18 reviews
Canned Goods Write Off, Honestly
Unlike Saratoga with Jean Harlow where you can easily tell that the star was in some kind of distress while making the film, there is absolutely no trace of any of ill health in Kay Kendall's sprightly and last performance. A kind Providence left her just as I'm sure she would want to have been remembered by her many fans in Once More With Feeling.
The film is adapted from the original play by Harry Kurnitz which ran for 263 performances in the 1958-59 season on Broadway. Kurnitz was a screenwriter of long standing with an impressive list of credits so I'm sure he had no trouble getting this play sold to the screen and wisely with the proviso he adapt it for film. The play was produced on Broadway by Martin Gabel as a star vehicle for his wife Arlene Francis in the part that Kendall had on screen. Her husband was Joseph Cotten and the part of their manager was played by Walter Matthau.
Cotten's role was taken by Yul Brynner as the egotistical symphony conductor with his wife, talented harp prodigy Kendall. There's is a stormy relationship and Brynner's got a roving eye. It roves to Shirley Anne Field who turns out to be not a child prodigy of 12, but a shapely young thing of 21. Too good to resist for Brynner, but the last straw for Kendall.
The problem is that in the world of classical music, she's the attraction, him they put up with. Manager Gregory Ratoff finds that Brynner's best solo offer is Fargo, North Dakota, quite a come down from the London Symphony.
After this the film and play start looking a whole lot like Twentieth Century. That doesn't mean it isn't good, just not truly original. Brynner and Kendall play well off each other. In the supporting cast I like Mervyn Johns as the director of the Liverpool symphony with whom Brynner is campaigning for a position with or without Kendall. In the midst of the classical music, he who has the Liverpool Symphony deficit as a tax write off for his canned goods firm demands The Stars and Stripes Forever in all concerts and played with piccolo players standing. Is there any other way? Will the Philistine get his way?
Stanley Donen directed Once More With Feeling at a nice and bright clip and he had his own little joke in the credits. Donen who directed several MGM musicals both alone and in collaboration with Gene Kelly had scores by Romberg, Gershwin, etc. Now of course he's dealing with Wagner, Beethoven, Tschaikovsky, and of course John Philip Sousa.
And this review is dedicated to Kay Kendall, who left a nice body of work in her short life that ended at 33. And to my sister Nancy who left us at 34. Both are sorely missed.
The film is adapted from the original play by Harry Kurnitz which ran for 263 performances in the 1958-59 season on Broadway. Kurnitz was a screenwriter of long standing with an impressive list of credits so I'm sure he had no trouble getting this play sold to the screen and wisely with the proviso he adapt it for film. The play was produced on Broadway by Martin Gabel as a star vehicle for his wife Arlene Francis in the part that Kendall had on screen. Her husband was Joseph Cotten and the part of their manager was played by Walter Matthau.
Cotten's role was taken by Yul Brynner as the egotistical symphony conductor with his wife, talented harp prodigy Kendall. There's is a stormy relationship and Brynner's got a roving eye. It roves to Shirley Anne Field who turns out to be not a child prodigy of 12, but a shapely young thing of 21. Too good to resist for Brynner, but the last straw for Kendall.
The problem is that in the world of classical music, she's the attraction, him they put up with. Manager Gregory Ratoff finds that Brynner's best solo offer is Fargo, North Dakota, quite a come down from the London Symphony.
After this the film and play start looking a whole lot like Twentieth Century. That doesn't mean it isn't good, just not truly original. Brynner and Kendall play well off each other. In the supporting cast I like Mervyn Johns as the director of the Liverpool symphony with whom Brynner is campaigning for a position with or without Kendall. In the midst of the classical music, he who has the Liverpool Symphony deficit as a tax write off for his canned goods firm demands The Stars and Stripes Forever in all concerts and played with piccolo players standing. Is there any other way? Will the Philistine get his way?
Stanley Donen directed Once More With Feeling at a nice and bright clip and he had his own little joke in the credits. Donen who directed several MGM musicals both alone and in collaboration with Gene Kelly had scores by Romberg, Gershwin, etc. Now of course he's dealing with Wagner, Beethoven, Tschaikovsky, and of course John Philip Sousa.
And this review is dedicated to Kay Kendall, who left a nice body of work in her short life that ended at 33. And to my sister Nancy who left us at 34. Both are sorely missed.
- bkoganbing
- Oct 25, 2009
- Permalink
The Ego has landed.
Two films came out in the same year based upon plays by Harry Kurnitz, directed by Stanley Donen and starring Yul Brynner. The less said about 'Surprise Package' the better as it is too ghastly even to contemplate. This one is quite an improvement although once again Brynner, this time playing an orchestral conductor as opposed to a gangster, proves that he is utterly devoid of a sense of comedy. His portrayal of egomania is convincing. The redeeming feature of the other one was Noel Coward whilst here it is Kay Kendall. Her vivacity is intoxicating and her comedy timing impeccable. The scene where she plays the harp for the orchestra trustees is a comic gem. There are some excellent one-liners and it looks fantastic courtesy of lighting cameraman Georges Perinal and production designer Alexandre Trauner. Sadly this film represents the final bow for the glorious and incomparable Kay Kendall who died before its release.
- brogmiller
- May 9, 2020
- Permalink
The King and the Pharaoh is now the Maestro.
- mark.waltz
- Oct 4, 2018
- Permalink
This film is a rarely seen gem.
It is a shame that this film has not been released on video. It is a witty observation of the classical music world with Yul Brynner playing the part of a temperamental orchestra conductor. It was also Kay Kendall's last film - she was fatally ill when she made it and died shortly after it was finished. She was a marvelous comedienne and was a great foil for Yul Brynner. Every classical music buff should see this film!
a Stanley Donen masterpiece
Donen directs a film based on a familiar theme - the ugly side of of genius that is hidden from the public, but all too familiar with valet, wife or agent. Donen manages to make a comedy of it all, without becoming a farce. That is probably due to the acting talents of Yul Brynner, Kay Kendall and the over worked agent played by great character actor Greg Ratoff. The plot may sound silly if one reads the screen play, but as a finished film, it is a delight to watch as three different personalities clash with each other, going in all directions only to end up on the same page at the end. Donen manages to describe genius, art, and a selfish ego and puts it into a package that will not make you laugh, but smile through most of the film. If you like classical music (and Sousa), you have an additional bonus. If you are a musician or played in school, you will recognize some of the tantrums of the conductor and the bulling of musicians who do not give the conductor what he wants.
And one final tribute to the film. Kay Kendall's acting is all the more remarkable because she shows no signs of nearing the end of her life and career. Once More With Feeling was her last film.
And one final tribute to the film. Kay Kendall's acting is all the more remarkable because she shows no signs of nearing the end of her life and career. Once More With Feeling was her last film.
LONG overdue for re-release on video - a classic comedy.
This is a latter-day example of the "screwball" comedies of the 1930s, and has standout performances from Yul Brynner, Kay Kendall, and Gregory Ratoff. Beautifully filmed, gorgeous sets, great comic emsemble, and is LONG LONG overdue for re-release on video. Please!! I want to own a copy of this film for my library. This is one movie I could watch again every week.
Why does such a delightful comedy go unrecognized?
This film is just plain funny. Yul Brenner is perfect as the fiery uncompromising symphony conductor, Kaye Kendall likewise as his companion of many years who has kept his orchestra afloat by her unfailing ability to soothe the many feathers ruffled by the maestro -- until, that is, she returns one night to find him compromised with a beautiful 21-year-old pianist. The first-rate performances here are not limited to their acting alone; this is a fine piece of work and everyone involved can be justifiably proud of their part in making it so. The mystery, to me, is why this upbeat and thoroughly delightful comedy is virtually unknown and why the only way in which viewers can verify this is to catch it on its infrequent showings on late-night television. This should really be available on VHS or DVD; my question is, why isn't it?
Is a great concert orchestra worth "The Stars and Stripes Forever"?
- theowinthrop
- Dec 26, 2006
- Permalink
Kay Kendall at her most beautiful
Delightful, enchanting, deliciously funny. Kay Kendall was all of these things in her far too short life. Her last film, Once More With Feeling is very rarely seen, more's the pity. As a companion piece to The Reluctant Debutante this is a wonderful tribute to a dazzlingly beautiful and talented young woman. The fireworks between Kendall and Yul Brynner as her "apparent" husband (who really isn't) are a joy to watch and give one a view of a masterfully comic actress whose talents would have taken her way up into the stratosphere of cinema greats. Great pacing and set pieces from director Stanley Donen. Yes, this movie is a piece of fluff but the sheer professionalism of both leads make it a must see. If you can get your hands on a copy then you're in for a real treat. A beautiful looking production with top performances all round. Would that the movies of today could be this enjoyable!
Any Summary would include the spoiler
A GREAT UNSEEN CLASSIC COMEDY !!!
This is the last film made by Kay Kendall, in which she really excelled.....Possibly one of the two or three best films ever for Yul Brynner.....and, a fine performance by one of filmdom's great character actors, Gregory Ratoff.....The subject of this great unseen classic comedy is the story of Victor Fabian (Brynner) as one of the world's greatest conductors, whose townhouse is chock-a-block with hundreds of photos and paintings of himself in ever room, throughout.
This film should be considered a must-see.....Hardly ever seen on television it has popped up in special showings with other top comedies such as " The Trouble With Harry "
This film should be considered a must-see.....Hardly ever seen on television it has popped up in special showings with other top comedies such as " The Trouble With Harry "
A must for Kay Kendall Fans
I finally found a copy of this which I had not seen since it came out. I still found it wonderfully funny and vintage Kendall. Perhaps the reason why this movie has not survived in the public arena is that it deals with a couple "living in sin" who have to marry in order to divorce after a 7 or 8-year liaison in order to satisfy public morality. Seems unbelievable now, but can think of no other reason, other than perhaps Kay Kendall's estate is difficult about her films.
Another Kendall movie which seems to be unattainable is "Simon and Laura" with Peter Finch. This film takes a rather cynical look at the TV industry, viewer loyalty, and "soaps" and these aspects might be a reason for its suppression. Since writing this, it has just been released on DVD in the U.K.(March 2007)
Another Kendall movie which seems to be unattainable is "Simon and Laura" with Peter Finch. This film takes a rather cynical look at the TV industry, viewer loyalty, and "soaps" and these aspects might be a reason for its suppression. Since writing this, it has just been released on DVD in the U.K.(March 2007)
Once More With Feeling!
I have seen this film twice on Turner Classic Movies,thank goodness, because I never caught it in the theater. The second time around I laughed out loud because I could see how the jokes fit into the situations. The only thing that I found distracting was a constant dark spot in the red hair over Kay Kendall's (Dolly's) forehead. Was this intentional, or did her hairdresser overlook it? One would think the hair color would be consistent. In any case Ms. Kendall is delightful in this film, and plays the taken-for-granted woman who still loves her mate but hates him for it, to perfection. Yul Brynner shows his full range of acting ability from drama to apathy to comedy at lightening speed, and seems to be enjoying himself enormously. Gregory Ratoff is marvelous as the agent and his one-liners are great if you can catch them through his thick German accent. The stoic other man in Dolly's life is a wonderful parody of the scientist who has trouble grasping complex human situations. When he tells Dolly "I trust you" you can really hear the doubt in his voice. All in all, this is a very enjoyable film, and needs to be watched multiple times to fully appreciate the sumptuous sets (like the gondola bed) and catch every wonderful thing that goes on.
- rachel-146
- May 21, 2007
- Permalink
Make available Once More With Feeling
Once More With Feeling is one of my favorite movies. I have been lucky enough to have seen it a few times. Yul Brynner and Kay Kendall are just terrific and the story is funny and entertaining - not to mention the music.
I have been telling my kids and grandkids about this movie for years and they would like to see it.
I wish that it would become available, and I wonder who and how these things are decided. And if there is any way to influence them. Some of the older movie that are becoming available don't come close to this one -- in my humble opinion.
I have been telling my kids and grandkids about this movie for years and they would like to see it.
I wish that it would become available, and I wonder who and how these things are decided. And if there is any way to influence them. Some of the older movie that are becoming available don't come close to this one -- in my humble opinion.
- artpreble-1
- Oct 25, 2006
- Permalink
I could rave but saying Kay Kendall is enough
Sadly lost to viewers and DVD/VHS buyers in the United States, this is one of the funniest films Kay Kendall made in her short life, and that is no mean feat. Yul Brenner also shines as one of the world's greatest egomaniac types--a symphony orchestra conductor.
Yul Brynner and Kay Kendall perfectly matched and with music
Kay Kendall was one of the best comediennes ever making a splendid career brutally interrupted by leukaemia at only 32 - sadly, this was her last film. She was splendid enough with her husband Rex Harrison, but after that divorce she was equally splendid with Yul Brynner, who here for once gets the chance to play comedy - and does it with a vengeance. This is a witty comedy of outstanding prominence bringíng out the best in both of them, it brings back memories of Leslie Howard in clinch with Bette Davis, and the choice of music for background support couldn't be better. Yul Brynner plays an eccentric ego-tripped conductor whom his wife the harpist Kay Kendall has every reason to insist on divorcing. The comedy is about how this just can't work out, and the mystery is how this is possible. Perhaps it is the music fusing them together in a marriage of constant civil war unto the bitter end of mutual death without any of them succeeding in firing a single shot. Stanley Donen's direction makes it a perfect entertainment all the way, a composition unto consummate perfection in dialogue, character play and music, and I don't think he enjoyed making any film more. It's champagne all the way, and every new glass tastes different and even better...
Unequivocally 10 Stars ; This is a Grossly Underrated Gem
Why do viewers nowadays need to see bodily fluids , toilets , vulgar language and regular political PC comments to regard anything as funny ? For anyone possessing any intelligence or cultural literacy at all , it just doesn't get any better than this . Kendall is a delight every second of every scene she's in , with admirable support from Ratoff and Brynner . Don't be fooled by the ridiculously low rating many viewers have given this ; they are likely the same as those who regard Shreck as viable children's entertainment , and Paltrow's Emma just what Austen had intended ...... For the adults in the audience , the subtle humor here is endless . Relax , enjoy it , and don't read another review of it !
- johnpelaro
- Jan 29, 2022
- Permalink
Annoying
While Yul Brynner and Kay Kendall throw themselves admirably into their parts, their characters are annoying. Brynner's character, Victor Fabian, is a one-note, over-the-top egocentric and quickly becomes tiring.
Kay Kendall's character, Dolly Fabian, is the peacemaker counterweight to Victor Fabian's "bull in the china shop", and is the person who soothes the wealthy benefactors to Victor's orchestra.
The wealthy benefactors are the stereotypical dull and eccentric people with money who need to give it to poor, creative, artistic people.
As Victor Fabian grew quickly tiresome it fell to Dolly Fabian's character to pull me into the movie. She failed as she was a doormat.
Victor and his stereotypically lying and money hungry agent, Maxwell Archer (with an annoying and hard to understand Russian/Eastern European accent), lie and scheme to get Dolly back after she rightfully-so left Victor when he dallied with a young music student.
After leaving Victor, Dolly started a career as a teacher and is now engaged. Good for her as I could not see what she saw in Victor in the first place.
A wealthy elderly backer will not support Victor with the London orchestra unless Dolly is back with him. So Victor and his agent pursue and trick Dolly into returning. Not the most romantic of reasons. Still it could be comedic but it is not.
Dolly comes across as weak willed and a doormat. Her protests of not wanting to be with Victor again are ignored and steam rolled. Apparently the lady's "No!", does not mean no.
The movie's pretend divorce request to cover up for a pretend marriage is too dumb to be believed.
Kay Kendall's character, Dolly Fabian, is the peacemaker counterweight to Victor Fabian's "bull in the china shop", and is the person who soothes the wealthy benefactors to Victor's orchestra.
The wealthy benefactors are the stereotypical dull and eccentric people with money who need to give it to poor, creative, artistic people.
As Victor Fabian grew quickly tiresome it fell to Dolly Fabian's character to pull me into the movie. She failed as she was a doormat.
Victor and his stereotypically lying and money hungry agent, Maxwell Archer (with an annoying and hard to understand Russian/Eastern European accent), lie and scheme to get Dolly back after she rightfully-so left Victor when he dallied with a young music student.
After leaving Victor, Dolly started a career as a teacher and is now engaged. Good for her as I could not see what she saw in Victor in the first place.
A wealthy elderly backer will not support Victor with the London orchestra unless Dolly is back with him. So Victor and his agent pursue and trick Dolly into returning. Not the most romantic of reasons. Still it could be comedic but it is not.
Dolly comes across as weak willed and a doormat. Her protests of not wanting to be with Victor again are ignored and steam rolled. Apparently the lady's "No!", does not mean no.
The movie's pretend divorce request to cover up for a pretend marriage is too dumb to be believed.
- TallPineTree
- Jan 24, 2007
- Permalink