That's right; there's a musical version of the James Hilton novel Lost Horizon. Most people remember Frank Capra's classic version from 1937. But did you ever see the 1973 musical version featuring music and lyrics by none other than Burt Bacharach and Hal David?! It sounds too ridiculous to be true, doesn't it?
This is an example of how lots of money, a great cast of actors, and an excellent production team, can occasionally misfire. The film isn't terrible; in fact, it's quite entertaining. But it shifts between serious drama and campy musical numbers, and the inconsistency is unsettling.
The story begins in an eastern Asian country in the middle of a civil war. Peter Finch stars as a famous U.N. diplomat trying to mediate between warring factions. He and his journalist brother, played by Michael York, are kidnapped on a hijacked airplane along with an eclectic group of others, including George Kennedy, Sally Kellerman, and song-and-dance man Bobby Van. The plane crash-lands high in the snowy Himalayas and the group is rescued by some nomadic lamas who take the strangers to the mystical land of Shangri-La.
That describes the first 45 minutes of the film and it is quite gripping drama. Then we get to Shangri-La and the silliness begins, starting with Sir John Gielgud dressed in Asian makeup and attire as the town elder "Chang." Oh boy. Gielgud is accompanied by residents Liv Ullman, Olivia Hussey, and (believe it or not) Charles Boyer as the elderly High Lama.
Our visitors are enchanted by the peaceful utopian society of Shangri-La, but they are also torn between their desires to return to the 'real' world. Add a few bright costumes by Jean Louis, extremely fey choreography by Hermes Pan, and juvenile bubble gum pop songs by Bacharach and David and you've got a doomed classic on your hands!
There was certainly no lack of talent involved. The beautiful photography was handled by legend Robert Surtees and the entire show was produced by Ross Hunter. This was a scenario in which an older generation of Hollywood royalty was passing the torch to the younger generation. Somebody dropped the torch.
BUT, the charming Michael York did make a personal appearance last night at the Egyptian Theatre and he kindly sat for a Q & A session.
This film has not been released on video (yet) but if you ever get a chance to see it, don't miss it! You will enjoy the drama, you will laugh at the film and with the film, and you will cringe to hear Peter Finch singing a love duet with Liv Ullman!
In the meantime, some kind soul has posted screen shots of the whole film here so you can get a feeling for the odd look of the film if you like.
Peter Finch and John Gielgud (in his 'tea cozy' hat)
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