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
2.
Barbra Streisand returns as Fanny Brice in this sequel to the award-winning musical FUNNY GIRL. In depression-era New York, the hugely successful entertainer's long-running show is closing and her marriage with playboy Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif) is over. Fanny finds herself out of work and looking for material when she meets Billy Rose (James Caan), a hustling nightclub owner and songwriter who is eager to work with the talented star. Billy and Fanny begin a working relationship that leads to the development of a new Broadway show with outlandish and ominous beginnings. With the advice of the experienced Fanny, Billy revamps the show, and it becomes an instant success. Their working relationship quickly becomes a loving relationship as Billy falls for the free-spirited star and Fanny falls for a compatible friend. Billy and Fanny marry and continue to work together on a series of smash hits, but as time goes on the pair spends less and less time together, too busy working to realize that the marriage is falling apart. For Fanny their union is based on friendship--she cannot truly love Billy until she realizes that her passion for Nick is over, and by then it might be too late to rescue her marriage.
3.
Barbra Streisand is back and she's better than ever as the exuberant fanny Brice in Funny Lady, sequel to acclaimed Academy Award® winner, (Barbara Streisand, Best Actress, 1968) Funny Girl.
This lively, lavish musical opens a new chapter in fanny's career and love life. Now divorced from wealthy Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif), she teams up with songwriter Billy Rose (James Caan), a brash and unkempt showman who is bursting with enthusiasm and theatrical ambitions. They make an unusual couple - the polished performer and the upstart producer - but a friendship blossoms into love. Funny Lady is the poignant story of their show business magic, their unbridled temperaments and their touching, bittersweet romance. Featuring dazzling production numbers, elegant costuming by Bob Mackie and an electric cast, Streisand is a Funny Lady you'll never forget!
Mooviees.com is not the official site for this film.
All editorial views and opinions expressed here are for entertainment purposes only.
<>
Movie Database
In Theaters
