Oklahoma (1955)
The first great movie musical. Yes, it’s pretty corny, but the songs are great anyway. And I can’t resist the humor of “Poor Jud Is Dead.” “It’s summer and we’re running out of ice.”
The King and I (1956)
I really enjoy all the Siamese children and the wives and, of course, Yul Brynner as the king of Thailand. “Etcetera, Etcetera, Etcetera. . .”
West Side Story (1961)
A musical version of Romeo and Juliet transferred to New York City in the 1950’s. Leonard Bernstein wrote the music, and Natlaie Wood makes a beautiful Maria (Juliet). Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1962 as well as numerous other awards, this movie deserved them all.
The Music Man (1962)
76 trombones lead the big parade; Professor Harold Hill can charm the money out of an Ioway skeptic; and who can resist lyrics like these:
Marian Paroo: Do you think that I’d allow a common masher – ? Now, really, mama. I have my standards where men are concerned and I have no intention…
Mrs. Paroo: I know all about your standards and if you don’t mind my sayin’ so there’s not a man alive who could hope to measure up to that blend of Paul Bunyan, Saint Pat, and Noah Webster you’ve concocted for yourself out of your Irish imagination, your Iowa stubbornness, and your li’berry full of books!
My Fair Lady (1964)
Of course, the ending is unsatisfactory. Why does Eliza go back to that conceited Henry Higgins? And Rex Harrison can’t even sing–just speaks his lyrics. Nevertheless, the songs and the acting and the story of a flowergirl who becomes a lady are all delightful enough to make up for any flaws.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Classic, pure classic.
Camelot (1967)
“In short, there’s simply not / a more congenial spot / for happily ever aftering than here in Camelot.”
I simply refuse to think that this movie has anything to with JFK; King Arthur is much more interesting than the Kennedys.
Oliver! (1968)
Another great movie musical, and Dickens is one of my favorite authors. Jack Wild plays an engaging Artful Dodger, and Mark Lester is so cute as Oliver. I also think Oliver Reed is a great actor. (I once saw Oliver Reed in a film about Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and to this day I picture Rossetti looking a lot like OR.)
Hello Dolly (1969)
I like Barbra Streisand in movies. This musical is one of the great Broadway musicals of all time, and Streisand is bold and brassy and funny as the matchmaker who wants a match for herself.
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Tevye the Jewish milkman talks to God and tries to understand his wife Golde and looks for husbands for his six daughters. Unfortunately, the world is changing, and the dependable things in Tevye’s life are becoming few and far between.
Perchik: Money is the world’s curse.
Tevye: May the Lord smite me with it. And may I never recover.
Tevye: As the good book says ‘Each shall seek his own kind’. In other words a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?
And then they quit making them. I have a couple more musicals on my list of 107 Best Movies Ever, but none of the musicals made after 1971 made my list. What is there after Fiddler on the Roof? Grease?
Maybe Annie? The newer one is much better singing, but Carol Burnett’s Miss Hannigan is classic!
Jeanne
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. You haven’t lived ’til your seven-year-old son starts singing about “those sobbin’, sobbin’ women”.
My son loved “Seven Brides” as well…good memories. And I love South Pacific…it has that great combination of the serious topics mixed in with the corniness of “There is nothing like a Dame”! Last month, while visiting my dad, he and I watched Singing in the Rain, Music Man and South Pacific in a huge marathon on his 8 foot screen with surround sound! Fantastic. Gene Kelly…lifesize!
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was hilarious–loved that one. I thought Evita was beautiful, although I know many don’t agree with me. It would certainly make my list.
I would add Singin’ in the Rain to the list. 🙂
Definitely add Singin’ in the Rain. South Pacific is another good one. Then there’s Cinderella. I love Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. 🙂 State Fair is good. I love Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. One that I’ve always been partial to that doesn’t get too much recognition is High Society. I love, love, love that one–it has Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, and Louis Armstrong! Just to name a few 🙂
Peter Pan is another favorite–the one with Mary Martin.
Calamity Jane with Doris Day.
Holiday Inn and White Christmas with Bing Crosby.
Really there are just too many to list 🙂
Some others I’d add:
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Paint Your Wagon (1969) — just for the cheesiness of Clint Eastwood trying to sing.
Gay Purr-ee (1964) — animated by Chuck Jones and staring Judy Garland and Robert Goulet
I second Seven Brides… My husband who always hated movie musicals loves that one. He also likes to go around the house singing, “Bless your beautiful hide…”
Also, “White Christmas” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” I’d choose any of those over West Side Story – I didn’t like it at all.
What about Xanadu?
Just kidding.
I love musicals! I have seen those and more. Nice list. Our Bronson played “Adam” in 7 brides for 7 brothers in his school production. That boy can sing! I have pics in my family slideshow at bottom of my blog. 🙂
Have a nice weekend!
I would definitely add “Singin’ in the Rain.” And I’m one who actually really likes the “Phantom of the Opera” movie. Definitely one of my favorites. Then again, I do have a crush on Gerard Butler.
i agree with all the ones posted, but id add
singing in the rain
wizard of oz
rent
cabaret
mary poppins
my fair lady
chicago
king and i
grease
.. just to name a few
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