Bert Rigby, You're a Gentleman Idly clicking through channels late one evening, I stumbled upon BRYAF and was alternately intrigued, enchanted and moved to laughter by the adventures and mishaps of this guy who apparently should have been born 50 years earlier. Bert is someone all of us who still like "old" music and dancing can quickly identify with. His repeated failures to succeed in his field of choice are redeemed by his lighthearted determination to keep at it, no matter what--not just to sing and dance for a living, but to be successful enough to return to his native coal-mining town in northern England with sufficient money to buy and restore the old, now-unused local theatre to its former glory.
Throughout the story I found myself holding my breath as Bert was offered all kinds of really good chances to betray the trust of his girlfriend back home. For me, this added an element of suspense I never would have expected in such an obviously "no-brainer" movie.
It may not have had a terribly thrilling plot but I would still rate this movie 4 out of 5 for the enjoyment I got out of it.
High on talent and fun British actor Robert Lindsay made his debut in "Bert Rigby You're a Fool." This was to be his big film break. Unfortunately the film has been relegated to late night TV and cable. It is a shame because it is a wonderfully charming send up of the glorious MGM musicals. Robert Lindsay, who scored a smash success in London and on Broadway in "Me and My Girl", is a wonderfully talented actor. He sings, dances and has great timing. The film was directed with great care by Carl Reiner. In brief, the plot revolves around Bert who works in a coal mine in Northern England in the 1980's. He loves musicals especially Fred Astaire. He dreams of stardom and gets his chance when he meets Robbie Coltraine, a disreputable agent who gives him his first big break. He finally leaves England, and his pregnant girlfriend, to pursue a career in Hollywood. There he encounters one misadventure after another. In particular is his relationship with Anne Bancroft, the (...) wife of a big Hollywood mogul. However, it is Lindsay who carries the movie all the way. His singing and dancing are a joy to behold. Too bad this little film did not fair better with the masses. Check it out, I think you will like it.
Calling all Gene Kelly fans! What a lovely film! But if you are not a fan of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, don't bother, you won't like it. Robert Lindsay gives a superlative performance as the amiably foolish though undeniably talented coal miner turned song and dance man, Bert Rigby. One can't help liking Bert: He's optimistic but not annoyingly perky, energetic but not exhausting, and above all else he's a truly honorable gentleman with his heart in the right place. And his 2 minute rendition of the entire film of "Singing in the Rain" is not to be missed. "BRYAF" is a charming, occasionally hilarious movie made magical by Lindsay's presence.
5 STAR RATING FOR ROBERT LINDSAY -BUT NOT THE MOVIE Robert Lindsay is the most talented and versatile actor around. Tony and Olivier awards for singing and dancing in 'Me and My Girl; Olivier award for 'Oliver', British film and TV awards (BAFTAs) for dramatic work in GBH; marvelous perofrmances in BBC's Shakespeare series including his role as Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing' which far surpasses anyone else's; and his recent role as Capt. Pellew in A&E's 'Horatio Hornblower' which gave the series the best acting.
Lindsay sings and dances his heart out in 'Bert Rigby', but, unfortunately, his performance is the ONLY reason to watch this badly written and directed (by Carl Reiner) movie. Reiner did Lindsay a HUGE injustice in this movie. He should have given Lindsay a decent storyline and direction in which to show off his incomparable talents. Too bad this movie wasn't it.
They SHOULD have filmed Lindsay in his spectacular performance in 'Me and My Girl' instead! Why in heaven's name there is not a film of that, I'll never figure out.
Buy 'Bert Rigby' if only to enjoy Mr. Lindsay's singing and dancing.
Too much actor, too little script. This movie, apparently written as a vehicle for the multi-talented Robert Lindsay, could just as easily have been titled, "Bert Rigby, You're Sooooo Precious". Watch Robert Lindsay as he does Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelley and the Keystone Cops. At the same time he is charming every female in sight, wearing muscle shirts, singing duets with the charismatic Ann Bancroft, baby sitting a deserted young boy and playing hero during a bank robbery. Hmmmmm. I began to suspect somewhere after the first 30 minuts that perhaps Carl Reiner was a little too smitten with his star. While I applaud his taste in stars and his attempt to provide him with a worthwhile vehicle, this train wandered in every direction and it was hard to figure out where it wanted to go. Robert Lindsay made a valiant effort but couldn't keep it on track. Worth a perusal (especially for the interaction between Lindsay and Bancroft, alone) if you're not in a hurry to reach the station but, a little judicious editing could have resulted in, "Bert Rigby, You're a Gem".
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
