BRIGADOON

Brigadoon
MGM, 1954, Color, 108 minutes, **½
Released September, 1954

Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse recapture the other-worldly charm and breathtaking beauty of 18th Century Scottish Highlands in this Lerner-Loewe time-warp fantasy, directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Kelly and Johnson, as two cynical hunters from New York City, stumble upon the ethereal village of Brigadoon which materializes from the mists only one day each hundred years. There Kelly falls in love with Brigadoon's prettiest lass, Fiona (Charisse), and he must decide whether to stay with her forever or return to civilization.

The lovely, lyrical songs and dances include the pastoral ballet to "The Heather on the Hill," the exhilarating discovery of "Almost Like Being in Love," the sprightly "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean," and the show-stopping "Wedding Dance," in which bagpiping Scotsmen from eight different clans gather from all directions in eye-filling pageantry.

Lerner and Loewe's legendary stage play is popular even today. But what should have been a wonderful movie is just ... flat. Minnelli states in his autobiography that the cast and directors tried to save it, but could never really figure out what was wrong with it. Still, it's worth watching. The "Heather on the Hill" number, sung by Gene Kelly and danced by Gene and Cyd Charisse is really nice.

The Broadway to Hollywood Classic Musicals Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Easter Parade, The Band Wagon, Bells Are Ringing and Finian's Rainbow.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: Frank Baur
Screen Play by: Alan Jay Lerner
Based on the Musical Play with Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Music by Frederick Loewe, Presented on the Stage by Cheryl Crawford
Music by: Frederick Loewe
Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
Musical Direction: Johnny Green
Orchestrations by: Conrad Salinger
Choral Arrangements by: Rober Tucker
Choreography by: Gene Kelly
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Keogh Gleason
Costumes Designed by: Irene Sharaff
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Wesley C. Miller
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Filmed in CinemaScope, color by Ansco
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Color), Best Costume Design (Color), Best Sound Recording

Cast: Gene Kelly [Tommy Albright], Van Johnson [Jeff Douglas], Cyd Charisse [Fiona Campbell], Elaine Stewart [Jane Ashton], Barry Jones [Mr. Lundie], Hugh Laing [Harry Beaton], Albert Sharpe [Andrew Campbell], Virginia Bosier [Jean Campbell], Jimmy Thompson [Charlie Crisholm Dalrymple], Dody Heath [Meg Brockie], Tudor Owen [Archie Beaton], Additional Cast: Owen McGiveney [Angus], Dee Turnell [Ann], Eddie Quillan [Sandy], Carole Richards [singing voice of Cyd Charisse], Bonnie Murray [singing voice of Dee Turnell], John Gustafson [singing voice of Jimmy Thompson]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Brigadoon (sung by Chorus offscreen); [0:04] Down on MacConnachy Square (sung by Chorus, sung and danced by villagers onscreen); [0:12] Waiting for My Dearie (sung and danced by Cyd Charisse and Dee Turnell, dubbed by Carole Richards and Bonnie Murray, respectively); [0:25] I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean (sung by John Gustafson dubbing for Jimmy Thompson, Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Men's Chorus, danced by Jimmy Thompson, Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Ensemble); [0:37] The Heather on the Hill (sung by Gene Kelly, danced by Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse); [0:51] Almost Like Being in Love (sung and danced by Gene Kelly); [1:08] Wedding March (marched and played on bagpipes by Brigadoon men); [1:13] Wedding Dance (played on bagpipes, danced by Jimmy Thompson, Virginia Bosier and Chorus); [1:19] The Chase (sung by villagers as they chase after Harry Beaton); [1:26] The Heather on the Hill (instrumental reprise danced by Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse); [1:41] Waitin' for My Dearie (excerpt sung by Carole Richards); [1:42] I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean (short reprisal by John Gustafson); [1:44] Brigadoon (reprised by Chorus offscreen)