This past weekend I watched the Julie Andrews extravaganza Star! from 1968. What, never heard of it? Neither had I till recently, which is surprising: This movie is So fantastic! If you like good acting, good music, good costumes and amazing sets (get the picture?) you will love this movie. It's 3 hours long however, take breaks..... 
Based on the life of actress Gertrude Lawrence, it chronicles her life and search for love, all the while showing clips of many of the shows she was in, her amuzing friendship with Noel Coward and the strained relationship with her daughter on her quest for fame.First the sets: these are some pictures I took of the film, sorry for the poor picture quality!
This is what caused me to take notice of the sets; her NYC apt. during the 1930's chapter of her life. The walls are gold leafed with a really abstract mural painted on them: antique venetian furniture, beautiful bar, chandelier and beautiful curtains - this is the most glamorous room I've ever seen!
Right afterwards was Noel Cowards NYC apartment, also during the 30s. Notice the beautiful woodwork and detailing above. I LOVE a step-down living room and large windows, beautiful white casual upholstery and beautiful lighting. This room looks so modern! Notice the painted backs of the built ins below - an acid yellow (which matched many of the costumes in the scene).
The music: full of standards by greats such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Noel Coward, Kurt Weill and others -it will not disappoint. Julie Andrews was in top form singing and dancing as shown in the clipbelow: her voice is unbelievably smooth and beautiful. An interesting tidbit: Daniel Massey, who played Noel Coward in the film, is actually Coward's godson in real life!Read a full synopsis of the movie HERE
I loved this movie so much that I've included a link to buy it on amazon on my sidebar -you can get it really inexpensively used! Please check it out!!
I love Julie Andrews. Growing up me and my bro used to watch and sing-along with The Sound of Music songs. She still looks fabulous to this day.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Massey was Coward's godson, not grandson.
ReplyDeleteTypo alert: you meant to write that Daniel Massey was Noel's GODson not GRANDson, right?
ReplyDeleteI do remember this film~Massey's impression (versus an impersonation) of Noel Coward was dead-on.
Sorry, guess I read some misinformation. I've changed the relationship in my posting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I've never heard of it and really want to see it now.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was so under rated when it first came out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviving interest in it!
xo xo xo
VV, I'm trying!! Kwana, definitely check it out: It's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI must see this movie!! The apartment looks sooooo glamorous!
ReplyDeleteI love this song! My first solo performance was singing this song in sixth grade. One of my friend's had a piano recital and he wanted to learn how to play accompaniment. I always will hold it close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Julie Andrews is concenred, in my opinion she is one of the best performers of the twentieth century. Her singing is flawless, her acting impeccable, and her poise unlike any other. I'm a huge Audrey Hepburn fan, but I would have much prefered to see the original Eliza (Julie Andrews) in the role, singing her heart out, than having voice overs (except for Just You Wait Henry Higgins, which was Hepburn herself).
There are my two cents you didn't ask for. Thanks for the post!
I thought I was the only person who liked this movie
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