Brigadoon
Actor Gene Kelly and director Vincente Minnelli both wanted to film Brigadoon (1954) on location in Scotland but, in a cost-saving move, the studio insisted that it be shot entirely within the studio's confines. Minnelli later admitted that this decision drained any enthusiasm he had for the project which led to a cursory, paint-by-numbers transcription of the Broadway show. Indeed, when it was released, critics noted the staged 'studio feel' of the movie. The same cost-cutting measures befell 's that same year, also forced to shoot indoors. But Donen believed so much in his project that he managed to overcome the obstacle, which Minnelli did not, despite having had double the budget of Donen's film.,The villagers seem in awe of the visitors being from America. One even says, "Oh, you're an AMERICAN?" However, in 1757, the United States was not yet an independent nation and its residents were still subjects of the English King George. The title of "American" was not in common usage until the Revolutionary War (1775), so it's highly unlikely that anyone in a small isolated village in the Scottish Highlands would use it. Even if someone did use the term, there was nothing about being American that would inspire amazement.,[In a crowded bar]
Tommy Albright: It's hot in here.
Jeff Douglas: It's not the heat, it's the humanity.,A 1.75:1 wide screen version was filmed simultaneously with the 2.55:1 CinemaScope version. It is comprised of alternate takes.,Edited into American Masters: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (2002),Once in the Highlands/Brigadoon/Down on MacConnachy Square
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Frederick Loewe
Sung by Eddie Quillan, Villagers, and Offscreen M-G-M Chorus,Despite all of the critical bashing of Brigadoon, I thought it was very nicely presented. Before I go any further, be forwarned that I have never seen Brigadoon on stage - only on screen - so I can't make comparisons. IMHO, MGM couldn't have casted a better Tommy; Gene Kelly is perfect and (although I agree that he may not be the best singer ever) I didn't doubt his ability to play the part a bit. Van Johnson steals the show as well. As well, Cyd Charisse was wonderful as Fiona, she made the character seem so believeable and was perfect for the part.

Granted, Brigadoon would have been much better had it been filmed on location in Scotland, but due to budget cuts MGM was forced to film it in beautiful, sunny Culver City. The painted backgrounds are obvious (the same injustice was done to "7 Brides" which, like Brigadoon, was to be done on location but was ultimately filmed at the studio) but the backdrops are not meant to be the centerpiece of the show; why are we placing so much fault on these? I agree that the dance sequences got to be a bit long, but with Gene Kelly, who cares?

We can, however, be thankful that MGM didn't cast Howard Keel or Kathryn Grayson in Brigadoon. As much as I love Keel's work in his other MGM endeavours (such as Show Boat and 7 Brides), he would have been totally wrong in Brigadoon and Grayson's operatic singing would have done Fiona a terrible injustice.

Overall I thought Brigadoon to be a wonderful screen interpretation of one of Broadway's crown jewels. It will definately be getting a second viewing here!. Rate 8/10,