Is THIS the most UNDER APPRECIATED vocal performance OF ALL TIME?!!

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  • Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
  • Tonight we're taking a look at the stellar vocal technique on display by Bert Lahr back in 1939, performing 'If I Were King of the Forest'.
    Original Video - • Wizard of Oz - If I We...
    TIME STAMPS -
    0:00 Intro
    2:13 Performance
    2:36 Analysis Start
    3:07 Vibrato (Not Tremolo)
    3:48 Super Fast Vibrato!
    5:12 Sometimes it's Natural
    5:50 Head Voice vs. Chest Voice
    7:17 Singing in Character
    8:19 WIDE Vibrato
    13:20 Diaphragmatic Support
    14:49 The Modern Equivalent?
    For more, check out my other sites! / wingsofpegasus www.wingsofpegasusband.com/ / wingsofpegasus Twitter - @wingsofpegasus Insta - @wingsofpegasusofficial
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 660

  • @heather1985october
    @heather1985october 14 днів тому +63

    From Wikipedia: "Many of Lahr's scenes took several takes because other cast members, especially Garland, couldn't complete the scenes without laughing. When warned that Hollywood had a habit of typecasting actors, Lahr replied, "Yeah, but how many parts are there for lions?"

  • @josephpaul4548
    @josephpaul4548 16 днів тому +141

    That lion sings with pride, that's the mane thing.

  • @scottjackson1420
    @scottjackson1420 12 днів тому +57

    Back in the day, this movie was shown once per year on network television in the U.S. Kids like myself would see it EVERY year without fail, as one of the year's big events.
    I still love the movie, and I'm 63 years old.

    • @reginaschellhaas1395
      @reginaschellhaas1395 10 днів тому +6

      I remember the same, it seemed to be shown around Thanksgiving. Loved it, I am now 65. We used to sing the "king of the forest" phrase as children, attempting to vibrato. I thank Fil for giving a us a professional appreciation of the performance, well over 60 years later(for me).

    • @sprite65
      @sprite65 10 днів тому +9

      My sister knows right where the first commercial break was when it aired on network TV. 😂 She was watching it on video with my niece years ago and she suddenly said "Commercial time!" We all looked at her and busted out laughing.

    • @reginaschellhaas1395
      @reginaschellhaas1395 10 днів тому +4

      @@sprite65 That's just great!

    • @user-yo3vt7ft1p
      @user-yo3vt7ft1p 10 днів тому +2

      Yeah!

    • @kimcooper1833
      @kimcooper1833 9 днів тому +7

      Oh for sure. I am 65 and such a big fan of this movie. And it is such an analogy on life. So so good. It was brilliant in its time and it is still brilliant!

  • @DK-zg8ik
    @DK-zg8ik 15 днів тому +65

    This was such a treat and nice surprise Fil. My great aunt Mildred was married to Bert Lahr.

  • @abc456f
    @abc456f 16 днів тому +260

    I've watched the Wizard of Oz every year for 62 years. And this still makes laugh.😂

    • @barbarabutterfield2679
      @barbarabutterfield2679 15 днів тому +23

      "put 'em up, put 'em up!" ❤🦁

    • @yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst
      @yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst 15 днів тому +2

      RIGHT?! 😂❤

    • @OwnedByACatNamedC.C.
      @OwnedByACatNamedC.C. 15 днів тому +14

      I must be in the same approximate age range as you are, because I’ve also watched it every year for as long as I can remember in my 69 years. It’s an incredible movie with talented actors & performers in every single role. There never has been anything like the original Wizard Of Oz in my lifetime, nor will there ever be. I’m so glad Fil decided to cover Bert Lahr’s performance.

    • @dbohnenberger
      @dbohnenberger 15 днів тому +10

      @@barbarabutterfield2679 "Pullin' an axe on me, eh??"

    • @abc456f
      @abc456f 15 днів тому +9

      @OwnedByACatNamedC.C. I just turned 67. Been watching it since age 5 and it never, ever gets old.

  • @philipbutler6608
    @philipbutler6608 16 днів тому +236

    He started acting when he was 14 in Vaudville. He was trained, and professionally on the job, he would have seen all kinds of singing and acting. I don’t think people today understand that all the actors of the 30’s and 40’s were in show biz for 20-30 years before they were in films. Almost all sang and danced as well. Even standup comedians sang and danced. A rapper would starve to death in vaudeville.

    • @johnnyonenote376
      @johnnyonenote376 15 днів тому +24

      Agreed Phillip - James Cagney was another classic example. Outside of his fame in gangster movies, you can see his real vaudeville versatility in films like Yankee Doodle Dandy, a movie I have always loved...

    • @GCKelloch
      @GCKelloch 15 днів тому +11

      Some rappers can dance and sing, and many would have the same abilities if they had the same training as in Vaudville.

    • @peztopher7297
      @peztopher7297 15 днів тому +11

      The best actors still learn to sing and dance. The Brits train with Shakespeare.

    • @kennethwayne6857
      @kennethwayne6857 15 днів тому +8

      @@peztopher7297 And some of us Americans. I loved reading that to graduate RADA, all students have to sing a classical piece.

    • @philipbutler6608
      @philipbutler6608 15 днів тому +2

      @@peztopher7297 I think Shakespeare was probably similar to vaudevillian In his day. In the US Hollywood has ruined Music, Theater and Movies. Also copyright laws have destroyed the music covering and local concerts and theater. If you don’t have ability to cover songs in performances you have to start writing your own music from your beginning. Few singers are composers or writers. Bands in the past learned their craft performing other artists songs. Until Music Streaming and copyright NAZI’s there were variety shows on every radio and television station. Artists made money from selling cover rights and sheet music.

  • @jacktozzi5729
    @jacktozzi5729 15 днів тому +50

    I studied classical voice for years and, after training, I realized how remarkable this was. It was also a parody of formal voice training. His overdone fricatives, rolled "r"s, and ultracrisp consonants are a riot, and just barely overdone. I wanted to end a recital with this song and there was no way I could have pulled it off. I did "Open Sesame," from P.D.Q Bach's "The Seasonings" instead. I also always thought his vibrato was a goat trill at the beginning. I never picked that up. Great work from both you and Mr. Lahr.

  • @rickvandijk
    @rickvandijk 15 днів тому +42

    ‘Sounds a little bit like a sheep’
    Exactly what a cowardly lion would sound like.
    One of my all time favorite movies, with stellar performances all around.
    Thanks for doing this 👑

  • @drewood
    @drewood 16 днів тому +115

    His "machine gun" or "sheep" style vibrato has always been so entertaining. Having you do a deep dive on this, was deeply fascinating.

  • @timl.b.2095
    @timl.b.2095 13 днів тому +11

    "I hope my strength holds out."
    "I hope your tail holds out."
    If you know, you know.

  • @timwhite5647
    @timwhite5647 15 днів тому +26

    I remember Bert doing Lay's Potato Chip commercials in the 60's, and Margaret Hamilton doing Maxwell House coffee commercials as well.

  • @Acceleronics
    @Acceleronics 16 днів тому +58

    Tangent comment: This movie has the best insult I've ever heard, "What would you do with a brain if you had one?" Second place goes to Bogart in Casablanca after Peter Lorrie's character says, "You hate me, don't you, Rick." Bogie replies, "If I gave you any thought, I probably would." Subtle, but effective.

    • @dbohnenberger
      @dbohnenberger 15 днів тому +4

      Both movies are just jammed with quotable lines

    • @leticiadelacruz9150
      @leticiadelacruz9150 14 днів тому +6

      I actually have a favorite line in this movie!! How long you stay fresh in that can!! Lol 🤣🤣

    • @toomignon
      @toomignon 12 днів тому +2

      "Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't they?" - Scarecrow

  • @sherylsoreson9790
    @sherylsoreson9790 15 днів тому +56

    I'm 76years old now. My mother told me this was the first movie she ever saw in color. There were so many 'firsts', unique special effects and technical innovations in this movie. Coupled with the extraordinary talent of the actors and their interpersonal chemistry, this is a standout movie that will never lose it's appeal.

    • @FistandFootMartialArts
      @FistandFootMartialArts 14 днів тому +1

      It was one of the first movies *anyone* saw in color, as it was made at the dawn of color movies.

    • @Px828
      @Px828 14 днів тому +5

      My father saw it in 1939 in its original release. He said the line was wrapped around the block.

    • @zekelucente9702
      @zekelucente9702 13 днів тому +2

      It would have been interesting to see Buddy Ebsen as the Tin Man as he was originally cast, but he was allergic to the silver paint.

    • @kennethwayne6857
      @kennethwayne6857 13 днів тому +1

      @@Px828 Completely gives the lie to the people who say it flopped when it first came out. But because the film was so expensive it took a while for it to make back its investment.

    • @Jojo-fy2ud
      @Jojo-fy2ud 10 днів тому

      Just like Gone With the Wind. Same year, color and really good movie!

  • @ohger1
    @ohger1 15 днів тому +9

    The best part is that I now understand what it is that makes a muskrat guard his musk.

  • @Tjcp292
    @Tjcp292 12 днів тому +14

    I LOVE that you picked this! Lahr’s cowardly lion never gets old!!!

  • @reddrockingeezer
    @reddrockingeezer 16 днів тому +119

    Bert Lahr had spent decades as a hoofer and performer on the Vaudeville circuit. His biggest problems in The Wizard of Oz stemmed from the 90+ pound weight of the cowardly lion costume. Not only was the costume very heavy, it was so hot he was drenched in perspiration and had to be cooled down frequently.

    • @TracyD2
      @TracyD2 16 днів тому +5

      Oof I can only imagine.

    • @harmanx.
      @harmanx. 15 днів тому +12

      That costume was restored a few years ago, and I recall them doing a photoshoot with his son wearing it -- and his son looks just like him.

    • @Ali-ct9pb
      @Ali-ct9pb 15 днів тому +4

      Poor Bert.

    • @johnnyonenote376
      @johnnyonenote376 15 днів тому +9

      Decades later Fred Gwynne suffered the same problems being repeatedly made up as Herman Munster for the TV series - including dramatic weight loss for a larger man.

    • @eyesuckle
      @eyesuckle 15 днів тому +1

      @@harmanx. How unfortunate for Bert Junior.

  • @coldlakealta4043
    @coldlakealta4043 16 днів тому +102

    I just saw the Wizard of Oz in a real movie theatre for the first time last weekend. As opposed to the small screens I've always seen it on it was wonderful. It stands up and more in every way even after 85 years. If you get a chance, go!

    • @conniedean1977
      @conniedean1977 16 днів тому +4

      I agree that seeing it on a movie screen is fantastic after a lifetime of watching it on TV, but wow, it really was a bit shocking how cheesy Munchkin land looked. Many of the “flowers” were pinwheels, and the stream running through one scene was clearly a blue (wrinkled) shower curtain with water running over it. Still a classic, though.

    • @nickimontie
      @nickimontie 16 днів тому +9

      I'm envious! I saw both Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia re-releases on movie screens, and will forever remember them. This movie would be perfect!

    • @nickimontie
      @nickimontie 16 днів тому +7

      ​@conniedean1977 I had a friend who. I. 1990 had never seen Oz I color - her father refused to buy a color TV at that late date! So I rented it and we watched it on my 19" TV. She was simply awed. I would love to see her react to it in a theater, no matter the cheesiness 😊

    • @Yesica1993
      @Yesica1993 16 днів тому +4

      Oh, I would love that!

    • @Yesica1993
      @Yesica1993 16 днів тому +3

      @@nickimontie My sister and I got to see Gone With the Wind for... I forget which anniversary it was. It was wonderful! (Though I hated the intermission. Totally killed the mood.)

  • @pn1123
    @pn1123 16 днів тому +54

    I never thought we'd be following the yellow brick road with Fil! LOL I was prepared for this to be funny, and it is a bit, but it's also fascinating! I've watched this for almost 70 years now, and never really thought about what it took for Bert Lahr to sing this. Thanks for making me appreciate this performance even more!

  • @papalaz4444244
    @papalaz4444244 16 днів тому +64

    Those people were all seasoned veterans of musical theatre/vaudeville.
    They sang every night with no amplification or monitors and they had to be heard by the audience :)

    • @Resgerr
      @Resgerr 15 днів тому +1

      Heard when they whisper by those in the back seats.

  • @grumpy1616
    @grumpy1616 16 днів тому +46

    For some reason yesterday, driving home I started singing this. I do not know why, it just came to me. And today, I see this.

    • @Kat-I-am3333
      @Kat-I-am3333 15 днів тому +3

      Crazeeeeeeee

    • @juliajones1425
      @juliajones1425 15 днів тому +5

      I hope for all your fellow travelers sake that you were stopped in traffic with your windows down. Would have made everyone’s day! 😅❤

    • @grumpy1616
      @grumpy1616 15 днів тому +5

      ​@@juliajones1425 My singing causes drivers to pull over as they think a siren went off. :)

  • @johnrussell4954
    @johnrussell4954 16 днів тому +38

    Fil I'm Amazed and so proud of your range of Interest, and your accuracy of analysis. As a lifelong musician it warms my heart to see it

  • @trelkel3805
    @trelkel3805 16 днів тому +11

    The line and his delivery of "The chipmunks genuflect to me" gets me every time 😂

  • @PaulRoehl-fi1iw
    @PaulRoehl-fi1iw 15 днів тому +14

    Just because of the endless re-watchability of this movie, I consider the W of Oz the best movie ever.

  • @dbohnenberger
    @dbohnenberger 16 днів тому +86

    This movie has never been surpassed, and Bert Lahr is the best part of it.

    • @trekkiejunk
      @trekkiejunk 16 днів тому +1

      You mean no movie has been better than Wizard of Oz? I mean, there's a lot of great film out there. I don't think i could make your claim.

    • @dbohnenberger
      @dbohnenberger 16 днів тому +4

      @@trekkiejunk It is a matter of opinion. I know somebody who believes that "Holmes and Watson" is the best movie ever made. I don't think anyone but him has made that claim.

    • @jerryw6699
      @jerryw6699 16 днів тому +4

      @@trekkiejunkIt's sort of like the world's greatest guitar player, there are so many of them

    • @dianewien683
      @dianewien683 16 днів тому +7

      Thank you Fil! Bert Lahr was an amazing comedian, actor, and his style of singing is wonderful. Also this song is so well written. Listen carefully to the words and the use of the words!

    • @kennethwayne6857
      @kennethwayne6857 15 днів тому +3

      Regarding Bert Lahr being the best part, I'm certainly inclined to agree. But then I think "Wait- what about Frank Morgan? And Margaret Hamilton? And Judy?" See what I mean?

  • @rumplestilskin5776
    @rumplestilskin5776 16 днів тому +17

    Nice to see old Bert being remembered.

  • @Liz.Green789
    @Liz.Green789 15 днів тому +7

    Such a great performance from beginning to end. He gets my favorite line in the film. I didn't notice it until I was an adult. He asks the Tin Man, "How long can you stay fresh in that can?".

  • @lollylight3670
    @lollylight3670 14 днів тому +9

    65 yrs old here…my family watched this every year when on TV. Always one of our favorite scenes, especially for our mom. Thanks for sharing!

  • @tomk.2601
    @tomk.2601 12 днів тому +6

    I've seen 'Wizard' probably 70 times since I was 5 years old. Such great memories!
    It held 'event viewing' status in our household, and was recorded once home video recorders became widely available and affordable to Americans.
    May Bert and his Oz cast peers rest in eternal peace. Thank you so very much for such wonderful, warm memories.

  • @GizzyDillespee
    @GizzyDillespee 14 днів тому +6

    Same type of underrated as Jean Stapleton singing Those Were The Days for the TV show theme song.

  • @PFNel
    @PFNel 15 днів тому +5

    And yet, astonishingly, there are no commercial music releases by him.

  • @sammcbride2149
    @sammcbride2149 15 днів тому +12

    It might indeed be one of the most creative vocal performances of all time.

  • @DanteStar7
    @DanteStar7 15 днів тому +5

    IF I ONLY HAD VIBRATO: When I was a young singer I heard others using vibrato. I liked it but I couldn't make it happen. It was a mystery to me then for some reason I thought about the Cowardly Lion and realized what he was doing. So I copied his exaggerated and then harnessed it. Since then I sing with vibrato any way I chose. That has been 52 years! Thanks Burt!

  • @johnnymossville
    @johnnymossville 16 днів тому +21

    Him singing this is one of the stand-out parts in the movie. Side story. My Dad was four years old when this movie came out and remembers taking the train to town with my grandmother to see it. He got so scared during the movie my grandmother had to leave the theater.

    • @LitVolWashCounty
      @LitVolWashCounty 15 днів тому +3

      I was almost 6 years old when the movie was re-released in 1949 and I was lucky enough to experience the absolute magic of that door opening onto the wonderous world of Munchkinland and beyond! Truly a treasured memory.

  • @DawnLenn
    @DawnLenn 16 днів тому +44

    I love this! God knows how many times I watched this movie as a kid. I remember sitting at the kitchen table gluing red sequins on shoes so I could dress as Dorothy for school in third grade 😄. This is such a fun song, and it's really interesting to look at the technique behind it!

  • @OuterGalaxyLounge
    @OuterGalaxyLounge 13 днів тому +7

    One of my favorite cinema performances. What a pleasant surprise.

  • @1msbucket
    @1msbucket 16 днів тому +50

    I enjoyed this. Thanx Fil! This reminds me of Danny Kaye. He was another musical performer who had a silly way about him like Bert. Their acting combined with their vocals were great.

  • @mariannemaloneywitherspoon6335
    @mariannemaloneywitherspoon6335 16 днів тому +51

    My favorite character-the cowardly lion played by the incandescent Bert Lahr. My favorite line is:” What makes a muskrat guard his musk? COURAGE!” Thanks ‘Sir Fil’ for this so, so very much, Marianne ❤😊 4:35

    • @jerryw6699
      @jerryw6699 16 днів тому +4

      I think I liked the scarecrow the most, at least today that's what I think.

    • @dmytryk7887
      @dmytryk7887 16 днів тому

      He definitely puts the ape in apricot.

    • @coldlakealta4043
      @coldlakealta4043 16 днів тому +1

      @@jerryw6699 I agree with you. The scarecrow 4VR

    • @Ali-ct9pb
      @Ali-ct9pb 15 днів тому

      Mine too

    • @captsorghum
      @captsorghum 15 днів тому +4

      "What have they got that I ain't got?"

  • @pdxcalibur
    @pdxcalibur 11 днів тому +5

    This amazing performance goes under the music radar because it was too funny. I love this scene

  • @karenbennett7085
    @karenbennett7085 16 днів тому +31

    One of my sisters use to imitate the lion at the beginning of this song and we use to laugh so much. Love the Wizard of Oz! Thanks Fil!

    • @Avery_4272
      @Avery_4272 15 днів тому +4

      In high school I used to do the same thing to make my best friend laugh! I'm glad to see that others had fun imitating this, too. (But of course Bert Lahr was the best at it!) :-)

    • @wot4me2
      @wot4me2 15 днів тому +4

      Your sister is not alone- my husband STILL sings it! Definitely one of our very favorite movies.

  • @julzy3
    @julzy3 16 днів тому +37

    I remember growing up there were only three movies that were shown every year on TV. The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and It's A Wonderful Life. I was always team Scarecrow (If I only had brain) but The Cowardly Lion did have a majestic voice. Thanks.🌈

    • @ST52655
      @ST52655 16 днів тому +9

      Cinderella was aired every year, and I remember the song lyrics, “In my own little corner in my own little chair I can be whatever I want to be…” ❤

    • @Suishiful
      @Suishiful 15 днів тому +8

      Ten Commandments on Easter. "Moooses, Moooses, Moooses"

    • @melaniefowler8841
      @melaniefowler8841 15 днів тому +2

      And Peter Pan starring Mary Martin (a filmed version of a live performance I believe)

    • @rumannkoch4864
      @rumannkoch4864 15 днів тому +3

      I would like to add Laurel and Hardy in 'March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)', aka 'Babes in Toyland. It was usually shown on TV around Thanksgiving.
      Loved when the toy soldiers pushed the mean Barnaby and his Bogeymen back into the underworld of Bogeyland. Fav scenes include a marching soldier losing his head walking through a doorway, the mouse dropping bomblets from his tiny blimp, and of course Stan and Ollie activating the toy wooden soldiers to the rousing instrumental of 'March of the Toys'.

  • @dundundata7603
    @dundundata7603 14 днів тому +4

    No other movie has withstood the test of time like TWOO

  • @user-uw9nt9fy2d
    @user-uw9nt9fy2d 12 днів тому +3

    That voice, that vibrato blew me away even as a kid. Fantastic! Good on you for bringing him and his performance to light…

  • @samruda23
    @samruda23 15 днів тому +7

    Thanks so much for featuring this classic. Lahr was the only character among the three (Scare Crow, Tin Man and Lion) to get two songs. Lahr actually had a 3rd number called "The Gitterbug" that was edited out for the final cut. I suspect that the writing and musical team of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg had great fun in playing to Lahr's epic range of talent. The only problem for Oz was that it came out the same year as Gone With The Wind and was overshadowed at that years' Academy Awards. It was not at the time the classic that it has become. In my view, Lahr is so incredibly talented that he steals the show, in a good way, every time he has a part. Great to feature this. Big thanks.

  • @NotKev2017
    @NotKev2017 12 днів тому +4

    To be honest, I would have never thought that what Burt Lahr did was even remotely technical. Thank you for bringing this to light. He really was much more talented that what I suspected. Thanks Fil!

  • @lisablacker3102
    @lisablacker3102 16 днів тому +14

    Under appreciated from a technical POV maybe, but not for Bert's entertaining delivery. These songs, and even many of the special effects, from The Wizard of Oz have held up remarkably well.

  • @lizstraub6621
    @lizstraub6621 14 днів тому +4

    He did this PERFECTLY, as a Lion who was finding his ROAR again! Hail, Dorothy!!!! Wonderful, Fil, LOVE this!

  • @debbier938
    @debbier938 16 днів тому +16

    Hi Fil,
    This was a fun way to end the weekend. A hop, skip and a jump with you down the Yellow Brick Road! This is such a classic movie and I don’t think anyone else could have played the Cowardly Lion as well as Bert. This was a great analysis and Bert really pulls out all the stops, vocally, comedy-wise and acting. So fun to look at his vibrato and how much it lent to his/ this performance of the Cowardly Lion. Great job breaking down his vocal abilities and talent. Thanks for this fun video today! Debbie☮️

  • @CandC68
    @CandC68 13 днів тому +2

    I'm so glad you are reminding us of one of the most durable characters. Thank you.
    I don't recall when I first saw the movie. But, some images and characters are permanent. They have lasted for me, for 70 years. The cowardly lion. Absolutely wonderful.

  • @paulmackenzie1850
    @paulmackenzie1850 15 днів тому +8

    I never realized how much talent and technique was required until your analysis of this song...I really enjoyed this...Thank you...

  • @lindaross783
    @lindaross783 16 днів тому +38

    This performance is admired and remembered. Maybe young people aren't aware how very cool it was. That's what happens over time. Bert was classic.

  • @dagmar.6954
    @dagmar.6954 16 днів тому +25

    Wow! That was so much fun to see & hear. This brought back a lot of memories of watching the classic "Wizard Of Oz". Bert Lahr was such a great character for the cowardly lion!

  • @highnrising
    @highnrising 15 днів тому +7

    Reportedly, Bert Lahr had never heard of the Wizard of Oz when his agent called him and told him to audition for the role of the lion. (The L. Frank Baum book was published in 1900 and had been something of a sensation, and it had even been made into a movie in the silent movie era in 1910.) He had no preconceived notions about the role.

    • @ichaffee1
      @ichaffee1 10 днів тому

      Frank Baum Oz books were just a jumping off point for the movie..

  • @missviolet7714
    @missviolet7714 16 днів тому +18

    how wonderful. thank you for this short visit to my childhood.:)

  • @grindercap
    @grindercap 15 днів тому +7

    Excellent Fil!
    Most of us would simply acknowledge this as a great comedic performance yet you have taken a deeper dive into the finer points of the matter.
    Really good stuff, Fil.
    A requested vid? Wow! What a great viewership you have.🤗

  • @ericdavid9321
    @ericdavid9321 15 днів тому +6

    FINALLY this is analyzed.. and with the respect it deserves. Thank you!

  • @mariajobson739
    @mariajobson739 13 днів тому +2

    One of my all time favorite movies...from childhood to now 71 !! Magic!!

  • @timconnecticut6263
    @timconnecticut6263 15 днів тому +4

    Timeless movie. I can still hear my mother and aunts and uncles singing along through the whole movie,haha . If you haven't, you owe it to yourself to watch the whole movie.

  • @taragreenetarotastro
    @taragreenetarotastro 15 днів тому +3

    OMG, Fil, I can't believe you are analyzing Bert Lahr's timeless Cowardly Lion song. He was a genius. Wizard of Oz was a groundbreaking modern fairy tale and the movie is a timeless classic

  • @philipbutler6608
    @philipbutler6608 16 днів тому +11

    100 years ago there were pianos, organs or some other musical instrument in homes. People made their own entertainment. You sang songs that were churned out on sheets in NYC. Written by prolific American composers. Music theaters, dance halls and stages were in every small town in America

  • @Eric_B
    @Eric_B 16 днів тому +10

    It’s SUPPOSED to sound funny!! A wonderful vocal performance that is hilarious!

  • @user-pq9zc3uc7m
    @user-pq9zc3uc7m 16 днів тому +5

    You were right, Fil. This was fun and your explanation was very interesting. I've enjoyed the movie for over 60 years but never gave this technique much thought. Thanks!

  • @patrickladucer4118
    @patrickladucer4118 16 днів тому +8

    " If I were the King of the Forrrrest"! Ment to to be humorous. Also Lion like.... Extreme..
    Thank you for your service and expertise.
    Wings of Pegasus!!!!

  • @mikenoble7005
    @mikenoble7005 15 днів тому +4

    I first saw this movie in a theater when I was around 7 years old. (I am now 77) I was going to day camp and this was a real treat for us. I was so fascinated with the movie that, when it ended, I stayed wanting to see it again. You could do that back then. The camp counselors had ushered us out thinking they had everyone in tow. They finally realized I was missing and came back for me. I was very disappointed! I have seen this movie so many times since. Unlike the rest of us, it never grows old. And the music is certainly timeless. 😎

  • @FistandFootMartialArts
    @FistandFootMartialArts 14 днів тому +2

    What impresses me about Fil is not only does he understand vocal technique and talk us thru the vid, he also is able to sing/reproduce/demonstrate the vocal technique (mostly,'lol) to make the explanation truly coherent.

    • @kimcooper1833
      @kimcooper1833 9 днів тому +1

      Y’a Fil can sing anything and I love his demos!

  • @mzmarvel29
    @mzmarvel29 14 днів тому +3

    Love those songs! The singing was impeccable! No tricks

  • @rumannkoch4864
    @rumannkoch4864 15 днів тому +3

    Thank you Fil for highlighting one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies. As a child I remember looking forward to watching it around Thanksgiving every year since the early 1960s!
    Bert Lahr was very talented, a real class act - whose contribution added immensely to the enjoyment of 'The Wizard of Oz', one of the most popular, and technically perfect (IMO) films of all time.
    Still want to know what makes the Hottentots so hot. 🤔

  • @walterfechter8080
    @walterfechter8080 15 днів тому +5

    Whenever I think of this tune, I think of my cat lurking about the back yard. Bert Lahr was amazing! Thank you, FIL, for this nostalgic and fun song!

  • @nrsvlda70
    @nrsvlda70 16 днів тому +7

    Fil.. as always you’ve given us an excellent breakdown/reaction to this classic performance. As many others have mentioned - I’ve watched this movie/video pretty much every year since I was a child - so 65+ years… It never grows old, and as a matter of fact I’m more impressed, and appreciate it more now than when I was younger. It’s especially impressive when one factors in how the costumes in those days would have made the roles so much more challenging than any actors today could even imagine!

  • @tammydoolittle6054
    @tammydoolittle6054 16 днів тому +9

    Thank you, Fil, for this fun analysis! The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic, and I've seen it several times, and enjoyed it. Congrats on 367k subscribers! Rock!

  • @ftlauderdaleborn1098
    @ftlauderdaleborn1098 16 днів тому +4

    This was so fun! Thank you, Fil 🎉❤

  • @nlbhaduri
    @nlbhaduri 12 днів тому +2

    You just gave me the first true smile of the day, Fil! Thank you!

  • @rubybaby7320
    @rubybaby7320 14 днів тому +2

    Charles Nelson Riley, an American comic actor, made a career using a version of Bert Lahr’s vibrato laugh.

  • @BrenAba2911
    @BrenAba2911 14 днів тому +1

    Oh! Thank you for analysing this, Fil! This has always been one of my favorites from the movie. My sister and I always called this "the lion aria". 😊🦁

  • @fischman26-China
    @fischman26-China 14 днів тому +2

    To think a movie this old stood the test of time. Amazing.

    • @creative1able
      @creative1able 8 днів тому

      That’s what makes a movie classic ❤

  • @triggerwarning5762
    @triggerwarning5762 14 днів тому +2

    This was my go-to bit as a kid to entertain the grandparents. Now my grandkids like when I sing like Bert Lahr...

  • @Lilah1754
    @Lilah1754 16 днів тому +6

    The “Wizard of Oz”, was always looked forward to with great excitement in our home, growing up. Still enjoy watching after all these years! The Cowardly Lion was everyone’s favorite. Thanks Fil for analyzing Bert Lahr’s memorable performance. So nice watching your reaction to this!!

  • @sreneethomas
    @sreneethomas 14 днів тому +1

    I watch this scene of the movie every few months. It’s just my favorite thing ever. Never thought about his actual voice (whether or not he was a good singer) I just loved the lion. Now I see it’s so good in terms of his actual voice too!!

  • @ouchsp
    @ouchsp 14 днів тому +2

    Fil, you obviously enjoyed this very much! Delightful!

  • @nowster
    @nowster 16 днів тому +8

    A little technical note. The recordings for films in those days were optical (on film) rather than magnetic tape (didn't arrive in the US until after WWII), which meant they could be edited by splicing. Also the munchkins' voices were recorded at an undercranked speed to pitch them up.

  • @Avery_4272
    @Avery_4272 15 днів тому +4

    Thanks for this fun trip down memory lane, Fil! I think Bert would get a kick out of this and would love that we're still appreciating his talents still in 2024. :-)

  • @MimisArtFarm
    @MimisArtFarm 14 днів тому +1

    I so loved seeing you enjoy and appreciate Bert's amazing singing on this song! 😄From the age of five (62 years ago)I remember being awestruck by his voice and knowing it was something special.

  • @zephyrbear
    @zephyrbear 16 днів тому +8

    An amazing voice!

  • @ouchsp
    @ouchsp 14 днів тому +1

    When he sings "Forest", it is more tremolo toward the end. You can do it without the space with practice. He really did a great job!

  • @aljole683
    @aljole683 9 днів тому

    Fil: what he is doing is extremely difficult, and you can hear what a good singer he is.
    Also Fil: demonstrates the technique and nails it.
    Fil…you are an absolute treasure. I wish you would release more of your own music, or even the fantastic covers you do. Keep making music!

  • @papermoontarot4219
    @papermoontarot4219 16 днів тому +4

    So fun to hear how song can be used to provide comic effect and how much control it takes. Like he was embodying the false bravado of the cowardly lion in his interpretation. Danny Kaye always impressed me in that way and he had such a pure voice. Thanks for this very fun analysis!

  • @user-vq8yk1wc1u
    @user-vq8yk1wc1u 16 днів тому +7

    You should revisit Judy Garland's Over The Rainbow one more time, but with a twist: pitch "correct" it yourself as best as you can so we can hear firsthand how badly the process mangles the art. It would also be helpful to have such data to see if a model can be derived to reverse the process based on the characteristics of the distortion.

  • @dalemcmillan7231
    @dalemcmillan7231 15 днів тому +2

    Classic!!❤

  • @alphabeets
    @alphabeets 15 днів тому +4

    That performance ALWAYS makes me laugh. It’s genius.

  • @bettybaby63
    @bettybaby63 13 днів тому +3

    It is truly a great performance.

  • @Deborahtunes
    @Deborahtunes 13 днів тому +1

    Fil you had me cracking up just as much as the movie vocals. I absolutely loved your dissection of his voice here. A lot of fun.
    This was always my favorite performance of the movie, tied with Judy's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"...

  • @chappellroseholt5740
    @chappellroseholt5740 12 днів тому +1

    Good evening from the beautiful SF Bay Area. What fun, Fil! Thanks for taking this work both seriously and with the humor it deserves. Bert was an old Vaudeville performer who learned his craft on the stage. Inventive and excellent. Cheers.

  • @xxPenjoxx
    @xxPenjoxx 14 днів тому +2

    Playing it half speed was a great move. It helped to understand the vibrato more visually 👏

  • @Lilliputian63
    @Lilliputian63 15 днів тому +5

    There is a small surprise "blooper" in that scene with Bert and Judy that is hard to see unless you are looking for it. After his being mean to Toto, Judy comes to him and slaps him. At that point, he starts crying. Watch Judy's face at that point and keep your eyes on her face. She apparently was very fond of Bert, and at one point in his crying, she smiles briefly and buries her chin in Toto (who she is holding tightly to her chest) to hide the smile. His crying was so funny, she fell out of character, but it stayed in the film.

    • @eyesuckle
      @eyesuckle 15 днів тому +1

      I'm gonna look for that next time.

    • @thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198
      @thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198 13 днів тому

      I've always seen that, but, never thought that it was because she broke character. I just thought that she was giggling because he was being so whiny.😂

    • @Lilliputian63
      @Lilliputian63 13 днів тому +1

      @@thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198 hah! I didn't think of that. But if someone was being whiny, would you smile in an endearing way, or put on a repulsed look? This isn't my conjecture on the smile. It's long been recognized as a "blooper". Think of it this way. Bert was a well known, and well loved character dating back to Vaudeville. He was a mature gentleman and that was how Judy knew him in real life. Suddenly, here he is making baby crying sounds and tears are streaming down his face as he's dressed up as a hairy lion - something completely out of character for him. The ONLY reaction a 16 year old girl would have would be smiling at his portrayal of his a crybaby lion. At least, that's my take.

    • @thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198
      @thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198 13 днів тому

      @@Lilliputian63
      That's funny. 🤣 I'm not arguing that you are incorrect. It is possible.
      Probable?🧐
      I'm 57 years old & have watched this since I was 5 yrs. old & I watched it with my children over & over. I still rewatch it frequently, as an adult. It has been my fave.
      I have always perceived this, the same. And after considering your explanation, 🤔I still do.
      I can only assess it as logic because my reaction to anyone who is emotionally out of control or dramatic is to laugh at them or harshly, correct them. She did that when she smacked him on the nose. 🤣
      Naturally, when he whined about being corrected, the logical mind laughs at the continued, emotional display.
      (But, I laugh too at his antics so.....her giggle may have been impulsive).
      I just don't see Judy breaking character, at all. I think those who 'believe' that she broke character, underestimate her @16 yrs old. She was far more mature & disciplined than that.
      Had you given me a source where the 'rumor' is changed into a fact? I'd change my mind, with a woooof, and a woooof & a rrrrrrrrroyale growl.......wooooof!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @Lilliputian63
      @Lilliputian63 13 днів тому

      @@thequieterubcomethemoreuhe1198 Well, I have you by a few years but I won't tell you by how many. I'm sorry, I'm not going to spend a second trying to convert you. If you believe that people smile when someone is being annoying/whiny, that's your prerogative. I'd suggest you use Google to search out all the mentions of Judy smiling. I think you'll see that few agree with you. But c'est la vie!

  • @mimi-3212
    @mimi-3212 16 днів тому +4

    One of my all time favs. Now I can watch with my other fav, Fil! Much appreciation for the talents of Harold Arlen (music) and Kip Harburg (lyrics) who wrote the songs for this movie.

  • @tnmoppylaura5476
    @tnmoppylaura5476 16 днів тому +5

    Wow! This movie showed once a year and I couldn’t wait to see it. I’ve always loved this performance. If cats could actually sing, it would probably sound like this. Thanks for the smile Fil.

  • @MusicLover-yo5rs
    @MusicLover-yo5rs 13 днів тому +1

    I love this! I’ve always liked Bert Lahr’s performance as the Cowardly Lion. He’s hilarious in this role. I love how you’ve analyzed his singing. You are correct that it is an amazing performance. I don’t know if anyone else famous now that could pull this off. Thanks again for the analysis, Fil! ❤

  • @JML-TruthBelongsToEverybody
    @JML-TruthBelongsToEverybody 16 днів тому +7

    thank you for this 😊

  • @jessiem276
    @jessiem276 16 днів тому +6

    I always loved the lion. When he thought someone had his tail, but he was holding it himself, it was so funny 😂😂 My brother always wanted to play the lion part 😊 He was my favorite, but I was afraid of the "Flying Monkies" 😂 Hope you have a Great week, Fil ❤️

    • @ST52655
      @ST52655 16 днів тому +1

      I was always afraid of the wicked witch.

    • @Suishiful
      @Suishiful 15 днів тому

      I used to sit on my aunt's lap during the Thanksgiving TV showing. When the flying monkets showed up I'd bounce on her knees and say, "Cover my eyes! Cover my eyes!" They were so scary.

  • @pmugglestone
    @pmugglestone 13 днів тому +1

    Really fascinating analysis…I appreciate the way you explain the technique required to pull off an hilarious song like this one. There is so much MORE to singing than most people know…thanks for educating us Fil! Loved it!!!

  • @caseyandtim
    @caseyandtim 15 днів тому +2

    Tragic that Bert didn't appear in more movies.
    Loving this Oz analysis series!