Sunday Viewing: Star!, 1968

Gertrude Lawrence (1898-1952) was one of the most talented, beautiful and celebrated stars of the West End and Broadway stages. Her illustrious career was the stuff of legend. She worked with the most notable people of her time including Noel Coward and Moss Hart. Her life was marked by both fabulous success and personal tragedies.


In 1968, Robert Wise directed a magnificent Technicolor film about the life of Gertrude Lawrence starring Julie Andrews. Star! was a lavish musical with gorgeous sets and magnificent costumes which chronicled the life of Lawrence as she struggled to make her mark in the theater and, afterwards, as she dealt with a series of blows. Daniel Massey gives an outstanding performance as Noel Coward (who was, in real life, Massey’s godfather). The cast also includes Richard Crenna and Robert Reed.

With opulent numbers including “Burlington Bertie from Bow” (a clip of which I featured yesterday), “The Saga of Jenny” (see below), “Has Anybody Seen Our Ship?,” “Oh, It’s a Lovely War,” and many others, the picture is enjoyable from start to finish. Strangely, the film was not a commercial success at the time, however, later it was appreciated for its brilliant performances and rich settings.

This is an ideal film to watch on a cozy Sunday afternoon. You’ll leave the experience with your toes tapping and your soul enriched from a glimpse at the magnificent creature that was Gertrude Lawrence.