The MoFo Musicals Countdown - Preliminary Thread

[Thursday Next]

https://i.ibb.co/gjjwpxj/Screenshot-2024-05-30-151057.png (https://ibb.co/h77HjS7)



https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExdmppY2oyOTN5aHlnaXlqbXF3czk4NWJ1c216cWQ4cmoxeW03dnA4ciZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/ovM7eeg560Bfa/giphy.gif

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome... to the MoFo Musical Countdown preliminary thread!

The rules:

- Submit a ranked list of your top 25 musical movies (Your #1 at #1 which will receive 25 points, your #2 at #2 which will receive 24 points etc.)

-You can submit your ballot using Yoda's patented ballot submission tool. I will add the link to this here when it is ready.

-The deadline for submissions will be Tuesday 17th September, which gives you 3 and a half months of musical-watching.

- All lists are final. Please do not post your list here or anywhere public before the end of the countdown.

-Partial ballots with 10 or more movies will be accepted.

Eligibility

https://media1.tenor.com/m/tNLSRb7Ta4YAAAAC/musical-buffy.gif

A musical is defined by wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_film) as:

"a film genre in which songs by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film's characters, but in some cases, they serve merely as breaks in the storyline, often as elaborate "production numbers".

And by Harry Lime as:

"where people (and animals or candlesticks) randomly burst into song"

I'm not going to request people check eligibility using tags on imdb or anything like that (although you can certainly use those to help you find eligible movies). A musical has songs throughout, not just one or two incidents of characters singing karaoke.

Allowed: animated movies, jukebox musicals, classic musicals, modern musicals, musicals where all the singing takes place on stage, musicals with no dancing whatsoever, sung through musicals

Not allowed: concert films, documentaries, movies with only one song, musical TV episodes

Will it be a top 100? Yes, providing we get enough ballots submitted!

[Thursday Next]

THE BALLOT TOOL HAS ARRIVED

https://www.movieforums.com/ballot.php

Important information:

-Submit 10-25 musical movies.
-Submit them in order with your #1 at #1
-CHECK THE YEAR! Some musicals have more than one version (West Side Story, for example), some musicals share a title with non-musical films etc.(e.g. Les Miserables has many non-musical versions)
- imdb is your friend in this case.
-Be very sure before you submit because there's no changing your ballot.

Shout out to Yoda for creating and updating the ballot tool.

Lists received 52:

Holden Pike
Nope 1172
Torgo
Allaby
Harry Lime
Seanc
Nyctc7
Lamb Eelyak
iluv2viddyfilms
Diehl40
Phoenix 74
Daniel M
Wigram
Dadglumbah
Exiler96
Frightened Inmate No. 2
Hey Fredrick
SawDuck
John-Connor
rauldc14
Gideon58
mrblond
Miss Vicky
John W Constantine
WHITBISSELL!
Robert the List
Wooley
Captain Steel
Steve Freeling
hownos
SpelingError
Fabulous
kgaard
Thief
Thursday Next
honeykid
Yoda
Citizen Rules
cricket
Little Ash
Keyser Corleone
beelzebubble
gbgoodies
sarahf
omnizoa
Funny Face
Diehl40
Wyldesyde19
Stillmellow
Takona11
MovieMeditation
Siddon
Captain Spaulding

[Thursday Next]

Helpful links and resources:

Rotten Tomatoes 100 Best Movie Musicals of All Time (https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-musical-movies-of-all-time/)

[Thief]

Can't wait! Are we allowed to share recommendations here?

[Thursday Next]

Can't wait! Are we allowed to share recommendations here?

Absolutely! Please do. I think there will be some dedicated musical-watching threads and games coming soon too so watch this space...

[Miss Vicky]

Allowed: animated movies, jukebox musicals, classic musicals, modern musicals, musicals where all the singing takes place on stage, musicals with no dancing whatsoever, sung through musicals

Just for absolute clarity, does this mean I can vote for movies about musicians, provided the movie has a lot of singing?

I'm thinking Walk the Line, A Mighty Wind, and The Broken Circle Breakdown?

[Thief]

Ok, a very small list of some favorite and/or obscure ones that I think are worth a watch...

Hallelujah (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/hallelujah/) (1929) - Far from perfect, but historically notable and one that has stuck with me.
Cabin in the Sky (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/cabin-in-the-sky/) (1943) - One of my personal favorites, directed by Vincente Minnelli
Once (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/once/) (2007) - Fast-forward to another century, this is one that will likely rank very high on my list.

[Miss Vicky]

Obligatory Hedwig and the Angry Inch plug:

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/TorysMovies/Top100/hedwigangryinch.jpg
http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoTop100/hedwigandtheangryinch.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bnlAso3p7A

I hate musicals. But I LOVE Hedwig. Top ten movie for me and the only musical I've ever considered seeing on stage.

[Thief]

Helpful links and resources:

Rotten Tomatoes 100 Best Movie Musicals of All Time (https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-musical-movies-of-all-time/)

Ooof, seen only about a quarter of these. Lot of homework.

[Allaby]

What about short films and tv movies? Are they allowed?

[Miss Vicky]

Also on the animated side, I highly recommend Charlotte's Web (1973).

Because the fair IS a veritable smorgasbord, orgasbord, orgasbord, after the crowds have ceased! :D

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoTop100/charlottesweb.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1bu5sUXaU

[Allaby]

Obligatory Hedwig and the Angry Inch plug:

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/TorysMovies/Top100/hedwigangryinch.jpg
http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoTop100/hedwigandtheangryinch.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bnlAso3p7A

I hate musicals. But I LOVE Hedwig. Top ten movie for me and the only musical I've ever considered seeing on stage.

I second this recommendation. Fantastic film. Hope it makes the countdown.

[Allaby]

Ok, a very small list of some favorite and/or obscure ones that I think are worth a watch...

Hallelujah (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/hallelujah/) (1929) - Far from perfect, but historically notable and one that has stuck with me.
Cabin in the Sky (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/cabin-in-the-sky/) (1943) - One of my personal favorites, directed by Vincente Minnelli
Once (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/once/) (2007) - Fast-forward to another century, this is one that will likely rank very high on my list.

I second these recommendations. Hallelujah is excellent. Hope it makes the countdown. I enjoyed Once as well. I'm not a huge fan of Cabin in the Sky, but it is still worth checking out.

[Allaby]

My recommendations for lesser known/underseen musicals:
(all of these are tagged as musicals on imdb and have less than 1000 votes)

Ain't Misbehavin' (1955)
Rhythm on the River (1940)
Young People (1940)
Golden Eighties (1986)
Never Say Die (1939)
Grace Stirs Up Success (2015)
Zouzou (1934)
Bang Bang Baby (2014)
Just Around the Corner (1938)
The First Nudie Musical (1976)

[Allaby]

I also want to recommend the weirdest and wildest musical I have ever seen: Forbidden Zone (1980).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_WKItgD_Ng

[Citizen Rules]

Great job Thursday! Looking forward to this:)

Yesterday I started the arduous task of going through all of IMDBs musicals and saving a list of all that I've seen. I made another list for all the musical I need to watch or rewatch. Damn, there's alot of musicals out there to see!

[Allaby]

Helpful links and resources:

Rotten Tomatoes 100 Best Movie Musicals of All Time (https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-musical-movies-of-all-time/)

I have seen around 80 of those.

[John McClane]

just a heads up, my list gonna be Disney all the way down. :lol:

[Diehl40]

Here are a few films that are tagged music on letterbox that might be on the fence in terms of eligibility. I have not seen some of them to determine if they use music to advance the plot. I think they are (have not seen Nashville or Once). This is just a list to watch. I have no idea if any of them will be on my final list.



Pink Floyd's The Wall
Walk Hard
Amadeus
Nashville
Once
Quadraphenia
Reefer madness

[Torgo]

Looking forward to it. I'll take this opportunity to share the only rap musical I'm aware of besides Hamilton and In the Heights: Tokyo Tribe. There really should be more of them.

[Citizen Rules]

I just finished watching all 31 of Elvis' movies, some of them are pretty darn good too. I recommend these:

Jailhouse Rock (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050556/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_31_act) lots of great songs and good movie too
Loving You (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050659/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_32_act) with the lovely Lizabeth Scott
King Creole (1958) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051818/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_30_act) also a noir!
Wild in the Country (1961) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055623/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_27_act) solid story, with Tuesday Weld
Follow that Dream (1962) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055992/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_25_act)Good comedy Elvis as a likable hick
Viva Las Vegas (1964) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058725/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_20_act)Ann-Margret sizzles with Elvis!
Girl Happy (1965) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059224/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_17_act)Elvis does his version of the beach movie

[John-Connor]

Good luck hosting Thursday Next!

Here are some of my recommendations:
(and some built in eligibility questions :))

99012

[John W Constantine]

Saturday Night Fever. Eligible?

[TONGO]

Also on the animated side, I highly recommend Charlotte's Web (1973).

Because the fair IS a veritable smorgasbord, orgasbord, L, after the crowds have ceased! :D

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MoFoTop100/charlottesweb.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1bu5sUXaU


Wow! :) A true blast from the past. Paul Lynde stole the flick as the rat. I remember my Dad howling during this scene.

[mrblond]

Good luck hosting Thursday Next!

Here are some of my recommendations:
(and some built in eligibility questions :))

99012


The Legend of 1900 is a great film but do you think it qualifies for this game?

:shrug:

[John-Connor]

The Legend of 1900 is a great film but do you think it qualifies for this game?

:shrug:
First of all this is not a game.. this is Sparta..! :D
https://i.gifer.com/Jj9.gif

Second what I think is a musical is not important.. that's why I ask the MoFo 'Musical experts'.

:shrug:

[SpelingError]

Looking forward to this. Also, since I received permission from Thursday, I'll put up the group watch thread later today.

[Gideon58]

I just finished watching all 31 of Elvis' movies, some of them are pretty darn good too. I recommend these:

Jailhouse Rock (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050556/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_31_act) lots of great songs and good movie too
Loving You (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050659/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_32_act) with the lovely Lizabeth Scott
King Creole (1958) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051818/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_30_act) also a noir!
Wild in the Country (1961) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055623/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_27_act) solid story, with Tuesday Weld
Follow that Dream (1962) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055992/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_25_act)Good comedy Elvis as a likable hick
Viva Las Vegas (1964) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058725/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_20_act)Ann-Margret sizzles with Elvis!
Girl Happy (1965) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059224/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_17_act)Elvis does his version of the beach movie

Never seen Girl Happy or Follow that Dream, but I like the rest of your recs. For my money, King Creole is his best movie.

[Allaby]

What actor does everyone predict will make the most appearances on the countdown? I am guessing Gene Kelly.

[Balor]

Saturday Night Fever. Eligible?

Interesting question, but I would suspect not due to no one singing?

[SpelingError]

What actor does everyone predict will make the most appearances on the countdown? I am guessing Gene Kelly.
That's probably correct. Fred Astaire might make a handful of appearances as well.

[Allaby]

That's probably correct. Fred Astaire might make a handful of appearances as well.

What about female actors? Which ladies/girls will make the most appearances? Ginger Rogers? Doris Day? Shirley Temple? Judy Garland?

[SpelingError]

What about female actors? Which ladies/girls will make the most appearances? Ginger Rogers? Doris Day? Shirley Temple? Judy Garland?
Judy Garland, perhaps.

[Thief]

Worth noting that Letterboxd groups films that are "Musicals" with films about "Music", musicians, etc. Like someone else asked, it is important to establish if those films *about music, musicians* are eligible, even if they're not proper musicals.

Personally, the purist in me would prefer to stick with just musicals, but that's up to Thursday and the community to decide.

[Diehl40]

I saw that somebody recommended Once, so I'll assume its eligible. I still need some assistance with Nashville. Does the music move the plot?


Here are a few films that are tagged music on letterbox that might be on the fence in terms of eligibility. I have not seen some of them to determine if they use music to advance the plot. I think they are (have not seen Nashville or Once). This is just a list to watch. I have no idea if any of them will be on my final list.



Pink Floyd's The Wall
Walk Hard
Amadeus
Nashville
Once
Quadraphenia
Reefer madness

[Gideon58]

I saw that somebody recommended Once, so I'll assume its eligible. I still need some assistance with Nashville. Does the music move the plot?

Once was a disappoint for me...a link to my review:

https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/1672089-once.html

[KeyserCorleone]

So remember: only Land Before Time sequels with THREE SONGS OR MORE are eligible.

[Citizen Rules]

Never seen Girl Happy or Follow that Dream, but I like the rest of your recs. For my money, King Creole is his best movie.Count me as a big fan of King Creole, I love the opening duet Crawfish that Elvis does with a street vendor, Kitty White. Trouble is my favorite song from the movie, Elvis opened his '68 Comeback Special with the song. Have you seen The '68 Comeback Special? If not I think you'd love it, but watch the longer version with the bordello musical scene.

[Harry Lime]

Does The Big Lebowski count?

[Citizen Rules]

What actor does everyone predict will make the most appearances on the countdown? I am guessing Gene Kelly.Fred Astaire or I revolt!:p Astaire is by far the better dancer.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tenor.com%2FLrIo7wuAP5cAAAAC%2Ffred-astaire-dance.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=ba42588460c90f47873f7877461be01fde8557bbddb112408037e72d5ef80a3c&ipo=images

What about female actors? Which ladies/girls will make the most appearances? Ginger Rogers? Doris Day? Shirley Temple? Judy Garland?I'm going with Shirley Jones, she was in alot of the biggest musicals made.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F78.media.tumblr.com%2F07f735a674bbf7786ffc1aabf4642bdc%2Ftumblr_pf05loDMmE1tpri36o1 _500.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=b90ab17e16f84fa60df36b35a45500532af15b8986ed3918904dd4597237b60f&ipo=images


And for director I'm going with Busby Berkeley

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpre-code.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F03%2F6442ndStreet13.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=84cd43159f9e1f6696189cd8d73dcffb655c0ed60077941bb7a962e1892036ab&ipo=images

[Gideon58]

Count me as a big fan of King Creole, I love the opening duet Crawfish that Elvis does with a street vendor, Kitty White. Trouble is my favorite song from the movie, Elvis opened his '68 Comeback Special with the song. Have you seen The '68 Comeback Special? If not I think you'd love it, but watch the longer version with the bordello musical scene.

Never seen the '68 special. Loved the crawfish duet as well.

[Holden Pike]

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION...

For those who don't like Musicals with an upper-case M but like music, here are a bunch of my favorite movies about musicians and bands, be they Biopics or fictional, in alphabetical order...

Almost Famous (2000)
Amadeus (1984)
Begin Again (2013)
Bird (1988)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Bound for Glory (1976)
CODA (2021)
The Commitments (1991)
Crazy Heart (2009)
Flora & Son (2023)
Frank (2014)
A Hard Day's Night (1964)
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
Honeydripper (2007)
Honkytonk Man (1982)
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1982)
Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989)
A Night at the Opera (1935)
Once (2007)
The Rose (1979)
Round Midnight (1986)
School of Rock (2003)
Sing Street (2016)
Songwriter (1984)
A Star is Born (2018)
Sweet & Lowdown (1999)
That Thing You Do! (1996)
The Thing Called Love (1993)
This is Spın̈al Tap (1984)
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)
Wild Rose (2018)
Whiplash (2014)
Yesterday (2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGgW1k9swkE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6HJtEDBHIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7j1M-Rf9-Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTArt_oH7E8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYk2Vx1z6lk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-5R5ewB46w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Ths6k7qXk

[Wyldesyde19]

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius! Aquarius!

*ahem*

Sorry about that. I may be prone to randomly burying out in songs throughout this countdown. Carry on. *

[Holden Pike]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTZArvbmG_o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdsCGm4bP3E

[KeyserCorleone]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxHNztg0X3s

[mrblond]

The Rose (1979)


That's a lock for me.

99015

[rauldc14]

We simply can't ignore the fact that The Brave Little Toaster needs to make this list.

[John McClane]

We simply can't ignore the fact that The Brave Little Toaster needs to make this list.
yes, that needs to be top 50. that’s the stuff of nightmares

[Miss Vicky]

We simply can't ignore the fact that The Brave Little Toaster needs to make this list.

Good luck. It's failed to make it onto every countdown it's been eligible so far. I certainly won't be voting for it.

[Wyldesyde19]

It’s just a jump to the left….

[cricket]

Half the films mentioned in here I wouldn't consider musicals but I'm not Thursday Next. We'll see.

[SpelingError]

The group watch thread is now up. Everyone is encouraged to join!

[ActionRocks]

I WON'T be joining.


But I guess I'll share 'Henry Danger: The Musical', 'Moana', 'Hamilton'..

[Thursday Next]

A few eligibility questions

Just for absolute clarity, does this mean I can vote for movies about musicians, provided the movie has a lot of singing?

I'm thinking Walk the Line, A Mighty Wind, and The Broken Circle Breakdown?

What about short films and tv movies? Are they allowed?

Here are a few films that are tagged music on letterbox that might be on the fence in terms of eligibility. I have not seen some of them to determine if they use music to advance the plot.


I'm not going to be able to answer every individual eligibility question, because I haven't seen every film. If you've seen it, you're in a better position than me to know whether or not it's a musical!

I'll always refer back to the definitions in the first post. I don't want to be too prescriptive on what is/isn't allowed as this is a community list and I don't want compiling a list to be onerous. But this is a musicals list, not a 'music' list. Being tagged music somewhere or being about a band is not enough to class a film as a musical unless there is also a significant element of singing in the movie.

Music does not necessarily have to advance the plot, although that is a common feature of musicals, there are plenty of musicals where all the songs are set pieces/ on stage performances (e.g. Cabaret).

Saturday Night Fever is not a musical. Nor are any other films where there is a famous soundtrack but the characters don't actually sing, or any film which has subsequently been turned into a stage musical but is not, itself, a musical (e.g. Billy Elliot, Kinky Boots). Dancing, while an element of many musicals, is not a requirement and not something which makes a movie eligible if there is no singing.

Short films is an interesting question. There are no requirements on length as such, but there should be more than one song. Music videos are not eligible (although that would make an interesting countdown idea for when we've run out of other ideas...)

TLDR there has to be a lot of singing.

[Thursday Next]

We simply can't ignore the fact that The Brave Little Toaster needs to make this list.

Surprised we haven't gone straight in with Mall Cop: The Musical.

[pahaK]

I WON'T be joining.

I won't join either. I can quickly think of only two musicals I've liked, Dancer in the Dark and Repo! The Genetic Opera. There is also a third, but it's not eligible here; the Once More with Feeling episode of Buffy.

I am not interested in watching musicals, but I'll probably keep my eye on this thread.

[Holden Pike]

One of my all-time favorite Musicals...and technically there is no "singing" in it as every song is lip-synched. But if anyone thinks it is not a Musical, you do not understand the form.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://i.imgur.com/OXkCKyK.jpg
Pennies from Heaven
Directed by Herbert Ross
Screenplay by Dennis Potter
Cinematography by Gordon Willis
CAST: Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Jessica Harper,
Vernel Bagneris, John McMartin, and Christopher Walken
1981, approximately 108 minutes

In 1981, Steve Martin took an artistic risk which might have drastically changed his then-new screen image and Herbert Ross tried to reinvent the Musical for a new, post-modern sensibility. The film was Pennies from Heaven, and it was a box-office flop. A few critics sang its praises, including Pauline Kael, but by and large it was dismissed. I think it is a brilliant movie that was so far ahead of its time, and still lies mostly undiscovered.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=7456&stc=1&d=1310677038

British television writer and novelist Dennis Potter ("The Singing Detective") had a long, successful career starting in the 1960s in the UK, and one of his biggest accomplishments was the 1978 BBC mini-series "Pennies from Heaven", starring Bob Hoskins. It tells the story of a sheet-music salesman in 1930s Britain who dreams of living out the lyrics of the songs he peddles. These rich fantasies are contrasted sharply with the darkness of his real life. Potter pared down and adapted his own eight-hour teleplay into a film screenplay, shifting the setting to Depression-era Chicago, which caught the attention of Herbert Ross, who had been on quite a roll in the 1970s, helming such projects as The Goodbye Girl, The Sunshine Boys, The Last of Sheila, The Turning Point, California Suite, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution and Play it Again, Sam. Steve Martin, fresh from mega success as a stand-up comic playing to rock-and-roll-size crowds and distilling that wild and crazy persona first to the small screen on "Saturday Night Live" and his own specials, and then into The Jerk (1979), signed on to play the dark and complicated lead. Broadway star Bernadette Peters, who was Martin's co-star in The Jerk and at the time his real-life paramour, and Jessica Harper (Phantom of the Paradise, Suspiria, My Favorite Year) would co-star, with Christopher Walken in film-stealing support.

Pennies from Heaven is the musical as psychotic episode. The numbers, often elaborate set pieces, replicating the styles if not the scenes of some classic cinema Musicals, and of which Busby Berkeley himself would have been proud, are delusions that have absolutely zero to do with reality. The usual conceit of the Musical is that the song interludes further the plot and/or give voice to internal emotions of the characters. But not here. Martin's character Arthur is a bizarre and almost irredeemably amoral man, who creates a pretend morality in the music he loves and envisions. He claims, certainly to himself and by extension the audience, to be a pure romantic dreamer trying to honestly make his way in the world, but his selfish and hurtful actions tell otherwise. It's a rather brilliant concept, and to me works even better as a movie than as a TV project (though make no mistake, the BBC version is also spectacular and a must-see). Many of the film's references are to the otherworlds created by movie magic, worlds that millions flocked to during the Depression in order to delude themselves into a fantasy for part of an afternoon or evening. As Fred Astaire was floating across screens in top hat and tails, much of the audience was wondering if they could find steady work, or keep the tenuous hold on their income and possessions. So in one of Heaven's best sequences when Martin and Peters actually enter Follow the Fleet (1936), the Astaire & Rogers classic, the circle is complete, and Arthur's fantasy blends with the larger societal fantasy.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=7459&stc=1&d=1310681051

Another stylistic risk/choice the film makes, carrying over from what was done in the TV version, is to have the actors lip-synch to the existing period tracks, rather than re-record them with these actors. Obviously stage star Peters could have done just about anything they asked, vocally, but this added layer of artifice is intentional, both making some of the song choices seem that much odder and funnier, being mouthed by the protagonists, and also not pretending these fantasies are to be taken in simple genre terms, but almost as if they were being done in front of a mirror in your attic, when nobody was home to catch you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHyWFWJV61k

The look of the film is fantastic, with two basic palettes: the glitz of Hollywood and the dim of Edward Hopper. Several of his paintings are brought to life, including his most iconic, "Nighthawks". Gordon Willis, who was one of the most respected and imitated cinematographers of his era, having lensed The Godfather series for Coppola and Alan J. Pakula's All the President's Men before becoming Woody Allen's go-to collaborator on Annie Hall, Manhattan, Interiors, Stardust Memories, Zelig, The Purple Rose of Cairo and on and on, creates some stunning tableaus and homages.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=13196&stc=1&d=1393752161
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Nighthawks_by_Edward_Hopper_1942.jpg/1200px-Nighthawks_by_Edward_Hopper_1942.jpg

Steve Martin has had an incredibly successful and quite diverse career in film, and while he eventually worked his way into some darker and sometimes intentionally comedy-free projects a couple decades later, it was probably too early and too bizarre a project for his fanbase to accept at the time, en masse. How might his career trajectory had changed if Pennies from Heaven wound up with multiple, high-profile Oscar nominations like Picture and Director? We'll never know.

http://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=13198&stc=1&d=1393754081

This scene, in the next YouTube link, is a perfect example of what the film does. Christopher Walken only has one scene, really. At a particularly low point for the Peters character, she wanders into a bar on the bad side of town. The resident pimp, Walken, approaches her, buys her a drink, and offers her a job, on her back. It is tense and frightening, a cruel fate for this character who did nothing but trust the wrong man. And then, right when things look bleakest, Walken breaks into the Cole Porter tune "Let's Misbehave" by Irving Aaronson and His Commanders...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54iR0xFkEfQ

Dark and ironic eye-candy, this is Herbert Ross' masterpiece in my book, waiting to be rediscovered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPRL3IdIcVc

https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1047762#post1047762 (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1047762#post1047762)

[Thursday Next]

I won't join either. I can quickly think of only two musicals I've liked, Dancer in the Dark and Repo! The Genetic Opera. There is also a third, but it's not eligible here; the Once More with Feeling episode of Buffy.

I am not interested in watching musicals, but I'll probably keep my eye on this thread.


Shame, those are two good musicals and Repo! probably needs all the votes it can get!


I love the Buffy musical episode but it's not a movie, so unfortunately not eligible.

[Holden Pike]

These are the Musicals that placed on previous MoFo Lists, mostly the decade and all-time lists, but also some of the genre lists. Chronologically...

The Blue Angel (1930)
42nd Street (1933)
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Footlight Parade (1933)
Top Hat (1935)
A Night at the Opera (1935)
Swing Time (1936)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Pinocchio (1940)
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Easter Parade (1948)
Cinderella (1950)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Oklahoma! (1955)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
West Side Story (1961)
The Music Man (1962)
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Oliver! (1968)
Yellow Submarine (1968)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Cabaret (1972)
Charlotte's Web (1973)
Nashville (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Grease (1978)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Amadeus (1984)
This is Spın̈al Tap (1984)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Aladdin (1992)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Lion King (1994)
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut (1999)
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Almost Famous (2000)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Once (2007)
Frozen (2013)
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
La La Land (2016)


The Musicals that have won the Oscar for Best Picture....

The Broadway Melody (1929)
The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
Going My Way (1944)
An American in Paris (1951)
Gigi (1958)
West Side Story (1961)
My Fair Lady (1964)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Oliver! (1968)
Chicago (2003)
CODA (2021)

[Miss Vicky]

These are the Musicals that placed on previous MoFo Lists, mostly the decade and all-time lists, but also some of the genre lists. Chronologically...

The Blue Angel (1930)
42nd Street (1933)
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Footlight Parade (1933)
Top Hat (1935)
A Night at the Opera (1935)
Swing Time (1936)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Pinocchio (1940)
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Easter Parade (1948)
Cinderella (1950)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Oklahoma! (1955)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
West Side Story (1961)
The Music Man (1962)
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Oliver! (1968)
Yellow Submarine (1968)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Cabaret (1972)
Nashville (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Grease (1978)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Amadeus (1984)
This is Spın̈al Tap (1984)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Aladdin (1992)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Lion King (1994)
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut (1999)
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Almost Famous (2000)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Once (2007)
Frozen (2013)
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
La La Land (2016)

I don’t see Charlotte’s Web on there. It was 57 on the animation countdown.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/JayDee87/Temp_zpsg9n7efkr.gif

[Holden Pike]

I don’t see Charlotte’s Web on there. It was 57 on the animation countdown.
Added.

[Miss Vicky]

Surprisingly, I've managed to put together a shortlist with more than enough qualifying movies that I don't hate to be able to do a full ballot. I'm going to have to rewatch some of them to see if that statement is actually still true, though. :laugh:

Also, my recent conversion into a Ryan Gosling fan has me questioning whether I want to subject myself to La La Land but I'm also about 95% sure I'm going to hate it.

[rauldc14]

I would be highly surprised if you liked La La Land

[Holden Pike]

Also, my recent conversion into a Ryan Gosling fan has me questioning whether I want to subject myself to La La Land but I'm also about 95% sure I'm going to hate it.
I saw it six times theatrically and have two of its posters framed in my office.

99017

I know we often have different taste, but give it a shot. I suspect you will hate the opening number, but see if you can make it to the party where the two characters really talk for the first time, after she requests Flock of Seagulls. If you make it that far (twenty minutes in) and aren't grooving to it yet, probably no hope. But if you are invested by that sequence, you'll make it through.

Gosling is very funny, throughout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCyf2o8nR1Y

[Miss Vicky]

I would be highly surprised if you liked La La Land

So would I.

[Holden Pike]

Does The Big Lebowski count?
No. It only has the one sequence.

Not allowed: concert films, documentaries, movies with only one song, musical TV episodes.

Another example of something not eligible, Young Frankenstein...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1QpADCPjoU

[Gideon58]

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius! Aquarius!

*ahem*

Sorry about that. I may be prone to randomly burying out in songs throughout this countdown. Carry on. *

Loved Hair...will definitely be on my list.

[Gideon58]

The Blue Angel is a musical?

[Holden Pike]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noJDCWOvzFQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EdOdfCM1hM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdbrIrFxas0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TInxFdwmT0w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAFgj8mqPk0&t=9s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oflbCHWZCBU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psj1l6JHmPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvvjiE4AdUI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=627Q6F9NOYQ

[Holden Pike]

There is also a third, but it's not eligible here; the Once More with Feeling episode of Buffy.
May we interest you in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXI3obHfwgU

[Citizen Rules]

I thought I might do a musical watch log thread like I did with the now famous:p Noirvember thread. But then I realized if I posted about the musicals that I watched here it would help to keep this thread bumped. The more this thread stays bumped the more likely it is that people will see we're doing a Musical countdown and join in and send a ballot.

[Citizen Rules]

So, I rewatched the first musical last night in prep for this countdown.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fthefilmexperience.net%2Fstorage%2F1950s%2Fsevenbrides-steal1.jpg%3F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1650033755468&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=5c5f1946b137cbf13aa12b68b0238d8655a7c7998e8421e2d04d1349433eca00&ipo=images
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Gosh I love this film! It's such escapist fun with witty & catchy songs that move the story along at a break neck speed. Howard Keel has always been a favorite of mine in the many musicals that he made. Keel was a bass-baritone singer with a strong screen presences. He was the perfect choice to play a strong willed mountain man who comes into town to buy supplies...and to get married. There's only one problem he doesn't know any girls. The opening song Bless Yore Beautiful Hide is riotously funny, especially with the staging as Keel walks around the town looking for a woman who's 'fit to be married'. Milking a cow is the perk Jane Powell who also sings up a storm and starred in many of MGM's musicals. Keel spots her and with in a few minute they're getting married! No one said this is reality. Indeed the painted country backdrops and the small studio set enforces the idea that this story is one big fun lark.

So the rub is, when lovely Jane Powell arrives at the mountain cabin to start a life of wedded bliss she discovers to her surprise that her new husband has six brothers who all live in the same house. They are an unruly mess, that is until Jane Powell whips them into shape.

The highlight of the movie, which rates as one of the best staged musical dance sequences in a film, is the famous Barn Raising Dance. It's the center piece of the movie and has some spectacular acrobatic style high-energy dancing set to a heart pumping musical beat. The Lonesome Polecat, Sobbin Woman and June Bride numbers are also stand out. I loved revisiting this movie so much that during a break with the movie on pause I was singing in bass baritone a snippet of Sobbin Woman that cracked my wife up as believe it or not I was able for a couple lines at least to sound remarkable like Keel.

rating_5 Making my ballot!

[Allaby]

So, I rewatched the first musical last night in prep for this countdown.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fthefilmexperience.net%2Fstorage%2F1950s%2Fsevenbrides-steal1.jpg%3F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1650033755468&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=5c5f1946b137cbf13aa12b68b0238d8655a7c7998e8421e2d04d1349433eca00&ipo=images
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Gosh I love this film! It's such escapist fun with witty & catchy songs that move the story along at a break neck speed. Howard Keel has always been a favorite of mine in the many musicals that he made. Keel was a bass-baritone singer with a strong screen presences. He was the perfect choice to play a strong willed mountain man who comes into town to buy supplies...and to get married. There's only one problem he doesn't know any girls. The opening song Bless Yore Beautiful Hide is riotously funny, especially with the staging as Keel walks around the town looking for a woman who's 'fit to be married'. Milking a cow is the perk Jane Powell who also sings up a storm and starred in many of MGM's musicals. Keel spots her and with in a few minute they're getting married! No one said this is reality. Indeed the painted country backdrops and the small studio set enforces the idea that this story is one big fun lark.

So the rub is, when lovely Jane Powell arrives at the mountain cabin to start a life of wedded bliss she discovers to her surprise that her new husband has six brothers who all live in the same house. They are an unruly mess, that is until Jane Powell whips them into shape.

The highlight of the movie, which rates as one of the best staged musical dance sequences in a film, is the famous Barn Raising Dance. It's the center piece of the movie and has some spectacular acrobatic style high-energy dancing set to a heart pumping musical beat. The Lonesome Polecat, Sobbin Woman and June Bride numbers are also stand out. I loved revisiting this movie so much that during a break with the movie on pause I was singing in bass baritone a snippet of Sobbin Woman that cracked my wife up as believe it or not I was able for a couple lines at least to sound remarkable like Keel.

rating_5 Making my ballot!

Good movie! I have it on dvd as part of a 4 disc greatest classical musical collection. I rated it an 8/10. It likely won't make my ballot, but hopefully it makes the countdown.

[Allaby]

I watched Calamity Jane (1953) today. I have had this on dvd as part of a 4 disc Doris Day collection, but had never watched it for some reason. I finally watched it today and enjoyed it. Doris Day is wonderful in this fun and entertaining musical western. Hope it makes the countdown. 4

[kgaard]

I hate musicals. But I LOVE Hedwig. Top ten movie for me and the only musical I've ever considered seeing on stage.

It's a wonderful stage show if you ever get the chance. I got carwashed by Neil Patrick Harris when it was on Broadway (good times). I'm hoping they'll do another revival so I can take my son to see it--he only knows it through bedtime songs and the movie. Though at this point it'll need some rewrites to deal with the time issue.

[cricket]

The Blue Angel is a musical?

Love that movie but I don't think so. Also don't think Almost Famous, Inside Llewyn Davis, Whiplash, or a few others mentioned are.

[Gideon58]

I wouldn't consider any of those movies musicals.

[John W Constantine]

The soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever really drives the plot of that film, therfore I find it eligible.

[rauldc14]

Love that movie but I don't think so. Also don't think Almost Famous, Inside Llewyn Davis, Whiplash, or a few others mentioned are.

Agree so I will be voting similar to you

[pahaK]

May we interest you in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXI3obHfwgU

It wasn't bad, but also not on the Buffy level.

[Citizen Rules]

Good movie! I have it on dvd as part of a 4 disc greatest classical musical collection. I rated it an 8/10. It likely won't make my ballot, but hopefully it makes the countdown.You must have a really strong ballot in the works if a 8/10 movie won't make it. I seen where you said you watched 350 musicals...👍 impressive...I don't know how many I've watched???

I watched Calamity Jane (1953) today. I have had this on dvd as part of a 4 disc Doris Day collection, but had never watched it for some reason. I finally watched it today and enjoyed it. Doris Day is wonderful in this fun and entertaining musical western. Hope it makes the countdown. rating_4Love Calamity Jane and most likely will be making my ballot. It was my nomination in the first Western HoF we ever did (it didn't win:(). BTW I like your new avatar. I have to find me a musical themed avatar to get into the spirit of things.

Love that movie but I don't think so. Also don't think Almost Famous, Inside Llewyn Davis, Whiplash, or a few others mentioned are.Agreed. I hope people won't be shoehorning music movies for their ballots. Seems each genre countdown there's a tendency to do that.

[mrblond]

I'll always refer back to the definitions in the first post. I don't want to be too prescriptive on what is/isn't allowed as this is a community list and I don't want compiling a list to be onerous. But this is a musicals list, not a 'music' list. Being tagged music somewhere or being about a band is not enough to class a film as a musical unless there is also a significant element of singing in the movie.
...
Saturday Night Fever is not a musical. Nor are any other films where there is a famous soundtrack but the characters don't actually sing, or any film which has subsequently been turned into a stage musical but is not, itself, a musical (e.g. Billy Elliot, Kinky Boots). Dancing, while an element of many musicals, is not a requirement and not something which makes a movie eligible if there is no singing.

TLDR there has to be a lot of singing.


Now, kinda realised that Flashdance (1983) is not for this countdown. :skeptical:

99023

[Wooley]

Man. I wanna play but this is complicated for me.
I have particular feelings about musicals.
Like, for me, a jukebox-musical couldn't really make this list because it is inherently weaker than any musical with original music.
Do the actors actually have to burst into song? Is a movie a Musical when it has a lot of music in it but it's all diegetic?
How does an animated musical scale versus a live-action musical (yes, that really matters to me because of the dance and choreography and costumes and sets, etc.)? Can I really compare The Little Mermaid to Cabaret?
Do Muppet Movie musicals count and if so, at how many cents on the dollar versus one with live singers/dancers/etc?
How many songs does a movie have to have to qualify? Streets Of Fire, for example, has only a few songs and they are all performed by bands in the film, but those bands are also characters in the film, so...?

These are my thoughts.
I have already started compiling a list. FWIW, so far, no jukebox-musicals, no animated, no muppets, no diegetic music... and no Streets Of Fire.

By the way, I did see the definition in the first post but most of my head-scratching still applies.

[Citizen Rules]

Now, kinda realised that Flashdance (1983) is not for this countdown. :skeptical:

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=99023Wait tell we do the Top 100 Cleavage Countdown:D

[crumbsroom]

I definitely have my own personal ideas of what is or isn't a musical (and I'm much stricter in my definition of it than I am with most other genres) but that said, what I always find most interesting about these Hall's is watching the total fruitlessness of trying to agree on a definition of anything. It's always going to be too wide or too narrow for someone. Which is why the solution for me has always been to just remove the guiderails and let the people voting dictate what counts. If no one else agrees, than it's not likely going to appear on the final list anyways, and if a lot of people agree, and a questionable one ranks, even highly...than doesn't that say something about what a musical is? That's something interesting, even if I personally think the inclusion might be totally stupid.



Now I wouldn't for the life of me consider Saturday Night Fever a musical....but if it showed on a greatest musical list, while I would have my personal disagreements, just the act of it showing on the list in the first place says something. Maybe it's appearance would be completely based on the ignorance of everyone else, or maybe it would show that people just view how the music functions in that movie in a different way than me and I am the one left out in the cold. But that in itself is what generates discussion, which I would hope to think is the important part of any of this. Ultimately, who really cares about the list or the rankings. It's what the list and the rankings mean in regards to what a musical is. Or what we value in a movie in general.

[Citizen Rules]

...These are my thoughts.
I have already started compiling a list. FWIW, so far, no jukebox-musicals, no animated, no muppets, no diegetic music... and no Streets Of Fire..Personally, I agree with all that for selecting musicals for my own ballot. I'll add, I won't include music bios. I hope you will participate as I've enjoyed reading your thoughtful balanced post...and we need support for these countdowns to keep them viable.

When we did the Western Countdown a friend, gbgoodies said she didn't like westerns BUT she watched a bunch of them in prep for the countdown. She found that westerns are very diversified in style and story and so discovered a number of westerns that she loved. I'd suggest doing that and diving in and discovering the musical genre, you might end up finding some new favorites that way.

[SpelingError]

I definitely have my own personal ideas of what is or isn't a musical (and I'm much stricter in my definition of it than I am with most other genres) but that said, what I always find most interesting about these Hall's is watching the total fruitlessness of trying to agree on a definition of anything. It's always going to be too wide or too narrow for someone. Which is why the solution for me has always been to just remove the guiderails and let the people voting dictate what counts. If no one else agrees, than it's not likely going to appear on the final list anyways, and if a lot of people agree, and a questionable one ranks, even highly...than doesn't that say something about what a musical is? That's something interesting, even if I personally think the inclusion might be totally stupid.



Now I wouldn't for the life of me consider Saturday Night Fever a musical....but if it showed on a greatest musical list, while I would have my personal disagreements, just the act of it showing on the list in the first place says something. Maybe it's appearance would be completely based on the ignorance of everyone else, or maybe it would show that people just view how the music functions in that movie in a different way than me and I am the one left out in the cold. But that in itself is what generates discussion, which I would hope to think is the important part of any of this. Ultimately, who really cares about the list or the rankings. It's what the list and the rankings mean in regards to what a musical is. Or what we value in a movie in general.

Also, since everyone has their own ideas on what counts as a musical, trying to decide on uniform rules on what's allowed and what's not allowed will just lead to endless discourse and I doubt we'd all come to an understanding by the end of it. I think not having restrictions and having everyone agree not to have meltdowns if they find a film out of place in the final rankings is really the way to go for these lists. It's not a huge deal to me though, in all fairness. I mean, if the restrictions prevent me from voting for a film I really like, then so be it. Just shrug it off and move on.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm not a fan of removing countdown guidelines and letting people vote for whatever they feel matches the countdown's theme. Sounds like anarchy. IMO that would result in a crap list. For many of us, making a coherent list is as important as the 'party fun' aspect of the reveal.

If I had not insisted on two noir countdowns (classic and neo noir) but instead had said go ahead and vote for whatever you think is noir, what would've been generated by that would've been a hodge-podge list of crime films. Thus burying the chances of all those great classic noirs of ever making the list.

The only time I think a no guidelines countdown works is for something like comedy (which we did do that way) and if we ever do romance. Thursday Next has chosen well with her guidelines, I think they will work just fine for the countdown.

[Harry Lime]

Verdicts on these? They're the ones not tagged musical on imdb but tagged music that might qualify for the countdown and my list: Nashville 1975, The Music Room 1958, This Is Spinal Tap 1984, Inside Llewyn Davis 2013, The Red Shoes 1948, I'm Not There 2007, The Harder They Come 1972, Amadeus 1984, Almost Famous 2000, The Producers 1967, The Blue Angel 1930, A Woman Is a Woman 1961, Bound for Glory 1976, O Brother, Where Art Thou? 2000, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 2007. EDIT: Very strange I'm not able to list things in a post anymore it just defaults to a paragraph.

[Miss Vicky]

Do the actors actually have to burst into song?

They have to sing. But it can be on a stage. It doesn't have to be random songs in the middle of conversations or whatever.

Is a movie a Musical when it has a lot of music in it but it's all diegetic?

I would say no, especially not if the characters aren't singing.

How does an animated musical scale versus a live-action musical (yes, that really matters to me because of the dance and choreography and costumes and sets, etc.)? Can I really compare The Little Mermaid to Cabaret?

I don't know if you can, but I can. The Little Mermaid > Cabaret. See? :D

Do Muppet Movie musicals count and if so, at how many cents on the dollar versus one with live singers/dancers/etc?

They had damn well better because I'm planning to vote for one, but I see no reason why singing animated characters would count but singing puppets wouldn't.

How many songs does a movie have to have to qualify? Streets Of Fire, for example, has only a few songs and they are all performed by bands in the film, but those bands are also characters in the film, so...?

Obviously this is going to be up to your discretion and Thursday has already said she's not going to weigh in on eligibility for every movie because she hasn't seen all of them. The way I'm handling it is this:

1. Do the characters sing throughout the film or is it just one or two instances of singing?
2. How important is music to the story?

For example, I'm considering A Mighty Wind because there is singing throughout - by most of the characters - and because the music is integral to the film's story. The is no story without it and the songs in the movie were even created for it. On the other hand, I'm not considering The Bodyguard because although one of the main characters is a pop star, much of the music is television footage of her singing rather than her actually singing in the scenes (though there are several instances of that as well). Also there's only one other named character that sings in the movie and she only sings once. As to the importance of the music, if you replaced the pop star with any other type of major celebrity the story would still work so it's not really that important.

[Allaby]

I'm up to 363 musicals seen based on imdb's classifications. The oldest musical I have seen is 1927's The Jazz Singer and the newest is This Is Me... Now from this year. The shortest feature musical I have seen is Pardon Us (1931), which is 54 minutes long. The longest is Fiddler on the Roof, which is 3 hours and 1 minute. The highest rated is The Lion King with an imdb rating of 8.5 and the lowest rated is Cats with a 2.8 rating on imdb. There are fifty musicals that I rate a 9 or higher, so half of them won't make my ballot.

[Citizen Rules]

This is a great way to discover some excellent musicals...Nothing to buy, no commitments. Check it out and broaden your musical movie pallet: https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=70376

[cricket]

They have to sing. But it can be on a stage. It doesn't have to be random songs in the middle of conversations or whatever.


So does that mean films like The Doors, Rocketman, and Bohemian Rhapsody are eligible? I didn't think so but I'm no expert.

[rauldc14]

Also, since everyone has their own ideas on what counts as a musical, trying to decide on uniform rules on what's allowed and what's not allowed will just lead to endless discourse and I doubt we'd all come to an understanding by the end of it. I think not having restrictions and having everyone agree not to have meltdowns if they find a film out of place in the final rankings is really the way to go for these lists. It's not a huge deal to me though, in all fairness. I mean, if the restrictions prevent me from voting for a film I really like, then so be it. Just shrug it off and move on.

I agree with you and I don't think a lot of questionable choices will really impact it anyways. I could be wrong though.

[cricket]

Verdicts on these? They're the ones not tagged musical on imdb but tagged music that might qualify for the countdown and my list: Nashville 1975, The Music Room 1958, This Is Spinal Tap 1984, Inside Llewyn Davis 2013, The Red Shoes 1948, I'm Not There 2007, The Harder They Come 1972, Amadeus 1984, Almost Famous 2000, The Producers 1967, The Blue Angel 1930, A Woman Is a Woman 1961, Bound for Glory 1976, O Brother, Where Art Thou? 2000, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 2007. EDIT: Very strange I'm not able to list things in a post anymore it just defaults to a paragraph.

The way I see it, Spinal Tap, O Brother, The Blue Angel, Almost Famous, Walk Hard, Bound for Glory, Nashville, and Llewyn Davis are not musicals. I've seen most of the others but don't remember well enough to have an opinion. Maybe I'm wrong.

[Miss Vicky]

So does that mean films like The Doors, Rocketman, and Bohemian Rhapsody are eligible? I didn't think so but I'm no expert.

I haven’t seen The Doors since I was a teenager and haven’t seen the others at all, but this is what Thursday said when I asked about similar movies:

Being tagged music somewhere or being about a band is not enough to class a film as a musical unless there is also a significant element of singing in the movie.

So I’m going to assume yes and vote accordingly. You vote how you want.

[mrblond]

So does that mean films like The Doors, Rocketman, and Bohemian Rhapsody are eligible? I didn't think so but I'm no expert.

I think only Rocketman of these, meets the strong requirements, clearly specified by the host.

In addition Amadeus is out for sure, according to the rules.

[Harry Lime]

Just read through the thread. It looks the movies I "listed" qualify. Good stuff!

[crumbsroom]

Sounds like anarchy. IMO that would result in a crap list.


I think anarchy is a bit of an extreme word for the possibility that someone might nominate Spinal Tap for a musical list. I doubt many are going to honestly submit Salo or photographs of their toenails as their greatest musicals of all time. That would be closer to the anarchy you are talking about.



But hey, do what you like. To each their own. But I don't think it's giving the posters here a whole lot of credit that they can't choose for themselves what they believe a musical is. I honestly doubt that this list would even be really that substantially different. Maybe a handful of unexpected titles, maybe a different placing for everything. But it would be a more honest barometer about what people here actually think and like.


If I had not insisted on two noir countdowns (classic and neo noir) but instead had said go ahead and vote for whatever you think is noir, what would've been generated by that would've been a hodge-podge list of crime films.


No offence, but I think a lot of people would say even with the guide lines it still ended up being a hodge podge of crime films. Not that I'm levelling that as a complaint, I think they were fine lists. But there were still quite a few controversial picks.

[Citizen Rules]

...No offence, but I think a lot of people would say even with the guide lines it still ended up being a hodge podge of crime films. Not that I'm levelling that as a complaint, I think they were fine lists. But there were still quite a few controversial picks.Not in the Film Noir that I hosted. I didn't follow the Neo Noir very closely, so can't say, as I was busy doing the Film Noir countdown and didn't have much free time.

[crumbsroom]

Not in the Film Noir that I hosted. I didn't follow the Neo Noir very closely, so can't say, as I was busy doing the Film Noir countdown and didn't have much free time.


I agree, that list was mostly in the confines of pure noir. And it was also good because it brought a lot of attention to noirs that I, and probably a lot of people, had never heard of. So that's a plus. But I'm just saying there are positives about not being stringent about genre lines too. And the end result isn't anarchy. It's just a slightly different list.

[Citizen Rules]

I agree, that list was mostly in the confines of pure noir. And it was also good because it brought a lot of attention to noirs that I, and probably a lot of people, had never heard of. So that's a plus. But I'm just saying there are positives about not being stringent about genre lines too. And the end result isn't anarchy. It's just a slightly different list.OK, I can see what you're saying and it's a valid point. Just a difference of opinion, that's all.

[beelzebubble]

These are the Musicals that placed on previous MoFo Lists, mostly the decade and all-time lists, but also some of the genre lists. Chronologically...

The Blue Angel (1930)
42nd Street (1933)
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Footlight Parade (1933)
Top Hat (1935)
A Night at the Opera (1935)
Swing Time (1936)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Pinocchio (1940)
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Easter Parade (1948)
Cinderella (1950)
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Oklahoma! (1955)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
West Side Story (1961)
The Music Man (1962)
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Oliver! (1968)
Yellow Submarine (1968)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Cabaret (1972)
Charlotte's Web (1973)
Nashville (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Grease (1978)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Blues Brothers (1980)
Amadeus (1984)
This is Spın̈al Tap (1984)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Aladdin (1992)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Lion King (1994)
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut (1999)
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Almost Famous (2000)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Once (2007)
Frozen (2013)
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
La La Land (2016)


The Musicals that have won the Oscar for Best Picture....

The Broadway Melody (1929)
The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
Going My Way (1944)
An American in Paris (1951)
Gigi (1958)
West Side Story (1961)
My Fair Lady (1964)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Oliver! (1968)
Chicago (2003)
CODA (2021)
Excellent list! I thought I would bump it.

[beelzebubble]

Surprisingly, I've managed to put together a shortlist with more than enough qualifying movies that I don't hate to be able to do a full ballot. I'm going to have to rewatch some of them to see if that statement is actually still true, though. :laugh:

Also, my recent conversion into a Ryan Gosling fan has me questioning whether I want to subject myself to La La Land but I'm also about 95% sure I'm going to hate it.
I love musicals. But I hated La La Land.

[Allaby]

I watched three Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals today:

Carefree 1938 8/10 This was fun and entertaining.
Shall We Dance 1937 7/10 Enjoyable with a few laughs and some nice singing and dancing.
The Gay Divorcee 1934 7/10 Some good singing and dancing, although the story isn't as good in this one.

I think I had previously seen all three years ago, but didn't remember that well. Anyone else watch any musicals today?

[Allaby]

Two musicals that I really liked and would recommend, despite the bad reviews they got:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTDoOmc1OQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_c_Jd-hP-s

[Wooley]

Two musicals that I really liked and would recommend, despite the bad reviews they got:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTDoOmc1OQ



It's hard for me to say how good or bad Cats was because it had SO much bad press that I went to see it as a bad movie. And I felt a little disappointed.
And then everything was thrown totally on its ear when I went to see The Rise Of Skywalker right after and wished I was back in Cats.

[Holden Pike]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8quWUSZCW5g

[Allaby]

I rewatched Curly Top (1935) today. I think this is my favourite Shirley Temple film. She's wonderful and delightful here and the rest of the cast are good too. I enjoyed the songs, especially Animal Crackers in My Soup and When I Grow Up. This is a really cute and fun musical. 9/10 is my rating. I hope it makes the countdown. If you haven't seen this enjoyable classic musical, check out Curly Top.

[Holden Pike]

Thursday Next, just to make sure I understand the eligibility rules, movies about jazz musicians do not count because they are not singers?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7xv1wJQN0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIP_gtjDtfE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFIOUdVSTQw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io8Jw9BRRFY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59LQvDqS1to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMa-T71Az68
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2JAW7L04C0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmREGcpAx7A

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F93%2F0e%2F35%2F930e355499e58bdff53ed01c5aa619bf.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=c29890925979c33eb219e6f421311215ea7d2bb6ab1bdd6f8516c4ccf24d6036&ipo=images
Easter Parade (1948)

I rewatched this last night. It's strength is it's 18 Irving Berlin songs, not all are done as full numbers. My favorites were the opening number with a happy Fred Astaire walking down a New York Street circa 1912. Fred is shopping for his lady friend and dance partner played by Ann Miller. The song he festively sings is Happy Easter...I loved the part where he's in a ladies hat store warmly greeting the hat models. The highlight comes next with a musical dance number Drum Crazy.

Judy Garland plays the new dance partner to replace Fred's previous partner who left him for the glitter of the stage lights, leaving Fred pining for her. Nobody sings like Judy and she has a number of songs as you would expect, most are light and upbeat.

I loved this, though what keeps it from being a 5/5 is that I didn't really sense the romantic chemistry between Astaire and Garland. Originally this was to have been a Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse pairing, but Gene broke an ankle and Cyd tore a ligament in her knee.
rating_4


Fred Astaire doing 'Drum Crazy' in Easter Parade...length 4 minutes. Watch it tell the end when he starts dancing with the drums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_siunu3xAc

[SpelingError]

I rewatched Curly Top (1935) today. I think this is my favourite Shirley Temple film. She's wonderful and delightful here and the rest of the cast are good too. I enjoyed the songs, especially Animal Crackers in My Soup and When I Grow Up. This is a really cute and fun musical. 9/10 is my rating. I hope it makes the countdown. If you haven't seen this enjoyable classic musical, check out Curly Top.

Perhaps you should nominate it in the group watch thread.

[Holden Pike]

Gene Kelly's famously elegant roller skating routine in It's Always Fair Weather (1955)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuOJ82bAH0A

[Holden Pike]

And while they are ineligible for the countdown as they are documentaries and not features, the more casual Musical fan who wants to learn more and develop a watchlist may want to check out That's Entertainment! (1974), MGM's compilation of some of its finest Musical moments. It was so popular that it was followed by three sequels: That's Entertainment Part II (1976), That's Dancing! (1985), and That's Entertainment III (1994).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywKvXIR-z0I

The clips may not always clue you in to which narratives you might connect to, but it does give a flavor of each title and the most famous songs and scenes from the MGM vault.

[Thursday Next]

Thursday Next, just to make sure I understand the eligibility rules, movies about jazz musicians do not count because they are not singers?



Yeah, these won't count for this countdown. Starting to think a biopic countdown could be a thing in the future though.

[John W Constantine]

Top Secret! is eligible.

[Holden Pike]

I won't join either. I can quickly think of only two musicals I've liked, Dancer in the Dark and Repo! The Genetic Opera.
I am not interested in watching musicals, but I'll probably keep my eye on this thread.
Would you like some recommendations for Musicals that are similar in tone to Dancer in the Dark (one of my all-time favorites) and Repo: The Genetic Opera?

For the Von Trier I'd suggest Pennies from Heaven (1981), All That Jazz (1979), The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001), The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), Romance & Cigarettes (2005), Moulin Rouge! (2001), and Cabaret (1972). And for Repo check out The Phantom of the Paradise (1974), The Lure (2015), The Saddest Music in the World (2003), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyAlgfHgrk0

[Torgo]

Upon realizing that RRR is indeed a musical:

https://i.postimg.cc/B64tQY5f/omg-yes-antonio-banderas.gif

If you haven't seen it yet, please do so.

[edarsenal]

Here's a couple of beloved ones

https://youtu.be/NEmScsUkbo4?si=cbce3RzOzcCC8ROI

https://youtu.be/Dkq7WZTzkLQ?si=ZKCzHk1Cm68TkC8y

https://youtu.be/QLvvkTbHjHI?si=PmUsUzhZLA7QfEMe

[Thief]

Ok, a very small list of some favorite and/or obscure ones that I think are worth a watch...

Hallelujah (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/hallelujah/) (1929) - Far from perfect, but historically notable and one that has stuck with me.
Cabin in the Sky (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/cabin-in-the-sky/) (1943) - One of my personal favorites, directed by Vincente Minnelli
Once (https://letterboxd.com/thief12/film/once/) (2007) - Fast-forward to another century, this is one that will likely rank very high on my list.

One that I probably could've mentioned in this list was Anna and the Apocalypse. Even though I don't think they took full advantage of the concept, I thought it was a unique approach to the tired zombie genre.

[CosmicRunaway]

May we interest you in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog?
I was wondering about the eligibility of that, since isn't it technically a mini-series?

I haven't seen it since it was new, but it would probably be one of the few musicals I'd be willing to vote for if I could come up with a partial ballot (which I'm not very confident I can do).

[Allaby]

Recent musicals I would recommend:

The Color Purple (2023)
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Matilda: The Musical (2022)
The Swearing Jar (2022)
13: The Musical (2022)
West Side Story (2021)
Tick, Tick...BOOM! (2021)
Encanto (2021)
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Cyrano (2021)
Annette (2021)
In the Heights (2021)
Valley Girl (2020)
Stargirl (2020)
Cats (2019)

[Thursday Next]

One that I probably could've mentioned in this list was Anna and the Apocalypse. Even though I don't think they took full advantage of the concept, I thought it was a unique approach to the tired zombie genre.


I watched that the other day and loved the concept but was a little underwhelmed by the execution. There were some good songs and some good sequences. Paul Kaye's solo number made me smile. It lost its sense of fun somewhere along the way though, which was a shame.

[Citizen Rules]

For those who don't like traditional musicals may I suggest the surrealist, fantastic and very odd The American Astronaut (2001)

'Hey Boy' from The American Astronaut...watch time 2 min 43 sec.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orp1hNYowuM

[Thief]

I watched that the other day and loved the concept but was a little underwhelmed by the execution. There were some good songs and some good sequences. Paul Kaye's solo number made me smile. It lost its sense of fun somewhere along the way though, which was a shame.

Yeah, I think that's more or less how I felt.

[Loner]

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169102/)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQmHKl3oNu0
What's Opera, Doc? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051189/)

https://vimeo.com/444002896

[SpelingError]

Here are a handful of films which will be in contention for my ballot. Some are more well‐known than others.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Mary Poppins
Little Shop of Horrors
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Annette
A Hard Day's Night
Black Orpheus
Mother India
SHOP: A Pop Opera
Threepenny Opera
The Wizard of Oz
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Gold Diggers of 1933
OPAL
Curly Top
Les Miserables
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Muppet Movie
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
The Band Wagon
42nd Street
Moulin Rouge!

[Hey Fredrick]

Just caught this the other night. It takes its time getting to the music but when it does the songs are good. Kind of a rock and roll musical set in medieval Japan.

https://youtu.be/iGL4ETxVKd8?si=s530KgFnc83bvvDG

[Allaby]

Here are a handful of films which will be in contention for my ballot. Some are more well‐known than others.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Mary Poppins
Little Shop of Horrors
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Annette
A Hard Day's Night
Black Orpheus
Mother India
SHOP: A Pop Opera
Threepenny Opera
The Wizard of Oz
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Gold Diggers of 1933
OPAL
Curly Top
Les Miserables
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Muppet Movie
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
The Band Wagon
42nd Street
Moulin Rouge!

A few of those are in contention for my ballot too. I've seen most of them except for:

Mother India
SHOP: A Pop Opera
OPAL

[SpelingError]

A few of those are in contention for my ballot too. I've seen most of them except for:

Mother India
SHOP: A Pop Opera
OPAL

The last two are short films, btw, and are available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSkz4vATkQE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1pVLJl_snc

[Allaby]

The last two are short films, btw, and are available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSkz4vATkQE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1pVLJl_snc

Cool. I will have to check them out.

[Citizen Rules]

Here's my working list for my ballot. These are all films I've seen and enjoyed. There might be a few movies on there that are more music than musical, I won't deeply research them until I start making my ballot...In alphabetical order:

1776 1972
42nd Street 1933
A Chorus Line 1985
A Star Is Born 1954
Alexander's Ragtime Band 1938
All That Jazz 1979
Anchors Aweigh 1945
Annie Get Your Gun 1950
Babes in Arms 1939
Barbie 2023
Beyond the Sea 2004
Brigadoon 1954
By the Light of the Silvery Moon 1953
Bye Bye Birdie 1963
Cabaret 1972
Cabin in the Sky 1943
Calamity Jane 1953
Carousel 1956
Chicago 2002
Daddy Long Legs 1955
Dames 1934
Damn Yankees 1958
Doctor Dolittle 1967
Earth Girls Are Easy 1988
Easter Parade 1948
Fiddler on the Roof 1971
Follow That Dream (1962) Elvis
Footlight Parade 1933
Funny Girl 1968
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 1953
Gigi 1958
Girl Crazy 1943
Girl Happy (1965) Elvis
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Gold Diggers of 1935 (1935)
Grease 1978
Grease 2 1982
Guys and Dolls 1955
Hairspray 1988
Hello, Dolly! (1969)
Holiday Inn 1942
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 1967
In Old Chicago 1938
In the Good Old Summertime 1949
Jailhouse Rock (1957) Elvis
King Creole (1958) Elvis
Kiss Me Kate 1953
La La Land 2016
Loving You (1957) Elvis
Mary Poppins 1964
Meet Me in St. Louis 1944
My Fair Lady 1964
Oklahoma! 1955
Oliver! 1968
On Moonlight Bay 1951
On the Town 1949
Paint Your Wagon 1969
Roberta 1935
Romance on the High Seas 1948
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 1954
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 1978
Show Boat 1951
Silk Stockings 1957
Singin' in the Rain 1952
Song of the South 1946
South Pacific 1958
State Fair 1962
Summer Stock 1950
Sweet Charity 1969
Swing Time 1936
Take Me Out to the Ball Game 1949
The Band Wagon 1953
The Blues Brothers 1980
The Broadway Melody 1929
The Harvey Girls 1946
The King and I 1956
The Music Man 1962
The Pajama Game 1957
The Pirate 1948
The Sound of Music 1965
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg 1964
The Wizard of Oz 1939
The Young Girls of Rochefort 1967
There's No Business Like Show Business 1954
Till the Clouds Roll By 1946
Top Hat 1935
Viva Las Vegas (1964) Elvis
West Side Story 1961
White Christmas 1954
Wild in the Country (1961) Elvis
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 1971
Yankee Doodle Dandy 1976
Ziegfeld Follies 1945

[GulfportDoc]

...
What's Opera, Doc? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051189/)

https://vimeo.com/444002896
Nice find, and cute cartoon! I vaguely recall seeing it as a kid in junior high. I see it was made in '57, which accounts for the style of animation. I'm partial to the '40s style cartoons, though. Evidently this one got quite a bit of cred. According to Wikipedia:

"It has been widely praised (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_considered_the_best) by many in the animation industry as the greatest animated cartoon that Warner Bros. ever released, and has been ranked as such in the top 50 animated cartoons of all time."

[rauldc14]

My recs for this countdown:

Brave Little Toaster

[GulfportDoc]

Here's my working list for my ballot. These are all films I've seen and enjoyed. There might be a few movies on there that are more music than musical, I won't deeply research them until I start making my ballot...In alphabetical order:

...
Great list, CR! You know I played in the orchestra for live stage performances of Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, and Funny Girl-- all during the mid '60s in Cincinnati. I had a ball. It was almost as much fun as playing opera!

[Miss Vicky]

Here's my working list for my ballot. These are all films I've seen and enjoyed. There might be a few movies on there that are more music than musical, I won't deeply research them until I start making my ballot...In alphabetical order:

Barbie 2023


Is Barbie really a musical?

Maybe I'm misremembering but I only recall Gosling's "I'm Just Ken." I don't remember anyone else singing in it.

ETA: I just remembered the scene where the Kens sing "Push," but that's still only two songs. Am I missing anything else?

[Citizen Rules]

Is Barbie really a musical?

Maybe I'm misremembering but I only recall Gosling's "I'm Just Ken." I don't remember anyone else singing in it.

ETA: I just remembered the scene where the Kens sing "Push," but that's still only two songs. Am I missing anything else?You might be right. I thought that there was a couple musical numbers but on IMDB the only one I can find for sure is 'I'm Just Ken'. We should ask @Thursday Next (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=9011) what she thinks?


I just remembered the scene where the Kens sing "Push," but that's still only two songs. Am I missing anything else? I don't remember that song, I only seen the movie once. 'Push' is credited as being Performed by Matchbox Twenty, do you remember if Ryan Gosling sang/lip synced it?

[seanc]

Doesn’t Wiig do a song? Seems like there are 2 or 3

[Citizen Rules]

Doesn’t Wiig do a song? Seems like there are 2 or 3I guess we all need to watch Barbie again:p It seemed like it had musical numbers in it to me. Not saying it will make my ballot, but if it makes the countdown, cool.

[Citizen Rules]

Great list, CR! You know I played in the orchestra for live stage performances of Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, and Funny Girl-- all during the mid '60s in Cincinnati. I had a ball. It was almost as much fun as playing opera!Wow, very cool Doc. I sad this before but with your life experiences you could write a book.

[Miss Vicky]

I don't remember that song, I only seen the movie once. 'Push' is credited as being Performed by Matchbox Twenty, do you remember if Ryan Gosling sang/lip synced it?

It’s a Matchbox 20 song, but they don’t perform it in the movie. Here’s the scene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Y57NWv5m0

[Allaby]

Animated musicals I would recommend:

Aladdin
Coco
Encanto
Frozen
The Lion King
The Little Mermaid
Moana
Pinocchio
Sing
Trolls

[SpelingError]

How many musicals on the countdown do you guys think won't have a romance in it?

[rauldc14]

How many musicals on the countdown do you guys think won't have a romance in it?

6

[Citizen Rules]

How many musicals on the countdown do you guys think won't have a romance in it?All the good ones.

[Loner]

Nice find, and cute cartoon! I vaguely recall seeing it as a kid in junior high. I see it was made in '57, which accounts for the style of animation. I'm partial to the '40s style cartoons, though. Evidently this one got quite a bit of cred. According to Wikipedia:

"It has been widely praised (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_considered_the_best) by many in the animation industry as the greatest animated cartoon that Warner Bros. ever released, and has been ranked as such in the top 50 animated cartoons of all time."

Well then there is Long-Haired Hare. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041598/)

http://vimeo.com/286432501

[Citizen Rules]

Are there any fans here of this musical?

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.JZbpA-NaBgHy9ZODVb09IQHaEK%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=68f854e22fe2f3e3672319d7c9549adb7d30a920f8208c2ab5de46093358d908&ipo=images
The Pajama Game (1957)


I have a new favorite! That's what I love about Hofs, I find really neat movies that I've never seen before. I loved how this movie felt like going to a Broadway show. I don't recall ever seeing a move that was literally lifted from the stage and put onto film, even most of the original cast and production crew came along to make the movie.

I'm so enthusiastic about this movie that I did something I normally never do...I watched it twice, two nights in a row. You know what? It's much better the second time around as I knew the songs and the characters and the story line so I could focus more on the sheer fun of the movie. And this is a fun, splashy movie, with simple but very efficient sets, that adds to the Broadway feel of the movie.

The Pajama Game does something I've never seen in another movie, it uses lighting fixtures as part of the set decor. Think about it, when is the last time you seen a light bulb in a movie, on and being deliberately used as part of the set decoration. Almost every scene in this movie includes ceiling lights, desk lights and neon signs. The neon is everywhere and adds a brilliant splash to the film.

What's more splashy in a 1950s movie than neon? The costumes! Just look at the women and what they're wearing. They're very colorful, with stripes and patterns and polka dots. They're wearing contrasting color as accents and they're chic and at the same time frivolously riotous looking. Lots of visual eye candy in this film.

I loved all the numbers especially Racing With the Clock done at the start of the film in the factory and later reprise during the work slowdown. It's a great song and the choreography with the movement of the workers, was neat to see.

Loved the big splashy picnic scene and the song Once A Year Day. Carol Haney is a real stand out in this number and in the show stopper Steam Heat, and in Hernando's Hideaway, which is so creatively choreographed by the great Bob Fosse...the silhouetted chorus lit by matches was brilliant. Carol Haney is such a talent, she's funny as heck and a superb dancer and while she might not match Doris Day's silky voice, she has a presence to her singing that I really liked.

I liked Doris Day here, I always like Doris. She doesn't get to develop her character as much as usual but she has some great songs. Loved the comic song, There Once Was a Man, and the heart breaking Hey There, which is a classic. Wow, Doris looked great in the picnic scene, well she looked great in the entire film.

If there was one thing I wasn't big on was John Raitt, he's one helluva baritone singer, but he didn't bring much personality to the role. This is his only lead role in a movie. I wish Howard Keel could have done his part.

Oh almost forgot to mention my favorite set piece, the pale pink 50s refrigerator with the big chrome handle, way cool!

[Holden Pike]

From the ages of seventeen to twenty-one I worked in a theatre. Not a movie theater, but a stage theatre. A non-profit children's community outfit that put on two Musicals per summer. I ran the lights, worked crew, built and even eventually helped design sets. This gave me quite a Musical education. We did full productions of The Pajama Game, Bells Are Ringing, 42nd Street, Pippin, Bye-Bye Birdie, Grease, Once Upon a Mattress, Damn Yankees, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Guys & Dolls during my stead. You cannot work those shows for months from rehearsals up through the run without having them burned into your brain. All of those were made into feature films too, excepting Pippin and Mattress, but while I have seen all of those movies - some of them many multiple times - it is those small productions that echo loudest in my head.

Any other MoFos either perform in or work on any productions of Musicals, in Summer Camp or High School or Community Theatre or anywhere else?

[GulfportDoc]

Well then there is Long-Haired Hare. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041598/)

http://vimeo.com/286432501
That's a cute cartoon. The "Leopold" Bugs is referred to later is based on Leopold Stokowski, the long time famous conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, among others. He became internationally well known in his lifetime. He was the only conductor to not use a baton.

[Miss Vicky]

Also, my recent conversion into a Ryan Gosling fan has me questioning whether I want to subject myself to La La Land but I'm also about 95% sure I'm going to hate it.

Watched it. Didn't like it. (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=2465526#post2465526)

[honeykid]

Just saying....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D75M82l14GI
The Apple
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_9tqEw2_aE
Xanadu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gk1mIef5iQ
You Can't Stop The Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYrvJynOoS4
Rock and Roll High School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj1-ZcKqH34
Repo! A Genetic Opera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaOLxoxYidU
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

And, just in case it does need help making the list (not that it will)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bnlAso3p7A
Hedwig and the Angry Inch

[Citizen Rules]

There's still today left to watch the latest choice in the Group Watch
Nomination #3

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=99049

The Pajama Game (1957, George Abbott and Stanley Donen)

Deadline to Watch It: June 8
Details on the 1s post of The Group Watch thread. We need support as the Group Watch supports the Musical Countdown:)

[SpelingError]

Agreed, you should all join! Even if you only stick around for a couple rounds of it.

[Citizen Rules]

Agreed, you should all join! Even if you only stick around for a couple rounds of it.That's what I love about the Group Watch, no commitments, just watch a movie when you want...then you're name goes into the proverbial hat and if selected you get to pick the next musical...which helps to promote your musical favorite. Easy Peasy.

[Miss Vicky]

Just rewatched an old childhood favorite, Follow That Bird.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIhGZxzf3uE

Highly recommended for anyone who grew up watching Sesame Street and isn't averse to some innocent silliness.

[ActionRocks]

I recommend Afram Latibær & Glanni Glaepur i Latabæ be added to the list - both Icelandic musicals with English subtitles found on GETLAZYYT's official channel.

[ActionRocks]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_3JQNR0FsA

[SpelingError]

I might start cross posting the group watch nominations here if Thursday is cool with it:

Nomination #4

99074

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam)

Deadline to Watch It: June 12

[seanc]

I’m adding to my watchlist for this so I have a question for the group. Is Footloose a musical? I haven’t seen it so will definitely watch it if it’s something people will be voting for. Seems like a borderline case just judging from IMDB.

[Allaby]

I’m adding to my watchlist for this so I have a question for the group. Is Footloose a musical? I haven’t seen it so will definitely watch it if it’s something people will be voting for. Seems like a borderline case just judging from IMDB.

I don't think it meets the criteria. As I recall, the characters don't sing. There is a great soundtrack, but the characters themselves aren't the ones singing.

[seanc]

I don't think it meets the criteria. As I recall, the characters don't sing. There is a great soundtrack, but the characters themselves aren't the ones singing.

Was thinking that may be the case

[ActionRocks]

I still nominate the two Latibær (LazyTown) plays.

[honeykid]

Just a couple more mentions that are worth seeing just for the cinema aspect if nothing else.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4K_9WyQCgA
Tommy

It's Ken Russell, so it's worth watching at least once for that reason alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9yof8cwli4
Phantom Of The Paradise

[Thursday Next]

Seconding Tommy.


Phantom of the Paradise is on my watchlist.

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.tmdb.org%2Ft%2Fp%2Foriginal%2FbKKyElT0sKhTPY4lrW8eQldBAPf.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=ee044aff41f2dc8ff8d7ff825bbe75e32056d689914111f033f4ee1ea5efa136&ipo=images
On Moonlight Bay (1951)

I rewatched this Doris Day charmer last night. It's a nostalgic look back at a middle class family in the 1910s. Doris Day is a 'tomboy' who her father (Leon Ames) wants to marry off, but his picky...so is she. Gordon MacRae is the outspoken beau who doesn't believe in banks or marriage. Funny, well paced, always something going on with one of the family members especially the mischievous little brother (Billy Gray).
rating_4


https://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w936/files/images/film/photos/161/484/161484818_768422.jpg
By The Light of The Silvery Moon (1953)

This is the only sequel Doris Day made. Back in the day sequels weren't common unless the movie was in a series. But On Moonlight Bay was so successful that a sequel with the original cast was made. The beau (Gordon MacRae) is back from WWI and despite having told Doris Day's character that he wanted to get married, now he believes he should save some money before taking the plunge. The ice skating scene at the end of the film was particular fun.
rating_4

[Allaby]

I watched three musicals today. Each one I rated a 7/10. I watched:

Robin Hood 1973: Although not as good as some of the other classic Disney films, this one has some cute moments, charming characters, and lovely animation.

Barney’s Great Adventure 1998: Barney is a fun character and I thought this movie had some charm to it. The acting works for what it is and the story is sufficiently silly to keep viewers engaged.

Frankie and Johnny 1966: I liked the costumes, cinematography, and the music.

Anyone else watch any musicals today?

[Citizen Rules]

...Frankie and Johnny 1966: I liked the costumes, cinematography, and the music.

Anyone else watch any musicals today?I liked Frankie and Johnny especially the big number they did on the riverboat. I might watch another musical tonight? Not sure what???

[Little Ash]

Just a couple more mentions that are worth seeing just for the cinema aspect if nothing else.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4K_9WyQCgA
Tommy

It's Ken Russell, so it's worth watching at least once for that reason alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9yof8cwli4
Phantom Of The Paradise


Tommy's been on my to-watch list for the last year. Once this countdown was selected, I was like, "well, I guess that's finally going to happen. And also that rewatch of Dancer in the Dark."

[stillmellow]

just a heads up, my list gonna be Disney all the way down. :lol:


Approved.

[stillmellow]

Here are a few films that are tagged music on letterbox that might be on the fence in terms of eligibility. I have not seen some of them to determine if they use music to advance the plot. I think they are (have not seen Nashville or Once). This is just a list to watch. I have no idea if any of them will be on my final list.



Pink Floyd's The Wall
Walk Hard
Amadeus
Nashville
Once
Quadraphenia
Reefer madness



I'd say a definite yes to The Wall and Amadeus, no to Reefer Madness, and I haven't seen the rest.

[stillmellow]

Interesting question, but I would suspect not due to no one singing?



Yeah, it's a movie that features music heavily, but no one sings, and more importantly the songs themselves aren't woven into the plot. It's all incidental, background music.


For the same reason, I'd argue the Beatles' "Help" and "A Hard Day's Night" shouldn't count. "Yellow Submarine" should though.

[stillmellow]

I watched three musicals today. Each one I rated a 7/10. I watched:

Robin Hood 1973: Although not as good as some of the other classic Disney films, this one has some cute moments, charming characters, and lovely animation.

Barney’s Great Adventure 1998: Barney is a fun character and I thought this movie had some charm to it. The acting works for what it is and the story is sufficiently silly to keep viewers engaged.

Frankie and Johnny 1966: I liked the costumes, cinematography, and the music.

Anyone else watch any musicals today?



Robin Hood is a rare example of a musical where most of the songs are sung by an off-screen character. (All besides the one making fun of the villain, I believe) But it definitely counts, because the songs are woven into the plot of the movie. That's what makes a movie a musical, to me.

[John-Connor]

(campaigning)

Aladdin (animated) - A Whole New World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ1Rb9hC4JY

Aladdin (live action) - Speechless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ6JBLUivXE

Anastasia - Once Upon A December
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3-vhAV0aCc

Moana - You're Welcome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79DijItQXMM

[Allaby]

(campaigning)

Aladdin (animated) - A Whole New World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ1Rb9hC4JY

Aladdin (live action) - Speechless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ6JBLUivXE

Anastasia - Ballroom Fantasy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3-vhAV0aCc

Moana - You're Welcome
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79DijItQXMM

Three of those are in contention for my ballot.

[mrblond]

Does someone consider this for the list?

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Directed by Norman Jewison
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Starring Ted Neeley

99121

[Allaby]

Does someone consider this for the list?

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Directed by Norman Jewison
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Starring Ted Neeley

99121

I like it, but it won't make my ballot. I would not be surprised at all if it ends up making the top 100.

[Gideon58]

Does someone consider this for the list?

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Directed by Norman Jewison
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Starring Ted Neeley

99121

Love this movie… played Judas in the musical when I was in high school

[Balor]

Yeah, it's a movie that features music heavily, but no one sings, and more importantly the songs themselves aren't woven into the plot. It's all incidental, background music.


For the same reason, I'd argue the Beatles' "Help" and "A Hard Day's Night" shouldn't count. "Yellow Submarine" should though.

Indeed. A music movie is a very different thing than a proper musical!

[Diehl40]

Does someone consider this for the list?

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Directed by Norman Jewison
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Starring Ted Neeley

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=99121


It will make my list, but I am having a hard time finding 25 musicals I might like.

[Diehl40]

Once was a disappoint for me...a link to my review:

https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/1672089-once.html




I agree that the director had a good idea for a movie, but the execution was just not there.

[mrblond]

It will make my list, but I am having a hard time finding 25 musicals I might like.

Me too. For now, I've completed a package of 15 I like at some level.
Just finished a very overrated famous one.

[gbgoodies]

Thursday Next, Are filmed stage plays (such as Broadway shows) eligible?


Some examples include:

Hamilton (2020)
Cats (1998)
Barnum (1986) starring Michael Crawford
Oklahoma! (1999) starring Hugh Jackman
Into the Woods (1991)
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway (2008)
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011)
Les Miserables: The Dream Cast (1995)
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (2019)

[Holden Pike]

No.

[gbgoodies]

Thursday Next, Are filmed stage plays (such as Broadway shows) eligible?


Some examples include:

Hamilton (2020)
Cats (1998)
Barnum (1986) starring Michael Crawford
Oklahoma! (1999) starring Hugh Jackman
Into the Woods (1991)
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway (2008)
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011)
Les Miserables: The Dream Cast (1995)
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (2019)

No.


Well that's upsetting, but I guess it kind of makes sense.

But my initial list is way too big anyway, so at least it will make it easier for me to cut my list down to a more manageable number.

[ActionRocks]

School of Rock (2003)



I watched the entirety of the Nickelodeon adaptation with no regrets.


Cavalero is hilarious.

[gbgoodies]

Has anyone watched any of the teen / glee club type of musicals, such as the High School Musical movies, the Pitch Perfect movies, Joyful Noise, etc.?

Are any of them worth watching?

[SpelingError]

Has anyone watched any of the teen / glee club type of musicals, such as the High School Musical movies, the Pitch Perfect movies, Joyful Noise, etc.?

Are any of them worth watching?

I watched the first Pitch Perfect awhile ago. Not really my kind of film, but if you enjoy films of its ilk, you'd be likely to have a good time with it. In spite of the High School Musical films being well‐watched amongst my age group, I never got to them.

[gbgoodies]

I watched the first Pitch Perfect awhile ago. Not really my kind of film, but if you enjoy films of its ilk, you'd be likely to have a good time with it. In spite of the High School Musical films being well‐watched amongst my age group, I never got to them.


Thanks for the reply.

I haven't watched any of these types of movies because I don't know much about them. The only actor I know of who's in any of them is Zac Efron, and I've only seen him in the movie The Greatest Showman, (which I love).

I used to watch the TV show "Glee", but mostly for the music, not really for the story. In fact, I don't really remember much about the story at all.

[Torgo]

Sing Street - 5

Some movie lovers get the most joy from seeing a good car chase. For others, it's watching a romance play out. After seeing this movie, I'm starting to wonder if watching a band form and become successful is what really does it for me. This movie joins the ranks of the best ones like it such as The Commitments and School of Rock. Like the former, of which it shares similarities beyond the very obvious, it's backed with authenticity from Dublin's dire economic situation in the 1980s to a school experience that would make even Roger Waters blush. If reading "1980s" made you sigh and think, "not again," I don't blame you, but despite the costumes, the soundtrack flush with hits from that decade and the titular band's amateur music videos, this is not mere nostalgia bait. Besides, the most joyous musical scenes feature the songs written for the movie. On that note (no pun intended), it provides one of the most believable depictions of the song crafting process I've seen in a movie. As for what inspires our hero, Conor (Walsh-Peelo) to start his venture, his desire to impress the beautiful Raphina (Boynton), it's an utterly charming romance, and when it's not so charming, the pathos is never contrived. I'm also eager to check out the other work by Jack Reynor, who plays Conor's musically gifted college dropout older brother, and hope that Mark McKenna's career thrives because I love his work as Conor's musical savant bandmate.

I tried to think of other words besides "joy" while writing this, but no other word describes its vibe better. Its joy comes from how well it conveys the joy of music in its many forms, whether it's the confidence it builds, how it brings people together despite their history and how it makes hard times from high unemployment to a broken home bearable. I would go so far to say that it’s the kind of movie that makes you remember why you enjoy watching movies in general. What's more, the joy lasts long after the movie is over because the songs are bound to be stuck in your head and/or compel you to listen to them again. Oh, and I will go so far to say that they're more likely to stick with you than the ones in that other, L.A.-based musical from 2016.

[Allaby]

My review of Sing Street: Sing Street is a delightful, charming film featuring fantastic original songs. The characters are likeable and relatable and the performances are solid. The screenplay is interesting and sparkles with life and energy. An energetic, enjoyable film. There's enough room on my ballot to vote for it, but I hope and expect it to make the countdown. 4

[Torgo]

It is on Netflix (at least in the U.S.)

My favorite short Letterboxd review of it: "Ya'll really put two La La Land songs up for best original song as if 'Drive it Like You Stole It' wasn't literally sitting right f***ing there!"

[Miss Vicky]

*if this counts. Tbh, it's probably the best film considering when it was made.

If you want to participate, this is not the way. Once you've been here for a month (and once the voting has opened), you need to submit a ballot. This is done privately and you should delete your post if you wish to participate.

Also it's already been established that dancing movies don't count. The film's characters must sing multiple songs in order for a film to qualify.

[Robert the List]

If you want to participate, this is not the way. Once you've been here for a month (and once the voting has opened), you need to submit a ballot. This is done privately and you should delete your post if you wish to participate.

Also it's already been established that dancing movies don't count. The film's characters must sing multiple songs in order for a film to qualify.
OK, thanks for the heads up.
But I can't participate for a month?
I might as well leave my post up hadn't I? I can't wait a month :laugh:

Also, I don't think I mind that much whether I vote as such. Just wanted to share the films I like.
Not being argumentative, just saying how I feel about it, although am somewhat open on it.
Sorry I don't know the etiquette. Never looked at the site before today.

[Miss Vicky]

OK, thanks for the heads up.
But I can't participate for a month?
I might as well leave my post up hadn't I? I can't wait a month :laugh:

Well if you're not planning on being around in a month, then sure, leave it up. But not sticking around is exactly why we generally don't accept votes from newbies.

Either way, nobody can vote yet because Yoda hasn't updated the voting tool for this countdown.

[Robert the List]

OK, I deleted it. Cheers. I'll probably have some kind of seizure/breakdown restraining myself from making a list about films in a thread with lists of films, but will give it a try.

[Miss Vicky]

OK, I deleted it. Cheers. I'll probably have some kind of seizure/breakdown restraining myself from making a list about films in a thread with lists of films, but will give it a try.

You’re welcome to post a general list of recommendations, but a ranked list like you posted is against the rules if you want to be able to vote.

[Robert the List]

OK, cool. Tbh I'm pretty sure there was nothing in there that's not already mentioned, but let me see.
I think I had the following (in chronological order):

The Blue Angel (added: mentioned by others)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (added: mentioned by others)
The Wizard of Oz
The King and I
Black Orpheus
Mary Poppins
Umbrellas of Cherbourg
The Sound of Music
Oliver (1968)
Cabaret (1972)
Grease
La La Land


I assume Jalsaghar, Crazy Heart and The Commitments don't count (if they do, then I'll include those too!).


I'd also endorse A Night at the Opera (1935) mentioned by others, although am a bit surprised it counts as a musical.




Thanks for taking the time to help. ��

[Miss Vicky]

I assume Jalsaghar, Crazy Heart and The Commitments don't count (if they do, then I'll include those too!).


I’ve only seen Crazy Heart of those three and not recently enough to say one way or the other, but any movie where the characters sing three or more songs is eligible.

[Robert the List]

I’ve only seen Crazy Heart of those three and not recently enough to say one way or the other, but any movie where the characters sing three or more songs is eligible.
So:
The Commitments - the leading characters sing comfortably more than 3 songs in their entirey, but all as a band.
I'd say there must also be more than 3 times when a character is singing part of a song to themself or to another character, but not a whole song (for example singing in the bathroom mirror, or singing a couple of lines to show the others how to sing it).

Crazy Heart - The main character sings at least 3 songs, but again does so in the role of a performing stage singer/musician. Another character also sings on stage at least once. The other two main characters don't sing. There is no spontaneous singing form anyone, in the way that if you saw someone doing it in real life you would be worried about them (i.e. like a traditional musical).

Jaisalghar/The Music Room - Is a film about a member of Indian nobility (we could call him a Prince for reference), whose palace is falling apart, and is running out of the last of the family's money. The title of the film relates to the fact that the most prized room in the fading palace is the room in which visiting musicians perform for the Prince and his invited guests. Without spoiling it, the Prince prioritises his expenditure on such entertainment. In the film, we see at least 2 visiting musicians who I'm sure between them perform at least 3 songs. However I'm pretty sure that none of the other characters sing.

Night at the Opera - I can recall Harpo playing the Harp, but I don't remember 3 songs. I'm happy to look into this briefly.

[mrblond]

How many short-listed this one:

Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

Directed by Woody Allen
Starring ensemble of famous artists.

87068

[gbgoodies]

How many short-listed this one:

Everyone Says I Love You (1996)

Directed by Woody Allen
Starring ensemble of famous artists.

87068


I've never seen this, so I didn't know it was a musical.
I added it to my watchlist.

[MovieFan1988]

gbgoodies - Hey nice to see you back, I hope everything is well :)

[Gideon58]

I've never seen this, so I didn't know it was a musical.
I added it to my watchlist.

For the longest time I thought I was the only person on the planet who had seen this movie. Musicals aren't Woody's thing, but it's a pretty good film...a link to my review:


https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/1058753-everyone_says_i_love_you.html

[Yoda]

I saw it and loved it! Good music, funny, well-written. Great cast, obviously. Should get talked about more.

[Holden Pike]

Sing Street - 5

Some movie lovers get the most joy from seeing a good car chase. For others, it's watching a romance play out. After seeing this movie, I'm starting to wonder if watching a band form and become successful is what really does it for me. This movie joins the ranks of the best ones like it such as The Commitments and School of Rock.

Sing Street was directed and co-written by John Carney. He makes very sweet and inspiring flicks, often centered around struggling musicians. He made his career with the indie and eventual Oscar success of Once (2007) and before Sing Street (2016) returned to music with Begin Again (2013) and post-"Riddle of the Model" with Flora & Son (2023). All have a similar tone (no musical pun intended), all are very much worth watching. All four on the shortlist for my ballot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8OA0DOmjRo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beNTTHnMIy8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt0Q20pjLzo

[gbgoodies]

gbgoodies - Hey nice to see you back, I hope everything is well :)


Thanks! I'm glad to be back. :)
We've had some family problems, but things are starting to get back to (close to) normal.

[gbgoodies]

For the longest time I thought I was the only person on the planet who had seen this movie. Musicals aren't Woody's thing, but it's a pretty good film...a link to my review:


https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/1058753-everyone_says_i_love_you.html


I'm going to try to watch Everyone Says I Love You (1996) for this countdown, despite the fact that your review says this:

I think the results are pretty much a mixed bag and the film is suggested for hardcore Woody-philes only. 6.5/10

[honeykid]

For the longest time I thought I was the only person on the planet who had seen this movie. Musicals aren't Woody's thing, but it's a pretty good film...a link to my review:


https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/1058753-everyone_says_i_love_you.html

I'm guessing that was before you joined this site? :D Anyone thinking wasn't a lock on my list is mental. The only question is where I place it?

[rauldc14]

Vote Brave Little Toaster, 2024

[rauldc14]

Hamilton (2020) is or isn't eligible? Asking for a friend

[beelzebubble]

Hamilton (2020) is or isn't eligible? Asking for a friend
Why wouldn't it be?

[Miss Vicky]

Why wouldn't it be?

It's a recorded stage production rather than a regular movie.

[gbgoodies]

Hamilton (2020) is or isn't eligible? Asking for a friend


I asked about filmed stage plays (such as Broadway shows) earlier, and I was told that they are not eligible.
(Hamilton (2020) was on my list of examples.)


Thursday Next, Are filmed stage plays (such as Broadway shows) eligible?


Some examples include:

Hamilton (2020)
Cats (1998)
Barnum (1986) starring Michael Crawford
Oklahoma! (1999) starring Hugh Jackman
Into the Woods (1991)
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway (2008)
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011)
Les Miserables: The Dream Cast (1995)
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (2019)

No.

[Thursday Next]

Recorded stage productions are not eligible.

Hopefully one day they will make a Hamilton movie.

[Thursday Next]

Ballot tool is coming soon...

[seanc]

Aren’t like two thirds of movies recorded stage productions?

[Miss Vicky]

Aren’t like two thirds of movies recorded stage productions?

Movie sound stages with multiple takes are not exactly the same thing as a production on a single stage in front of an audience. Recorded stage productions are more like concert documentaries.

[seanc]

Movie sound stages with multiple takes are not exactly the same thing as a production on a single stage in front of an audience. Recorded stage productions are more like concert documentaries.

Movies are made in all kinds of different ways? I think I got it. Feels like another discussion around musicals that was had around here once upon a time.

[Holden Pike]

Aren’t like two thirds of movies recorded stage productions?
Stage productions adapted into films are not the same as filming a performance of a Broadway show.

[seanc]

I think Dogville is on a list around here somewhere. I need to talk to Yoda about that.

[Holden Pike]

Wait...THEY Made a Musical?
Some famous filmmakers definitely not known for Musicals who have one or two in their filmographies
MARTIN SCORSESE: New York, New York (1977)
LARS VON TRIER: Dancer in the Dark (2000)
JOHN HUSTON: Annie (1982)
BRIAN DE PALMA: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
SIDNEY LUMET: The Wiz (1978)
ROBERT ALTMAN: Popeye (1980) and Nashville (1975)
WILLIAM FRIEDKIN: Good Times (1967)
OLIVER STONE: The Doors (1990)
MIKE LEIGH: Topsy-Turvy (1999)
KENNETH BRANAGH: Love's Labour's Lost (2000)
DANNY BOYLE: Yesterday (2019)
STEVEN SPIELBERG: West Side Story (2021)
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA: One from the Heart (1982)
WOODY ALLEN: Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
SPIKE LEE: School Daze (1988)
JOHN WATERS: Cry-Baby (1990)
JOHN SAYLES: Honeydripper (2007)
JOHN LANDIS: The Blues Brothers (1980)
CLINT EASTWOOD: Jersey Boys (2014)
JOEL SCHUMACHER: Phantom of the Opera (2004)
RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH: A Chorus Line (1985) and Oh! What a Lovely War (1969)

[seanc]

That’s a cool list Holden because I just had that realization with Woody last week.

On another not I am really fighting the temptation to vote for Nashville and Llewyn Davis. Two movies I love but have never really considered musicals. I keep seeing them on lists though and they would make my personal list much sweeter. Especially because I am shot down on Hamilton. Anyone else have thoughts on Nashville and Llewyn Davis?

[Holden Pike]

They both count as Musicals, by this list's definition. Whether you personally consider them is all up to you.

[Allaby]

That’s a cool list Holden because I just had that realization with Woody last week.

On another not I am really fighting the temptation to vote for Nashville and Llewyn Davis. Two movies I love but have never really considered musicals. I keep seeing them on lists though and they would make my personal list much sweeter. Especially because I am shot down on Hamilton. Anyone else have thoughts on Nashville and Llewyn Davis?

I love Nashville and Inside Llewyn Davis, but I'm not considering them for my ballot, as I don't consider them musicals. They are films about musicians, but technically not musicals, in my opinion.

[Thursday Next]

Wait...THEY Made a Musical?
MIKE LEIGH: Topsy-Turvy (1999)
KENNETH BRANAGH: Love's Labour's Lost (2000)


Great list, thanks Holden.

I had forgotten about Love's Labours Lost entirely, although I watched it several times back in the day. It's so weird but funny.

I absolutely love Topsy-Turvy and would recommend it wholeheartedly. However I'm not sure it meets my personal definition of musical enough for me to vote for it for this list, there's lots of half songs where characters are rehearsing/performing other musicals but I've got too many 'proper' musicals in contention to have a space for it.

[Thursday Next]

THE BALLOT TOOL HAS ARRIVED

https://www.movieforums.com/ballot.php

Important information:

-Submit 10-25 musical movies.
-Submit them in order with your #1 at #1
-CHECK THE YEAR! Some musicals have more than one version (West Side Story, for example), some musicals share a title with non-musical films etc.(e.g. Les Miserables has many non-musical versions)
- imdb is your friend in this case.
-Be very sure before you submit because there's no changing your ballot.

Shout out to Yoda for creating and updating the ballot tool.

[Thursday Next]

I finally watched Pennies From Heaven as recommended by Holden Pike. Neo-noir lip-synch musical. At first I kind of hated it, but it grew on me massively and there was a lot that I thought was very clever and well done. (The 'Let's Misbehave' scene with a stripping and tap-dancing Christopher Walken was probably the best scene I've seen all year.) I loved the blurring of grim reality and fantasy sequences and how you weren't always 100% sure where one stopped and the other began. The way the songs are used really showed how jarring the contrast between 1930s Hollywood glamour and the reality of the depression era was.

The problem for me was that Steve Martin's sex-pest character is just so unlikable right from the start...if I'd have felt even the slightest twinge of sympathy for him it would have made some of the later scenes more poignant. I think Pennies From Heaven must have been an influence on both The Purple Rose of Cairo and Dancer in the Dark (and the dance sequence in The Shape of Water). I felt it had shades of Fassbinder in the look of it. I'd really quite like to see the original TV series with Bob Hoskins that this was based on now.

I did start to wonder later whether the accordion man ever existed, or if he was just another fantasy/delusion of Arthur's, like the cat only he sees, a Fight Club style alter ego that does the things he doesn't like to think he is capable of

[gbgoodies]

I finally watched Pennies From Heaven as recommended by Holden Pike. Neo-noir lip-synch musical. At first I kind of hated it, but it grew on me massively and there was a lot that I thought was very clever and well done. (The 'Let's Misbehave' scene with a stripping and tap-dancing Christopher Walken was probably the best scene I've seen all year.) I loved the blurring of grim reality and fantasy sequences and how you weren't always 100% sure where one stopped and the other began. The way the songs are used really showed how jarring the contrast between 1930s Hollywood glamour and the reality of the depression era was.

The problem for me was that Steve Martin's sex-pest character is just so unlikable right from the start...if I'd have felt even the slightest twinge of sympathy for him it would have made some of the later scenes more poignant. I think Pennies From Heaven must have been an influence on both The Purple Rose of Cairo and Dancer in the Dark (and the dance sequence in The Shape of Water). I felt it had shades of Fassbinder in the look of it. I'd really quite like to see the original TV series with Bob Hoskins that this was based on now.

I did start to wonder later whether the accordion man ever existed, or if he was just another fantasy/delusion of Arthur's, like the cat only he sees, a Fight Club style alter ego that does the things he doesn't like to think he is capable of


I also watched Pennies From Heaven based on Holden Pike's recommendation. It was a bit too weird for me. I just couldn't get used to the wrong voices coming out of the actors' mouths. It got better as it went along, but not enough to have a chance of making my list.

It probably didn't help that I'm generally not a fan of Steve Martin, although there are a few exceptions, (such as the movie Roxanne (1987) and his song "King Tut"). But he just wasn't likeable at all in this movie.

The best scene in the movie was Christopher Walken's dance scene. I had no idea that he had that kind of talent for dancing.

[Holden Pike]

THE BALLOT TOOL HAS ARRIVED
https://www.movieforums.com/ballot.php
Submitted.

[Gideon58]

I finally watched Pennies From Heaven as recommended by Holden Pike. Neo-noir lip-synch musical. At first I kind of hated it, but it grew on me massively and there was a lot that I thought was very clever and well done. (The 'Let's Misbehave' scene with a stripping and tap-dancing Christopher Walken was probably the best scene I've seen all year.) I loved the blurring of grim reality and fantasy sequences and how you weren't always 100% sure where one stopped and the other began. The way the songs are used really showed how jarring the contrast between 1930s Hollywood glamour and the reality of the depression era was.

The problem for me was that Steve Martin's sex-pest character is just so unlikable right from the start...if I'd have felt even the slightest twinge of sympathy for him it would have made some of the later scenes more poignant. I think Pennies From Heaven must have been an influence on both The Purple Rose of Cairo and Dancer in the Dark (and the dance sequence in The Shape of Water). I felt it had shades of Fassbinder in the look of it. I'd really quite like to see the original TV series with Bob Hoskins that this was based on now.

I did start to wonder later whether the accordion man ever existed, or if he was just another fantasy/delusion of Arthur's, like the cat only he sees, a Fight Club style alter ego that does the things he doesn't like to think he is capable of

One of the most underrated musicals ever made in my opinion...a lnk to my review:


https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/1426478-pennies_from_heaven.html

[Gideon58]

That’s a cool list Holden because I just had that realization with Woody last week.

On another not I am really fighting the temptation to vote for Nashville and Llewyn Davis. Two movies I love but have never really considered musicals. I keep seeing them on lists though and they would make my personal list much sweeter. Especially because I am shot down on Hamilton. Anyone else have thoughts on Nashville and Llewyn Davis?

Loved both of these movies. Inside Lllewyn Davis was a particularly pleasant surprise...went into it expecting to hate it for some reason, but I did not.

[Gideon58]

I finally watched Pennies From Heaven as recommended by Holden Pike. Neo-noir lip-synch musical. At first I kind of hated it, but it grew on me massively and there was a lot that I thought was very clever and well done. (The 'Let's Misbehave' scene with a stripping and tap-dancing Christopher Walken was probably the best scene I've seen all year.) I loved the blurring of grim reality and fantasy sequences and how you weren't always 100% sure where one stopped and the other began. The way the songs are used really showed how jarring the contrast between 1930s Hollywood glamour and the reality of the depression era was.

The problem for me was that Steve Martin's sex-pest character is just so unlikable right from the start...if I'd have felt even the slightest twinge of sympathy for him it would have made some of the later scenes more poignant. I think Pennies From Heaven must have been an influence on both The Purple Rose of Cairo and Dancer in the Dark (and the dance sequence in The Shape of Water). I felt it had shades of Fassbinder in the look of it. I'd really quite like to see the original TV series with Bob Hoskins that this was based on now.

I did start to wonder later whether the accordion man ever existed, or if he was just another fantasy/delusion of Arthur's, like the cat only he sees, a Fight Club style alter ego that does the things he doesn't like to think he is capable of

Was Christopher Walken spectacular in this movie or what?

[Gideon58]

I asked about filmed stage plays (such as Broadway shows) earlier, and I was told that they are not eligible.
(Hamilton (2020) was on my list of examples.)

I tried to watch the filmed performance of Cats and turned it off after about 20 minutes. I think the only thing that was worse was the film version that came out a couple of years ago. LOVED the filmed performance of Hamilton though...I'm glad they did it that way I don't think it would have worked as a straight up movie musical. Then again, what do I know, I think they should have done the same thing with A Chorus Line. Also loved when NBC brought us a full performance of Ain't Misbehavin with the original cast. Okay, they cut one number, but it was still excellent. LOVED Jackman in Oklahoma! too. Talk about a perfect marriage of actor and character. Would love to see them film him and Sutton Foster in The Music Man. The actor who played Jud in that production was dazzling.

[gbgoodies]

I tried to watch the filmed performance of Cats and turned it off after about 20 minutes. I think the only thing that was worse was the film version that came out a couple of years ago. LOVED the filmed performance of Hamilton though...I'm glad they did it that way I don't think it would have worked as a straight up movie musical. Then again, what do I know, I think they should have done the same thing with A Chorus Line. Also loved when NBC brought us a full performance of Ain't Misbehavin with the original cast. Okay, they cut one number, but it was still excellent. LOVED Jackman in Oklahoma! too. Talk about a perfect marriage of actor and character. Would love to see them film him and Sutton Foster in The Music Man. The actor who played Jud in that production was dazzling.


I haven't seen the recent film version of Cats, but I like the 1998 filmed stage version. Unfortunately I never had the chance to see Cats on Broadway. I had plans to go many years ago, but something came up and I had to give my ticket to a friend. :(

A Chorus Line is another Broadway show that I missed, but I like the movie.

I love Hugh Jackman's version of Oklahoma!. It probably would have been a lock for my list if it had been eligible. I really wanted to see Jackman in The Music Man, but unfortunately I didn't get a chance. I'm hoping it airs on PBS or comes out on video at some point.

[FilmBuff]

I haven't seen the recent film version of Cats, but I like the 1998 filmed stage version.

The 2019 movie is the closest thing there is to the Broadway version, at least in spirit. It could have been even better without James Corden and Rebel Wilson, tho.

[gbgoodies]

The 2019 movie is the closest thing there is to the Broadway version, at least in spirit. It could have been even better without James Corden and Rebel Wilson, tho.


I know that the 2019 movie got terrible reviews, but I'm still planning to watch it for this countdown. I don't have high hopes for it, but it wouldn't be the first time that I loved a movie that everybody else hated.

[FilmBuff]

I know that the 2019 movie got terrible reviews, but I'm still planning to watch it for this countdown. I don't have high hopes for it, but it wouldn't be the first time that I loved a movie that everybody else hated.

Critics were complete morons on this one. The concept of performers dancing like cats is equally silly whether it's done on a Broadway stage or a movie screen. The film is, for the most part, a scene-by-scene counterpart to the stage production.

Everyone knows the musical was one of Broadway's biggest hits ever.... if you want to at last get an idea of what the stage production was like, this is the best you're ever gonna get.

[Thursday Next]

Cats: Songs are good, story is nonexistent, production as a whole is weird.

[Allaby]

There are 65 films currently in contention for my ballot, all of which are rated a 9/10 or higher. Can I submit 3 ballots? ;)

[rauldc14]

There are 65 films currently in contention for my ballot, all of which are rated a 9/10 or higher. Can I submit 3 ballots? ;)

No

[Allaby]

No

What if I agree to perform a song and dance?

[rauldc14]

What if I agree to perform a song and dance?

Depends what one

[Allaby]

Depends what one

An original song and dance of my own creation.

[rauldc14]

An original song and dance of my own creation.

Give it a go brother

[gbgoodies]

Critics were complete morons on this one. The concept of performers dancing like cats is equally silly whether it's done on a Broadway stage or a movie screen. The film is, for the most part, a scene-by-scene counterpart to the stage production.

Everyone knows the musical was one of Broadway's biggest hits ever.... if you want to at last get an idea of what the stage production was like, this is the best you're ever gonna get.


Thanks for the info. Regardless of the bad reviews, I'm still looking forward to seeing this movie.

[Gideon58]

I know that the 2019 movie got terrible reviews, but I'm still planning to watch it for this countdown. I don't have high hopes for it, but it wouldn't be the first time that I loved a movie that everybody else hated.

That movie was TERRIBLE!! Maybe the worst film version of a Brodway show ever

[Allaby]

I'm one of the few people who actually likes the movie Cats. I went and saw it on Christmas Day and enjoyed it.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm one of the few people who actually likes the movie Cats. I went and saw it on Christmas Day and enjoyed it. My wife wants to watch Cats, I guess I'll see it...then I'll probably watch the filmed stage show.:D

[Allaby]

That was tough! But I did it. I submitted my ballot. I have films from every decade starting at the 1930s up to the 2020s. I think I will have a 1 pointer this countdown as well.

[Citizen Rules]

That was tough! But I did it. I submitted my ballot. I have films from every decade starting at the 1930s up to the 2020s. I think I will have a 1 pointer this countdown as well.I'm surprised, I thought that you might have waited closer to the deadline. Are you done watching musicals, like in the Group Watch?