Dir: William Wyler/ Writer: Isobel Lennart/ Cinematography: Harry Stradling
Babs ponders her next move (image: JCT FlickrCC)
Don’t tell me not to fly, I’ve simply got to.
If someone takes a spill, it’s me and not you.
Who told you you’re allowed to rain on my parade?
Barbra Streisand is feisty, New Yorker, and would-be music hall singer, Fanny Brice. Omar Sharif plays sexy, sultry, gambling playboy Nick Arnstein. The Funny Girl roller-coaster ride whips through the trials and tribulations of Fanny’s life, stopping only for one infectious show tune after another.
Despite the long running time (155 mins) and the fact Omar really can’t sing (he’s so charismatic he carries it off), I was hooked. An unexpected delight that stays with you long after the decidedly non-fairy tale ending. Fab-u-lous!
* Adapted from the play by Isobel Lennart
Movie Pieces review rating for Funny Girl: 4/5
IMDb entry for Funny Girl
Movie Pieces 