Product Details

• Actors: Ken Ludwig, Philip Bosco, Carol Burnett, Randy Graff, Tom Moore (II)
• Directors: D.A. Pennebaker, Chris Hegedus
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Docurama
• VHS Release Date: July 5, 2000
• Run Time: 98 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767024451
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,241 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In 1995, Carol Burnett returned to Broadway after an absence of three decades to costar in Ken Ludwig's comedy, Moon over Buffalo. Legendary documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker and his wife, Chris Hegedus, enjoyed extraordinary access to capture the nuts and bolts of mounting a Broadway play in this video equivalent of a backstage pass. It is more entertaining than the strained farce we glimpse onstage.

Like Pennebaker's cinéma vérité masterworks, the filmmakers do not impose themselves on the proceedings. There is no narration. The cameras record the process, from the introductory press conference to the anxious anticipation of the opening night reviews.

The play's director, Tom Moore, certainly has his hands full. Ludwig (who hit it big with the play Lend Me a Tenor) bemoans what the actors are doing to his words. "It's like a pact with the devil, having to cast stars," he complains. He must massage the actors' egos (the play's ingenue dislikes the picture of herself displayed outside the theater) and assuage their insecurities. Observe how he deftly and delicately reins in Burnett, who initially falls back on shtick to get a laugh. In one tense moment, Philip Bosco, Burnett's esteemed costar, becomes flustered when he believes his input is not appreciated. "Don't you want the benefit of our years of experience, of our sense of comedy?" he demands of Moore. Moon over Broadway is just the ticket for theater buffs. --Donald Liebenson

Product Description

Hailed as "irresistible" by the New York Times, Moon Over Broadway is a no-holds barred, behind-the scenes look at the making of the Broadway comedy, Moon Over Buffalo, starring TV sensation Carol Burnett. Revealing what really goes on before the curtain

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best DVDs Commentary Tracks EVER., December 20, 2000

By 

Christopher J. Jarmick "Word Lover" (Seattle, Wa. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Moon over Broadway (DVD)

Moon Over Broadway co-directed by legendary documentary director D.A. PENNEBAKER and his wife Chris Hegedus, is a behind the scenes documentary of the making of the Broadway Show Moon over Buffalo which starred Phillip Bosco, and Carol Burnett and was written by Ken Ludwig. From the announcement of the play being produced, to the beginning of rehearsal, to the disasterous Boston run, to the opening on Broadway. The access to the creative process the film-makers got is pretty amazing and what they captured is a rare behind the scenes warts and all glimpse of how a Broadway show is shaped. It doesn't take us long to realize we seem to be watching a train wreck occurring in slow motion.

Well things perhaps don't turn out as bad as you might believe. The show did wind up being moderately successful and audiences seemed to enjoy this bit of theatrical fluff.

Particularly interesting is the inter-play between the writer Ludwig, director Tom Moore, and the stars. There's a few truly candid moments caught with the producer and some of the show's backers as well. Being privvy to the whole process is a fascinating and educational experience.

But if you are lucky enough to have the DVD of the film, we are from over. As Paul Harvey would say... and then there's The Rest of the Story. . . .

The DVD has a commentary track that is no holds barred and reveals much more than the film ever could. The commentaries from the various actors, directors and producers, two to three years after the show closed, and a year or so after the documentary was released are remarkable frank, candid and revealing. Carol Burnett does contribute (via phone calls) to the commentary track as well. You'll gain even more insight and realize how deep wounds go by re-watching the film with it's invaluable commentary.

The movie is very good. The DVD package is remarkable.

Chris Jarmick Author of The Glass Cocoon with Serena F. Holder - A steamy cyber thriller. Available January 2001. Please order today. Thank You.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Process Vs. Product, July 11, 2000

By 

James Hiller (Beaverton, OR) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Moon over Broadway (DVD)

Sitting in the audience, we often glimpse the end result. We may even think how effortlessly and seamlessly it all fits together in a nice, neat package. Then we form our judgments towards yeah or nay, and go off on our way.

What Moon Over Broadway does is not only deflate, but explode, those perceptions with honesty and a no-holds barred approach. In showing the mechanics of putting together a mildly successful Broadway farce, the sweat and tears often known but rarely seen are so real and true, and understandable. From first reheasal to opening nite, fun and ugly parts are for us to witness, and form our own conclusions.

I must admit to purchasing this DVD solely on the merits of seeing one of my all time favorite comediennes at work, Carol Burnett. We do spend much time with her, but she is restrained in performing her role, and subdued in real life. It isn't until the dress rehearsal, when a technical glitch causes the director to take Carol onstage as herself, and she charms the waiting audience with her sparkling, funny personality we all love.

Highly recommend this for theater buffs.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two films in one..., October 2, 2002

By 

hermit the frog (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Moon over Broadway (DVD)

Chris' review has it right: this DVD contains one of the best uses for a Commentary track yet devised.

The film itself is a feast for any theater fan. DA Pennebaker has complete access to the actors, playwright, director and producers during the rehearsal process for the play, both out-of-town in Boston, and then during its entire Broadway run. After seeing it, many may wonder how it could ever be worthwhile producing a play, but that's always been true of working in the theater: you don't have to be crazy, but it sure helps.

As for the DVD commentary, it literally gives you 2 films for the price of one. There is so much more information about the making of the play, and of the participants' true feelings about each other after the fact, that it almost could have been used as the actual voiceover track for the film. I watch this DVD repeatedly, and most of the time, I turn on the commentary track. It's so much more juicy, it makes the on-camera backstabbing seem pleasant by comparison.