Elaine Stritch at Liberty (2004)
Judy at the Palace. Sinatra at Carnegie Hall. Streisand at the Garden. Stritch on Broadway. Legendary performances come along so rarely. Elaine Stritch At Liberty is an autobiographical one-woman show written by Elaine Stritch and John Lahr. The show consists of spoken monologues from Stritch following her life and career, interspersed with showtunes and pop standards which compliment her stories. Many of these songs had been originated by Stritch in major Broadway productions, such as "The Ladies Who Lunch" from Company and "Civilization" from Angel In The Wings. Her experiences and relationship with show business are focal points, but she also explores more intimate, personal themes like her alcoholism and romantic relationships.
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Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
If you don't like this, we can't be friends.
From my favorite movies..
The acting in this movie is really good.
Elaine Stritch at Liberty is a splendid documentary about the life of a survivor, who even at this stage of her life, shows she has what it takes to get in front of the public and bare her soul in the process.The documentary centers around her triumphant stage show that played at the Public Theater, and later was transferred to a limited commercial run on Broadway and then to London. The material was conceived by John Lahr and directed for the stage by George C. Wolfe, the amazing man who was in charge of the Public Theater in New York. Rick McKay is given credit as putting it all together in this version that was seen on cable, and it's available on DVD format.Best of all is Ms. Stritch herself. We get to know intimate details about her life, her successes and failures, the men in her life and how the drinking affected her health. To have the courage to go before a public in a play is courageous, but to be Ms Stritch's age, command the stage and charm an audience is something that only great performers can achieve. Thanks for the memories Ms Stritch!
Gut wrenching is one of those descriptive throwaways too often used insincerely to pump up the ego of some mediocre talent. Not so in the case of Elaine Stritch: At Libery. I defy any lover of the theatre to remain in his seat at the conclusion of this two and a half-hour journey of theatrical brilliance. The experience truly is gut wrenching! Ms. Stritch is that rare bird who makes the stage a living, breathing organism. Without props or scenery we are privileged to hear her express her incredible love for life and the spotlight through songs, musings and memories of her six decades in show business. When she is finally able to put down the bottle and begin her career anew, we breathe easier, with the same joyous simplicity that she faces her life sober. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that makes the whole world look right. That Ms. Stritch is in her mid-70's means the incredible feat is all the more special.
Saw this on tv in New York City and couldn't take my eyes off this old broad. Tougher than hell. Looks like she eats nails for breakfast, but she does deliver the goods. Last of the old time troupers. I really appreciated that the filmmaker followed Stritch through the whole rehearsal process and right up to opening night. I saw a similar piece on 60 minutes, but it was way lighter and had less edge, information or bite.
A true theatrical legend who never quite made it to the upper echelon of Broadway superstars, finally and deservedly makes it here!! What a show, what an event... Ms. Stritch on stage alone (for the most part).. telling her tales , funny, sad , poignant... you'll laugh ,youll cry you will be moved, and will not be bored... you will be mesmerized.Many times Tony nominated, she has never won.. there will be no justice if she loses... her competition is formidible ....(B.Arthur,B.Cook, J.Legumzamo) , but Elaine should win.!. If you dont see the show.. purchase the 2 cd set..(most of the great moments have been recorded..not all) I hope they record for VHS/ & DVD also. She is amongst a handful of Broadway legends who always steal the show (Dorothy Loudon,Kaye Ballard) but this is her show!! her moment in theatrical history... & its been a long trek..her opening line says it all"Like the prostitute once said its not the work,..it's the stairs" Wonderful show.. a truly great versatile talent steps into a luminous brilliant spotlight, and captivates all.. For my money the most rewarding show on Broadway now including the much overrated "The Producers".. go see!!