After all Rosalind Russell (who plays Mama Rose) while not physically suiting the part (the real Mama Rose wasn't as tall or slim, which is probably why Ethel Merman played her on stage to rousing applause- because she had the look) anyway she brought some emotion and depth to it, plus she's made worse movies.
Then there is Natalie Wood, (who gets to sing for herself in this!) now she has been one of my favourite actresses since i saw her in The Great Race (being funny) and in West Side Story (miming but acting the hell out of it), so i was looking forward to seeing this. While she plays the title role her part isn't that showy, at the start she is a sort of quiet and timid girl, but as the movie progresses she comes out of her shell much more. Thats character development. She too has made worse movies (Bombers B-52 anyone?).
Karl Malden isn't mentioned much so i thought i'd just mention that while he didn't give a groundbreaking performance it was solid and had some life.
Ann Jillian who played June Hovick (Gypsy's sister) embodied her character pretty fully and i have no complaints.
Now the music is a mixed batch but mainly entertaining, especially "let me entertain you" and "if mama was married."
Dances are fine, especially Tulsa's dance with Louise (AKA Gypsy, played by Natalie Wood), which is a highlight.
To be honest it ran a little long and some parts of it should have been cut, but this is not the fault of the actors. I have to say that it's funny, dramatic, light and overall uneven, but if you're a fan of the actors it's worth a watch. Personally i enjoyed it, i got a bit bored in some parts because almost any scene without Russell or Wood is unbearable (thankfully there are very, very few). And i still watch it occasionally, it's not the best musical comedy by a long shot but for an afternoon watch you could do a lot worse.
"Have a Goldstone Mr Eggroll!" Mama Rose (Rosalind Russell), Gypsy.
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