Bye Bye Birdie - A Movie Review

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"Bye Bye Birdie" is a 1963 musical comedy based on the Broadway production of the same name. It was Dick Van Dyke's movie debut, reprising his role of Albert Peterson from "Bye Bye Birdie" on Broadway. Elvis Presley was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1957; and he is who the Conrad Birdie character is based on. This movie made Ann-Margret a star. CAST Dick Van Dyke - Albert Peterson Janet Leigh - Rosie DeLeon Ann-Margret - Kim MacAfee Maureen Stapleton - Mae Peterson Bobby Rydell - Hugo Peabody Jesse Pearson - Conrad Birdie Ed Sullivan - Himself Paul Lynde - Harry MacAfee Mary LaRoche - Doris MacAfee Conrad Birdie, a rock and roll star, receives his draft notice from the U. S. Army which totally devastates his teenage fans. Albert Peterson is an unsuccessful songwriter who has a doctorate in biochemistry. He hatches a plot with his secretary and long-time girlfriend, Rosie DeLeon to have Conrad sing a song that will be written by Albert. She arranges for Conrad to sing "One Last Kiss" on the Ed Sullivan Show. Then he will kiss a high school girl picked from random. Sweet Apple, Ohio, is the location from which the girl to be kissed will be chosen. Conrad will also be giving his final farewell appearance before going into the Army. The girl picked for the honor is Kim MacAfee. Kim is pinned to Hugo Peabody. Kim is ecstatic about being picked; but Hugo is not. Conrad is in town. Some are glad for his presence; and some are not. Conrad performs "Honestly Sincere"; and everyone, including the Mayor's wife faints. Kim's father, Harry MacAfee, doesn't really want Conrad to kiss his daughter; but Albert persuades him by promising that the whole family will be on the Ed Sullivan Show. Then they sing, "Hymn for a Sunday Evening". MY OPINION If you want to find out what happens next, you will have to watch the movie. The 60s were a great time for musicals; and "Bye Bye Birdie" was one of the best. Usually when I'm watching a musical I think, "Oh no, they're going to sing again!" This was not the case for "Birdie". The dialogue flows into the next song; and the music and lyrics were so good that it wasn't annoying. One of the best numbers is "A Lot of Livin' to Do" which showcases Ann-Margret's singing and dancing chops. Once you see the movie you'll want to buy the movie and the soundtrack. This movie is rated G. Photo Credit: Pixabay