“Bye Bye Birdie” has been one of the most famous plays, and then famous films, ever made. It’s one of those classics that everyone has seen and admits is a part of our modern culture. So when I popped it in, I was expecting something so marvelous, so witty, wonderful, hysterical beyond belief – and was sadly disappointed at every turn. I can’t for the life of me understand why this thing got the following it did.
Essentially, it’s a satire on the effect Elvis’s drafting into the Army had on the nation. Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson) has been drafted, and the girls the nation over are going into shock. His agent, Albert Peterson (Dick Van Dyke) has a great idea for a last publicity stunt before Conrad ships out – a lucky girl will be chosen to receive a kiss from Birdie before he goes. They’ll hold a huge concert, he’ll make a visit to the girl’s hometown, he’ll sing a new song, and smooch! kiss her. The tabloids will love it, and the whole thing will be aired on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
Rose, Albert’s assistant and also girlfriend, starts thumbing through all the girls registered with Birdie’s fan club. She pulls out the name of Kim MacAfee, a pretty girl who will do nicely for the publicity stunt. When Kim (Ann-Margret) is alerted, she’s stunned, but delighted, to be a part of it.
Conrad, Albert, and Rose head out to the small Ohio town where Kim lives, getting ready for their big to-do. Meanwhile, the town is in a total uproar. They’re all getting ready for the arrival of the celebrities, Kim dyes her hair, and her boyfriend has an attack of jealousy – why should she kiss this other guy, even if he is famous? Even Kim’s dad starts having delusions of grandeur – maybe he can be on TV with Kim.
The movie is punctuated with silly dance routines and only a few songs that made it out of obscurity. I personally wouldn’t have minded if the whole thing had stayed obscure – I confess I just don’t see what the big deal about this show is.
The film is rated G.
Related blogs: