Welcome to ESTA’S ECLECTIC CLASSIC CORNER. These movies have stood the test of time throughout past decades and made a difference in my life. Films that I could watch over and over and still love them as much as the first viewing. They are like “comfort food” for me. Each week I will review a classic that I have loved.

Please note: There will be some spoilers in these reviews. I will have to share some of my favorite scenes and dialogue to back up my personal reflections. I am who l am because of theatre and movies. 

——————————-

FUNNY GIRL premiered in movie theaters in 1968. I was an impressionable college freshman at Arizona State University. I was madly in love with Barbra Streisand since my 9th-grade choir teacher played her record in class. My teacher, Mr. Harris, said, “Pay attention. She will be a huge star one day.” I was struck by lightning and became a crazed fan forever. I saw FUNNY GIRL countless times back then and throughout my life. I sang her songs, spoke her “schtick,” and emulated her look. I worked at straightening my very curly hair to become the “bob,” just like her character in FUNNY GIRL. For one solid year, I wore a scarf daily in my hair just as she did (I remember sewing this scarf by hand, same paisley colors, and fringe). I wore my lengthy string of pearls as Barbra did and grew my nails long. I wore a full-length leopard coat with a huge shawl collar and a matching hat all over the ASU campus. Amazingly, years later, my daughter, Ilisa, also wore a leopard jacket and scarves in her hair. I talked fast, dreamed big, and always devoted my life to the theatre. I felt an undeniable connection to Ms. Streisand. I still do over 60 years later. 

FUNNY GIRL is the homogenized story about Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand), who rose to fame as a comedian and singer in the early 1900s. She was discovered working in a small, local saloon on Henry Street in New York City. She became a Ziegfeld Girl and went on to star in countless Ziegfeld Follies over several decades. This film is more about Fanny and Nick Arnstein’s (Omar Sharif) relationship. Theirs was a love affair and marriage doomed from the start, but it still was romantic and tragic to witness it unfold, “ruffled shirt” and all. The moment they looked into each other’s “gorgeous” eyes, time stood still. Whenever Nick kissed Fanny’s hand or had yellow roses delivered, fluttering hearts were everywhere for this couple. Oh, “SADE, SADE,” your time is coming (As a side note, Barbra and Omar had an affair during the filming of this movie. The lusty romantic scenes were real).

FUNNY GIRL was a huge hit back then and even now with a new production currently on Broadway. William Wyler knew what he was doing when he cast this amazing ensemble, including Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Kay Medford, Lee Allen, and Mae Questel. Each of these actors could whisk the audience away to an era long gone. 

I was enthralled with the production numbers of so many songs. DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE was phenomenal. I will never forget that little New York Central tugboat chugging away as it passed the Statue of Liberty or watching Barbra belt out the final notes as the camera pans upward, bringing to life the magnitude of this entire scene. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BRIDE IN THE WORLD was a cinematographer’s delight to film and enjoy. When I think of the Fanny Brice character, the word “chutzpah” is on the tip of my tongue. I’M THE GREATEST STAR is a comedian’s jewel that featured amazing timing. I always laugh “and stick around for the jokes” because Barbra is the greatest. I also must mention Omar’s rendition of YOU ARE WOMAN, I AM MAN. Holy cow. I know he doesn’t have the best voice, but Omar can throw me on a chaise lounge any day of the week. My heart be still…

The costumes were stunning and brought out every aspect of the decade. I thought they were brilliant putting Barbra in a stark, black dress for the finale. The colorful contrast throughout the film was duly noted. There was not a dry eye to be found among the audience. The director knew how important it was throughout the movie to end with a powerful profile shot of Barbra. Her face is etched in her fan’s hearts. 

FUNNY GIRL influenced and inspired me. I believe it is a classic with every fiber of my soul. I am filled with memories of my theatre days. I remember when I was in my 20’s, I, too, chose to sing SECONDHAND ROSE for a musical audition. I was cast. I wore long pearls and a wide-brim hat. I kept a “blue-marbled egg” on my dressing table. Barbra would have loved it. 

FUNNY GIRL is available to stream on AMAZON PRIME.