A Chorus Line

The highly successful Broadway show on which this is based was so relentlessly theatrical in all senses - the auditions that comprise the narrative took place on the stage itself, with the director located at the back of the stalls - that it was generally considered impossible, and certainly imprudent, to film. In fact, numerous directors, including the show's brilliant originator Michael Bennett, failed to find a way to transfer its dynamic intensity to the big screen. Richard Attenborough had already succeeded with a similar work, Oh! What a Lovely War, creating a truly cinematic musical from a resolutely theatrical piece. Unfortunately, A Chorus Line resisted him. The strength of the show remains, but, by incorporating flashbacks and, crucially, substituting songs and choreography, the original is undermined, not enhanced. Nevertheless, since this is effectively a record of one of the greatest works of musical theatre, there is much of merit, especially Alyson Reed, who's touching as key dancer Cassie, and ex-Dallas regular Audrey Landers, who does well by one of the great showstoppers. Particularly noteworthy, too, is the talented contribution of British editor John Bloom, while Michael Douglas puts in a sharp performance as the show's producer.