Product: Funny Girl [VHS] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
NOBODY RAINED ON HER PARADE
36 years later, FUNNY GIRL shows why Barbra Streisand has become the legendary singer/actress/director/songwriter she so deserves. Taking on the role that launched her to Broadway stardom, Babs does everything in this movie to prove "she's the greatest star." Sure, there are poses, posterings, a little bit of histrionics, but when she sings these magnificent songs, and bats those delicious eyes, she is gorgeous! Her performance of "My Man" at the end is Oscar worthy; not to mention "I'm the Greatest Star" and "Don't Rain on My Parade." And of course, "People" one of Barbra's signature songs gives goosebumps even today.Omar Sharif is lushly suave; Kay Medford does a nice turn as Fanny's Mom, and even though Anne Francis was upset with her small role, she's still convincing and lovely.The comic production numbers, particularly HIS LOVES MAKES ME BEAUTIFUL and the Swan parody are priceless; Barbra can throw one liners off like the greatest of comediennes. I wish the filmmakers would have included the poignant WHO ARE YOU NOW from the Broadway version; I think they opted to write FUNNY GIRL for Oscar consideration, but WHO ARE YOU NOW was a heartbreaker.Whether you can stand Barbra either professionally or personally, one can't deny this awesome debut performance. She truly is the greatest star of the musical comedy stage and screen!