Customer Reviews

Bugsy Malone

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The year 1976 saw the release of a most singular new musical, "Bugsy Malone". Performed by a cast consisting entirely of children (average age: 12) and set in prohibition-era Chicago, "Bugsy" chronicled the adventures of opposing gangsters fighting for control of the, uh, "sasperilla" market. The movie itself is beautifully shot and well-acted by it's pint-sized cast, but the real star is the surprisingly good Paul Williams score.

This Limited Edition CD contains all the original songs, newly remastered, straight from Japan. They range from the pensive title song, to the sultry "My Name is Tullulah", to the wistful "Ordinary Fool"; all with a distinctive ninteen twenties feel. The bouncy "Bad Guys" is a great comic tune ("We coulda been anything that we wanted to be/With all the talent we had") and "Fat Sam's Grand Slam" makes nice use of the honky-tonk piano used throughout the score.

While the melodies on all the songs are gorgeous, it's the lyrics that really shine through. On the terrific "Down and Out", Williams fuses a sparkling wit ("Lady Luck is fickle/But a Lady is allowed to change her mind") with a gentle pathos ("Think of all the time you're wasting/Time's a precious thing to let roll by..."), and on the stunning "Tommorrow" he combines a torchy melody with lovely, aching lyrics.

The album ends with the sweet "You Give a Little Love", whose repition of the first two lines ("You give a little love and it all comes back to you/You know you're gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do...") carries the movie into the closing credits.

While I like the film, I almost feel the score is just a bit too good for it, and I would love to see a retooling of "Bugsy Malone" as a straight 20's musical, with adults in the cast. Until then, be satisfied with the Soundtrack, a must for Williams' fans and musical buffs.

If you're a fan of the wonderfully entertaining movie, this soundtrack is a must have! The full version of Blousie Brown's sultry audition song, "I'm Feeling Fine," is wonderful, and the "Bad Guys" street-dancing number is one of the greatest musical comedy tunes I've ever heard! If you loved the movie, you will love this CD.

I was so stoked to find this cd. I had been looking for it for quite a few years, so there is no disappointment in it whatsoever. Thank you Paul Williams for giving us your gift!

This album shows the great songs of the movie Bugsy Malone. In an all children cast the music is very thematic and up beat but also can fit the mood. The notes will dnace in your head. If you like the movie, you remember it is a musical with great actors, acting, and dance. This CD is what I'vee been waiting for. I strongly suggest you get this one.

It's too difficult to describe the beauty of Paul Williams' music. From poor cleaner Fizzy's soulful rendition of 'Tomorrow', to the ragtime extravaganza that is 'Fat Sam's Grand Slam', every song - bar none - delights and thrills any musical theatre lover. I am listening to the soundtrack at this very second and re-living a thousand memories. That these songs were mimed by twelve year-olds in the film only makes them more magic. Thank you, Paul Williams, thank-you thank-you thank-you.

Either you know of this rarity(& love it), or you have no idea what it is(& you're curious); either way, it's worth the low price, and isn't readily avaiable in the U.S., anyway.
It's Baio's first job, and the continuing of Foster's turn into a mature performer(regardless of the whole 'kid characters' concept).
And the music is almost too catchy sometimes(in a good way)! If you enjoy the movie, you might wanna grab the soundtrack! Do so...

This is a film that takes me back to the years of my youth. The feelings it gave me back then (when I was of an age with the actors), come back with every new viewing. Fun, innocence, hope, determiniation, love, and more, for which words can't be found. The bonus of watching it as an adult, is that you can see the subtle perfection of certain scenes and acting (Jodie Foster admittedly gives a performance years ahead of the others), and the almost irrepressable delight of the kids taking part in it's production. When I first saw it, I came away wishing I could live in that strange land of sharp-suits and cream-pies, where the ultimate conflict culminates in universal love and a collosal food-fight. Give it a viewing. You may be one of those happy ones who love it.

The CD has yet to be released domestically, but the Paul Williams score for this comedic musical of children portraying 1920s-era gangsters (starring Scott Baio and Jodie Foster) is worth tracking down.

The 10 numbers have the Williams wit throughout - see the politician/sitting by the kitchen/said he caught his fingers/in the well he was wishing in - and are performed by a number of adult singers; including Williams, Archie Hahn and Liberty Williams, with the actors lip-synching in the film.

Williams is a prolific songwriter who has produced a number of excellent scores for movies. This album is near the top of that list.

The film Bugsy Malone is an interesting bit of 70's nostalgia, done like the classic gangster films from several decades combined with a musical this would be an average film and cd if it wasn't for one thing, the cast is all children!
Now the singers are all adults so unless you've seen the film this may not make a difference to you but still. I loved this film when I was a kid I thought it was funny and something I could relate to far more than the adult ganster films. The songs are cute and done in typical Paul Willams style. I particualrly enjoy the finale song but the entrie CD is worth a listen if you like Phantom of the Paradise and other Paul William's classics.
SIgh I just wish someone would release the film here in the US.

The variety in this soundtrack is incredible. Light and lively, soulful and sad. Every song is pure pleasure. I, like most, enjoy all types of music -- but this is one of my all time favorites!