Broadway Danny Rose

Starring:Sandy Baron, Milton Berle, Edwin Bordo, Peter Castellotti, Gina DeAngeles, Mia Farrow, Nick Apollo Forte, Jackie Gayle, Paul Greco, Morty Gunty, Will Jordan, Corbett Monica, Frank Renzulli, Herb Reynolds, Sandy Richman, Jack Rollins, Gerald Schoenfeld, Howard Storm, Craig Vandenburgh
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

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Often overlooked, Broadway Danny Rose has developed a cult following among select Woody Allen fans; Chris Rock, of all people, says it's one of his favorite films. Allen plays a devoted talent agent for acts whose talent is, shall we say, marginal. But one of his clients, a faded singer named Lou Canova (Nick Apollo Forte), suddenly has a chance to perform for a record executive. Nervous, Canova insists that Rose bring his girlfriend to the show--unfortunately, his girlfriend is Tina Vitale (Mia Farrow), the wife of a big-time mobster. (Farrow's performance is superb and unlike anything else in her career: loud, brassy, and comically obnoxious.) Part caper, part-show biz satire, Broadway Danny Rose would make an excellent companion to Paper Moon; both are a delightful combination of nostalgia and cutting observations about human nature. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Meet This Broadway Bloke (3.5 stars).......2007-05-01

"Broadway Danny Rose" is just a slightly weaker film than the sum of its parts. Accessible, bittersweet and nostalgic, the movie features one of Allen's best acting performances, the great Mia Farrow cast (and dressed) against type, some wonderful gags (mostly spoken ones) and the great B&W camera. What falls behind a bit is the story itself, which shows gaps in motivation of characters and is not enthralling the way it should be -- it's a bit banal. (That's not to say it's bad, though.) Although not as complete a movie as "Hannah", "Annie" or "Purple Rose of Cairo" (my three top Allen flicks), it's still a nice way to pass time. And if you like Woody, go definitely for it.

"I need a valium the size of a hockey puck. ".......2007-03-12

Broadway Danny Rose (1984) -written/directed by Woody Allen who played the titular character, the small time show-biz agent with the clients like "blind xylophonists, piano-playing birds, and has-been crooners with drinking problems." Danny may not be successful but the famous comics having a good time in the legendary Carnegie Deli, Manhattan, NY tell the stories about him. "Broadway Danny Rose" may be considered as a minor Allen's work but it is equally charming and amusing dramedy that pays specific homage to Damon Runyon who is famous for portrayal New York City's colorful lowlifes of the 1920s and '30s when "respectability and the demi-monde rub shoulders".

Danny's problem is that as soon as one of his clients makes it to the top, they would drop him in favor of a big-name agent. Danny stuck with a drinking, self-centered Italian crooner Lou who is attempting (and just about to make it) a comeback, and Danny, being a loyal and protective agent, unwittingly gets involved with the singer's girlfriend Tina whose family has a long memory and strong resemblance to Soprano family. No wonder poor Danny needs "a valium the size of a hockey puck". Mia Farrow is almost unrecognizable as a tough and vulgar (but not a dumb) blonde. Her philosophy is her way of life "It's over quick, so have a good time. You see what you want, go for it. Don't pay attention to anyone else. And do it to the other guy first 'cause if you don't he'll do it to you." She obviously acts on her words but in the end of the movie she realizes that the things which count most in life are "acceptance, forgiveness, love" which is Danny's philosophy. Mia Farrow was cast against the type and it worked brilliantly in the funny but touchingly nostalgic movie. "Broadway Danny Rose" is a sparkling gem from the writer/director/star, one and only Woody Allen. I never expect anything else from him.

4.5/5

No 'Agita' with this movie.......2006-12-26

OK, I've been watching Woody's movies fot years.
But 'Broadway Danny Rose' is the best thing he has ever done.
THE BEST!!!
Forget all the others, this one is the real deal.
I could never get into Woody's "I'm a pathetic nerd who can't get a woman" characters, but he is absolutly brilliant as a loser theatrical manager.
And Nick Apollo Forte??
BRILLIANT!!
Now I've personally met Mr Forte, and he is one helluva nice guy.
Plus he is a true entertainer!
Buy this DVD-you wont regret it!

A gem! Possibly Allen's best........2006-12-11

This, I think, is Allen's finest film. Now, I realize that just by writing that, some people are going to rate my review unhelpful, but truth comes at a price. This film is the ultimate combination of comedy and drama. By drama, I'm not talking about the thrills and scares of Allen's and Farrow's characters being chased by the mob. No, I mean the tender-hearted struggle of Allen's character trying to break through Farrow's steel-cold facade. The cinematically beautiful climax can be seen in the film's last scenes.

I've never seen Farrow do better work or look more lovely than in Broadway Danny Rose. Her character's transformation is subtle and uplifting. Nick Apollo Forte's performance is brilliant and hilarious. I must surmise that he is just being himself because there is not one false step in his character. The rest of the cast is excellent and I can't get enough of that NYC/Yiddish schtick. In closing, Broadway Danny Rose is proof positive that something good DID emerge from the 1980s. In my opinion, this is the best of movie of it's genre.

Ridiculously contrived performance by Allen........2006-09-17

You know it's bad when Mia Farrow's mafia princess upstages Woody Allen's hapless, rambling putz Danny Rose. An inspired idea, but the execution is seriously lacking -- I have watched this film with different people and Allen gets almost no laughs; this totally unbelievable character scales the heights of his obnoxiousness. Even as the "worst talent manager of all time", if that's the joke, it doesn't work.

Worse still, the "flashbacks" to Rose as a comedian are totally contrived, as is his entire origin. Then the film goes for a mega-schmaltzy ending that it hasn't earned.

But, it does capture a certain energy of New York and as such is moderately fun. Best of all, Gordon Willis has once again shot the Big Apple in Black and White --it looks as good as "Manhattan" even if not in CinemaScope.