La folle histoire de Roxie Hart

Comedy fracas from Maurine Watkins' play "Chicago" (filmed previously in 1927, and remade as a musical in 2002) has gum-snapping, would-be showgirl Roxie Hart, wife to a real schlub in jazz-era Chicago, talked into putting herself at the center of an apartment shooting--because, after all, Chicago courts are sweet on dames. Satire of legal justice (and the theatricality of the law and the press) is pungent and funny without being terribly memorable. Ginger Rogers is very good in the lead, yet winking director William Wellman keeps repeating the same gags over and over; while frantically trying to stay one step ahead of the audience, Wellman tramples all comers--sapping Rogers' good will too soon. A few wonderful stand-outs remain: the jailhouse dance with the reporters, the lively courtroom antics, and the clever final tag. The story is framed in awkward flashback, the sub-plot about moll Two Gun Gertie is introduced and then dropped, and there's a semi-romance that never rises to a boil, but the film still has some big laughs and a lot of energy. **1/2 from ****

I bought this film because I am a huge fan of the musical "Chicago." Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed! Although the parts of Velma & Matron Mama Morton were built up a lot for the musical, and there are some slight differences (e.g. in Chicago Roxie really DID shoot Fred Casely... here she doesn't... Roxie and Amos never divorced... here they do... Roxie wasn't really pregnant... here she is), the basic plot is still the same, and what a wonderful story this is! Although I must say that I prefer Jerry Orbach (of Law & Order fame) as Billy Flynn, Adolphe Menjou was great in the role! Stunning performance! But the real spark here lies within Ginger Rogers... whose portrayal of Roxie is absolutely rivetting! (However, to me, the definitive Roxie Hart was and always will be the very wonderful Ms. Gwen Verdon.) She brings such sass to the role... you gotta applaud her! A great movie!

I just purchased the DVD of "Roxie Hart"- In my opinion it is not a classic film. The direction seems a bit clunky, and it takes a bit to get a feel for the movie.

Once that has been conquered, it is really a great ride, particularly for Ginger Rogers fans. It really is a tour-Der-force for her, and she's able to demonstrate her comic ability. She also has a couple of dance numbers, one of which is a tap piece that would make anyone appreciate her talent. It may be short, but it's great to watch.

Time and countless remakes have taken the bite out of the satire part of the film. The best way to approach it is as a straight comedy.

As such, it works very well. In fact, I was reminded of the "To War" segment of the Marx Brother's Duck Soup when the press corp broke into dancing the Black Bottom (don't get me wrong -- no comedy can cast a shadow on that classic) If you don't like Ginger Rogers, this won't change your mind. But even a casual fan should enjoy this.

The DVD picture and sound are really pristine, with rich black and white and clear audio.

This very entertaining movie goes a long way to show that Ginger Rogers was much more than a dancing partner for Fred Astaire. She displays wonderful comedic timing and delivery and shines in every scene. And, yes, she does do a little dancing. Adolph Menjou again displays his considerable talent and range as her attorney, though at times he is a bit over the top. George Montgomery was quite a pleasant surprise. The supporting cast is superb. Any viewer who has seen 'Chicago' must see this version of the Roxie Hart story. Granted it is shorter, but this film seems to move at a smarter pace. The dialogue was funnier and, to me, there were fewer slow spots than this century's version. Enjoy!

It's a wonderful irony that the non-singing original Roxie Hart, so familiar from the stage show and movie of 'Chicago' was played by one of the top musical stars of the '30s - Ginger Rogers.

And how she sells it - she could so have topped Renee, good as she is, had the musical have been available then.

But the 'straight' play is well worth a look. Adolphe Menjou never disappoints, and gives the tastier Richard Gere a lesson in character acting.

Another in the wonderful, scathing films of my Hollywood at its best, satirising itself and the media, along with 'His Girl Friday', 'The Stand-in', and, in more serious vein, 'Citizen Kane'.