Moon over Broadway

Starring:Philip Bosco, Tom Moore (II), Randy Graff, Ken Ludwig, Carol Burnett, Jane Connell
Director: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker
Studio: Docurama
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
In 1995, Carol Burnett returned to Broadway after an absence of three decades to costar in Ken Ludwig's comedy, Moon over Buffalo. Legendary documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker and his wife, Chris Hegedus, enjoyed extraordinary access to capture the nuts and bolts of mounting a Broadway play in this video equivalent of a backstage pass. It is more entertaining than the strained farce we glimpse onstage.

Like Pennebaker's cinéma vérité masterworks, the filmmakers do not impose themselves on the proceedings. There is no narration. The cameras record the process, from the introductory press conference to the anxious anticipation of the opening night reviews.

Amazon.com

In 1995, Carol Burnett returned to Broadway after an absence of three decades to costar in Ken Ludwig's comedy, Moon over Buffalo. Legendary documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker and his wife, Chris Hegedus, enjoyed extraordinary access to capture the nuts and bolts of mounting a Broadway play in this video equivalent of a backstage pass. It is more entertaining than the strained farce we glimpse onstage.

The play's director, Tom Moore, certainly has his hands full. Ludwig (who hit it big with the play Lend Me a Tenor) bemoans what the actors are doing to his words. "It's like a pact with the devil, having to cast stars," he complains. He must massage the actors' egos (the play's ingenue dislikes the picture of herself displayed outside the theater) and assuage their insecurities. Observe how he deftly and delicately reins in Burnett, who initially falls back on shtick to get a laugh. In one tense moment, Philip Bosco, Burnett's esteemed costar, becomes flustered when he believes his input is not appreciated. "Don't you want the benefit of our years of experience, of our sense of comedy?" he demands of Moore. Moon over Broadway is just the ticket for theater buffs. --Donald Liebenson

Description

Hailed as "irresistible" by the New York Times, Moon Over Broadway is a no-holds barred, behind-the scenes look at the making of the Broadway comedy, Moon Over Buffalo, starring TV sensation Carol Burnett. Revealing what really goes on before the curtain

Customer Reviews:

BS Over Broadway.......2003-12-30

Everyone who's reading this already knows the premise of this documentary about the backstage machinations of Broadway show biz: One of America's best loved television stars agrees to make her Broadway comeback in a half-assed dinner theatre-calibre comedy, ultimately rising above her third-rate material and the fourth-rate "creative" team (playwright, director, producers)who attempt to thwart her at every turn. Fascinating stuff! The behind-the-scenes honchos (and playwright Ken Ludwig, in particular, whose comic "masterpiece" borrows a central plot device right out of an old "I Love Lucy" episode!)--are so wrapped up in their self-importance that don't seem to know--or care--how ludicrous they sound dissing their star on camera. Still, one big question goes unasked--or answered: What was Burnett thinking when she signed on for this turkey??? From all available evidence, there were more laughs in her weakest TV sketch than in this entire overblown production. Ironically, one of Burnett's most crowd-pleasing on-stage moments in the documentary comes when a backstage technical snafu forces her to break character and simply chat with the audience until the glitch is fixed. What a pro! (This review is based on VHS version.)

A well documentary and someone should be embarrassed..........2003-04-06

The film went into unexpected details about the whole Broadway process. What is most interesting is the arrogance of the playwright: a man who seemed obsessed with the thought of being embarrassed by actors who apparently were not treating his masterpiece properly. Well he need not have worried; the man's own gross behavior was an embarrassment and actually difficult to watch. Unfortunately I did not have access to DVD version; I look forward to seeing the commentary.

Two films in one..........2002-10-03

Chris' review has it right: this DVD contains one of the best uses for a Commentary track yet devised.

The film itself is a feast for any theater fan. DA Pennebaker has complete access to the actors, playwright, director and producers during the rehearsal process for the play, both out-of-town in Boston, and then during its entire Broadway run. After seeing it, many may wonder how it could ever be worthwhile producing a play, but that's always been true of working in the theater: you don't have to be crazy, but it sure helps.

As for the DVD commentary, it literally gives you 2 films for the price of one. There is so much more information about the making of the play, and of the participants' true feelings about each other after the fact, that it almost could have been used as the actual voiceover track for the film. I watch this DVD repeatedly, and most of the time, I turn on the commentary track. It's so much more juicy, it makes the on-camera backstabbing seem pleasant by comparison.

God Bless Her.......2001-04-12

God bless Carol Burnett.

The fact that she was saddled with a mediocre play, a mediocre playwright, and a mediocre director did not ruffler her professional feathers.

No matter what crap she contends with, she is calm, cool, and funny.

The playwright is a pretentious bore who can go and write Feydeau till he is blue in the face.

One of the Best DVDs Commentary Tracks EVER........2000-12-21

Moon Over Broadway co-directed by legendary documentary director D.A. PENNEBAKER and his wife Chris Hegedus, is a behind the scenes documentary of the making of the Broadway Show Moon over Buffalo which starred Phillip Bosco, and Carol Burnett and was written by Ken Ludwig. From the announcement of the play being produced, to the beginning of rehearsal, to the disasterous Boston run, to the opening on Broadway. The access to the creative process the film-makers got is pretty amazing and what they captured is a rare behind the scenes warts and all glimpse of how a Broadway show is shaped. It doesn't take us long to realize we seem to be watching a train wreck occurring in slow motion.

Well things perhaps don't turn out as bad as you might believe. The show did wind up being moderately successful and audiences seemed to enjoy this bit of theatrical fluff.

Particularly interesting is the inter-play between the writer Ludwig, director Tom Moore, and the stars. There's a few truly candid moments caught with the producer and some of the show's backers as well. Being privvy to the whole process is a fascinating and educational experience.

But if you are lucky enough to have the DVD of the film, we are from over. As Paul Harvey would say... and then there's The Rest of the Story. . . .

The DVD has a commentary track that is no holds barred and reveals much more than the film ever could. The commentaries from the various actors, directors and producers, two to three years after the show closed, and a year or so after the documentary was released are remarkable frank, candid and revealing. Carol Burnett does contribute (via phone calls) to the commentary track as well. You'll gain even more insight and realize how deep wounds go by re-watching the film with it's invaluable commentary.

The movie is very good. The DVD package is remarkable.

Chris Jarmick Author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder - A steamy cyber thriller. Available January 2001. Please order today. Thank You.

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