The Movie Musical!

By: Jeanine Basinger

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Irresistible and authoritative, The Movie Musical! is an in-depth look at the singing, dancing, happy-making world of Hollywood musicals - an essential audiobook for anyone who's ever laughed, cried, or sung along at the movies.

Leading film historian Jeanine Basinger reveals, with her trademark wit and zest, the whole story of the Hollywood musical - in the most telling, most incisive, most detailed audiobook of her long and remarkable career.

From Fred Astaire, whom she adores, to La La Land, which she deplores, Basinger examines a dazzling array of stars, strategies, talents, and innovations in the history of musical cinema. Whether analyzing a classic Gene Kelly routine, relishing a Nelson-Jeanette operetta, or touting a dynamic hip hop number (in the underrated Idlewild), she is a canny and charismatic guide to the many ways that song and dance have been seen - and heard - on film.

With extensive portraits of everyone from Al Jolson, the Jazz Singer; to Doris Day, whose iconic sunniness has overshadowed her dramatic talents; from Deanna Durbin, that lovable teen-star of the '30s and '40s; to Shirley T. and Judy G.; from Bing to Frank to Elvis; from Ann Miller to Ann-Margret; from Disney to Chicago...focusing on many beloved, iconic films (Top Hat, Singin' in the Rain, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Sound of Music) as well as unduly obscure gems (Eddie Cantor's Whoopee!, Murder at the Vanities, Sun Valley Serenade, One from the Heart), this audiobook is astute, informative, and a pure pleasure to hear.

©2019 Jeanine Basinger (P)2019 Random House Audio

a great and entertaining history

not only is this a well written history of film musicals, it manages to also cover pretty well the history of life, Broadway musicals. and it's a lot of fun to read. highly recommended.

Brilliant Analysis of a Wonderful Art Form

Epic, always fascinating story of the most fascinating film genre. Jeanine Basinger proves herself to be the most entertaining and erudite of film historians. Lovingly narrated, utterly compelling.

Very Interesting

I learned a from this book. My only problem is the way it’s set up one chapter is hours long. 

In depth history and commentary

Awesome historical review of musicals but . . . too much listing of credits - like the end of movies. Narrator is terrific.

Excellent Review of Musical

loved her analysis of musicals and musical stars. it helped that I 100% agree with her on lala land

Be Prepared For Binge Watching

Thoroughly enjoyable listen of movie musical history. Narrator was excellent. Starts a bit slow but hang in there and you will find yourself seeking out all these films , the well known and not so well known.

What happened to Camelot and Paint Your Wagon?

I have always loved musicals, as a young boy as my friends sought out the actioners, I was drawn to the emotional charge of the musical with its magical transition from straight dialogue to song. Aside from the great musicals lauded by the author, she does point out and explain the flawed efforts that don't stand up well. one of the movies that hooked me as a tender lad was the film version of Camelot, surely this uneven gem deserved some discussion? Also Paint Your Wagon which had Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood in song. Wandering Star was even a pop hit. These omissions as well as others like Dr Doolittle and a string of British movies, leave me with the impression that the topic was not adequately researched by the author. What did remain for inclusion in her book was satisfying and well narrated.

Re: History of American musicals

This is a well researched history of American musicals, with occasional references to more famous international musicals, and covers the field in every significant manner possible including star vehicles, television attempts, animation, cult and speciality titles. While a listener may not agree with all of the author's insights or ratings, every opinion is well justified or explained to the audience. The weakiest, if necessary, section of the title occurs at the outset when the writer defines what will qualify as a musical and what doesn't while emphasizing how each choice advances, extends or brings an original aspect to this type of movie vehicle.

Take your time

This was my first purchased in audible. Had I known the flow of the boom I wouldn’t have gone through with it. It’s very very slow and boring and feels like facts after facts after facts

Great narration! But pronunciations...

The narrator is perfectly suited to the work, which I highly recommend. You will learn more about Vera Hruba Ralston than you ever thought you would!

Bennett is great with Basinger's casual (occasionally too much so) tone, and clearly understands the fact that this is a serious history told in a breezy style. I think she is very talented and would certainly listen to books by her again.

However! Can authors please review the text first and give proper pronunciations when needed? Mispronounced: Chevalier, Donen, Adolphe Menjou, Apache (Native American = ah-PATCHE-ee; French dance = uh-POSH)...and I swear I heard an "eck cetera." It takes you out of the story for just a moment, and it's so avoidable. No fault given to the narrator. Just bad preparation.

I will add that I've read many of Basinger's books, and her easy style makes them a natural for audiobooks. I hope there will be more.