The Hollywood Hubbies Film Club

Well “Good Mornin’ Good Mornin’ " as we talk the whole day through – reviewing 1952’s Singin’ in the Rain.This film marks review # 16 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Greenwith Music and Lyrics by Arthur Freed (lyrics) and Nacio Herb Brown (music). It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to talkies.The film stars: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno and in a featured cameo role; Cyd Charisse"for the first time, I discovered it was singin' in the rain, and not SINGING in the rain! I had no idea the G was dropped""I am so impressed with Debbie Reynolds in this. She truly steps up the plate here and crushes this role. She's so natural and so smooth alongside the boys. Could not rave enough about her""We need Jennifer Tilly to produce this for Broadway, and she can star in the Lena role. She would be perfect for that role, and when she's done she can celebrity cast it with great NON singer comedians." #hollywood #singingintherain #lgbt+ #musical #broadway

Welcome Back “gorgeous” to PART 2 of our review on 1968’s Funny Girl.This film marks review # 16 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.Funny Girl is an American biographical musical film directed by William Wyler; with music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and written by Isobel Lennart, adapted from her book for the stage musical of the same title. It is loosely based on the life and career of comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. The film stars Barbra Streisand (in her film debut reprising her Broadway role) as Fanny Brice, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon, Lee Allen andMae Questel.“The drama on Broadway with the revival starring Beanie Feldstein ‘slash’ Julie Benko ‘slash’ Lea Michele – was everything and more. It was a legacy of itself”“This Swan Song?! Can we talk about filler moment? There could have been a better written scene here or better yet, just Cornet Man right?"“These men and their “Pride” of not coping with their wives being the bread winner … its so dated but also, is it dated? I think there are a lot of men that still have this issue”“Do you think Barbra will ever produce and direct a remake of this film? Or is it not in the cards”

Well don’t even think about “raining on our Parade” this week … as we shake our Fanny and review 1968’s Funny Girl. (did you see what I did there?) This film marks review # 15 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.Funny Girl is an American biographical musical film directed by William Wyler; with music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and written by Isobel Lennart, adapted from her book for the stage musical of the same title. It is loosely based on the life and career of comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. The film stars Barbra Streisand (in her film debut reprising her Broadway role) as Fanny Brice, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon, Lee Allen and Mae Questel. "I feel so many pop stars have to prove themselves as real Actors. I think Barbra did it with this movie, Cher has done it, I feel like Lady Gaga is still fighting that battle. Its almost like they have to achieve more to be taken seriously" "Here we go again with the beautiful costumes and stylists that are working on Barbra's whole look... is this really the1920's or is this 1970's style that is hinting at the 20's. I think we take liberties because we are expecting to see BARBRA in a Barbra film""I will say, when people hear and think of 'Don't Rain On My Parade" ... I think they think of Fanny Brice and Funny Girl, but when they hear 'People' they think specifically of Barbra Streisand"

Welcome back to PART 2 of this week's episode as we review Bob Fosse’s 1972 movie; Cabaret.This film marks review # 14 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time. written by Jay Presson Allen with Music and Lyrics by Kander and Ebb. The movie was adapted from the 1966 stage musical of the same name.The film stars Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Fritz Wepper, Marisa Berenson and reprising his role from Broadway as The M.C., the one and only Joel Grey."The way that they shift around any mention of Queerness in this movie is baffling. How do we say it without saying it, even though Brian admits he's screwing Max. And there was NO THREESOME PEOPLE!" "This Donna Summer bellbottoms, Studio 54 outfit of Sally's during the Cabaret number, is just not it for me. Prove me wrong. Was this a style in berlin in the 30's?""Have you ever heard of a MPDG in movies before? The "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" is a cinematic trope often characterized by a quirky, free-spirited, and bubbly personality, frequently paired with short, pixie-cut hair or eccentric styling to emphasize her "not like other girls" aesthetic. These characters often serve as a catalyst for a brooding male protagonist to embrace life. News to me!"

“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome” to this week episode as we review Bob Fosse’s 1972movie; Cabaret. This film marks review # 14 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time. written by Jay Presson Allen with Music and Lyrics by Kander and Ebb. The movie was adapted from the 1966 stage musical of the same name. The film stars Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Fritz Wepper, Marisa Berenson and reprising his role from Broadway as The M.C., the one and only Joel Grey. "The camera work and cinematography alone, it is very reminiscent of a documentary at times and feels so personal" "I wish that when they showed snippets of this film, that they used some of the ACTING scenes with Liza and not just her singing scenes because this is an Academy Award well deserved." "Diegetic vs Non-Diegetic ... thank you Merriam-Webster! Shout out to @mtwriterguy for your deep dive into this subject." https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/musical-theatre-writer-guy/id1553811107

Join us for PART 2 of our Review this week on Vincente Minnelli’s 1944 classic Meet Me in St Louis! This film marks review # 13 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.The film stars Judy Garland, Margeret O Brien , Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Leon Ames, Harry Davenport and a personal fave, Marjorie Main. “I think people actually forget that Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is priginally from this movie musical”“These kids were awful! They actually put a fake body on the trolley tracks so they the conductor would think it hit a real person? what Brats!”“How does NO ONE have a Tuxedo that John can borrow? Like family? Dad? NO ONE?! I mean we love the cute scene with Grandpa but come on yall”Drop us a follow on Instagram and TikTok at  @hollywoodhubbies  and @favemusicalclips where we post clips about Musicals and Classic Hollywood 

Well its time to “skip to my lou!” and “join us under the bamboo tree” this week! As we review Vincente Minnelli’s 1944 classic Meet Me in St Louis.   This film marks review # 13 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.The film stars Judy Garland, Margeret O Brien , Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Leon Ames, Harry Davenport and a personal fave, Marjorie Main. “Can I just say that Judy Garland just seems so effortless, and carefree in this movie? Its just so refreshing, theres no heaviness to her.”“How fast is this Trolly going? I feel like its crazy Taxi on screen with the backdrop flying by”"the costumes by Irene Sharaff in this movie are to die for! do you know she has 5 Academy Awards?"Drop us a follow on Instagram and TikTok at  @hollywoodhubbies  and @favemusicalclips where we post clips about Musicals and Classic Hollywood 

"theres something sweet, and almost kind" about Beauty and the Beast, and we are definitely feeling "human again" as we jump into PART 2 of Disney’s animated classic. With Music and Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menkin. Come on Disney Fans! Show us some love and leave your comments. This film marks review # 12 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.The film stars Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers,Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Kimmy Robertson, Jo Anne Worley and Angela Lansbury. "Belle is in fact - the Latin Princess. Say what you will, but this is all the Hispanic girls had growing up and they claimed her. Right on down to that quinceañera dress""Angela Lansbury was booked right up until the end. what an incredible actress. Did she actually sing Beauty and the Beast at the Oscars?""theres something about Disney's Direct to Video animation that just sticks out like a sore thumb and unfortunately , the Human Again sequence has some of that going on"

Well this weeks episode is in fact, “a tale as old as time” – as you sit back to “Be our Guest”with Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast.  With Music and Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menkin. Come on Disney Fans! Show us some love and leave your comments. This film marks review # 12 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time.The film stars Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers,Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Kimmy Robertson, Jo Anne Worley and Angela Lansbury. "Are their names really the Bimbettes or are you just making that up?""I know its hard to say it, but I think your right - I think Susan Egan is more MY Belle. I was just spoiled with that Broadway Soundtrack growing up""Was Gaston a lot of boys, Gay awakening? I mean I know we all have a type but, I should do a poll on how many boys were infatuated with him growing up"

"After the Ball" we are gliding into Part 2 of our review on Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's 1936 film Show Boat. Starring Irene Dunne, Allan Jones, Charles Winninger, Paul Robeson, Helen Morgan, Helen Westley, Queenie Smith, Sammy White, Donald Cook, and the legendary Hattie McDaniel.. This film marks review # 11 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time."I can hear Kelli O'Hara singing the hell out of this song 'Bill'... it just screams her style" "There's something about Hollywood Makeup that when aging up a character sometimes they just go overboard. I mean Gaylord looked 80. ""We just are left hungry for MORE on these characters. It makes you wonder how much they really cut out of the book or even the stage musical. "

Step aboard the Cotton Palace with us this week as we cruise our way down the Mississippi River into Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's 1936 film Show Boat. Starring Irene Dunne, Allan Jones, Charles Winninger, Paul Robeson, Helen Morgan, Helen Westley, Queenie Smith, Sammy White, Donald Cook, and the legendary Hattie McDaniel.. This film marks review # 11 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time."Old Man River really is masterpiece and not just Paul's incredible performance but the unbelievable camera work and creative direction.""If only Hattie McDaniel was given opportunities to play bigger and more spotlight roles - she truly is a legend. It makes me sad and happy at the same time. If only she had todays opportunities""This guy is droppin' more receipts than A Real Housewife of Bravo TV."

"Our Love is here to Stay" this week in PART 2 of our review of Vincent Minnelli and the Gershwins 1951 film An American in Paris. Starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary and Nina Foch. This film marks review # 10 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time. “Wow, I was shocked how great Georges Guetary sounded! Thank you Mister Minnelli for checking off our big musical number in this movie!” “They really needed to develop the Adam character more. I know it was different in the Stage musical, which is great – but yes, they didn’t flesh him out enough in this film” (our Husky agreed) “It was a 17-minute ballet sequence, with sets and costumes referencing French painters including Raoul Dufy, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Maurice Utrillo, Henri Rousseau, and Toulouse-Lautrec and it cost the studio approximately $450,000 !. Like what a finale! ”

"Let's build a stairway to paradise" this week as we waltz our way into Vincent Minnelli and the Gershwins 1951 film An American in Paris. Starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary and Nina Foch. This film marks review # 10 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time."This is Leslie's big film debut, and as incredible of a Dancer as she is, you can tell how 'green' her acting scenes are. ""I'm going to be brave and say it ... the gays LOVE a character like the one Miss Nina Foch is serving up. RICH, FASHIONABLE, BORED, HORNY... we are here for it!""Nothing? Nothing? Tra La La! Thats from something, whats that from? Im not going crazy. "

"How did you know the note was to you?" Join us this week for PART 2 as we wrap up our review of 1979's film All That Jazz. Starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, and Leland Palmer. This film marks review # 9 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time."If anything sticks out to a film lover and knows cinematography - its this scene. Pay attention to this table read scene. It is brilliant""the ending scene, is giving very - "inspired by" Fellini's 8 1/2" "Bye Bye Life : Shout out to the legendary, Tony Award-winning performer Ben Vereen, celebrated for iconic roles in Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, and Fosse, who continues to inspire with his incredible stage presence!"

"Its Showtime, Folks!" Join us this week as we dance our way into into Bob Fosse's 1979's film All That Jazz. Starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, and Leland Palmer. This film marks review # 9 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time."is this just Bob Fosse's life at this point? I man how much of these conversations were really conversations between him and Gwen Verdon""this Musical NY/LA is giving more A Chorus Line vibes versus Chicago. I think those are some of the same outfits" "Ann Reinking was an absolute treasure. She is so missed in the Broadway community and influenced so much in the world of dance. "

Were you "Born in a Trunk in the Princess Theatre" ? Join us this week as we wrap up our review on A Star is Born (1954) starring Judy Garland and James Mason. We hope you enjoy Part 2 and also, that everyone has an incredible Holiday and Happy New Year! Lets keep our Greatest Movie Musicals going into 2026 Go give us a follow on Social Media platforms @hollywoodhubbies

"Esthers and Vickis and Judys - OH MY!" Join us this week as we dive into 1954's A Star is Born , starring Judy Garland and James Mason. This film marks review # 8 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time. "What exactly IS the Night of Stars ? An award show? A preview event? a political rally?" "Dressing Judy in oversize outfits to hide her weight is not the answer. She deserved better from the Costume department in this movie.""This picture puppet show of lost scenes, I know we needed it but, it cant be a little difficult to get through"

"isn't it a lovely day to be caught in the rain?" with you and this episode! Here is Part 2 of film # 7 on AFI's List of Greatest Movie Musicals of all time: TOP HAT , Starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire"Where is exactly are we? what is Lido? it looks like Its a Small World or the Venetian in Vegas""Nothing like a good ol' fashioned kidnapping. this is Kidnapping #2 btw" "we really needed more of the supporting characters in this, they were all really funny and quite talented"

Come along and "dance cheek to cheek" with us as we review film # 7 of the AFI list of Greatest Movie Musicals : Top Hat ; starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Music by the one and only Irving Berlin! "did you catch there was a cameo by Lucille Ball in this?" "who exactly is Alberto Beddini? A Fashion Designer or a Sugar Daddy?" "How many more songs were added to the stage version of this? because you really are hungry for more music"

"inside my heart is breaking, my makeup may be flaking" Heres Part 2 of our review of the 2001 movie Musical MOULIN ROUGE. This is film review #6 of AFI's list of Top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals. "Roxanne is by far the best musical number of this movie""Why do you want the Duke to win?""After watching this, you know - maybe I just dont like the plot of this film"

"because we can can can!" Come one, Come all. Here's Part 1 of our review of the 2001 movie musical MOULIN ROUGE!. This is film review # 6 from the AFI list of top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals. "You know after re-watching this, this movie is kind of sad isn't it? " "This may be the most beautiful and iconic Nicole Kidman has ever looked." "Kylie Minogue and Ozzy Osbournes vocals mixed together like, who is thinking of this?! "

We have been lovin' "getting to know you" so now its time to get to know The King and I - This is our Film # 5 review pick from the AFI list of top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals. Todays film is The King and I.The King and I is a 1956 musical directed by Walter Lang by 20th Century-Fox. The screenplay by Ernest Lehman is based on the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name. Starring Deborah Kerr , Yul Brynner, Rita Moreno, Terry Saunders, Carlos Rivas and Marni Nixon "Is it just me, or are there so many similarities between this musical and The Sound of Music?" "The King standing around in his Peter Pan stance for most of the movie is driving me crazy.""Is it my imagination or have we not seen Anna's son for the entire film. What happened to him?"

"Sit down your rockin the boat!" Here's Part 2 of our review of Guys and Dolls from 1955 starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine This is our Film # 4 review from the AFI list of top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals."Is this New York city or a mural painted backdrop ?""When someone says Luck be a Lady - I automatically corollate that with Frank Sinatra""Marry the Man Today is so good, I'm bummed it didn't make it into the movie. You know the girls barely speak to each other in this film "Drop us a Follow : on IG and TT at @ HollywoodHubbies

"I got this horse right here!" Here's Part 1 of our review of Guys and Dolls from 1955 starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine This is our Film # 4 review from the AFI list of top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals."Pet Me Poppa, Poppa Pet me? what is going on?""Jean Simmons is giving Audrey Hepburn meets Debbie Reynolds" "Is Frank dead on looking into the camera for his jokes? what are we doing ? " Drop us a Follow : on IG and TT at @ HollywoodHubbies

ROXIE! We are in this case deep - Here's Part 2 of our review of the 2002 movie musical CHICAGO. Will Billy get Roxie and Velma off the hook? This is film review # 3 from the AFI list of top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals."Lucy Liu the little scene stealer!""Me and my Baby- should it have been kept in the Movie?""NO! Roxie needs to be in white/silver and Velma in black. Its just the way it has to be"

Scandal! Murder! ... JAZZ! Here's Part 1 of our review of the 2002 movie musical CHICAGO. This is film review # 3 from the AFI list of top 25 Greatest Movie Musicals. "How many favorite costumes am I allowed to have?""I wasn't an NSYNC fan I was more BSB ... what's the song called again? ITS GONNA BE MAY!""no THIS song is the most well known song from the Musical!" PS: did we totally forget to mention Mya's cameo?

'Step In Time' with Brandon and Jeffrey as we jump into the world of Mary Poppins (1964 Walt Disney Productions) - This marks film # 2 from AFI List of 25 Greatest Movie Musicals. "I totally forgot all the nannies went blowing away down the street like a Mel brooks movie""So did Mary Poppins actually have magic? OR was she pulling one over on us all this whole time?""Did you see the stunt doll they used for Michael? NIGHTMARE FUEL"

We are in full technicolor - as we wrap up our review on our first movie musical, The Wizard of Oz (1939 MGM)Have you awoken from your poppies nap? Our gay icon Judy Garland is trapped and needs our help from the Winkies. So Listen up! "Where is the 4th Witch?""What ever happened to Toto when they got back home?""Was this all a dream or does Oz really exist?"

We're heading over the rainbow - into our first movie musical review, The Wizard of Oz (1939 MGM)Lets talk casting, Lets talk costumes, Lets talk cinematography revolutions! "is it sep-ia or seep-ia?""how old is Billie Burke anyway?""The Wizard is giving Alien to me"

Brandon and Jeffrey's official Welcome episode to give a little insight to our Movie Musical Film Club and an intro to well ... us! We go over how we met, how long we have been married "Wait - what's our anniversary date again?", some of our involvement with the arts community "Direct a musical already!" and of course our passion for all things classic Hollywood "Judy and Bette and Julie - OH MY!"