Sunday, June 14, 2009

TV review – “Liza with a Z” (1972) ****

Liza Minnelli technically was a film star despite only two real hits on her resume – Cabaret and Arthur – so it’s great that this TV special has re-surfaced to demonstrate of stage abilities in her prime. It was directed by Bob Fosse with songs from Kander and Ebb, plus a few other random contemporary songs (“Gotcha”). 

Because it's Fosse there’s lots of dances with stockings and no bra (Liza included), plus sexy silhouettes – apparently this caused censorship troubles at the time. Liza does a bit of patter, and laughs through the tears, or is it crying through the laughter? She has this wide-eyed chipmunk look; her dancing is fine, but her singing is stunning.

No comments: