Better Than I Expected

qtkt18

I watched this film for two reasons. First, I was totally in love with Liberace when I was very small, and I recently "rediscovered" him for the wonderful artist (and person) he was. Second, I am a sucker for any and all 1950's musicals. This film satisfied me on both counts.
It's chock full of Lee's wonderful talent. The film finds any excuse possible to sit him in front of a piano and show off his skills and unique style. (My personal favourite was the rendition of Tchaikovsky Concerto No 1) He also sings the title song (which he wrote) beautifully. I didn't even know he could sing. His acting isn't the best in the world, but it's a lot better than I expected. He carries the dramatic parts well, and even manages to cry a couple of times. That's a lot better than most of these "music star trying to be movie star" types can manage. And through all that, he still slips in his well known character traits, like that smile and winking at the camera.
The plot has a lot more to it than I expected as well. It's actually a rather moving story, based on couple of films released in the 20's and 30's. It contains a few references to God, which was a pleasant surprise, since one grows used to today's films giving religion a wide berth. Not a whole lot of character development besides Lee, but they're good supporting characters nonetheless and you find yourself excited to see what happens in the end.
All in all, it was rather schmaltzy, and it's not about to win any Oscars. But it was one of those films where you just come to have fun, and you walk away feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

score 10/10

qtkt18 16 December 2019

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw5325933/