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Carousel [VHS] [1956]
 
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Carousel [VHS] [1956]

VHS ~ Gordon MacRae
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review
The 1956 screen adaptation of Carousel, like its immediate predecessor Oklahoma!, boasted then state-of-the-art widescreen cinematography, stereophonic sound, a starring romantic duo with on-screen chemistry, and the Rodgers & Hammerstein imprimatur. Adding to its promise was a source (the venerable Ferenc Molnar play Liliom) that had already been filmed three times. Contributing to the lustre are the coastal Maine locations where 20th Century Fox filmed principal photography. Yet unlike the original Broadway production, and despite evident craft, Carousel proved a box-office disappointment. Why? Hindsight argues that movie-goers of the 1950s may have been unprepared for its tragic narrative, the sometimes unsympathetic protagonist, and a spiritual subtext addressing life after death.

Whatever the obstacle, Carousel may well be a revelation to first-time viewers. The score is among the composers' most affecting, from the glorious instrumental "Carousel Waltz" to a succession of exquisite love songs ("If I Loved You"), a heart-rending secular hymn ("You'll Never Walk Alone"), and the expectant father's poignant reverie, "Soliloquy". Top-line stars Shirley Jones (as factory worker Julie Jordan) and Gordon MacRae (as Billy Bigelow, the carnival barker who woos and weds her) achieve greater dramatic urgency here than in the more successful Oklahoma!. MacRae in particular attains a personal best as the conflicted Billy, whose anxiety and wounded pride after losing his job are crucial to the plot. It's Billy's impatience to support his new family that drives him to an ill-fated decision, which transforms the fable into a ghost story. --Sam Sutherland, Amazon.com

Synopsis
Billy Bigelow falls in love with a female mill-worker, and they eventually marry and have a baby. But Billy is killed during an armed robbery. Years later he returns to Earth to see his daughter graduate from school. Music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews
5 star:
 (4)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This Carousel will keep turning for a long time, 19 Mar 2004
By P. A. Rushforth "Yorkshire man" (Yorkshire, England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)      
This review is from: Carousel [DVD] [1956] (DVD)
Carousel is another fine film, in colour, from Rodgers and Hammerstein following their success with 'Oklahoma'. Gordon MacCrae as the fairgound barker is one of the stars and his co-star is the lovely Shirley Jones.
A wonderful musical with an intriguing story which will keep you enthralled. Amongst the delightful songs are "If I Loved You", "People Will Say We're In Love", "You'll Never Walk Alone" and one which parents, particularly, will appreciate -- "When The Children Are Asleep We'll Sit And Dream".
Although first seen in 1956, almost half a century ago, I believe it will be appreciated just as much in another 50 years.
It is a romantic story, spanning Heaven and Earth, but, as in life,there is a sad sequence which may bring a tear or two to your eyes. To say anymore would spoil your pleasure. So,just settle down in your armchair and enjoy.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth going to the Carousel, 16 May 2006
By Reviewer (Ireland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Carousel [DVD] [1956] (DVD)
Regarded by many as the best Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, it still manages to pack a punch after all these years. Most people will probably already be familiar with the hymn-like standard 'You'll Never Walk Alone', but there are plenty of other gems here that are worth tuning in for. Fans of Frank Sinatra may recognise Billy's 'Soliloquy'. The scene on the beach where Gordon McRae belts it out is now a movie musicals' classic. My personal favourite is the beautifully tender duet 'If I Loved You', a song so loaded with the promise of romance and deeply felt regret all at the same time - surely (or Shirley??) one of the best love songs in any Broadway repertoire.
Another of the musical's high points comes with the opening 'Carousel Waltz' itself, an instrumental piece that perfectly captures the very mood of a funfair and is probably one of Rodgers' finest compositions. It won't leave your head for days!
While the camerawork may look a bit dated now, the story is still relevant and quite moving. Both of the leads (Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones) are well cast and the singing is excellent. Exquisite stuff indeed.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Musical Masterpiece, 21 Dec 2005
This review is from: Carousel [DVD] [1956] (DVD)
Undoubtedly the most touching and beautifully written of Rogers and Hammerstein's movie-musicals, this film is in turns lightheartedly funny and tear-jerkingly sad. Featuring classic songs "June is Busting Out All Over", "If I Loved You" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" and the undisputed talent of Shirley Jones and Gordon McRae, this film will leave you with tears streaming down your face long after the credits.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Carousel still a winner
I remember the theme tune so well from listening to the Light programme from the BBC on SUnday afternoons and I've seen the film 4 times. It still good after all these years!
Published on 27 Feb 2005 by bookwormoncrete

5.0 out of 5 stars a truly yummily great musical
a lovely lovely lovely musical including songs such as "If I Loved You", "You'll never walk alone" and "what's the use of wondrin'"
stars Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae of... Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2003

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely film of Rodgers&Hammerstein's 1945 stage masterpiece.
The film suffers from an awkward flashback storytelling that wasn't used in the stage production, as well as some soft soaping of the play's darker elements (wife beating, etc)... Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2000 by gajohnso_2000@yahoo.com

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