In this personal and opinionated book Tom Hischak takes a close look at what happens when a Broadway musical goes to Hollywood, and less often when Hollywood comes to Broadway.
The musicals discussed range from The Desert Song (1927), the first sound film of a Broadway musical, to Chicago, the 2002 film made from the 1975 Broadway hit. Film musicals that became Broadway shows range from Lili (1953) to Never Gonna Dance (2003). The book assumes a basic familiarity with famous musicals (for example the plot of My Fair Lady is summed up in a sentence or two) but lesser known works are fully explained. One chapter looks at British musicals that were popular in New York and were later filmed with Hollywood connections.
Also included is a Directory that gives credits, names, and songs for both the stage and screen version for all the musicals discussed. Appendices offer statistical data on musicals, and there is an extensive Bibliography.
Industry Reviews
This informative book covers every Broadway musical adapted for the screen. -- Louis Botto * Playbill *
...hilarious, and loads of fun... -- Steven LaVigne * Living Out *
...the process of transferring from stage to screen is particularly fascinating, and is chronicled here in astonishing detail...Written with enthusiasm and understanding, the catalogue of fudged opportunities and moments of Oscar-winning glory will earn raves from theatre-goers and movie fans alike. Four Stars! * Film Review *
Hischak...examines 176 Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals that were translated into film versions in Hollywood, ranging from The Desert Song (1927) to the 2002 hit, Chicago; ten British musicals that were once popular in New York and later filmed with Hollywood connections; and 15 Broadway shows based on movie musicals. The author considers the changes each musical underwent and the results of those changes, both in terms of artistic achievement and audience satisfaction. Academic but accessible to theatergoers, moviegoers, film and/or theater students, and those in the theater and film businessss * Reference and Research Book News *
...this is an eye-opener, and entertaining to boot. * Stage Directions *
Hischak...examines 176 Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals that were translated into film versions in Hollywood, ranging from The Desert Song (1927) to the 2002 hit, Chicago; ten British musicals that were once popular in New York and later filmed with Hollywood connections; and 15 Broadway shows based on movie musicals. The author considers the changes each musical underwent and the results of those changes, both in terms of artistic achievement and audience satisfaction. Academic but accessible to theatergoers, moviegoers, film and/or theater students, and those in the theater and film business * Reference and Research Book News *
If you know someone who delights in musicals, Thomas S. Hischak's book Through the Screen Door would make a fine gift. * The Syracuse Post-Standard/Stars *
Essential. * CHOICE *
