Funny Girl (1968)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  155 Minutes 

Rated:  G

Genre: Biography, Comedy, Musical, Drama

Director: Willaim Wyler

Starring: Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon, Lee Allen, Mae Questel, Gerald Mohr

IMDB Rank: 7.4/10

Part 1 Time:   95 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:   60 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) leaves the Follies, she heads for New York in order to be with Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif). She sings at the front of the boat.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Nobody’s going to rain on my parade” sings Fanny Brice.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Would you like all of these out sir?” Baggage Steward asks Nick Arnstein about the placement of his luggage.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/Somewhat, Fanny has decided to pursue Nick Arnstein a professional gambler and con artist. She leaves the Follies in order to be with him. How will this impact her stage career moving forward?

Which part is better? Part one of the film is very light-hearted with many funny interactions and scenes focusing on the beginning of Fanny’s stage career. Part two has a more serious tone, highlighting Fanny and Nick’s strenuous relationship. Part one is better due to the humour and musical scores presented within.

Academy Awards: Best Leading Actress (Barbra Streisand), Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actress (Nominated-Kay Medford), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Original Music (“Funny Girl”- Nominated), Best Music Score of a Musical Picture (Nominated)

National Film Registry: 2016