Join Amazon Prime and get unlimited Free One-Day Delivery. Already a member? Sign in.

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
More Buying Choices
17 used & new from £2.72
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Carousel [DVD] [1956]
 
See larger image 
Share your own customer images

Carousel [DVD] [1956]

DVD ~ Gordon MacRae
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
RRP: £15.99
Price: £6.38 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £9.61 (60%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In stock.
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk. Gift-wrap available.

Want guaranteed delivery by Tuesday, July 21? Choose Express delivery at checkout. See Details
14 new from £2.91 3 used from £2.72
Learn about Lovefilm
Amazon's choice for DVD rental.
With a 14 day FREE trial. Learn more

Frequently Bought Together

Carousel [DVD] [1956] + South Pacific [DVD] [1958] + Seven Brides For Seven Brothers [DVD] [1954]
Total RRP: £45.97
Price For All Three: £18.34

Some of these items ship sooner than the others. Show details

Product details

  • Actors: Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Cameron Mitchell, Barbara Ruick, Claramae Turner
  • Directors: Henry King
  • Writers: Henry Ephron, Benjamin Glazer, Ferenc Molnár, Oscar Hammerstein II, Phoebe Ephron
  • Producers: Henry Ephron
  • Format: Anamorphic, PAL
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.55:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: U
  • Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: 8 Mar 2004
  • Run Time: 123 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B0001K2KWA
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 11,479 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

    Popular in this category:

    #88 in  DVD > Classics > Musicals

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Reviews

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
Spectacular staging dots this widescreen deluxe Rodgers and Hammerstein musical as Gordon MacRae brings a blustery energy to the lead role of Billy Bigelow, a drifter and ne'er-do-well carnival 'barker'. The troubled soul finally settles down with a good woman (Shirley Jones) but then gets stabbed to death while committing a robbery. Many years later, an angel offers the roustabout the chance to return to earth for just one day to makes things right for his unhappy wife and the daughter he never had the chance to meet. Based on the French play LILION by Ferene Molnar, CAROUSEL ranks among the better Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, making it a classic by any standard. To boot, the film's tale of love between Bigelow and wife Julie rivals that of any other 1950s musical. Songs from the outstanding score include "If I Loved You," "June Is Busting Out All Over," and "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Oklahoma [DVD] [1955]

Oklahoma [DVD] [1955]

DVD ~ Gordon MacRae
4.0 out of 5 stars (5) 
South Pacific [DVD] [1958]

South Pacific [DVD] [1958]

DVD ~ Rossano Brazzi
4.1 out of 5 stars (9)  £6.98
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers [DVD] [1954]

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers [DVD] [1954]

DVD ~ Jane Powell
4.2 out of 5 stars (18)  £4.98
My Fair Lady [DVD] [1965]

My Fair Lady [DVD] [1965]

DVD ~ Audrey Hepburn
4.5 out of 5 stars (37)  £2.97
Calamity Jane [DVD] [1953]

Calamity Jane [DVD] [1953]

DVD ~ Doris Day
4.6 out of 5 stars (25)  £4.78
› Explore similar items

Suggested Tags from Similar Products

 (What's this?)
Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
Check a corresponding box or enter your own tags in the field below
(2)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

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)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
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)      
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.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
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
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.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Musical Masterpiece, 21 Dec 2005
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.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
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

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

The Body Shop

The Body Shop - Vitamin C Skin Boost
Protect and boost your glow with The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost.

›Shop The Body Shop

  

Let Olay Amaze You

Olay Total Effects Day Moisturiser SPF15 50ml
Amazon.co.uk sells all your favourite ranges from Olay, including Regenerist and Total Effects.

›Discover Olay at Amazon.co.uk

  

Train Hard...Play Hard

Nike, Gola, Converse, and more
Gear up with up to 60% off athletic and outdoor shoes.

›Shop now

  

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue Shopping: Top Sellers

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates