As a cohesive film, I would have rated this film a 4. As a showcase for the phenomenal Julie Andrews, then at the peak of her powers, I would give it a 10. As a compromise, I give it an 8. I can add little to the other discussions of this film and, all these years later, my little comment will do little to alter anyone's opinion of it. I do wish, however, that it would be released on Bluray, with the intermission music restored. The picture, when compared with the recent Bluray release of Hello, Dolly! is rather faded and washed out. Julie's terrific music numbers and the fantastic sets and costumes deserve first-class treatment.

Over the years, this big budgeted elephantine musical biography of British stage legend Gertrude Lawrence has gotten a rather smeared reputation thanks to its lack of box-office success. Even a much edited down version of the film ("These Were the Good Old Days") failed to attract viewers, and I can't recommend that version at all, having seen it originally on T.V. in that form. It is the three hour long circus that actually stands out, and if not excellent, certainly has some great moments.People mainly remember Lawrence as the original Mrs. Anna in "The King and I" on Broadway long before Yul Brynnur was considered "the star" of the show. Lawrence had a long association with such show-biz icons as the Gershwins (introducing "Someone to Watch Over Me" in "Oh, Kay!") and Noel Coward (originating the role of Amanda in the much revived play "Private Lives"). She also, according to this, was one heck of a personality, not one to mess with, and searching for love, yet driving each of the men she met and often married crazy. The one person who understood her and allowed her to just be herself was the playwright and actor Noel Coward, played here with both humor and humanity by Daniel Massey who deservedly was nominated for an Oscar.The musical sequences are smashing, from the early days of her life in music halls (singing "Pickadilly" while smashing a heckler in the face with his own tomato) and giving other chorus girls a taste of their own medicine in some very funny musical numbers, one starring Jack Buchannan, then London's biggest musical comedy star. Lawrence takes off, doing both musical revues, dramas and comedy's, takes over Broadway in the mid 20's through early 40's (the film stops with her smash hit in "Lady in the Dark"). Missing is the last decade of Lawrence's life. Sadly, during the run of "The King and I", Lawrence became ill and suddenly passed away. The original cast album of that show proves she was no Julie Andrews when it came to singing (being sometimes quite off pitch) but still magnetic and able to give the King of Siam a run for his elephants.The big highlight of the show is "Jenny", the big circus production number from "Lady in the Dark". Andrews is radiant, sliding down a rope onto the stage and dancing up a storm. I don't think that she had previously done such a high-energy number, only topped years later in her Oscar Nominated role in "Victor Victoria". Robert Wise, who directed her in "The Sound of Music", failed to strike lightning twice, but the film's reputation has improved over the years, even if some people consider it quite long and even obnoxious in places. But give the film a chance and you may actually find it charming and informative as to a slice of what life in the theater during its golden age was like.

Like it or not, you can't really argue with Robert Wise. As a director, even the films he made I didn't personally like (such as "The Sound of Music") weren't bad. "Star!," which had the unfortunate bad luck of being released in the same year as "Funny Girl," showed us a new Julie Andrews: the independent, brash, confrontational lady promised by scenes of her in "Hawaii" now long since lost. "Star!" showcases her to the utmost of that extreme, which most audience members find grating. But in the interest of avoiding typecasting, let's just say it's a pleasant change of pace from such characters of hers as Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp. This is not really a comedy, unlike "Funny Girl"; unlike "Funny Girl," the musical aspect is entirely backstage (there are no spontaneous songs in emotional moments by supporting characters). But unlike "Funny Girl," "Star" finds one mode-- biographical drama-- and sticks with it throughout. "Funny Girl" veered uncomfortably from roadshow musical comedy to seething biographical soap opera. The musical numbers-- glitzy and overproduced though they are-- are simply fascinating to watch, particularly that "Jenny" confection towards the end. Ultimately, you will have submitted three hours of your life to this bold, dissonant spectacle, and the truth is, if that idea dissuades you, or if you simply prefer the more wholesome Julie Andrews of "Poppins," "Sound of Music," and the truncated "Hawaii," this is not the movie for you. But I don't think anyone can find fault with the opulent set and costume design, Daniel Massey's charming performance as Noel Coward, or Lenny Hayton's lush musical adaptations.

I have to point out one thing right at the start. Reading the reviews here was more fascinating and entertaining than watching the movie itself. I can only suggest you do the same, click on the more button under the comments section and then list the "profilic" reviewers and you'll get great anecdotes about the movie and the character Julie Andrews portrays in here.Julie Andrews who in contrast to some of her other roles, plays a more serious role. Some people didn't like that, they had/have other expectations. And there lies the/one problem of this movie: It was marketed as another "Sound of Music", which it clearly isn't. Building these false expectation, the movie could only fail. Even with a very convincing performance by the lead actress. But even the biopic label doesn't fit as well, because in order to make the movie dramatic, many (real-life) things have been changed/altered. The story behind the making of the movie, the troubles the studio had, would make for a very entertaining movie ... something "Star!" can't claim to be.