Lost Horizon

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Jon S @jonchristopher Apr 28 To review Ross Hunter's musical remake of Frank Capra's 1937 adventure "Lost Horizon", based on James Hilton's novel, means to partially review the film's chequered history. By 1973, old-fashioned musicals were being ridiculed by critics who were seemingly in competition for the best insult, trying to top each other. Had the film been an enormous financial success it would have silenced some of the naysayers. After a disparate group of Brits and Americans escape a war-torn Asian country in a DC-3, they find themselves hijacked and heading in the opposite direction from destination Hong Kong. The first of the songs is introduced into the narrative as after-dinner entertainment, but when schoolteacher Liv Ullmann suddenly bursts into song while teaching her class, moviegoers at the time were put off. For the film to work, one must have an appreciation for this type of cinema, which eschews the conventions of ordinary drama by weaving in singing and dancing. See more Janette J. @janette1972 Jan 27 Fun and quirky version of a great story. Make sure to see the older movie. See more Kim G @RT98578866 Oct 6 A great deal of work is invested in preserving great movies. In the case of this travesty a great deal of work should be invested in making sure it is lost for all time. The cast seems so out of place compared to the original. The song and dance numbers are excruciating. As good as Geilgud is his casting in the role of Chang is uncomfortable whitewashing. The 1937 film is one of the periods great movies. This one is best forgotten. See more Malou C @RT10930377 Sep 19 I think the movie was ahead of its time. The message of the movie and Burt Bacharach's beautiful songs, were not understood then. I think the movie has the kind of message the world needs to hear today. The world is a circle - against bullying; Living Together, Growing Together = family values; reflections and others. Try watching it for the 1st time, or again, from a different perspectuve See more Ed . @RT01276001 Aug 29 Question me some answers if you please… A: Quaaludes Q: Why are the dance numbers so lethargic and uninspiring? A: Nobody knows. Q: How did Sally Kellerman get cast in a musical role? A: Michael York and Peter Finch. Q: Who are two brothers from different mothers AND fathers? A: Woody Allen was busy with Sleeper. Q: Why was John Gielgud cast as Chang? A: It’s two movies for the pleasure of one viewing. Q: Is this a fantasy drama or a light musical comedy – I’m confused? A: Helen Keller, of course. Q: Who’s responsible for such amateurish choreography that might be acceptable in an elementary school assembly performance? A: The film was intercepted before distribution by Flip Wilson. The Devil made him do it. Q: This film has such tremendous talent behind it – how could it turn out so lame and disappointing? Overall, I enjoy watching a scene or two from time to time for its charm and nostalgia. The songs are not Hal David's best by far but I like some of them, and Bobby Van is fine. This film is really a Jeckyl and Hyde mismatch. The first half hour or so is well-acted. In the next hour, the choreography is embarrassingly juvenile. Dubbing singing voices over actors was no longer considered acceptable. As to 'representation' - I don't give a damn about casting Caucasians as other races; the fact is they are the acting class. It's another thing, though, to to have non-natives in roles that lord over everyone else. Charles Boyer reserving succession to Peter Finch would make most any white person wince. See more Tim S @RT06687248 Jul 24 Not nearly as bad as critics would have you believe, it is entertaining fluff to just sit back and enjoy. Most songs are enjoyable if not necessarily memorable. Excellent cast, particularly Sally Kellerman, Peter Finch, Olivia Hussey, and Michael York. Easy to enjoy. See more Read all reviews

Lost Horizon

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