Once More, with Feeling!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!