Funny Girl (1968)

92% of critics liked it
(38 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(18,444 ratings)

"Hello, gorgeous!" was Barbra Streisand's first comment to the Oscar statuette which she won for her performance in this biopic of entertainer Fanny Brice. This is also her first line in the film itself, the catalyst for a movie-long flashback. Repeating her Broadway role, Streisand stars as… More "Hello, gorgeous!" was Barbra Streisand's first comment to the Oscar statuette which she won for her performance in this biopic of entertainer Fanny Brice. This is also her first line in the film itself, the catalyst for a movie-long flashback. Repeating her Broadway role, Streisand stars as legendary comedienne Brice (1891-1951), whose life until the mid-1920s is romanticized herein. A gawky New Yawker, Brice fast-talks her way into show business, certain that she's destined to be "The Greatest Star." Hired as a "dramatic" singer by impresario Flo Ziegfeld (Walter Pidgeon), Brice defies orders to play it straight, turning a "Beautiful Bride" tableau into a laugh riot by dressing herself up as an extremely pregnant newlywed. The stratagem turns Brice into an overnight star and the toast of Broadway. But all is not roses for Brice, especially in her turbulent private life as the wife of big-time gambler Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif). Nicky at first finds it amusing to be referred to as "Mr. Brice," but he begins to resent his wife's fame and fortune and starts taking foolish risks with other people's money. The film was nominated for 8 Oscars, including Best Picture and Kay Medford for her portrayal of Brice's mother, Rose. Funny Girl was produced by Ray Stark, Brice's real-life son-in-law, who had enough material left over for a sequel, 1975's Funny Lady. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 2 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: William Wyler
Written By: Isobel Lennart
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 19, 1968 Wide
On DVD: Nov 21, 2001
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Streisand is stunning, but the film is a trial, particularly when the music disappears somewhere around the 90-minute mark and all that's left is leaden melodrama.
, TIME Magazine
This extended Streisand Special has done absolutely nothing to correct the flaws in the Broadway original.
Variety Staff, Variety
Barbra Streisand in her Hollywood debut makes a marked impact.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
It is impossible to praise Miss Streisand too highly; hard to find much to praise about the rest of the film.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
The fun is there whenever Streisand is, and that could be reason enough for reacquainting yourself with Funny Girl.
Mario Tarradell, Dallas Morning News
Remains Barbra Streisand's greatest moment on the big screen.
Richard Luck, Film4
A fine movie musical and a nice reminder of the time when Streisand was a talent rather than a 'phenomenon'.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Few film debuts in the 1960s were more auspicious than that of Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
I wish William Wyler's direction was more inventive and humurous (it's his first musical), but Streisand gives a meteoric performance, as Fanny Frice and as herself, showing a tremendous charismatic presence that goes beyond physical looks and acting.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
[Streisand gives] a natural, unforced performance, easily one of the three or four best Best Actresses in Oscar history.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
One of the all-time great film musicals with dazzling Streisand.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
You will have made your mind up about Babs one way or the other, but for the rare uninitiated, this is a fine introduction to her talents.
, Time Out
Well worth watching, even if most later Streisand movies aren't.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Given how she grew into perhaps the most annoyingly egocentric entertainer in all the world, it's difficult to imagine that Barbra Streisand was once an ingenue.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Barbra Streisand gives one of the musical genre's most sublime performances--unfortunately in a stodgy, badly paced, overly produced movie that don't deserve her.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cassie H

This movie is the vision of what a Ziegfeld dancer should be, Barbra Streisand does a WONDERFUL JOB!!! :)
Spencer S

This is a "yes I can!" biopic, with Streisand's zeal and down to earth appeal, magic vocal cords, and deliberate humor. Omar Sharif is magnificent as ever as Fanny's husband, and the production numbers are heartfelt and captures my attention and love.
Mark H

Bright musical biography of Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice. Barbra Streisand, reprising her Broadway role is nothing less than astonishing in her film debut. As a biography, its authenticity is questionable, but as an introduction to the talent that is Barbra Streisand,… More
Bright musical biography of Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice. Barbra Streisand, reprising her Broadway role is nothing less than astonishing in her film debut. As a biography, its authenticity is questionable, but as an introduction to the talent that is Barbra Streisand, it's stunning. This film is the prefect star vehicle for the singer. Everything revolves around her and she's in virtually every scene. Legendary director William Wyler was not known for comedies or musicals and he applies an over-produced, over-photographed feel to the proceedings. It's also over-long at 155 minutes. However, whenever our lead actress sings, it's magic. The iconic score includes the songs "People", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "My Man".
Tom E

OMG -- I can't believe I've never seen this movie before, as long as it's been around! Babs was FABULOUS as usual -- I kinda hated to see Omar waste his many talents on a nasty character, but all the acting was fab and the sets and the costumes were wonderful -- again,… More
OMG -- I can't believe I've never seen this movie before, as long as it's been around! Babs was FABULOUS as usual -- I kinda hated to see Omar waste his many talents on a nasty character, but all the acting was fab and the sets and the costumes were wonderful -- again, as usual for a Babs movie.
jay n

pure talent on display
Leigh R

Love it...
m h

I really enjoyed the film. I loved all the music and songs. And Barbra Streisand did a great job with the role as Fanny Brice. I didn't even realize that it was based on a real life person at first, but she seems like she was a real hoot. She took a lot of risks, but she always… More
I really enjoyed the film. I loved all the music and songs. And Barbra Streisand did a great job with the role as Fanny Brice. I didn't even realize that it was based on a real life person at first, but she seems like she was a real hoot. She took a lot of risks, but she always got what she wanted. Except for in the end I guess. Although I didn't really care for Mr.Arnstein. He's too much a of "I'm a man, so my way or the highway" kind of guy. I think my only complain, is that film can be quite long at times. But thought it was overall a delight.
d j

My favorite Streisand movie! She is incredible and the songs are so perfect...never was there a dull moment in this film (:
Jessica v

It's hard to review such a classic film when it's nothing like what you expected. I went in with dreams of a music-laced romp into the wild world of theatre, comedy, and romance. And I was right. Until the intermission. Then things got quite a bit darker and somewhat… More
It's hard to review such a classic film when it's nothing like what you expected. I went in with dreams of a music-laced romp into the wild world of theatre, comedy, and romance. And I was right. Until the intermission. Then things got quite a bit darker and somewhat flatter. The enchanting humour and joy was switched abruptly for a more mature feel, for lack of a better word. It's not better or worse, per say, but much different to the point of it being slightly jarring. That being said, the wonderful Mrs. Streisand was the one thing that held it all together. Her voice is stunning and her comedic timing nothing short of genius. She has that magic factor that not only makes her Oscar well-deserved but *also*, ladies and gents, what makes this a classic.
MJS M

Every few months I watch a classic musical, usually against my better judgment, for no reason other than to expand my cinematic experiences. Occasionally I?m pleasantly surprised, but if I have to sit through one more clunker like this I?m probably going to just give up on the genre.… More
Every few months I watch a classic musical, usually against my better judgment, for no reason other than to expand my cinematic experiences. Occasionally I?m pleasantly surprised, but if I have to sit through one more clunker like this I?m probably going to just give up on the genre. A boring, overlong, old fashioned film that is mostly devoid of any conflict or drama. The lead character is an annoying Jewish stereotype, and her shtick get old. The music isn?t even any good by any standards.
Leo L

Fantastic!