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- Jul 3, 1997
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- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
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You're referring to the Brent Walker series, and they weren't done by D'Oyly Carte (which I think had ceased to exist by that time). The original plan was to film the D'Oyly Carte performances, but Walker pulled out and opted to film the operettas without D'Oyly Carte participation (a few DOC veterans like Donald Adams do appear though). As a whole, they're a mixed lot with some being very good (Ruddigore, The Sorcerer), some mediocre (The Mikado, Iolanthe), and others unbelievably bad (HMS Pinafore). The casting at times was decidedly off-beat. In some cases, it worked wonderfully with the likes of Frank Gorshin and Vincent Price. However, it seemed like Frankie Howerd and Peter Marshall were competing for who was more deserving of the Razzie award with their work in HMS Pinafore. Still, I'm glad that the series was done.
For those interested, D'Oyly Carte did participate in a handful of film productions. The 1939 film of "The Mikado" sits somewhat in between a filmed stage production and a fully-thought out film adaptation. The 1966 film though is very much a filmed stage production. Some find it tedious to watch, but that's never been my experience. HMS Pinafore was filmed for a TV special in the 1970s, and again it's fun to view if you like the DOC performances. There's also an abridged animated version of Ruddigore for which the DOC provided a special soundtrack.
I would agree that much of that series was abysmal but a handful of the productions were actually quite good. In particular PATIENCEThat Brent Walker G&S series was truly abysmal.![]()
The Australian Opera productions of The Mikado, Patience and The Gondoliers on DVD are well worth seeking out. Lovely productions and fine casting.
I loved the Broadway version with Patrick Cassidy in the title role. The film version with Kevin Kline is superb. Kline was also brilliant in ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY on Broadway .A pity that masterpiece of a musical was never filmed.
What is a pity is that these works that were wildly popular for over 100 years, only survive on video in bits and incomplete pieces. I went with friends to see the 1966 d’Oyly Carte film on the big screen.
I love Gilbert and Sullivan and had told everyone how funny and wonderful “The Milado” was. We all found the film absolutely dreadful and very tedious to sit through. It is absolutely deadly. What is the expression? You could hear crickets at the end. I was very embarrassed.
Yes, D'Oyly Carte did participate so you get to see the likes of Martyn Green (playing George Grossmith) and Thomas Round performing throughout the film. At one time it was available for streaming (but not purchasing) on Amazon Prime, but it doesn't seem to be available at the moment.I have been looking for that film for years. Didn’t the D’oyly Carte do all the excerpts?
Pirates of Penzance (1983) appears to be on hold. Got a approval request from Amazon a couple days ago asking if I still wanted the movie. I approved it so now I wait. Don’t have a release date at this time.
Can’t help but wonder if this movie is related to or has any connection to the Pirate Adventure Dinner Theater in Orlando,FL.