Search - Burton Lane, Ray Heindorf, Ken Darby Ensemble :: Finian's Rainbow

Finally on CD

Tom | Toronto | 02/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 2004, Rhino Handmade released the long out-of-print soundtrack "Finian's Rainbow" on CD. But because it was a limited edition, it was only available for a short term and sold at a high price.



Collector's Choice has wisely released the soundtrack at a lower price, and with fine remastering, fans of the underrated musical can finally own the soundtrack without paying too much money.



"Finian's Rainbow", directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was released in 1968, a period when the era of musicals was pretty much over. The film was not a big hit, but it's actually a beautiful film despite some creaky plot points and some outdated ideas.



What makes the film so special is the music and the performers who sing it. Fred Astaire and Petula Clark make an ideal father and daughter. Astaire is as charming as ever, and Clark truly comes into her own as a singer and actress. Although I love Clark's own recordings in English and French, this film is what made me a true fan. She glows on "Look to the Rainbow" and her duet with Don Francks on "Old Devil Moon" is both romantic and sensual, not the typical sentimental duet you see in musicals.



It's been a long time since this soundtrack has been readily available. I highly recommend this soundtrack if you are a fan of the film, and especially if you are a big Petula Clark fan."

One of my Favorite Things:)

W. Soule | Aylett, VA United States | 04/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well I must say when I first picked up this 1968 soundtrack the first time it was in album/vinyl format and I was a big Petula Clarke fan. Since then I have grown to love this musical and appreciate all the fine things going on in it. First of all look at the talen here, Fred Astair, Pet Clark, Don Franks and Tommy Steele. Wouldn't think it would work would you..............ah but it does, and very nicely too. Petula does some of the finest singing in her career. She sings some fine duets with both Astair and Franks. BUT the solos, are the reall meat in this meal. Always wondered why she didn't do more in this field but I guess the big musical era was winding down and not much to offer. The movie itself is entertaining but the real attraction is the Harburg/Lane music/lyrics. Wonderful songs, the kind you come out of the theater singing or humming. They stay on your mind long after the curtain has fallen and the lights are dark. Get this while you can."

Finian's rainbow

Diana I. Rios | 11/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"beautiful loves songs, ole devil moon sung by don franc is enough to leave you swooning and makes you want to hear more"