MovieChat Forums > Brigadoon (1954) Discussion > Worst Musical Ever

Worst Musical Ever

posted 12 years ago by pepenet23
12 replies | jump to latest

I’m into all things Scottish - pipe band, dancing, history, etc – and I enjoy films based on musicals just as much.

When I saw the film on the teley 30 years ago I recognized it for the crp it is
Nothing in it is authentic, I agree with other OPs it’s a mediocre Hollywood effort.

The story itself is absurd and the dialogues are corny to the bone.

I never heard of witch attacks on towns were a widespread problem in 18 century Scotland. I believe they were busier rebelling against the English and inventing the Industrial Revolution.

And do they really have to squeeze in the Americans? Really? The movie seems to be more about them than about Scotland. Do we have to have Americans in every place and time? Really?

Like we really depend on Ted Danson doing the right thing.

At most this is the biggest insult to Scotland ever.

AAAGGH!!!

[–] laurence01 12 years ago

A good percentage of your attack seems to be against the show as much as it is against this film.

[–] DespicableMeech 12 years ago

Since the musical was written by an AMERICAN, and performed IN AMERICA why is it surprising that it's about AMERICANS? If a Scottish dude wrote a musical with two leads being Americans, I could see why it would bother you, but that's not the case. If it bothers you so much go write your own musical with no Americans.

Mac Attack!

[–] ilpohirvonen 12 years ago

I found this interesting. I'm not necessarily a fan of musical but I do consider myself a film buff. I really like Minnelli's work and, to my mind, there's always more to them than it first seems. I'm probably just looking at things that aren't really there but I thought this was an interesting film with its flaws.

[–] gribfritz2 12 years ago

Do we have to have Americans in every place and time? Really?

Yes. Yes, you do. Wherever you live, turn on your TV and try to not stumble on an American program. Turn on the radio and try not to hear any American music. Head to your local shopping district and try not to find 1,001 McDonalds and other imported franchises. Most actors dream of Broadway and Hollywood, not the West End and Bollywood. Without the American writer, there would be no play or film. The movie should be more about the Americans than Scotland since two of the three main characters are American. Should Americans be complaining that the film is about a mystical land in Scotland instead of a mystical land in Scottsdale, Arizona?

[–] dmnemaine 8 years ago

It is an American's story. It's based on an American play. It is an American Hollywood film. Not that big a shock that it would have lead characters who are Americans. I also think that most people are aware that fantasy stories aren't reliable sources for historical or cultural accuracy.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cleverestbunny-430-409659 8 years ago

As I recall, the story is about "Two weary hunters who had lost their way", not, industrial strength Scots who invented everything.

"You cannot boil a llama and expect it to taste like a grilled monkey".

[–] Isajade (57) 7 years ago

I love classic musicals, but this one was a huge let down. Non sense story, really nothing to save, sadly.

[–] snepts (11123) 4 years ago

I enjoyed the concept and the charm of Gene Kelly back when it was new. Haven't seen it since, but the charm always stayed with me. Kind of like seeing Steamboat Willie for the first time maybe.
Another one was Cinderella with LA Warren. Don't know if it was really well-crafted, but as a little kid I liked it a lot.

[–] Isajade (57) 4 years ago

I've experienced different feelings about movies I've seen when I was young. Sometimes the memories are better and other times you enjoy the movie on other levels.

[–] trevorh321 (5495) 2 years ago

The start of the film was not promising but as we moved more and more into the story and learned about Brigadoon, I found it an enchanting film. The music and songs in the film are mostly forgettable but I still enjoyed the sincerity, the dancing and the beautiful production. I believe this film was mostly, if not all, filmed on a stage and whoever designed and built it did a magnificent job. It provided the fantasy feel the film needed. Kelly is a superb and strong dancer and so is Cyd Charisse. 8/10

[–] Otter (24464) 7 years ago

Definitely not the worst musical I've ever seen.

There was "At Long Last Love", and the Streisand "A Star Is Born" and the films of Betty Grable and the messes they put out in 1929-1930 when sound films were brand new. "Brigadoon" may be pretty damn lame, but it's not even in the top 10 worst.