Episode 40: Sweet Charity Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #5)

The poster makes the movie look weirdly…wholesome Listeners, this week is a real treat – Vinnie and Mike watch Fosse’s film directing debut SWEET CHARITY for the first time ever! This musical was Gwen Verdon’s combined “come back” and “swan song” – she had taken time off to have a child with Bob and be a mother, and at 41 wanted one last big starring vehicle on Broadway, before she got too old (crazily enough, this was NOT her last big starring Broadway vehicle. That would come nine years later with CHICAGO). By the time the studios wanted a film version – three years later in 1969 – Gwen was too old for a film version of the role and instead generously coached Shirley MacLaine on the role. Shirley MacLaine – discovered while understudying for Carol Haney in PAJAMA GAME – was a huge star by the point, and used her influence to get Fosse his first gig helming a movie.  Cinematographer Robert Surtees found himself with a director eager to learn and willing to try anything and everything, and the result is Fosse all over. So, spend a little time with us as we gush about SWEET CHARITY! Sweet Charity (1969) Rating: 6.9/10 (7,040 votes)Director: Bob FosseWriter: Neil Simon, Federico Fellini, Tullio PinelliStars: Shirley MacLaine, John McMartin, Ricardo MontalbanRuntime: 149 minRated: GGenre: Comedy, Drama, MusicReleased: 17 May 1969 Plot: Taxi dancer Charity continues to have faith in the human race despite endless disappointments at its hands, and hopes to finally meet the man to romance her away from her sleazy life. Just maybe, handsome Oscar will be the one to ... The post Episode 40: Sweet Charity Part 1 (Fossepocalypse #5) appeared first on A Reel Education: The Musical!.