The Beggars Opera [VHS] (1953)

A starry cast, lavish sets and a score arranged by Sir Arthur Bliss should have added up to a remarkable version of The Beggar's Opera. However this is too "Stagy" and choreographed to suggest the louche characters of Gay's piece and the performances often come across as being too artificial and arch. In spite of the merits I noted at the beginning of this review I'm afraid I was just a little bored by this film.The transfer seems to have been compiled from different sources so that, while some sections are bright and clear with good sound, others look rather washed-out and the sound seems to have been re-processed and has become dull with dialogue tending to be obscure.

A dated but to me delightful presentation of a musically traditional version of the Beggar's Opera. It's interesting to hear Olivier singing, but his stage presence is always tremendous, and there are many enjoyable performances. I first saw the film more than 60 years ago, and I'm very pleased to be able to watch it again. Moira Shearer's dancing in the beginning is lovely.

I first heard the sound track at School with My Music Teacher Mr Windwood 1968,Great to see the film I loved it.

This is a great production of the 18th century ballad satire, which made theatre director John Rich "gay" and author John Gay "rich".The film used some of the best British talent of its day; with additional dialogue and lyrics by Christopher Fry, direction by Peter Brook and staring Laurence Olivier. He and Stanly Holloway do their own singing, Dorothy Tutin and others are dubbed but, unusually, the singers are credited. There’s even an early appearance by Kenneth Williams.

My wife loves it.

Great to see this old classic available on DVD. Performed with style and panache but let down for me by Bliss's over-heavy orchestrations.

an opera without being an opera..the first popular musical..!

Great fun!