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Must-See Musicals: 50 Show-Stopping Movies We Can't Forget
Spanning nine decades and showcasing the most memorable songs, dazzling dancing, and brightest stars ever to grace the silver screen, Must-See Musicals is the guide to the greatest musicals of all time from the most trusted authority on Turner Classic Movies.
Movie musicals have been a part of pop culture since films began to talk, over nine decades ago. From The Jazz Singer in 1927 all the way to La La Land in modern times, musicals have sung and danced over a vast amount of territory, thrilling audiences the entire time. More than any other type of entertainment, musicals transport us to marvelous a Technicolor land over the rainbow in The Wizard of Oz ; a romantic ballroom where, in Top Hat , Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance cheek to cheek; a London theater where the Beatles perform before hysterical crowds in A Hard Day's Night ; even to a seemingly alternate reality where eager throngs still throw rice as they watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show . These titles, and many more, show us that a great musical film is a timeless joy.
Covering fifty of the best spanning the dawn of sound to the high-def present, Turner Classic Must-See Musicals -- written by renowned musical historian Richard Barrios-is filled with lush illustrations as well as enlightening commentary and entertaining "backstage" stories about every one of these unforgettable films.
Movie musicals have been a part of pop culture since films began to talk, over nine decades ago. From The Jazz Singer in 1927 all the way to La La Land in modern times, musicals have sung and danced over a vast amount of territory, thrilling audiences the entire time. More than any other type of entertainment, musicals transport us to marvelous a Technicolor land over the rainbow in The Wizard of Oz ; a romantic ballroom where, in Top Hat , Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance cheek to cheek; a London theater where the Beatles perform before hysterical crowds in A Hard Day's Night ; even to a seemingly alternate reality where eager throngs still throw rice as they watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show . These titles, and many more, show us that a great musical film is a timeless joy.
Covering fifty of the best spanning the dawn of sound to the high-def present, Turner Classic Must-See Musicals -- written by renowned musical historian Richard Barrios-is filled with lush illustrations as well as enlightening commentary and entertaining "backstage" stories about every one of these unforgettable films.
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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March 16, 2019I have seen 19 (and a half) of theses fifty movies. And I have to say I disagree with this list. Many of these movies were described as problematic and unable to stand the test of time. It was suggested more than once that you just look passed something or get over it. And while watching an old film that is surely true, bum to make a must see list and include those troublesome movies just shouldn't happen.
And to have La La Land on the cover is misleading. There are only two movies on this list from the 2000's. Something from the 30's should be the cover picture, than you'll know what you're getting into.
1. The Broadway Meloy (1929)
2. The Love Parade (1929)
3. Sunny Side Up (1929)
4. King Of Jazz (1930)
5. Le Million (1931)
6. Love Me Tonight (1932)
7. 42nd Street (1933)
8. Top Hat (1935)
9. Show Boat (936)
10. Swing Time (1936)
11. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
12. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
13. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
14. Holiday Inn (1942)
--I turned this off during the blackface scene. It made me so uncomfortable I just could not watch it.
15. Cabin in the Sky (943)
16. Cover Girl (1944)
17. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
18. On The Town (1949)
19. Annie Get Your Gun (1950)
20. An American In Paris (1951)
21. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
22. Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
23.Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
24. The Band Wagon (1953)
25. Calamity Jane (1953)
26. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954)
27. A Star Is Born (1954)
28. Oklahoma! (1955)
29. The King And I (1956)
30. The Girl Can't Help It (1956)
31. Funny Face (1957)
32. The Pajama Game (1957)
33. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
34. Gigi (1958)
35. West Side Story (1961)
36. The Music Man (1962)
37. The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (1964)
38. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
39. Mary Poppins (1964)
40. My Fair Lady (1964)
41. The Sound Of Music (1965)
42. Funny Girl (1965)
43. Oliver! (1968)
44. Fiddler On The Roof (1971)
45. Cabaret (1972)
46. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
47. Grease (1978)
48. Beauty And The Beast (1991)
49. Chicago (2002)
50. La La Land (2016)
And to have La La Land on the cover is misleading. There are only two movies on this list from the 2000's. Something from the 30's should be the cover picture, than you'll know what you're getting into.
1. The Broadway Meloy (1929)
2. The Love Parade (1929)
3. Sunny Side Up (1929)
4. King Of Jazz (1930)
5. Le Million (1931)
6. Love Me Tonight (1932)
7. 42nd Street (1933)
8. Top Hat (1935)
9. Show Boat (936)
10. Swing Time (1936)
11. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
12. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
13. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
14. Holiday Inn (1942)
--I turned this off during the blackface scene. It made me so uncomfortable I just could not watch it.
15. Cabin in the Sky (943)
16. Cover Girl (1944)
17. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
18. On The Town (1949)
19. Annie Get Your Gun (1950)
20. An American In Paris (1951)
21. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
22. Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
23.Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
24. The Band Wagon (1953)
25. Calamity Jane (1953)
26. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954)
27. A Star Is Born (1954)
28. Oklahoma! (1955)
29. The King And I (1956)
30. The Girl Can't Help It (1956)
31. Funny Face (1957)
32. The Pajama Game (1957)
33. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
34. Gigi (1958)
35. West Side Story (1961)
36. The Music Man (1962)
37. The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (1964)
38. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
39. Mary Poppins (1964)
40. My Fair Lady (1964)
41. The Sound Of Music (1965)
42. Funny Girl (1965)
43. Oliver! (1968)
44. Fiddler On The Roof (1971)
45. Cabaret (1972)
46. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
47. Grease (1978)
48. Beauty And The Beast (1991)
49. Chicago (2002)
50. La La Land (2016)
October 19, 2017
While you might be tempted to lightly peruse and selectively reference Turner Classic Movies: Must See Musicals: 50 Show-Stopping Movies We Can’t Forget, don’t. If you don’t read this one cover to cover, you’ll miss out on the lovely pleasure of discovering the evolution of the movie musical and all that the genre has meant to cinema and classic movie fans everywhere. Mirroring their times and technology, musicals are unique in their ability to transport, uplift and move. They are so frequently the panacea for their moment.
Starting with The Broadway Melody (1929) and moving on through to La La Land (2016), author Richard Barrios has put forth a love letter, highlighting some of the most iconic musical moments in movies. Might your favorite film be missed? Perhaps. But each selection and their accompanying chapters not only details why that film has its place in history but also gives hints for several others who share its space. You’ll likely find your personal preference somewhere in these pages.
The book opens with a foreword by Michael Feinstein and a heart-stopping full-page shimmering black and white image of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; it only gets better from there. A dive into the chapters finds a nice structure. Each carefully selected musical is given an overview that includes its special place, appeal and most iconic moments as well as a few luscious behind the scenes tidbits. Barrios’ moves on to ‘What’s More’, generally more fun background and ‘Musically Speaking’, a bit about the songs and numbers themselves. A movie poster, cast and credits, and four or more photos, some from in-production, completes each section.
Classic movies can be like comfort food and a musical perhaps more than any other genre really hits that sweet spot. While many are timeless confections, others move in the realm of resonant relatability. From the soaring strains of Streisand belting a heart-breaking ‘My Man’, the defiant, gritty synchronicity of the Jets in West Side Story, a luminous Judy Garland’s aching rendition of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, and the bright, technicolor joyousness of An American in Paris, musicals stir a place inside rarely touched by other films. It’s no wonder we welcome them into our homes time and time again. And you’ll do the same with this guide. In handy paperback, it’s a quick way to not only catch up on some easy information but also a neat way to relive a few memorable movie moments.
While I’m a big fan of movie musicals I confess to having given a few a cursory or partial viewing. Some perhaps seemed dated, others a little too frothy. I found that even for those films I may not prefer or have yet to discover, I have now been given enough background information to appreciate their place in cinema history and what might make a particular picture shine for a particular fan. Many of these films have continued to move audiences’ hearts and spirits for decades and there’s always a good reason why. Barrios finds that reason.
Printed in luscious heavy stock, the book is worth the price of admission for the photos alone; many are full page. I found myself stopping just to appreciate their glamour and artistry.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this book. I was moved to tears both by the joyful eloquence of its author and by a genre that sometimes gets overlooked in our ‘oh so serious’ times; I’ve added many new films to my ever-growing list of ‘Must See’.
This book is sooo highly recommended. Not only would it make a perfect holiday gift but it’s also just the escape from the madness that we all need right now. Here’s to 2018!!!
Thank you to Running Press/Turner Classic Movies for providing me with an advance review copy of this lovely book. Turner Classic Movies: Must-See Musicals: 50 Show-Stopping Movies We Can’t Forget (Running Press 2017) is available in a sturdy paperback or eBook from SHOPTCM.com and Amazon.com.
Please see: https://dreaminginthebalcony.wordpres...
Starting with The Broadway Melody (1929) and moving on through to La La Land (2016), author Richard Barrios has put forth a love letter, highlighting some of the most iconic musical moments in movies. Might your favorite film be missed? Perhaps. But each selection and their accompanying chapters not only details why that film has its place in history but also gives hints for several others who share its space. You’ll likely find your personal preference somewhere in these pages.
The book opens with a foreword by Michael Feinstein and a heart-stopping full-page shimmering black and white image of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; it only gets better from there. A dive into the chapters finds a nice structure. Each carefully selected musical is given an overview that includes its special place, appeal and most iconic moments as well as a few luscious behind the scenes tidbits. Barrios’ moves on to ‘What’s More’, generally more fun background and ‘Musically Speaking’, a bit about the songs and numbers themselves. A movie poster, cast and credits, and four or more photos, some from in-production, completes each section.
Classic movies can be like comfort food and a musical perhaps more than any other genre really hits that sweet spot. While many are timeless confections, others move in the realm of resonant relatability. From the soaring strains of Streisand belting a heart-breaking ‘My Man’, the defiant, gritty synchronicity of the Jets in West Side Story, a luminous Judy Garland’s aching rendition of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, and the bright, technicolor joyousness of An American in Paris, musicals stir a place inside rarely touched by other films. It’s no wonder we welcome them into our homes time and time again. And you’ll do the same with this guide. In handy paperback, it’s a quick way to not only catch up on some easy information but also a neat way to relive a few memorable movie moments.
While I’m a big fan of movie musicals I confess to having given a few a cursory or partial viewing. Some perhaps seemed dated, others a little too frothy. I found that even for those films I may not prefer or have yet to discover, I have now been given enough background information to appreciate their place in cinema history and what might make a particular picture shine for a particular fan. Many of these films have continued to move audiences’ hearts and spirits for decades and there’s always a good reason why. Barrios finds that reason.
Printed in luscious heavy stock, the book is worth the price of admission for the photos alone; many are full page. I found myself stopping just to appreciate their glamour and artistry.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this book. I was moved to tears both by the joyful eloquence of its author and by a genre that sometimes gets overlooked in our ‘oh so serious’ times; I’ve added many new films to my ever-growing list of ‘Must See’.
This book is sooo highly recommended. Not only would it make a perfect holiday gift but it’s also just the escape from the madness that we all need right now. Here’s to 2018!!!
Thank you to Running Press/Turner Classic Movies for providing me with an advance review copy of this lovely book. Turner Classic Movies: Must-See Musicals: 50 Show-Stopping Movies We Can’t Forget (Running Press 2017) is available in a sturdy paperback or eBook from SHOPTCM.com and Amazon.com.
Please see: https://dreaminginthebalcony.wordpres...
September 20, 2017
As Barrios writes, probably no two people will ever agree on THE definitive list of movie musicals. (His list, in my opinion, could have used a little less Rocky Horror and a little more Gene Kelly.) That said, his list was mostly a very strong one -- and also offered additional good recommendations -- and he did a great job of making the case for it.
August 20, 2018
2.5
There were some good musicals but it was so difficult to read knowing the author thought to include La La Land but not Les Misérables (which I am watching as I write)
There were some good musicals but it was so difficult to read knowing the author thought to include La La Land but not Les Misérables (which I am watching as I write)
May 25, 2019
Non l'ho letto nella sua interezza, mi sono limitata ai film che ho visto al momento (26\50) però devo ammettere di esserne stata conquistata.
Le immagini presenti sono splendide, è ricco di curiosità sia sulla pellicola in sé sia sugli attori che ne hanno fatto parte e, dulcis in fundo, per ogni film proposto ne vengono consigliati altri due che possono essere considerati affini (come nel caso di La La Land dove viene consigliato il meraviglioso Into the Woods) o meno (in cui, ad esempio, sono stati riutilizzati parti della scenografia o cose così).
Comunque i 50 film, considerati imperdibili per un motivo o per un altro, sono:
1. La canzone di Broadway (1929)
2. Il principe consorte (1929)
3. Sunny Side Up (1929)
4. Il re del jazz (1930)
5. Il millione (1931)
6. Amami stanotte (1932)
7. Quarantaduesima strada (1933)
8. Cappello a cilindro (1935)♡
9. La canzone di Magnolia (1936)
10. Follie d'inverno (1936)♡
11. Biancaneve e i sette nani (1937)♡♡
12. Il mago di Oz (1939)♡
13. Ribalta di gloria (1942)
14. La taverna dell'allegria (1942)
15. Due cuori in cielo (1943)
16. Fascino (1944)
17. Incontriamoci a St. Louis (1944)♡♡
18. Un giorno a New York (1949)♡♡
19. Anna prendi il fucile (1950)
20. Un Americano a Parigi (1951)♡♡
21. Cantando sotto la pioggia (1952)♡♡♡
22. La ninfa degli antipodi (1952)
23. Gli uomini preferiscono le bionde (1953)♡
24. Spettacolo di varietà (1953)
25. Calamity Jane (1953)♡♡
26. Sette spose per sette fratelli (1954)♡♡♡
27. È nata una stella (1954)♡
28. Oklahoma! (1955)
29. Il re ed io (1956)
30. Gangster cerca moglie (1956)
31. Cenerentola a Parigi (1957)♡
32. Il gioco del pigiama (1957)
33. Il delinquente del rock and roll(1957)
34. Gigi (1958)♡♡
35. West Side Story (1961)♡
36. Capobanda (1962)
37. Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964)
38. Tutti per uno(1964)
39. Mary Poppins (1964)♡♡♡
40. My Fair Lady (1964)♡
41. Tutti insieme appassionatamente (1965)♡♡
42. Funny Girl (1965)♡♡
43. Oliver! (1968)
44. Il violinista sul tetto (1971)♡♡
45. Cabaret (1972)♡♡
46. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)♡
47. Grease (1978)♡♡
48. La Bella e la Bestia (1991)♡
49. Chicago (2002)♡♡
50. La La Land (2016)♡♡♡
Le immagini presenti sono splendide, è ricco di curiosità sia sulla pellicola in sé sia sugli attori che ne hanno fatto parte e, dulcis in fundo, per ogni film proposto ne vengono consigliati altri due che possono essere considerati affini (come nel caso di La La Land dove viene consigliato il meraviglioso Into the Woods) o meno (in cui, ad esempio, sono stati riutilizzati parti della scenografia o cose così).
Comunque i 50 film, considerati imperdibili per un motivo o per un altro, sono:
1. La canzone di Broadway (1929)
2. Il principe consorte (1929)
3. Sunny Side Up (1929)
4. Il re del jazz (1930)
5. Il millione (1931)
6. Amami stanotte (1932)
7. Quarantaduesima strada (1933)
8. Cappello a cilindro (1935)♡
9. La canzone di Magnolia (1936)
10. Follie d'inverno (1936)♡
11. Biancaneve e i sette nani (1937)♡♡
12. Il mago di Oz (1939)♡
13. Ribalta di gloria (1942)
14. La taverna dell'allegria (1942)
15. Due cuori in cielo (1943)
16. Fascino (1944)
17. Incontriamoci a St. Louis (1944)♡♡
18. Un giorno a New York (1949)♡♡
19. Anna prendi il fucile (1950)
20. Un Americano a Parigi (1951)♡♡
21. Cantando sotto la pioggia (1952)♡♡♡
22. La ninfa degli antipodi (1952)
23. Gli uomini preferiscono le bionde (1953)♡
24. Spettacolo di varietà (1953)
25. Calamity Jane (1953)♡♡
26. Sette spose per sette fratelli (1954)♡♡♡
27. È nata una stella (1954)♡
28. Oklahoma! (1955)
29. Il re ed io (1956)
30. Gangster cerca moglie (1956)
31. Cenerentola a Parigi (1957)♡
32. Il gioco del pigiama (1957)
33. Il delinquente del rock and roll(1957)
34. Gigi (1958)♡♡
35. West Side Story (1961)♡
36. Capobanda (1962)
37. Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964)
38. Tutti per uno(1964)
39. Mary Poppins (1964)♡♡♡
40. My Fair Lady (1964)♡
41. Tutti insieme appassionatamente (1965)♡♡
42. Funny Girl (1965)♡♡
43. Oliver! (1968)
44. Il violinista sul tetto (1971)♡♡
45. Cabaret (1972)♡♡
46. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)♡
47. Grease (1978)♡♡
48. La Bella e la Bestia (1991)♡
49. Chicago (2002)♡♡
50. La La Land (2016)♡♡♡
February 12, 2020
Bravo! Another great book by TCM, this time a chronological overview of unforgettable movie musicals, penned by Richard Barrios. It has everything: photos, film credits, fun facts and fan reactions, all in a beautifully formatted volume. It will make you want to watch your favorites again, and seek out the few you may not have seen yet. A very good read!
March 16, 2018
Sigin in the dark
The author wrote one of my favourite film books,A Song In The Dark.I like his informed witty style which suits the subject.I particularly liked the many photos.A very enjoyable read though I do not agree with all his selections
The author wrote one of my favourite film books,A Song In The Dark.I like his informed witty style which suits the subject.I particularly liked the many photos.A very enjoyable read though I do not agree with all his selections
January 16, 2020
Gotta sing; gotta dance
A fun read for anyone who loves old movies where characters glide through life singing and/or dancing their hearts out while searching for true love (or the perfect good nanny).
A fun read for anyone who loves old movies where characters glide through life singing and/or dancing their hearts out while searching for true love (or the perfect good nanny).
March 10, 2020
Enjoyable history of musicals
The 50 discussed are truly the greats. It would be a good book for anyone interested in musicals, but with little experience viewing them. I have read several books put out by Turner Classic Movies and they are all very enjoyable and informative.
The 50 discussed are truly the greats. It would be a good book for anyone interested in musicals, but with little experience viewing them. I have read several books put out by Turner Classic Movies and they are all very enjoyable and informative.
September 1, 2020
Solid book -- if it gets one person to see Love me Tonight, it's worth its publication. I'm a little sad there's nothing too surprising here. I would have loved to see Cry Baby or the original Hairspray on the list.
February 21, 2018
I had already seen many of them, but there were some great new recommendations, too.
January 31, 2020
Admittedly, I did a lot of skimming through the entries about the earlier musicals but the later entries were a lot of fun. Definitely surface-level peeks at these great musicals.
February 9, 2020
Aside from some glaring omissions (where is Moulin Rouge? Evita?) this is an amazing guide to the best of the best musicals l, from The Jazz Singer to LaLaLand.
April 9, 2026
Another nostalgia pick. I only disagree with 11 or 12. Now is my oldest still to young for The Music Man?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews