Funny Lady

Funny Lady is a 1975 musical drama movie directed by Herbert Ross that takes place in the 1930s and the 1940s. The movie is a sequel to the 1968 movie, Funny Girl. It tells the story of Fanny Brice's second act in the entertainment industry, from her come back to Ziegfeld Follies after her divorce from Nick Arnstein to her successful radio shows.

The movie begins with Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) performing onstage at a nightclub. She is approached by a young, aspiring songwriter called Billy Rose (James Caan), who persuades her to work with him. Fanny starts to perform at Billy's new club, where she meets her old friend and former husband, Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif). Despite her feelings for Nick, Fanny decides to continue her professional relationship with Billy and starts to write and perform new songs for his club.

As Fanny and Billy's professional relationship starts to grow, so do their personal feelings. While Billy wants to take Fanny on a romantic trip to Paris, Fanny is hesitant and ultimately turns him down. However, their bond is too strong, and they become romantically involved. Fanny's past with Nick also lingers, adding to the complexity of her emotional life.

Things start to unravel when Fanny decides to end her relationship with Billy after he gambles away most of their savings. Fanny becomes reclusive but is eventually persuaded to go back to work on the radio by her close friends. Billy wants her back in his club, but Fanny is hesitant to work with him again, especially after she finds out he has remarried. She eventually agrees, and their professional relationship blossoms again, with Fanny becoming a radio superstar.

Throughout the movie, the characters experience ups and downs, both personally and professionally. The story shows how they navigate these challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Meanwhile, Fanny's relationships with Nick and Billy create tension and drama, with lingering feelings, even after their romantic involvement ends. The movie portrays love, heartbreak, and the struggle of a woman in the entertainment industry in the early 20th century.

The highlight of Funny Lady is the performances by Streisand, Caan, and Sharif. Streisand's portrayal of Fanny Brice is both authentic and powerful, showcasing her character's strength and vulnerability. Caan's portrayal of Billy Rose is also remarkable, capturing his ambition and passion for music. Sharif's performance as Nick Arnstein is notable, as he exudes charm and tells an excellent story of a former con artist turned businessman.

The movie also features a range of musical numbers, which adds to the story's depth and highlights the talents of the actors. The songs are catchy and showcase Streisand's powerful vocals, including a rendition of "How Lucky Can You Get." The movie's score is by John Kander and Fred Ebb, who were responsible for some of the most iconic Broadway musicals of the last few decades.

Overall, Funny Lady is an excellent movie that captures the essence of the entertainment industry in the early 20th century. It features memorable performances by Streisand, Caan, and Sharif, and a range of catchy songs that add depth to the story's emotional core. The movie's themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggle resonate with audiences even after four decades, making this movie well worth watching.