Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women
Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women

Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women

1978Movie150 minEnglish

The life and times of the flamboyant showman who built his legendary Follies around beautiful women -- as told by the women in his life.

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Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Director: Buzz KulikGenres: Biography, Drama, Musical

Plot Summary

This television film delves into the tumultuous life of Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., the flamboyant impresario behind the famed Ziegfeld Follies. It explores his ambitious career and the complex relationships he had with the many women who graced his stages and his personal life. The narrative highlights Ziegfeld's relentless pursuit of theatrical grandeur and the personal sacrifices and successes that defined his era.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often praising the performances of its ensemble cast, particularly Joanne Woodward, and the ambitious scope of the production. However, some found the narrative to be somewhat sprawling and occasionally melodramatic, struggling to balance Ziegfeld's professional triumphs with his personal entanglements. It was generally seen as a respectable, albeit lengthy, television biopic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong acting, particularly Joanne Woodward's portrayal of Billie Burke.
  • Noted for its extensive look at the Ziegfeld Follies and the era it represented.
  • Some critics found the film's length and melodramatic elements to be a drawback.

Google audience: Audience reception for this specific title is not readily available through broad Google review aggregations.

Awards & Accolades

Joanne Woodward received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special.

Fun Fact

The film was produced as a television movie, airing on NBC, and was notable for its large cast and elaborate production values for a made-for-TV movie of its time.

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