Lost Horizon (1973)
Everyone knows the horror stories about what a terrible bomb the Burt Bacharach-Hal David musical Lost Horizon was. It has been blamed for ruined careers and the death of the musical genre, but there are a few people in the world who actually love it – including yours truly. I have lovingly watched my DVD copy probably twenty times and have all the songs memorized. It’s always a treat in my house when we watch Lost Horizon; because it’s quite long, it’s the event of the evening.
The opening sequence is quite lengthy, but it serves to show the contrast between the chaotic world of 1973 and the tranquility of Shangri-La. Among the passengers on the ill-fated plane are philosopher Peter Finch, his younger brother Michael York, photographer Sally Kellerman, architect George Kennedy, and song-and-dance man Bobby Van. Once in Shangri-La, they learn the new customs and ways of living from John Gielgud and James Shigeta, and try to make the best of things. Some take to the new world more than others; pot-stirrer and journalist Michael misses the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Liv Ullmann and Olivia Hussey are natives who attract attention from the brothers, and (almost) everyone gets a song to show how much they’re thriving in their new surroundings. Michael, George, and Charles Boyer (as the High Lama in his final film role) don’t sing.
Peter is excellent in both the dramatic scenes and the lighter musical moments. He has such an open face and really shows the audience exactly what he’s thinking. I also love George’s energy (as usual) and his chemistry with Sally. So many of the songs are fun to sing around the house, for although they’re more 1973 than Shangri-La-ish, they’re delightful. If you’re a fan of musicals but have shied away from this one because of bad rumors, rent it. Don’t let hearsay form your opinion.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Carlos Cejeros" for posting!
More Michael York movies here!
The opening sequence is quite lengthy, but it serves to show the contrast between the chaotic world of 1973 and the tranquility of Shangri-La. Among the passengers on the ill-fated plane are philosopher Peter Finch, his younger brother Michael York, photographer Sally Kellerman, architect George Kennedy, and song-and-dance man Bobby Van. Once in Shangri-La, they learn the new customs and ways of living from John Gielgud and James Shigeta, and try to make the best of things. Some take to the new world more than others; pot-stirrer and journalist Michael misses the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Liv Ullmann and Olivia Hussey are natives who attract attention from the brothers, and (almost) everyone gets a song to show how much they’re thriving in their new surroundings. Michael, George, and Charles Boyer (as the High Lama in his final film role) don’t sing.
Peter is excellent in both the dramatic scenes and the lighter musical moments. He has such an open face and really shows the audience exactly what he’s thinking. I also love George’s energy (as usual) and his chemistry with Sally. So many of the songs are fun to sing around the house, for although they’re more 1973 than Shangri-La-ish, they’re delightful. If you’re a fan of musicals but have shied away from this one because of bad rumors, rent it. Don’t let hearsay form your opinion.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Carlos Cejeros" for posting!
More Michael York movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture of 1973
Best Actor: Peter Finch
Best Original Song: "If I Could Go Back"
Best Original Song: "Lost Horizon"
Best Original Song: "Reflection"