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For those who have never seen Bye Bye Birdie onstage, this 1963 film version will be a lot more enjoyable than for those familiar with the stage show, as this musical was vastly overhauled in order for Warner Brothers to showcase their new up and coming star, Ann-Margret and as a vehicle to show her off, the film works, however, it is only a pale imitation of the original musical.
As a matter of fact, Dick Van Dyke, who played Albert Peterson on Broadway and won a Tony for his efforts, made the film during his hiatus from the first season of THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW and upon returning to the TV show, asked his cast members not to see the film because it was "The Ann-Margret Show" not Bye Bye Birdie. The late Paul Lynde, who also appeared onstage and in the film as Kim's father was quoted as saying the film should be called "Hello Ann-Margret."
Everyone else in the film was reduced to supporting status in order to put Ann-Margret front and center for this story of the mania that sweeps over a small town called Sweet Apple, Ohio, when a famous rock and roll singer gets drafted (based on the mania when Elvis was drafted).
Despite the complete overhaul of the original show, it's still an entertaining film with Van Dyke in top form as Albert and Paul Lynde hysterically funny as Harry McAfee, Kim's father. Maureen Stapleton has some funny moments as Albert's mother; however, Janet Leigh was a rather bland replacement for spitfire Chita Rivera, who played Albert's girl Rosie on Broadway. Ann-Margret is charming as Kim and makes the most of this showcase of her talent though I do find myself giggling every time she purses her lips in an attempt to be sexy.
There are some great musical numbers though, expertly choreographed by Onna White, including "The Telephone Hour", "Sincere", and "Gotta Lotta Livin to Do". Only Jesse Pearson misses the boat as rock and roller Conrad Birdie. But if you like Ann-Margret and have never seen the show onstage, you will enjoy this energetic film version of Bye Bye Birdie.
For those who have never seen Bye Bye Birdie onstage, this 1963 film version will be a lot more enjoyable than for those familiar with the stage show, as this musical was vastly overhauled in order for Warner Brothers to showcase their new up and coming star, Ann-Margret and as a vehicle to show her off, the film works, however, it is only a pale imitation of the original musical.
As a matter of fact, Dick Van Dyke, who played Albert Peterson on Broadway and won a Tony for his efforts, made the film during his hiatus from the first season of THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW and upon returning to the TV show, asked his cast members not to see the film because it was "The Ann-Margret Show" not Bye Bye Birdie. The late Paul Lynde, who also appeared onstage and in the film as Kim's father was quoted as saying the film should be called "Hello Ann-Margret."
Everyone else in the film was reduced to supporting status in order to put Ann-Margret front and center for this story of the mania that sweeps over a small town called Sweet Apple, Ohio, when a famous rock and roll singer gets drafted (based on the mania when Elvis was drafted).
Despite the complete overhaul of the original show, it's still an entertaining film with Van Dyke in top form as Albert and Paul Lynde hysterically funny as Harry McAfee, Kim's father. Maureen Stapleton has some funny moments as Albert's mother; however, Janet Leigh was a rather bland replacement for spitfire Chita Rivera, who played Albert's girl Rosie on Broadway. Ann-Margret is charming as Kim and makes the most of this showcase of her talent though I do find myself giggling every time she purses her lips in an attempt to be sexy.
There are some great musical numbers though, expertly choreographed by Onna White, including "The Telephone Hour", "Sincere", and "Gotta Lotta Livin to Do". Only Jesse Pearson misses the boat as rock and roller Conrad Birdie. But if you like Ann-Margret and have never seen the show onstage, you will enjoy this energetic film version of Bye Bye Birdie.