The curtain opens and an orchestra plays "Star!" music. Behind the curtain is a collage of stage plays, which we see in different colored tints. Next, an old-fashioned newsreel introduces the setting as London in the early 1900s. The legendary Gertrude Lawrence is born to a theatrical family. She meets young Noel Coward. We flash-forward to 1940 and meet diva-like Julie Andrews (as Gertrude "Gertie" Lawrence), as directed by Robert Wise. This is their story. There are many well-staged musical numbers, but sketchy ebb and flow to Ms. Lawrence's career; it looks like most plays were lavishly-produced hits. A variety of men appear, with producer Richard Crenna most notable. We assume, from the introduction, Daniel Massey's "Noel Coward" will be the main romantic interest; later, we realize he's not...
The original, long version of "Star!" was tucked away for many years, after it was a notorious flop and re-released in heavily edited form. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and people have warmed up to the old stager. In almost every case, overly long bad movies benefit from a period of time when they are considered "lost" classics...
"Star!" is still the same movie, with the same problems. The structure of the film (flashbacks, newsreels and costume changes) isn't bad, but the newsreels become tiresome clutter, after the first few. The story has no heart or soul. Andrews' characterization is aloof and unrealized. Eventually, this becomes Julie Andrews in a series of well-produced skits. If we had more of an investment in the story or its increasingly unlikable lead character, we would more likely sit for three hours of songs and scenes from her life. They should have flash-backed from 1951, not 1940. Andrews collapsing after a tune from "The King and I" would have given audiences much more interest and investment in the character. Highlights include "Burlington Bertie", "Jenny" (both assisted by Michael Kidd) and the memorable title song.
***** Star! (7/18/68) Robert Wise ~ Julie Andrews, Daniel Massey, Richard Crenna, Robert Reed
The original, long version of "Star!" was tucked away for many years, after it was a notorious flop and re-released in heavily edited form. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and people have warmed up to the old stager. In almost every case, overly long bad movies benefit from a period of time when they are considered "lost" classics...
"Star!" is still the same movie, with the same problems. The structure of the film (flashbacks, newsreels and costume changes) isn't bad, but the newsreels become tiresome clutter, after the first few. The story has no heart or soul. Andrews' characterization is aloof and unrealized. Eventually, this becomes Julie Andrews in a series of well-produced skits. If we had more of an investment in the story or its increasingly unlikable lead character, we would more likely sit for three hours of songs and scenes from her life. They should have flash-backed from 1951, not 1940. Andrews collapsing after a tune from "The King and I" would have given audiences much more interest and investment in the character. Highlights include "Burlington Bertie", "Jenny" (both assisted by Michael Kidd) and the memorable title song.
***** Star! (7/18/68) Robert Wise ~ Julie Andrews, Daniel Massey, Richard Crenna, Robert Reed