I always had a struggle with VICTOR VICTORIA and only recently saw the 1935 Brit original FIRST A BOY with Jesse Matthews which itself was a remake of the identical German version called VIKTOR VIKTORIA from 1933. It is the German version that now in 2011 might just be the most fascinating of the two originals... however 30 years on from 1982, I possibly can appreciate VICTOR VICTORIA for the hilarious MGM musical farce others claim it is and see it up there with SINGIN IN THE RAIN and MY FAVOURITE YEAR. What I dislike about VV is that it is too long and too ramshackle in plot. Also I just get tired of it. Yes sacrilege I know but if it was tighter and not as meandering (it is half an hour longer than SINGIN IN THE RAIN and most other glorious musicals equally applauded) I would find it a better film. the ending just runs on and on with Robert Preston doing his lady Of Seville number. Every component of VV is terrific, Julie Andrews is as gorgeous as she was in STAR! (which I love yes even at 3 hours) and the sets and costumes are terrific. There is a lot of Pink Panther gag humor from director Blake Edwards and a perfect supporting cast. Robert Preston has had an incredible career and I equally admire him in MAME as in MUSIC MAN and here ... three massive musicals hits in the 60s 70s and 80s... almost a match for Julie! I love the parts of VV but I just don't love the film as a whole.
Review of Victor/Victoria
