Product Description

An engaging glance at life and love mingled with crowd pleasing whimsy eavesdrop on a group of comedians at a new york deli where one man tells his greatest danny rose story of all - an ardent reminder that love often evolves between the least expecting Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 09/21/2004 Starring: Woody Allen Nick Apollo Forte Run time: 84 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Woody Allen

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10159 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-11-06
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Black & White, Closed-captioned, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, French
• Dubbed in: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 84 minutes

Amazon.com
Often overlooked, Broadway Danny Rose has developed a cult following among select Woody Allen fans; Chris Rock, of all people, says it's one of his favorite films. Allen plays a devoted talent agent for acts whose talent is, shall we say, marginal. But one of his clients, a faded singer named Lou Canova (Nick Apollo Forte), suddenly has a chance to perform for a record executive. Nervous, Canova insists that Rose bring his girlfriend to the show--unfortunately, his girlfriend is Tina Vitale (Mia Farrow), the wife of a big-time mobster. (Farrow's performance is superb and unlike anything else in her career: loud, brassy, and comically obnoxious.) Part caper, part-show biz satire, Broadway Danny Rose would make an excellent companion to Paper Moon; both are a delightful combination of nostalgia and cutting observations about human nature. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews

2 times a charm
After my first viewing of Broadway Danny Rose, I was extremely dissapointed. I just didn't "get" it. I did not think it was about anything, and that it contained none of the humor, wit, and philosophical musings about life that Woody had so perfectly achieved before and since (see Annie Hall or Hannah and Her Sisters). I couldn't have been more wrong.

I decided to watch the film again, to determine exactly what about it that so many people loved so much . I was truly mystified. But during that second viewing, I really began to soak in the message about the lovable "loser" Woody plays, not to mention the fact that I couldn't stop laughing! How could I have missed this stuff before? This is Woody at his most subtle best, in a masterpiece comparable and perhaps even surpassing Manhattan (another one that took me a few times to appreciate).

Bottom line: if you are looking for pure slapstick, watch Bananas or Sleeper. If you are looking for a deep, thought-provoking drama, watch Crimes and Misdeameanors. But if you are looking for a subtle charmer that deals with the little problems of life in an original, compelling way, watch Broadway Danny Rose (and Manhattan).

Could be Allen's Best Film
This movie is more subtle in it's humor than Woody Allen's earlier work but in my opinion it is one of his funniest and finest films. The Danny Rose character is a lovable mensch who is armed with a collection of family anecdotes and philosophy to suit any occassion. Allen is hysterical in the role of a fast talking yet struggling talent agent representing a variety of acts that are going nowhere. His big chance is an Italian lounge singer who had a hit record in the 50's. The singer is in love with the widow of a mafia 'juiceman" (played to perfection by Mia Farrow). When Danny Rose is sent to pick her up and escort her to a show at the Waldorf chaos ensues.
The story is presented as a reminiscence told by one of a group of older Jewish catskill resort type entertainers who are gathered at the Carnegie Deli in Manhattan trading Danny Rose stories.
One of the obvious strengths of this movie is the authentic NY patois whether Jewish or Italian. The scenes with Mia Farrow and Allen are extremely funny.
The film is in B&W.

Rediscover Broadway Danny Rose
I originally saw Broadway Danny Rose 20 years ago at a college movie night as a second run release just as it was about to fade into obscurity. I had fond (but dim) memories of this release and have tried to rent it over the years to no avail. I do not know whether it was just bad luck or whether this movie is truly obscure but I have never been able to find it for rent in the video stores.

I finally broke down and purchased the DVD and it was well worth it. Like Zelig, this early 80's flick is high-caliber Woody Allen in a modest package and seems to have gotten lost in the wake of the late 80's Woody Allen resurgence / renaissance of Hannah and Her Sisters, Radio Days, etc.

Broadway Danny Rose is refreshing in that although Mr. Allen portrays a stock "Nebbish" character, he plays off an atypical leading lady in Mia Farrow's Brassy-Blonde Tina Vitale. Also very welcome is the supporting role of the has-been Italian lounge singer Lou Canova (Nick Apollo Forte). Mr. Forte is the too good to be true real deal and one of the most original characters of any of Mr. Allen's films.

This entertaining film at once stands out in the Woody Allen cannon and sits comfortably in it. If you only saw this in the theater like me, do not let another 20 years go by.