Funny Lady (1975)

When Barbra Streisand played Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, she brought to life a sympathetic yet strong-headed performer of stage and radio. In the sequel, Funny Lady, Brice comes off as a harsher woman, slightly bitchy, without the tremendous charm she possessed in the first film. Herbert Ross takes over as director (William Wyler oversaw Funny Girl), and the film just seems to get away from him. This sequel picks up during the Great Depression, when even the great star Fanny Brice is suffering. Along comes Billy Rose (James Caan), a small-time hustler who's out to make it big in show biz. The two pair up, both professionally and romantically, although things are uncertain when her first husband, Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif), reappears on the scene. Much to the movie's detriment, Funny Lady concentrates more on Brice's professional life than on her personal life, as the first film does. The songs are elaborately staged numbers that Brice performs in the theaters, and while they are visually lush and spectacular, they lack conviction. Caan is solid in his role as the bumbling producer, but overall, the film is a disappointment. If you want more Barbra and Brice, rewatch Funny Girl. --Jenny Brown Amazon.com essential video

Let's Hear it for Barbra!!!

Some of us were disappointed by Funny Lady, the picture, after Funny Girl. Barbra looked amazing, of course, but the picture didn't have the oomph that Funny Girl did (except in the "How Lucky Can You Get" number.) Meanwhile, I still decided I needed the soundtrack and I'm extremely thrilled that I bought it! The CD is simply amazing- I've already listened to it twice today. The score is really wonderful. It's fun and silly and serious and Barbra sounds f***ing amazing. Buy it. Now. Added bonus are liner notes by Barbra's self-proclaimed biggest fan: the real Linda Richman! April 23, 2008

Best Barbra Oldie

I owned this on vinyl and missed it since moving. Many of these tunes (her versions of them) are the best ever recorded IMHO. It is as wonderful as I remembered! January 18, 2008

This isn't better, but...

Let's say right now that Funny Lady, the sequel to Barbra Streisand's hugely successful movie, Funny Girl, was very unnecessary. The first movie was fine on its own, and sequels are notorious for ruining the original. But made it was, and was a big hit (even though Barbra Streisand herself hated being part of it). Similarly to the movie, the soundtrack is very similar, but also like the movie, it is still enjoyable in its own right.

Unlike Funny Girl, where most of the songs are originals written specifically for the musical, these were mostly songs recorded by Fanny Brice, and Barbra covered. Barbra pulls most of them off, especially "It's Only a Paper Moon/I Like Him," "I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a Five and Ten Cent Store)," "Blind Date," "How Lucky Can You Get," and even slower songs such as "More Than You Know" and "Am I Blue." But even so, many of them are just not too memorable, and in the end this feels like a weak album with poorly chosen material.

Most fans will want this, especially if they liked the movie. Similarly to the movie, it is an entertaining affair, but your world will not shatter if you do not have it. This is mostly for the hardcore completists. January 9, 2008

Funny business was done to 'Funny Lady'.

I could not wait to hear this soundtrack on cd. I was impressed that the order was more true to the order of songs as they appeared in the film. My favorite song was always "(It's Gonna Be A) Great Day". Imagine my surprise when the original song (which was perfection) was replaced by an alternate version. This version sounds like a demo gone bad. It is just horrible! I would recommend that one get the lp version and transfer it to cd. What a truly disappointing experience. Pass on this 'funny' recording. August 1, 2007

BABARA DELIVERS THE FANNY BRICE MAGIC

Funny Lady: Original Soundtrack Recording

A better CD than a movie. Nearly all of the songs are terrific and beautifully orchestrated. Woth the price just for Bab's version of "Great Day." James Caan really has a very pleasant voice that works well with Babara's on a few duets. A very relaxing score worth owning. It's one you won't tire of even 30 years after its original release. May 17, 2007

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