
The Movie Musical!
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Narrated by:
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Erin Bennett
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By:
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Jeanine Basinger
About this listen
Irresistible and authoritative, The Movie Musical! is an in-depth look at the singing, dancing, happy-making world of Hollywood musicals - an essential audiobook for anyone who's ever laughed, cried, or sung along at the movies.
Leading film historian Jeanine Basinger reveals, with her trademark wit and zest, the whole story of the Hollywood musical - in the most telling, most incisive, most detailed audiobook of her long and remarkable career.
From Fred Astaire, whom she adores, to La La Land, which she deplores, Basinger examines a dazzling array of stars, strategies, talents, and innovations in the history of musical cinema. Whether analyzing a classic Gene Kelly routine, relishing a Nelson-Jeanette operetta, or touting a dynamic hip hop number (in the underrated Idlewild), she is a canny and charismatic guide to the many ways that song and dance have been seen - and heard - on film.
With extensive portraits of everyone from Al Jolson, the Jazz Singer; to Doris Day, whose iconic sunniness has overshadowed her dramatic talents; from Deanna Durbin, that lovable teen-star of the '30s and '40s; to Shirley T. and Judy G.; from Bing to Frank to Elvis; from Ann Miller to Ann-Margret; from Disney to Chicago...focusing on many beloved, iconic films (Top Hat, Singin' in the Rain, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Sound of Music) as well as unduly obscure gems (Eddie Cantor's Whoopee!, Murder at the Vanities, Sun Valley Serenade, One from the Heart), this audiobook is astute, informative, and a pure pleasure to hear.
©2019 Jeanine Basinger (P)2019 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Story
As the sole production assistant for Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, Ted Chapin had a front row seat for the creation of one of the most important American musicals of all time. He kept a detailed journal of his experiences, and his rich storehouse of memories forms the core of Everything Was Possible, which itself has become a modern classic of musical theater history. Combining the zeal of an enthusiast with a journalist’s narrative chops, Chapin takes the listener on a roller-coaster ride through the creation of an original Broadway musical.
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Beyond outstanding
- By Gene Franklin Smith on 02-23-25
By: Ted Chapin
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All About Me!
- My Remarkable Life in Show Business
- By: Mel Brooks
- Narrated by: Mel Brooks
- Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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At 95, the legendary Mel Brooks continues to set the standard for comedy across television, film, and the stage. Now, for the first time, this EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner shares his story in his own words.
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Wonderful and nostalgic
- By GAT on 12-07-21
By: Mel Brooks
What listeners say about The Movie Musical!
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- armand
- 11-16-22
a great and entertaining history
not only is this a well written history of film musicals, it manages to also cover pretty well the history of life, Broadway musicals. and it's a lot of fun to read. highly recommended.
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- Walter Solley
- 01-16-21
Brilliant Analysis of a Wonderful Art Form
Epic, always fascinating story of the most fascinating film genre. Jeanine Basinger proves herself to be the most entertaining and erudite of film historians. Lovingly narrated, utterly compelling.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Jeffrey Hart
- 05-04-25
Deep analysis of specific musical films
See above, also great historical overview of the evolution of the genre. Made me want to see movies I missed.
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- M. Hayes
- 11-21-23
Very Interesting
I learned a from this book. My only problem is the way it’s set up one chapter is hours long. 
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- PBCPA
- 04-04-24
In depth history and commentary
Awesome historical review of musicals but . . . too much listing of credits - like the end of movies. Narrator is terrific.
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- Patricia Ching
- 03-05-20
Excellent Review of Musical
loved her analysis of musicals and musical stars. it helped that I 100% agree with her on lala land
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5 people found this helpful
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- johnnyc
- 04-29-22
Be Prepared For Binge Watching
Thoroughly enjoyable listen of movie musical history. Narrator was excellent. Starts a bit slow but hang in there and you will find yourself seeking out all these films , the well known and not so well known.
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- Joe van Rensburg
- 06-16-20
What happened to Camelot and Paint Your Wagon?
I have always loved musicals, as a young boy as my friends sought out the actioners, I was drawn to the emotional charge of the musical with its magical transition from straight dialogue to song. Aside from the great musicals lauded by the author, she does point out and explain the flawed efforts that don't stand up well. one of the movies that hooked me as a tender lad was the film version of Camelot, surely this uneven gem deserved some discussion? Also Paint Your Wagon which had Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood in song. Wandering Star was even a pop hit. These omissions as well as others like Dr Doolittle and a string of British movies, leave me with the impression that the topic was not adequately researched by the author. What did remain for inclusion in her book was satisfying and well narrated.
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4 people found this helpful
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- David
- 05-15-20
Re: History of American musicals
This is a well researched history of American musicals, with occasional references to more famous international musicals, and covers the field in every significant manner possible including star vehicles, television attempts, animation, cult and speciality titles. While a listener may not agree with all of the author's insights or ratings, every opinion is well justified or explained to the audience. The weakiest, if necessary, section of the title occurs at the outset when the writer defines what will qualify as a musical and what doesn't while emphasizing how each choice advances, extends or brings an original aspect to this type of movie vehicle.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Libby J. Justus
- 03-31-21
Take your time
This was my first purchased in audible. Had I known the flow of the boom I wouldn’t have gone through with it. It’s very very slow and boring and feels like facts after facts after facts
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