Although George Sidney directed some classic MGM musicals, his adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway hit, "Bye Bye Birdie" for Columbia is not often mentioned. The oversight is unfair, because "Birdie" is a lively, tuneful, and often inventive film musical. Where "Grease" strove to create nostalgia by invoking the 1950's and 60's, "Birdie" was filmed in 1963 and is the real thing. Although the music is generally more Broadway than late-50's rock, the film includes a genuine 1950's teen heartthrob in Bobby Rydell, and an authentic icon of the period in Ed Sullivan. Both Rydell and Sullivan were still popular when the film was made and, unlike the bygone stars in "Grease," were not dragged from the attic for walk-ons.

Conrad Birdie, a thinly disguised Elvis, has been drafted. Aspiring songwriter, Dick Van Dyke, and his secretary, Janet Leigh in an awful black wig, concoct a plan to have Birdie bestow a goodbye kiss on one lucky girl and sing a song to be written by Van Dyke. All of this to take place on the "Ed Sullivan Show." Ann -Margret from Sweetwater, Ohio, is the lucky girl.

Although Ann-Margret is a bit hot to be the steady of Bobby Rydell, she is dynamite on the dance floor and smolders during her numbers. Obviously, the director and producer fell in love with her, and she upstages everyone, including two members of the original Broadway cast, Van Dyke and Paul Lynde. However, Lynde does hold his own as Ann-Margret's father, and he has an amusing musical number in "Kids." Also funny is Maureen Stapleton, who stomps around in sensible shoes and a fur coat as Van Dyke's mother. To Leigh's frustration, Stapleton does everything to keep her "baby" from falling into marriage and out of her control.

"Bye Bye Birdie" has a number of good songs, some lively choreography, and clever effects that distinguish it from the more traditional musicals like "Show Boat" that Sidney directed for MGM. Although Van Dyke has the central role, he is not a standout. Perhaps the part of Albert Peterson was meant to be a bland foil for the two women in his life, who spar for control. Although Leigh is miscast as Rosie DeLeon, a Latina part that belongs to Chita Rivera, she does well despite the wig. However, Ann-Margret opens the film, closes the film, and, in between, sizzles and dazzles in a star-making role.

Opinions seem to be pretty divisive on this film version of Bye Bye Birdie, and while I can definitely understand why people won't like it it is also easy to see why people do. While it is not perfect, I am one of those who did like the film and always have done. I have yet to re-watch the 1995 version, but I do remember that while it was closer to the original musical/stage show that it didn't have the same levels of energy and sense of fun that we see here, that the cast weren't as strong and that it felt too much like a made for TV movie. The re-watch might make me feel differently though. Bye Bye Birdie(1963) does have foibles in my view, the Ed Sullivan references are dated and have always gone over my head, Jesse Pearsson as Conrad does little with his here very underdeveloped character and Bobby Rydell is rather bland. However, the film is beautifully shot and the costumes and sets are very colourful. The songs are wonderful and really quite catchy, while the choreography is both lively and inventive(loved Conrad's priceless entrance). The story does come across as a little messy as a result of things being omitted, added in and rewritten, but the witty satire and the exuberance of George Sidney's direction make up for things. The performances are very strong generally, Ann-Margaret especially is perfect in the lead even if her singing in the prologue is not that great. But that is not to dispute the rest, Paul Lynde's hilarious and snarky performance- and rendition of Kids- really stood out and Maureen Stapleton is a riot as the overbearing mother figure. I've seen better from Dick Van Dyke but his handsome presence, infectious energy and personal charm still shine here and while the role needed much more of a spitfire personality Janet Leigh was still very charming and really gave her all in every respect. In conclusion, energetic, colourful and fun, not one of my favourites but I can't help liking it very much. 7/10 Bethany Cox

When "Bye Bye Birdie" began, I cringed. The director paid out of his own pocket to add a singing sequence at the beginning and end of the film to showcase the gorgeous Ann-Margret....but the song was just terrible. While he has a lovely voice, you'd never know it with this song--it just sounds off-key and dreadful. Well, apparently folks weren't paying attention to her singing, as the film helped to launch her career into overdrive--but I almost turned the movie off because the song was THAT bad.

What follows is a film very much inspired by Elvis Presley's induction into the army. Girl across America are apparently in hysterics because the new singing sensation, Conrad Birdie, has been drafted. However, as a publicity stunt, he is to sing a song and give a symbolic last kiss to some lucky lady (Ann-Margret). A struggling songwriter (Dick Van Dyke) is hoping that this will revive his career, as they've gotten Birdie to agree to sing his new song. Much of the film is set in the small Ohio town where the girl, her family and her screwball boyfriend live.

Compared to most musicals, this one seems to have a few more songs than usual. Some later went on to be quite famous and many are quite good. However, many are pretty annoying (other than the intro and closing songs). I really think dropping a couple of the lesser songs would have made the film flow a bit better and quickened the pace. Overall, a mildly diverting and occasionally fun film.