As with the 1966 ABC version of BRIGADOON, this version of CAROUSEL is superior to the film version in many ways. Somehow they have included more songs and more script than the film, and yet this has a shorter running time. Thankfully, two original plot points from the stage version are retained: The story is not a flashback, and Billy commits suicide. (Both of these points were changed for the 1956 film). The only real cuts in the score are "Stonecutters", "Geraniums in the Winder", and part of the Louise Ballet.
The entire cast is lovely and understated, especially Mary Grover (never heard of her elsewhere) as Julie. She has a light but controlled soprano, conveying the delicate nature of her character. Her scenes at the waterfront after the robbery attempt, and later scenes as an older woman, are very especially convincing. Marlyn Mason is fun as Carrie, but her voice is really not up to "Mr Snow". Still, she pulls it off with personality. Robert Goulet is real and raw as Billy, dropping his clean cut look from BRIGADOON, looking more appropriately haggard. Charlie Ruggles is warm and charming as the Starkeeper, and Marge Redmond is perfect as the jealous Mrs Mullin.
Bob Mackie's costumes are his usual best. The set design is stunningly detailed, but I did feel that at times it leaned a little toward "Main Street USA", rather than an East Coast harbor town. If I had to lodge any complaint, I feel it had some slow moments at times. Perhaps not quite as successful a TV special as BRIGADOON,but I feel lucky to have seen it at all.
The entire cast is lovely and understated, especially Mary Grover (never heard of her elsewhere) as Julie. She has a light but controlled soprano, conveying the delicate nature of her character. Her scenes at the waterfront after the robbery attempt, and later scenes as an older woman, are very especially convincing. Marlyn Mason is fun as Carrie, but her voice is really not up to "Mr Snow". Still, she pulls it off with personality. Robert Goulet is real and raw as Billy, dropping his clean cut look from BRIGADOON, looking more appropriately haggard. Charlie Ruggles is warm and charming as the Starkeeper, and Marge Redmond is perfect as the jealous Mrs Mullin.
Bob Mackie's costumes are his usual best. The set design is stunningly detailed, but I did feel that at times it leaned a little toward "Main Street USA", rather than an East Coast harbor town. If I had to lodge any complaint, I feel it had some slow moments at times. Perhaps not quite as successful a TV special as BRIGADOON,but I feel lucky to have seen it at all.