Customer Reviews

Carol Channing & Pearl Bailey on Broadway

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This television special works very well. The diversity of its two stars creates a special chemistry. Carol Channing has a rehearsed, Broadway Star appeal, while Pearl Bailey seems very relaxed, as if she's making it up on the spot.

The show is low-concept, which works wonderfully: Put these two entertainers on a Broadway stage in front of an adoring audience ... Have them sing a couple duets ... Let each one have a solo spot ... then bring them back together at the end for a duet of "Hello Dolly".

When I watched this DVD, I was most amazed that I'd never see Pearl Bailey perform before - although I knew her "name" and reputation as an entertainer. And, although Carol Channing is imitated ad nauseum for her funny voice and deer-in-the-headlight-eyes, she is actually a very entertaining performer. I laughed hysterically at her characterization of a silent screen star with a whistling "S". And her version of "If I Were A Rich Man" is very good.

There is also an under-rehearsed, making-it-up-as-we-go-along quality to the special. Pearl Bailey seems like she likes to work without a net and even tries to through Carol Channing with her unscripted asides. All of this lends an authentic show business feeling to the show - as if Carol and Pearl said "Let's put on a show!"

CAROL CHANNING AND PEARL BAILEY ON BROADWAY is an old-fashioned, entertaining television show, guaranteed to entertain. They don't make entertainers like that any more!

What a gem! Here's a chance to see what made these two great ladies Broadway queens in the Golden Era of musical theater. Pearl Bailey plays second fiddle here, but her solo sequence is marvelous--earthy and torchy, and as risque as television would allow for the time. But the joy here is Channing, panning Marlene Dietrich and Zero Mostel, and showing why she was, and is, one of the theater's most cherished performers. Best of all is the true live performance these two great ladies deliver--again demonstrating not only why they were such big stars, but also showing us what television had the potential to be. Musical comedy fans, especially you young ones who think theater didn't exist before Les Miserables, must grab this recording for a glimpse into an era regrettably long gone. Sheer heaven.

a unique document on two leading ladies in entertainment, Miss bailey as jazzy as always, and Miss Channing a great comedienne, espaecially in the impersenations of marlene Dietrich, Carmen Miranda and a hilarious Cecilia Cisson.
loevely duets from various shows and of course their own interpretation of Hello Dolly.
Almost forty years old, but it did not loose its strength
a must have for every "entertainment " person!!
two thumbs up

I have been waiting for this for such along time! Pearl Bailey and Carol Channing may not be singing together in their duets, but to have this on DVD is such a treasure! These two women give an all out performance which showcases why we love them so much, their PERSONALITY! It's only a shame that not much of these women are talked about lately. We can only hope that Porgy and Bess will be released on DVD and that Thoroughly Modern Millie will have a long run when it opens in London! Having said that, this performance is filled with glitz and glamour of a time long ago. These are truly funny ladys!

Carol Channing seems prepared, but Pearl Bailey does not. Pearl tries to improvise, but it doesn't appear as if she is in control of her performance most of the time. Pearl's lack of preparation defintely took away from her performance - but ya gotta love her anyway. Carol is very interesting to watch, so funny and at the top of her game. You can see why she is a Broadway legend. The production is overall weak and that appears to have hurt the strength of the performances somewhat. Nevertheless, you can't get stuff like this anywhere else. It's worth every knickel. Buy it.

If you enjoy performances of great legends of the stage, then more than likely you will enjoy "Carol Channing & Pearl Bailey On Broadway." Although the audio at times is a little muddy, watching these two dynamic women perform is worth the purchase of this DVD. Channing is hilarious as she does a great imitation of Marlene Dietrich. Bailey delivers a song, making it her own. She is definetly a talent that was taken from us too soon. The two women play off of each other like the best and dearest old friends. It is someting to watch and enjoy time and again.

I bought this for my dad (87) and we watched it together recently when I was visiting him in Florida. He and my mom had seen Pearl Bailey in "Hello Dolly" on Broadway years ago and, after the show, Pearl announced that Carol Channing was in the audience. To the delight of the audience, Pearl brought Carol up on stage to do a few numbers together. The CD brought back fond memories for my dad, since we lost my mom five years ago. We both thoroughly enjoyed watching these two amazingly talented, energetic women perform their solos and duets. Entertaining, enchanting, and worth every penny!

There is nothing better than two great ladies of the stage enjoying each others company in this classic television special. Carol Channing is a riot and Pearl Bailey smolders with her top-notch delivery and improvisations. Also, this show is filled with rare glimpses of these great ladies nigtclub routines. You will see Pearl Bailey singing Bacharach tunes and Carol's irrepressible Cecilia Sisson. This is a must for any musical theater fan and a glimpse of a golden age in performing not to be seen again.

I sat home on the couch smiling & applauding throughout the whole show. The way Pearl Bailey sings "Little green apples" is breathtaking, and Carol is just a Doll! This is magnificent...a Must Have....BUY IT!

A great idea! What happened??? Actually, the writing is very weak and it seems that the two stars did not have very much rehearsal time, which is very evident. The classic moments involve Ms. Channing doing her incredible impressions. Dietrich is priceless! If for nothing else, I am happy that I purchased the DVD to have these moments for a keepsake. As for the rest of it....too much confusion, too much of a "Let's try a relaxed atmosphere!!!" That sort of setup only worked for people like Ms. Garland, Mr. Sinatra, Mr. Martin.