MovieChat Forums > Flower Drum Song (1962) Discussion > The movie musicals of 1961

The movie musicals of 1961

posted 11 years ago by markedjuan
6 replies | jump to latest

There was West Side Story and there was Flower Drum Song. Both are vastly different in tone yet the central characters are composed of minorities. What makes them different is WSS showcased an interracial romance. FDS didn't so it had a happy ending.

WSS broke new ground and won the Oscar for Best Picture. It was and still is a breathtaking cinematic experience. The songs were also first rate and more memorable than those from FDS. But FDS is a lot of fun to watch and the dancing is at par with WSS.

[–] heyuactor 10 years ago

I agree. Good post.

"Did you make coffee...? Make it!"--Cheyenne.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] 10 years ago

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[–] BMWGriffith 9 years ago

"West Side Story" broke new ground since it dared to address racial tensions, while "Flower Drum Song" showed that everything was just fine in Chinatown. As explained in the song "Chopsuey," Chinese-Americans can easily adapt to the American culture. And with a Chinatown all their own, they don't have to hang out in the turfs of the whites.

But who would win in a competition between the two beautiful leading women of the two films? Sexy Nancy Kwan in "I Enjoy Being a Girl," or pretty Natalie Wood in "I Feel Pretty"?

The dance sequence in "Grant Avenue" is just as big a showstopper as any dance sequence in West Side Story.

[–] rsgre 8 years ago

I would give Flower Drum Song the edge today, it still seems fresh, exciting, and a lot of fun. Just saw West Side Story recently, seemed very dated now, over dramatized, over stylized, turns into a "total downer" at the end. Stupid punk kids and stupid turf wars ! Only the songs are good. Flower Drum Song looks much better in comparison today. Henry Koster was a brilliant director and did a fantastic job with this film.

RSGRE

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