On A Clear Day You Can See Forever [DVD]

On A Clear Day is a brilliant mixture of a gripping storyline, fascinating characters and marvelous actors . The story is about Daisy Gamble , played by the magnificent Barbara Streisand , a cigarette addict who goes to a hypnotist , played by Yves Montande , in order to stop smoking . She couldn't have possibly known that by going to the hypnotist her life would forever be changed . By coincidence , the hypnotist discovers that within Daisy Gamble lies Melinda , one of the past lives of daisy Gamble . Daisy and Melinda possess psychic powers , the only difference is that Melinda's powers are much more advanced then Daisy's . Throughout the movie there are fabulous songs . One of the things I found most enjoyable is the huge difference between Melinda , who is a charismatic and elegant woman , and Daisy who has no personality . To conclude , brilliant performances ( by Barbra Streisand , Yves Montande and Jack Nicholson ) and a gripping storyline . In short a movie YOU WILL NEVER FORGET.

This is my favorite Barbra movie and, because of the topic, one of my favorite movies of all time. What gets left out of most reviews is that it is a fun romp through the subject of reincarnation. As such, it has some witty and contemporary (for the year it was made, 1970) dialogue about the subject and plot twists that reincarnation might generate. That being said, it has some incredibly lovely songs by Ms. Streisand, the most fun being "Go To Sleep". That song wins my vote because it shows Babs on a split screen so she ends up singing a trio with herself as the two backup singers. What's better than two Babs? Three! I also love "The Banquet Of Love" and find myself singing it while I am cooking. Yes, even today; 38 years later. It is a lovely song. And, since my sister in law is named Melinda, I of course sing that song to her from time to time before she shouts at me to clam up.

Barbra jumps so effortlessly from the mousy Daisy Gamble to the lovely Winnifred Wain Tentrees, stopping off as a guttersnipe waif, that you gladly acknowledge her claim to be `an actress who sings'. Winnifred, unlike Fanny Brice, is a stunning, classic beauty and the scene in which Barbra sings the Banquet song is Barbra at her most stunning ever. Every book about her has the shot of her in that pearl studded headdress for good reason. She is just plain old beautiful.

Another hot song in this show is "What Did I Have That I Don't Have Now". I memorized this song from the Broadway run of this show, and sang it in my nightclub act. I loved the song and loved how it could be done as a torch song or as an upbeat sort of anthem. Barbra manages both, thank you very much, and does so beautifully.

There are shortcomings to this show. As has been previously noted, Yves Montand should have been avoided. There are really only two people in this movie for most of the show and Mr. Montand is best left in French films. He was the flavor of the month in the middle sixties and some dead-between-the-ears producer decided this would be good casting. (Buzzer) Wrong! "Come Back To Me" was mostly ruined by his lack of singing voice and his mangling of the words.

Other shortcomings were undeveloped dynamite characters and the casting of Larry Blyden as the boyfriend. OK, a nebbish was needed because Daisy was a nebbish. But jeez, dudes. This dork was just irritating and every scene he was in made me run for more popcorn or to find a book to read until the fun got started again. And, to think all that stuff with him being so awful cut short the scenes with Jack Nicholson as the cool step-brother with obviously incestuous intent.

Another obvious shortcoming was costuming. Someone told the producers Barbra would look younger if they dressed her as a fifteen year-old society kid! Huh? Another buzzer, please. Wrong again! Daisy was as ridiculous as Winnifred was resplendent.

True this is no Moulin Rouge, or Chicago, but it is a gorgeous movie for those who like musicals and can suspend disbelief in order to just enjoy the romp. For Barbra fans, it is a must and a delicious chance to soak in her lovely voice in some very nice numbers. I give the movie four stars. Yes, I know that is excessive, but that is what ratings by reviewers are; their opinion. Now you have mine.

This film was directed by the dame great director of "The Reluctant Debutante" and "Gigi" Vincente Minnelli Born: 28 February 1903, Died: 25 July 1986 (aged 83).

As with many films the story suffers a little form the lack of spontaneity of the Broadway version, yet it holds the essence and was not modified too much for the actors or media type. Some great songs arise from this play adapted to film.

Daisy Gamble (Barbra Streisand) seems extraordinary in such abilities as raising flowers that are unraisable and hearing telephones before they ring. However she needs to stop smoking and turns to hypnosis to help.

Dr. Marc Chabot (Yves Montand) in an attempt to help her discovers a whole new woman and falls in love with this other woman. However the woman is the results of Daisy's regression.

This poses a difficulty. Especially if Daisy finds out.