How About Me?". Still, it's a videotaped showcase which misfires, although fans of the multi-talented Streisand will enjoy the final twenty minutes, which thankfully isn't comprised by novelty gimmicks.
