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Boys From Syracuse
About this film
In November of 1938, Rodgers and Hart opened one of their best shows, The Boys From Syracuse, at the Alvin Theatre on Broadway with a book (based on Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors) and direction by George Abbott. With a score full of what are now standards, it was the hit of the season, but when Hollywood (Universal Pictures) got around to filming it (released 31Aug1940) it had been slashed to a mere 73min. and shorn of all but four of its hit songs (two lame replacements were inserted by others). Mr. Abbott took his NEXT Broadway hit (Rodgers & Hart's Too Many Girls) to Hollywood himself, producing, and staging it himself with many members of his Broadway cast. Opening two months after the ill filmed Boys From Syracuse, it was only ten minutes longer, but a far more faithful version of the original. In all these years, despite frequent revivals, there has never been a decent FILMING of poor Boys From Syracuse. On 28Dec1986, however, the CBC aired this first rate production from Ontario's Stratford Festival. Never officially re-aired or formally released, it may be the best available preservation of the whole show.
Subjects
The Boys From Syracuse, Rodgers and Hart, George Abbott, musical comedy, Stratford Festival, Broadway, television musical
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