Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)

a spectacular film. for each performance. for seductive story. for the old fashion mix of comedy, romance and crime. for the young and charming James Fox, for adorable Carol Channing and Beatrice Lillie, for the work of John Gavin and, sure, for Jilie Andrews. a film who has the great virtue to be an oasis. because it preserves the flavors of periods and the joy to see a kind of cinema who seems be, for decades, lost. a sunny cinema, charming, seductive, using cultural references - the apple of Mrs M . as simple example -, with actors who use a form of aura in acting , remembering legends and transforming the viewer in part of story. a film out of political correctness rules. and fresh , yet. again and again.

It's hard to accurately assess older films. Do you use the lens of modern society? Or do you try to approach it on its own terms? Thoroughly Modern Millie is certainly a fun film, poking fun of itself and movies in general, packing in homages to famous flicks like Safety Last, and delivering relatively enjoyable musical numbers even for those who don't particularly enjoy musicals. Yes, many of the assumptions about the traditional roles of men and women in society and in relationships with each other are dated, but so is the film. One line by Julie Andrews, "I don't want to be your equal, I want to be a woman," is particularly obscene, even for the sixties. But it also takes apart some stereotypes along the way as well. The film's approach to Muzzy's sexual exploration, viewed as a celebration of life rather than a sign of depravity, is advanced even by today's standards. Overall the film pleases more than it puts off. Enjoy what you can, and remember that it was just a different time.

Just had a chance to re-watch beginning to end.What a difference a half-century makes! First Carol Channing steals the whole film, more or less playing the image or persona of Carol Channing that she herself created. She was 46 at the time and shows the energy of someone half her age. She won various awards and nominations and deservedly so. Her performance may be the only thing memorable here.Reviewers like to talk about whether a film holds up over time? This one most assuredly does not. Lots of star power wasted on a horrendous too-cute-for-words script that goes nowhere.In the 60s Julie Andrews could do no wrong. In fact, if her entire resume consisted of nothing but Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, she could rest on those laurels. She is wasted here, never connects with the character, and having her boss call her "John" is a weak joke that wears out fast and starts to grate.Mary Tyler Moore was between the DVD show and her own hit show. Into this lull comes an enormously forgettable performance. "Miss Dorothy" is less than one dimensional, almost a transparent character.It is sad that the second Act degenerates into a slapstick about (ugh!) white slavery. That detracts from little goodwill was established in the first Act.

All the money and all the talent just circles the drain in this mess. Pretty costumes,great actors,zippy airplanes,tall buildings,nice lot shooting,and it all comes down to the fact that you are BEGGING for this to be over about an hour into it. I think we all watch it just to be respectful to Julie and Mary and Carol. This movie just flat sucks. There is NO life to it. \ Julie Andrews is NOT sexy,in any way. Shes too old for the part. MTM is very sexy,but kept under wraps for this one. She is too old,too. I know its a bit of a tongue in cheek piece,but it is a waste,all around. The music is enjoyable and in 1967,nothing on earth was less desired than a twenties themed score. Blame it on the Summer of Love. 1967 was a WILD year. This film is so utterly tame,in every single way that it just fizzed and died when it came out. I laughed my behind off when I read the reviews on Wiki. This thing was inflated and held up. In short,a very pretty,harmless sleeping pill.