Review of Sweet Charity (1969) by Lane W — 27 Dec 2008
This film feels much longer than it actually is, and it's two and a half hours long. Shirley MacLaine is annoying and frustrating as Charity Hope Valentine, and very rarely even remotely sympathetic.
Fosse's direction does not show the same level of skill as his later film work, but his sense of composition is unparalleled even here, and the choreography (with the exception of most of "Rhythm of Life") is spectacular.
The adaptation cuts almost every number that isn't a huge dance number, which made me miss numbers like "Charity's Soliloquy" and "I'm the Bravest Individual," but this was obviously a film geared toward splashy dancing and the exploitation of Fosse's talent and reputation.
The best part of the film, aside from said choreography, is John McMartin, reprising his stage role, and making Oscar Lindquist a thoroughly charming, lovable character, even in his final scene. MacLaine's Charity does not deserve McMartin's Oscar, and, therefore, the ending doesn't matter.
McMartin is the saving grace in an overly long, boring, and insufferable film.
This review of Sweet Charity (1969) was written by Lane W on 27 Dec 2008.
Sweet Charity has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
