I was recently able to see this, and was thrilled by it. It is far superior to the MGM film version. It was produced on videotape, in color, and is a combination of actual outdoor filming, and interior studio shots, all of which blend together pretty well. The score is arranged by Irwin Kostal and it is gorgeously sung and played. Bob Mackie did some impressive costume designs. Best of all, the cast is perfect in every regard. The original script by Alan Jay Lerner, is adapted by someone else, and I believe they improved it. Most of the additions are comedy lines for Peter Falk's character. For instance, when he meets Meg (Marlyn Mason), she tells him, "Wait till you seem me in me dimity bodice". Jeff (Peter Falk) replies, "Yeah, I bet your bodice will be more dimity than anybody else's". Nothing is drastically changed scene- wise, but they rearranged the order of certain plot events. The choicest moments of the broadcast...Spunky Marlyn Mason singing "My Mother's Wedding Day", the glorious singing voices of Goulet and Sally Ann Howes, and Edward Vilella's fiery sword dance. Most of the score remains intact, including four more numbers than the MGM movie. The only major numbers missing here are Meg's "Love of My Life", the chorus' "Jeannies Packin Up", "Once In the Highlands", and "The Chase is really changed to an instrumental. Altogether a very memorable BRIGADOON. It is sad that this is not commercially available.
30 Reviews
better than the movie
silvrdal15 July 2005
Okay, I'm speaking out of my hat here. I was only three when this aired and I don't remember having seen it, but I do have the cast album and it is tremendously good.
I can only imagine what it must have been like to see Edward Villella dance. Goulet and Howe are perfect leads, and Tommy Carlisle has a delightful tenor.
This must have been recorded for posterity. Why on earth it isn't on DVD...
Recreating it as a dance vehicle for semi-singer Gene Kelly and non-singer Cyd Charisse may have seemed like a good idea, but this one needs a singer's treatment, and the TV broadcast should be available.
Whom do I write?
I can only imagine what it must have been like to see Edward Villella dance. Goulet and Howe are perfect leads, and Tommy Carlisle has a delightful tenor.
This must have been recorded for posterity. Why on earth it isn't on DVD...
Recreating it as a dance vehicle for semi-singer Gene Kelly and non-singer Cyd Charisse may have seemed like a good idea, but this one needs a singer's treatment, and the TV broadcast should be available.
Whom do I write?
Another great old fashioned musical practically perfect in its TV version.
mark.waltz6 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The Armstrong Theater produced four TV musicals in the mid 1960's, all of them having been done as movies in the 1950's: "Carousel", "Kismet", "Kiss Me Kate" and this colorful version of the 1947 Lerner and Lowe musical, previously filmed on MGM's backlot in 1954 with the artistic flair of Vincent Minnelli and the dancing of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. That version looked great on the big screen with its Cinemascope photography and all that heather on the hill, but there was something phony about the backdrop mountains that somehow look more obvious today than when it was made. The intimacy of the show's simple story has been returned in this TV production with Robert Goulet and Sally Anne Howes perfectly cast. Goulet, in fact, starred in all but "Kismet" of the Armstrong Theater musicals, and having sung Lerner and Lowe before with "Camelot" on Broadway, he's an expert on this kind of showtune. Howes, already known on Broadway and as a veteran British film actress, sings beautifully, her Scottish accent is not over the top, and she's moderately feisty but completely a lady.
The scene stealer, however, is Marlyn Mason as Meg Brock who gets the hysterical "My Mother's Wedding Day", censored from the 1954 movie but heard on all of the cast albums and studio recordings of this touching fantasy. She sets her sights on Goulet's gruff pal (a non-singing, but slightly dancing Peter Falk) who is bound to break her heart as he intends to return to civilization from this mysterious village lost in time thanks to an ancient curse. It's up to town elder Finlay Currie to reveal the truth to Goulet and Falk, and while his appearance is initially disconcerting, his truthfulness and huge heart befalls that physical characteristic. Famous ballet dancer Edward Villella, who had appeared in several New York City Center productions of "Brigadoon", gets to repeat his role of the embittered Harry Beaton here, angry over the fact that the woman he loves is going to marry somebody else and vows to make the town pay. The ballet sequence of his chase is beautifully done, making it look like a filmed production of the stage play in those sequences.
For some reason, the audio of "Heather on the Hill" was mute on the video I received of this, but there are several other numbers heard practically in their entirety. The opening number of the townspeople singing of their daily lives is slightly edited, but there is a nice version of "I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean", and Goulet and Howes' duet of "Almost Like Being in Love" is beautifully done. Goulet also gets to sing the forgotten "There But For You Go I", one of the unsung showtunes of the golden age of the American musical, and one that needs re-discovering. Perhaps the success of a recent City Center production might get this revived which would be its first Broadway production in nearly 40 years.
The scene stealer, however, is Marlyn Mason as Meg Brock who gets the hysterical "My Mother's Wedding Day", censored from the 1954 movie but heard on all of the cast albums and studio recordings of this touching fantasy. She sets her sights on Goulet's gruff pal (a non-singing, but slightly dancing Peter Falk) who is bound to break her heart as he intends to return to civilization from this mysterious village lost in time thanks to an ancient curse. It's up to town elder Finlay Currie to reveal the truth to Goulet and Falk, and while his appearance is initially disconcerting, his truthfulness and huge heart befalls that physical characteristic. Famous ballet dancer Edward Villella, who had appeared in several New York City Center productions of "Brigadoon", gets to repeat his role of the embittered Harry Beaton here, angry over the fact that the woman he loves is going to marry somebody else and vows to make the town pay. The ballet sequence of his chase is beautifully done, making it look like a filmed production of the stage play in those sequences.
For some reason, the audio of "Heather on the Hill" was mute on the video I received of this, but there are several other numbers heard practically in their entirety. The opening number of the townspeople singing of their daily lives is slightly edited, but there is a nice version of "I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean", and Goulet and Howes' duet of "Almost Like Being in Love" is beautifully done. Goulet also gets to sing the forgotten "There But For You Go I", one of the unsung showtunes of the golden age of the American musical, and one that needs re-discovering. Perhaps the success of a recent City Center production might get this revived which would be its first Broadway production in nearly 40 years.
My personal nostalgia
sunray-111 April 2004
I was the audio engineer on this production and enjoyed every minute of working on it. Robert Goulet was extremely professional and very nice to work with, as were all the cast members. Fielder Cook was an excellent director and catered to my wishes for carefully crafted audio. We shot the production at CBS Television City, in Los Angeles, plus location shooting. It was aired on ABC. Unfortunately, I did not keep a copy of it. I believe ABC destroyed the original but, if anyone out there ever locates a copy, please let me know. I would dearly love to have it in my files. Thank you.
Ray Kemper, CBS Audio Engineer, retired.
Ray Kemper, CBS Audio Engineer, retired.
It wasn't a dream!!
captgeoslady30 October 2004
I am another one who remembers this wonderful production when I was a child. I also had the cast album. I think my favorite song was "My Mother's Wedding Day" sung by "Meg Brockie" - Marlyn Mason. What a hoot! Notice that was the one song that was left out of the Gene Kelly/Cyd Charisse version! I guess it was just a touch racy. Its funny, but for years I couldn't get anyone to believe that there had ever been another version of Brigadoon besides the Kelly/Charisse version. I almost thought that I had dreamed it, but then I would look at the album cover and KNOW i was right! Even my mom didn't believe me - and she had watched it with me!
And yes, I dearly wish this was available on VHS or DVD!
YIPPEE!!! There are 9 pieces of it on YOUTUBE - including Charlie singing Come To Me Bend To Me to Jeannie!!
And yes, I dearly wish this was available on VHS or DVD!
YIPPEE!!! There are 9 pieces of it on YOUTUBE - including Charlie singing Come To Me Bend To Me to Jeannie!!
Fine atmosphere and wonderful production
Marta30 April 2000
Like a previous commentor, I also remember seeing this in the late 60's, whether on it's first showing or a later one I'm not positive, but for over 30 years it's lived in my memory as a wonderful experience. Very different than the Hollywood version, this Brigadoon was quietly romantic and vividly atmospheric. With Robert Goulet and Sally Ann Howes, of course there was singing, but not in the Hollywood production number style. They sang with an inner power that didn't overpower; in fact, I had quite a crush on Robert Goulet after seeing this TV production. It evidently is not available for purchase anywhere, and I would dearly love to see this again.
Comment on Brigadoon
robert_225442 October 2006
I watched the movie in 196?. I believe it was a Hallmark production. I immediately sent for the vinyl record which I still have. It was one of the finest musical productions I have ever seen. Is there anything that can be done to convince them to show this wonderful movie again and make it available for purchase? I fell in love with Sally Ann Howes after seeing that movie. The entire cast was magnificent.I would love to see it again.Perhaps if enough people were to contact Hallmark they could be convinced to play it again on TV.Strangely enough I have never seen the Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse version but somehow I feel that it would not compare with this one.
Brigadoon 1966 Goulet Faulk version.
ww7619 July 2007
I'm from Scotland, & the Kelly version just didn't have it, even although it was entertaining, but the 1966 Goulet version was more realistic & caught the essence of the highlands, I know because, I was a youth hostel member & my happiest memories are when my group of mates & I would travel all over the highlands, magic. With movies that run hundreds of times on our TV over & over again, I can't believe they keep this gem under wraps. I would pay any one $100 if they could send me a copy taken in the 1966 version. Again it's difficult to believe the powers at be pass up the opportunity to make millions of dollars on this film. I remember the movie played twice in the one day, & as I sat there enjoying my vicarious journey to my childhood homeland my heart just swelled with joy. Walter White email < ww76@sbcglobal.net.
I still want to compare this to the 1954 movie...
planktonrules20 September 2013
Two friends (Robert Goulet and Peter Falk) are on vacation in the Highlands of Scotland. Oddly, they walk into a village on no map--a village that comes alive every hundred years and then disappears due to 'the miracle'. During their day in this 18th century town, the pair have a nice time--particularly Goulet whose character falls in love.
There is a very good chance that once you read this review, you'll notice that I tacked an addendum onto the end. That's because I have not yet seen the 1954 Hollywood version of "Brigadoon" (with Van Johnson, Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly) and I really would love to compare the two. I am pretty sure that this made for TV 1966 version is much different, as it really looks like they filmed a play--not made a traditional movie. Because of this, many of the sets look like stages and the sets, at times, are almost very minimalistic. Now there are some exterior shots here and there--but mostly the 1966 version looks just like a play.
So did I like it? Well, I didn't love it--but I sure respected it. Robert Goulet and Sally Ann Howes had marvelous voices. In particular, I loved Goulet and it was a joy to hear him sing--even if the songs, in my opinion, are not among Lerner & Loewe's better work. Only one song ("Almost Like Being in Love') was particularly memorable and the songs did occasionally sound almost operatic--but the quality of the voices was superb. There also was a lot of dancing--another reason I wasn't bowled over by it. But, the story was nice and the ending gave me enough that I could overlook the rest.
If you would like to see this, the only way I know to get it is from archive.org--a site often linked to films on IMDb. Since it's in the public domain, it is available free to download. Interestingly, a few of the original Armstrong commercials are still on the file--though most have been deleted.
UPDATE: Only a week later, I watched the 1954 version. I liked the earlier version just a bit more though it was interesting that the film was much more of a dance film than a musical--due to the casting of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse in the leads, I assume. My advice is to see both versions.
There is a very good chance that once you read this review, you'll notice that I tacked an addendum onto the end. That's because I have not yet seen the 1954 Hollywood version of "Brigadoon" (with Van Johnson, Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly) and I really would love to compare the two. I am pretty sure that this made for TV 1966 version is much different, as it really looks like they filmed a play--not made a traditional movie. Because of this, many of the sets look like stages and the sets, at times, are almost very minimalistic. Now there are some exterior shots here and there--but mostly the 1966 version looks just like a play.
So did I like it? Well, I didn't love it--but I sure respected it. Robert Goulet and Sally Ann Howes had marvelous voices. In particular, I loved Goulet and it was a joy to hear him sing--even if the songs, in my opinion, are not among Lerner & Loewe's better work. Only one song ("Almost Like Being in Love') was particularly memorable and the songs did occasionally sound almost operatic--but the quality of the voices was superb. There also was a lot of dancing--another reason I wasn't bowled over by it. But, the story was nice and the ending gave me enough that I could overlook the rest.
If you would like to see this, the only way I know to get it is from archive.org--a site often linked to films on IMDb. Since it's in the public domain, it is available free to download. Interestingly, a few of the original Armstrong commercials are still on the file--though most have been deleted.
UPDATE: Only a week later, I watched the 1954 version. I liked the earlier version just a bit more though it was interesting that the film was much more of a dance film than a musical--due to the casting of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse in the leads, I assume. My advice is to see both versions.
Brigadoon TV version...
symfny13 October 2007
I have remembered this movie being on TV when I was a child and have never forgotten it. We had the soundtrack that I played often, really enjoyed all the music. In High School we did Brigadoon and I played Tommy. (I was a far cry from Robert Goulet in appearance or voice, but I was the only one in my class who could sing!) As luck would have it a few months ago I connected with someone on the internet who had made a copy of the movie using a movie camera of the TV screen and provided me with a DVD copy. It is not the best recording, but since this is probably the only version I will ever be able to enjoy, it is priceless. Actually, the sound is terrific, the video certainly not DVD quality but passable for someone who had enjoyed it as a child. Great fun to watch and brings back many fond memories.
One of the best and most touching musicals of all time.
mdanielson-117 March 2007
Musically this is the definitive version. All leads demonstrate outstanding vocal technique and dramatic showmanship. It is some of Goulet's finest singing, Falk plays the perfect shallow friend, and Howe,the comic female, and the townsfolk tenor are fantastic.They convey all the romance of the musical, sadly lacking in the Gene Kelly version,(hampered by weak vocal performances and eccentric character portrayal, sorry Gene & Van). Although the production values were that of television tape at that time, the performances are so strong that a vivid memory remains.I hope that a tape of this performance will surface someday so that the full intent of the production can be shared. Until then there is only the LP.
legal download
nataloff-115 March 2010
The entire "Brigadoon" can be downloaded legally for private use from www.archive.com, the website of the U.S. National Archives. Apparently the producers failed to renew the show's copyright and it fell into the Public Domain (disclaimers are posted on the website). It's a beautiful production consistent with mid-1960s TV syntax and is especially valuable for its long, unbroken takes where one can watch the actors actually construct a sustained performance. That said, the inevitable cuts to the book undermine the already-fragile premise of a village that comes back to life every hundred years. This "Brigadoon" needs to be watched with a knowledge of the original -- which was, itself, hard to swallow except for (sigh) romantics.
Robert Gouley and Sally Ann Howes were great in this...
MovieHobbit4 December 2007
Finally had a chance to see it. Goulet and Howes have such rich voices. Production values are 1960's, but if you get away from the fact that they are singing/acting on a set, what a joy to see. Definitely plays better as a musical then the dance/musical of Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse (although that version would have been great, too, if they didn't film it on a set.
Also, Peter Falk plays Goulet's friend. And he's not just comic relief - he actually acts and is the voice of logic for Goulet, who believes he may be hopelessly in love. The songs are thoughtful, wistful, even sad in a heroic way.
Also, Peter Falk plays Goulet's friend. And he's not just comic relief - he actually acts and is the voice of logic for Goulet, who believes he may be hopelessly in love. The songs are thoughtful, wistful, even sad in a heroic way.
Brigadoon with Robert Goulet
gretajean5322 April 2006
This is such a wonderful version of the movie Brigadoon. I by far remember it as being far better than the one with Gene Kelly in it. I would absolutely love to purchase it in DVD and have tried literally for years to find it. No luck. If anyone out there knows where you can get a copy of it in DVD, please let me know. Thank you. I liked it better than Gene Kelly's version because I love Robert Goulet's singing. There's nothing wrong with the other version just that I remember loving this one. I was only about 13 when I saw it and have never been able to view it since then. This movie is a little more updated than the earlier version. It still retains the quality of the original but as I stated, I love Robert Goulet's singing and I loved how he played the part of Tommy. This movie would quickly sell in DVD format so if anyone out there with the knowledge of how to get it put on DVD, please do so.
My memories didn't let me down
threeq-0037018 March 2020
I am watching this on youtube and it is as good as my childhood memories. I've never been a fan of Robert Goulet but the really a great job. It's so much more natural than the Gene Kelly version.
And this version includes my favorite songs that the 1950's musical left out.
I found a couple of versions on Youtube.
I found a couple of versions on Youtube.
Great film; would love to see it again.
jcotton3-229 June 2006
I saw this film when it was shown on TV, and I really enjoyed it immensely. As I recall, it seems like the film (and two more with Robert Goulet, "Carousel" and "Kiss Me Kate") were presented by the Armstrong Circle Theatre. I was already a Robert Goulet fan from his role as Lancelot in the musical "Camelot." I liked the film so much that I bought the Soundtrack LP which was offered (Armstrong, I believe, sold it in their stores). I didn't really know much about Sally Anne Howes before this film, but I think she was great in it. I would dearly love to be able to buy a copy of this film, or at least see it again. Anyone know if it's available? Did the TV network that showed the film ever repeat the showing?
loved it-sang to the soundtrack in my window every day
gillianrees16 March 2005
this version aired in the 80's when i was just around 10 years old, i remember so well watching with my mother and loving it so much because we had the soundtrack with Robert Goulet singing...he kissed my mother at a concert in Edmonton when she was a young girl...tragic that the world only knows the gene Kelly version...he is not an issue, just the whole movie, all dancing and the singing is weak. i wish CBS had not destroyed the original...someone must have taped it on one occasion...please let us know if we discover one! the record is really very good and Peter Falk one can never go wrong. funny that made for TV can be so much better.
Excellent. It stuck in my memory and I would love to see this version again.
steve-41311 April 1999
I remembered it starred with Robert Goulet. It was like a play version of the story. I am 44 and I can still hear the sounds of "Brigadoon, Brigadoon" and "This was a real nice clambake, ..." I have seen Robert Goulet in several plays , Camelot, and Man of LaMancha. I would like to see this earlier work.
A terrific show...
Leamas-224 June 2004
I saw this in 1966..I was 13...just discovering my love for the theatre...and for a girl in my 8th grade class. A very heady collision. I have since seen the film...(ouch)...seen the 1980 B'way revival...(excellent!!)!...been in the show...and directed it as well. This was a fine accounting of the show. Goulet was at the top of his game..the last of the 60s leading men..Peter Falk was the PERFECT Jeff...and Sally Anne Howes was lovely...It played on TV like a real theatre piece...not as a film...and it prospered by that..it was cut severely...but judiciously....retaining the best of the show...(though its full text is wonderful)...the arrangements were altered a bit for Goulet's style...such as Almost Like Being in Love...which has a strict, even tempo as written.....this version pushed the tempo quite a bit...and it worked.... but..you won't find a better accounting of There But For You Go I...
I watched it....and wanted to be Tommy Albright..at 13...and now..at 51...I have finally found my Fiona..and I adore her.
Also: I still have the LP..somewhat worn....in 1966..you could buy it at any Armstrong Flooring outlet...for....$1!!!..as a promo for the TV show.
I watched it....and wanted to be Tommy Albright..at 13...and now..at 51...I have finally found my Fiona..and I adore her.
Also: I still have the LP..somewhat worn....in 1966..you could buy it at any Armstrong Flooring outlet...for....$1!!!..as a promo for the TV show.
For years I thought I just imagined watching this movie
peppersks9 November 2001
This was a great movie. Much better than the original. I would love to see it again, but to date I have never seen it on TV since it originally aired in the 60's. It would be great if it was aired again or if it was available on video
Excellent Rendition
coxo00018 June 2001
Great version... with a more complete musical soundtrack than the Film version..... The focus was also on the soundtrack rather than dancing, so this is a much more thoughtful and full-bodied presentation of the score. If it becomes available... grab it.
1966 Brigadoon Clip on YOUTUBE
SNACKLION5 April 2008
Having missed the original television presentations, have long wanted to see this production, knowing the strength of the Goulet and Howes talents. (In the movie, Hollywood did a terrible job with the music!) Finally, a clip is available on YOUTUBE.COM of the full "Heather On The Hill" with Goulet and Howes. It is a delight -- but a fair warning: it whets your appetite for more which, sadly, is not available. But check it out and enjoy....... Goulet's and Howes' voices are certainly in their prime, and this particular number appears to be shot on location -- wonderful vistas combine with perhaps the most beautiful piece in the Brigadoon score.
Robert Goulet and Lerner & Lowe at their best.
barbaraantonucci27 January 2019
The first Broadway show I ever saw was Camelot with Robert Goulet as Lancelot. I was 13 and fell madly in love with Goulet and Broadway musicals. I saw this special when I was in high school and it happened to be the year my school did it on stage. As other reviewers have said this is much better than the movie with Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse because neither could sing and the sets and costumes were dreadful. Peter Falk is so much better than Van Johnson as the wisecracking Jeff. The sword dance by Edward Villella is amazing.
I remember watching this on TV.
genelee-113 July 2021
I thought that this was an excellent version. I remember watching it on TV. An excellent cast. I still have the vinyl record. I believe it was a made for TV event. So, it didn't have the lush background that a movie would have. I would love to have a copy of it.
Brigadoon. 1966. Watching it again right now. Saw the show when it originally aired, then the restored it about one year later. Bought the album from Armstrong
richardtraeger16 July 2023
Awesome play. Watching it right now. Sing along with the stars. Watched the original in 1966 and the following year for the replay. Watch it at least every other month. Keeps my heart young. Peter Falk and Marilyn Mason were great together. Robert Goulet is fantastic in the roll of Tommy. Seen many stage plays of Brigadoon over the years, but nothing comes close to the music and singing as this rendition. I was a disc jockey for almost 50 years and would use my album from Armstrong and place in rotation for others to enjoy the music as much as I have. I play the video often so my kids and grandkids can enjoy it also.
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