The Great American Songbook (2003)

A Superb Effort with Minor Flaws

This film accomplished exactly what it was meant to -- it made me want to learn more about these intensely talented songwriters. Michael Feinstein is a very capable guide. You never get the feeling that these songs represent old-timey "kitsch" to him. He respects the music, and in turn, he infuses our viewing experience with that same respect. My only complaint is that we are never told what movies these songs appeared in. We learn in Feinstein's commentary that he and his co-producer felt that the viewers would be bombarded with too much information if they were to see both the film title, and the songwriter credit on the screen at the same time. Not so. In an age of MTV-style quick edits, and ever-changing graphics, I believe today's consumer is sophisticated enough to take in a few basic pieces of information on the clips that are presented. I immediately wanted to go out and rent some of the movies that appeared in the film, but without film credits, that will be a bigger challenge than it should be. For that, I could have removed one star, but I couldn't bear to. In every other way, this presentation is a delightful, informative cornucopia of movie-going pleasure. I will definitely be purchasing a copy to experience this masterpiece at a level that can only come from repeated viewings. June 12, 2008

Great american music

What a fantastic DVD. So many great songs, so many great singers, bands, etc. from 1776 to 1950. What a glorious collection!!! February 23, 2008

Get a New Host!

America can claim very little things for itself. Because of immigration, many of the things we claim as our own is truly the product of other nations. However, we have jazz, and can claim the bouncy music as our own. This documentary showcases jazz and the music that came before and after, concentrating on the era between the influx of immigration and the advent of rock and roll. We learn about well known composers like George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rogers and Hart, as well as lesser remembered names like Jule Styne and Harry Warren. We also hear from famous singers ranging from Al Jolson and Fanny Brice to Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy to Betty Hutton and Frank Sinatra.

The content is presented quickly but thoroughly.

The major flaw here is the choice of Michael Fienstein as host. His love of classic music possibly got him the job, but he proved to be less than desirable. His personality is cloying to say the least. It would have been nice to see film clips used to demonstrate all of the songs; hearing him sing was bad enough, but having him look into the camera while doing so is uncomfortable. He came off like a Vegas showman instead of a piece of Americana. September 26, 2007

I LOVED this!

I smiled all the way through it, and who couldn't use a little more of that these days? The nostalgia was warm, breath-taking, a slice of Americana as it once was. We will never see those days again. True, every chapter of history has its corruption and ne'er do wells, but this was the idealism and art and culture that could have made America great - if only.

But forget about if-only for the few hours that it takes to get lost in the rhapsody and pageantry and the history of American music. For me, it evoked memories of times I wasn't even there for, but my parents and grandparents knew the songs and I watch old movies. For younger generations, watching actors and singers we've only seen as old, sick or dead when they were young, beautiful and at the peak of their game is a must have experience! It will warm your heart and, just perhaps, evoke some of that die-hard American spirit!


Harvey Girls August 16, 2007

The Great American Songbook

If you like music you will love The Great American Songbook. It is the history of American popular music in MUSIC!! August 8, 2007

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