Sweet Charity

Before Bob Fosse had enough clout to direct and choreograph his first film, the 1969 Shirley MacLaine-starrer "Sweet Charity," he cut his teeth (or feet, really) on designing dances for a myriad of Hollywood productions. Those films included Stanley Donen's "Give a Girl a Break" and the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical "The Pajama Game." I mean, take one look at Fosse's IMDB page; it's chock full of jobs working behind the scenes to produce some of the most engaging dance numbers ever committed to celluloid. The man lived and breathed the musical, and this adaptation of the Broadway musical, in which he directed Gwen Verdon, is not the exception to the rule. It is with the utmost excitement that I declare this Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, which includes a 4K restoration of the Roadshow Edition of the film, to be the definitive home entertainment release of the film.

Based on Federico Fellini's "Nights of Cabiria," "Sweet Charity" follows endlessly optimistic taxi dancer Charity (Shirley MacLaine), who gives her heart to many undeserving men. This is a freewheeling ode to having faith, even when things in life are at their worst. Not only that, but it's backed by an all-star cast that includes Chita Rivera, Sammy Davis Jr., Ricardo Montalban, Ben Vereen, and Stubby Kaye.

Although "Sweet Charity" is derided by some for its constant barrage of musical numbers, with less emphasis on a plot, watching the film is like watching a master find his footing in a new job over the course of nearly two and a half hours. Film historian Julie Kirgo rightfully brings up the dance number "There's Got to Be Something Better Than This" in her booklet essay, included in this release (which is terrific, by the way), as breathing proof that Fosse was adapting to using a camera as shooting went along on his first picture. The number itself is electrifying, starting from Charity's point of view before diving headfirst into becoming an homage to "America" from "West Side Story." This time, though, it focuses in on the community that Charity's kindheartedness has fostered. In an era in New York City that was violent and turbulent for many, Charity unwittingly creates her own utopia.

Both the original and alternate endings for "Sweet Charity" are included on this Blu-ray, and they represent Fosse in a bit of a struggle with Universal. His ending is more bittersweet than anything, with the film bringing Charity back down to reality when the music stops. The film doesn't refute reality as much as it warps it to show the happiness that life can hold. The ending Universal forced Fosse to shoot stays in that warped reality, which softens Charity's emotional arc.

There are a few features on this Blu-ray that any fan of Fosse's would be remiss not to dig into. In particular, there's a featurette dissecting Edith Head's terrific costume design and its aid in realizing the vision that Fosse had for the film. The new 4K restoration of the Roadshow Edition is terrific, underlining the contrast between bright musical numbers and dark New York City streets and making it sparkle like it never has before. Other special features include:

� Audio Commentary by Film Historian Kat Ellinger
� A Girl Who Wanted to be Loved: A booklet essay by Julie Kirgo
� Includes the original Roadshow Version and the "Happy Ending" alternate cut
� Edith Head Costume Design – Featurette
� From Stage to Screen – Featurette
� 5.1 Stereo and 2.0 Lossless Audio
� Theatrical Trailer

"Sweet Charity"
Blu-ray
$39.95
https://www.klstudioclassics.com/product/view/id/6177