Quin GootThoroughly Modern Millie (1967)
January 8th 2009 06:50
Directed by:- George Roy Hill.
Starring:- Julie Andrews, James Fox, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Channing.
Admittedly I have had a week of movie renaissance and happened to cross paths with Julie Andrews once again. So with her just being her, I was soon ensnared by her charm, which then lead me to go fishing into an older part of the river where I happened upon this little morsel.
Thoroughly Modern Millie (TMM) is a tale of a small town girl from Kansas, who, with ambitions to become thoroughly modern, moves in to the big smoke (logically) in order to see out her ideas. The film is set in 1922, and although the clothes and props are likened to this era, some of the dance moves and theatrics spring from a later period, adding some chaos to the films imagery.
Right from the films start, TMM is a a loud, quirky, chaotic, funny, entertaining gallop through the urban jungle. Interestingly, throughout the film, Millie acknowledges the audience and we are told her thoughts via sub titles - Ala 1922.
ZING!
The film begins with some comic scenes as Julie's character Millie tries to look modern. She then sets about town intent on marrying a rich boss, whilst finding a couple of friends a long the way. Meanwhile, the hotelier (stationed where Millie resides) runs a kidnapping syndicate where pretty white orphan girls are sold into a slavery run by Chinese merchants in Chinatown. The racially derogatory cliche doesn't matter in the slightest here, as it is all done in fun and silliness. In between watching girls disappear, Millie tap dances each time she is in the lift (in order to get it going), falls out of buildings, twists and turns in aeroplanes, attends lavish parties and Jewish weddings, and eventually foils the Chinese kidnapping syndicate (which is disguised as a fireworks factory) before finding true love.
Carol Channing is hilarious, as she says "raspberry's" like no one else can, whilst prancing her way about the set. Interestingly, the film was also the first role for Pat Morita, who plays one of the Chinese servants. James fox also plays a credible part here and Mary Tyler Moore holds it (just) amongst the stellar cast.
POP!
The apparent fashion consciousness of TMM is also done hilariously, with lines like "They'll soon forget your dress is real lace and ask you to dance". Oh yes, the theatrics and dance routines in the film are impressive, and the music is frightfully appropriate, making one feel uplifted throughout, and again, never taking itself too seriously. The use of non stop activity in this film also works, giving the film a chaotic, quirky element.
Although the two films are very different, the pace and mood of TMM reminded me of 'The Party', which was shot funnily enough only a year later by Julie Andrew's beau, Blake Edwards.
Finally, fans of Julie won't be disappointed here. She is that funny, sweet, theatrical girl with the damn fine voice that is so her. Especially so in this era.
Four organic bananas out of five.
Starring:- Julie Andrews, James Fox, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Channing.
Admittedly I have had a week of movie renaissance and happened to cross paths with Julie Andrews once again. So with her just being her, I was soon ensnared by her charm, which then lead me to go fishing into an older part of the river where I happened upon this little morsel.
Right from the films start, TMM is a a loud, quirky, chaotic, funny, entertaining gallop through the urban jungle. Interestingly, throughout the film, Millie acknowledges the audience and we are told her thoughts via sub titles - Ala 1922.
ZING!
The film begins with some comic scenes as Julie's character Millie tries to look modern. She then sets about town intent on marrying a rich boss, whilst finding a couple of friends a long the way. Meanwhile, the hotelier (stationed where Millie resides) runs a kidnapping syndicate where pretty white orphan girls are sold into a slavery run by Chinese merchants in Chinatown. The racially derogatory cliche doesn't matter in the slightest here, as it is all done in fun and silliness. In between watching girls disappear, Millie tap dances each time she is in the lift (in order to get it going), falls out of buildings, twists and turns in aeroplanes, attends lavish parties and Jewish weddings, and eventually foils the Chinese kidnapping syndicate (which is disguised as a fireworks factory) before finding true love.
Carol Channing is hilarious, as she says "raspberry's" like no one else can, whilst prancing her way about the set. Interestingly, the film was also the first role for Pat Morita, who plays one of the Chinese servants. James fox also plays a credible part here and Mary Tyler Moore holds it (just) amongst the stellar cast.
POP!
The apparent fashion consciousness of TMM is also done hilariously, with lines like "They'll soon forget your dress is real lace and ask you to dance". Oh yes, the theatrics and dance routines in the film are impressive, and the music is frightfully appropriate, making one feel uplifted throughout, and again, never taking itself too seriously. The use of non stop activity in this film also works, giving the film a chaotic, quirky element.
Although the two films are very different, the pace and mood of TMM reminded me of 'The Party', which was shot funnily enough only a year later by Julie Andrew's beau, Blake Edwards.
Finally, fans of Julie won't be disappointed here. She is that funny, sweet, theatrical girl with the damn fine voice that is so her. Especially so in this era.
Four organic bananas out of five.
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