The Secret Ingredients of Movie Musical Success

The Anatomy of a Successful Movie Musical

Storyline and Screenplay

A strong storyline and a well-written screenplay are the backbone of any successful movie musical. Both "My Fair Lady" and "Camelot" were adapted from acclaimed literary works—George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion" and T.H. White's "The Once and Future King," respectively. Alan Jay Lerner, an experienced and award-winning writer, penned the screenplays for both films. Despite this, "My Fair Lady" triumphed while "Camelot" faltered.

Quality Music

The music in both films, composed by Frederick Loewe with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, is exceptional. "My Fair Lady" features the hit ballad "On the Street Where You Live," while "Camelot" boasts "If Ever I Would Leave You." Interestingly, Richard Harris, who played King Arthur in "Camelot," had a better singing voice than Rex Harrison in "My Fair Lady." Yet, the music alone wasn't enough to save "Camelot" from its shortcomings.

Casting

Casting can make or break a movie musical. Julie Andrews, who starred in both Broadway productions, was not cast in either film. However, Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" was spot-on, despite her singing being dubbed by Marni Nixon. In contrast, Vanessa Redgrave's portrayal of Guenevere in "Camelot" was less effective. Her cold, indifferent character and subpar singing detracted from the film's overall impact.

Direction

The direction of a movie musical is crucial. George Cukor, who directed "My Fair Lady," focused on the story and music, avoiding unnecessary special effects. Joshua Logan, the director of "Camelot," relied heavily on close-ups, which distracted from the film's strong plot and music. This difference in directorial approach significantly impacted the films' receptions.

The Numbers Speak

"My Fair Lady" won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, while "Camelot" only managed to secure three minor awards. According to Box Office Mojo, "My Fair Lady" grossed over $72 million worldwide, a staggering amount for its time. In contrast, "Camelot" grossed a mere $31 million.

Interesting Stats

• "My Fair Lady" had a production budget of $17 million, making it one of the most expensive films of its time (source).
• "Camelot" had a budget of $13 million but failed to recoup its costs at the box office (source).
• Julie Andrews, who was not cast in either film, went on to win an Academy Award for her role in "Mary Poppins" the same year "My Fair Lady" was released (source).

Conclusion

While both "My Fair Lady" and "Camelot" had the potential to be great films, "Camelot" lacked two of the four essential factors: great casting and effective direction. These elements are crucial for any movie musical's success. Whether comparing "Gigi" and "Brigadoon" or "Oklahoma!" and "South Pacific," the absence of even one key factor can determine whether a film becomes a timeless classic or a forgotten relic.

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