Brigadoon

 

"If you love someone deeply enough, anything is possible"

Americans Tommy Albright (Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Johnson) are on a hunting trip in Scotland.  They get lost in the woods and come across a small town that isn't on the map, Brigadoon.  The people are friendly, but don't know what to do with their visitors.  They don't recognize the money Tommy tries to give them and their customs are outdated.  But Tommy and Jeff are welcomed and befriended by Charlie Dalrymple (Thompson), who is getting married that evening.  Charlie is marrying Jean Campbell (Bosler), and her sister Fiona (Charisse) catching Tommy's eye.

Tommy and Fiona spend the day together, getting items for Jean's wedding.  Jeff is sidetracked by Meg Brockie (Heath) who has marriage on her mind.  But not everyone in town in happy, Harry Beaton (Laing), the son of the tailor, is miserable and wants to get out of town.  The town has a secret that affects the lives of everyone, can Tommy learn the truth?


In 1947, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe wrote the musical "Brigadoon."  Lerner wrote the book and lyrics, while Loewe wrote the music.  They previously collaborated on 3 other musicals with moderate success, but went in a slightly different direction for this play.  They also hired Agnes de Mille to choreograph the show, using traditional Scottish folk dancing.  The show was a success and earned de Mille a Tony Award for Best Choreography.

MGM purchased the film rights to the show in 1951.  Lerner wrote the script for the film, with Vincente Minnelli as the director.  The studio wanted Gene Kelly as the lead and when Cyd Charisse was cast as the female lead, they decided to focus more on the dancing than the singing.  Virginia Bosler originated the part of Jean Campbell on Broadway and was the only cast member to also appear in the film.  Hugh Laing was a famous ballet dancer.  The show was changed slightly to accommodate the strong dancers featured in lead roles.

Several songs were removed from the film.  The 2 songs performed by Meg Brockie, "My Mother's Wedding Day" and "The Love of My Life," were not allowed to be in the film due to their risque lyrics, which drastically reduced the part. 4 other songs were recorded, but ultimately did not make it into the film: "There But For You Go I" sung by Tommy, "From This Day On" sung by Tommy, "Come to Me, Bend to Me" sung by Charlie, and "The Sword Dance" performed by Harry.

This was the second collaboration between Kelly and Charisse.  They previously danced together in Singin' in the Rain, which also featured Jimmy Thompson (who song "Beautiful Girls" in that film and appears as Charlie in this film).  The dancing is beautiful here, Kelly and Charisse dance well together.  Kelly and Van Johnson also work well together.  Johnson is the comic relief (especially since they diluted the Meg character), and he does a good job.  I love the song "Go Home with Bonnie Jean" and the tap dance of Kelly and Johnson.  The song "Almost Like Being in Love" is also a showstopper (and hard to get out of your head).

The filmmakers wanted to film in Scotland, but due to weather and financial concerns, they filmed on sound stages in the U.S.  It is clear in many cases that it was filmed in front of painted backgrounds.  There is something missing in the film... it could be the changes to the overall story and omission of some scenes/songs.  I grew up loving the film, and it still has a special place in my heart.  But I recently discovered the Original Broadway Cast Recording of the show, and I have completely fallen in love with it (I'm currently listening to this version).  It is so much more entertaining the film soundtrack (and I say that despite loving this film).

It is a good musical, but if you get the chance to see the Broadway musical, you should check it out.

Brigadoon (1954) 108 minutes
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Starring: Gene Kelly as Tommy Albright
Van Johnson as Jeff Douglas
Cyd Charisse as Fiona Campbell
Elaine Stewart as Jane Ashton
Barry Jones as Mr. Lundie
Hugh Laing as Harry Beaton
Albert Sharpe as Andrew Campbell
Virginia Bosler as Jean Campbell
Jimmy Thompson as Charlie Dalrymple
Tudor Owen as Archie Beaton
Dody Heath as Meg Brockie