Barbra Streisand in FUNNY GIRL (1964, Broadway)

To mark the 80th birthday of Ms Streisand, we present:

Super8 home movies of the original production of Funny Girl, the musical of Fanny Brice's life. Included are portions of the show, much footage of the marquee, and various parties, including: for the broadcast of "My Name is Barbra," Johnny Desmond's birthday, Jean Stapleton leaving the show. The majority of the footage was therefore shot in 1965, after Sydney Chaplin left as Nick Arnstein (as seen in the marquee changes).

In this presentation, the footage has been more closely synchronised with the audio recording of Ms Streisand's final performance (25/12/65), in particular the segments capturing "His Love Makes Me Beautiful" and "Rat-Tat-Tat". The segments filmed from the wings were also moved to correspond to the rest of the performance footage.

[gtlfb]

I understand the prohibition on surreptitiously taping or filming live performances, but wouldn’t it be marvelous if there could be one official, high quality film of great stage shows?

[wotan]

My parents first saw her in the early 1960s at a nightclub. My father said she was the most unique performer he’d ever seen. Then they got tix to see Funny Girl, and were blown away. I wasn’t even 10 years old, so I had no idea what they were on about. But a couple of years later, I heard one of her records and said, “that’s the most incredible voice I’ve ever heard.” And then there were her tv specials. My own adult children are less impressed, but I’ve explained that in that era, Streisand was like no one else, absolutely a genuine star. And 60 years later………

[rutha]

In 1965, I accompanied an uncle on a business trip to N.Y. City where he treated me to my first Broadway musical. There, a woman I had never even heard of knocked me out of the seat! She got an amazing five standing ovations that night, which was at that time a record for one performance. Miss Streisand got me hooked for a lifelong passion for musicals. Whomever posted this, God bless you. What fond memories of a beautiful May evening in the city of lights.

[ncford]

Barbara’s poodle, Sadie, was given to her by the cast of Funny Girl at a surprise party for Barbra’s twenty-second birthday, according to her autobiography. What a delight to find this video as I read through her book.

[stephaniestanley]

Who the hell bootlegged this treasure? It's Broadway history 🤯
Barbra had the entire show on her shoulders. What strength she had.

[Oper]

Just listen to that orchestra! On Broadway! Tympani. Xylophone. Full brass and woodwinds. Strings! My goodness. Can you even imagine.

[MrLourie]

In all the world so far, Streisand remains the greatest star.

[spencerowensrichey]

Holy CRAP, what a find! And in color, too!

[andytaylor]

Fascinating treasure! I was a boy of 11 in 1964. My dear parents took me to my first Broadway Play. The audience was exciting and electric. When Barbra started to sing, it was a voice like no otherp a new dimension opened up. We were entranced and when the curtain came down-there were many curtain calls! Unforgettable - I am still in love all these years later. The one and only Barbra!

[edwardhannah]

Actually feels like I’ve walked through a time portal. This is extraordinary.

[mickjr]

Such a great show. A stage full of talent. A backstage full of talent as well. So happy I am old enough to have been in that Winter Garden audience. I wouldn't take $10, 000 for the memory!

[zachlen]

I saw this during tryouts in Philadelphia in the 60's. It was my first broadway musical which opened a new world to me. All I remember were our seats in the Orchestra all the way on stage left.

[Jessica_Valerio]

If anything deserved remastering, it is this gem.

[MediaDream]

The energy of this production, performers & orchestra, is really unlike anything I've ever seen! You can tell even with the low quality. What a night of theatre

[charleshudson]

That voice. It was all there from the start. This should be remastered for all to appreciate.

[bblegacy]

Much of the world has no if any idea of how good it can get in the LIVE! theatre and it's been true since the beginning of time. But the secret in it all along is the connection between the person on-stage and the audience. So, in an ironic way the true greatness can only be experienced by witnessing it in the moment. It's why so many such celebrated and legendary entertainers only exist almost only as mythological creatures beyond human comprehension. There just isn't any historical record of the best of them other than having been there in-person to experience it. But the greatness of it was the fact that it was exactly that 1:1 communication between a performer literally BECOMING the character they portray and the audience at any particular performance. That's literally the magic of getting to see such greatness LIVE! ... Nobody knows what will happen next and it's glorious to be a part of it, especially when it happens when anybody least expects it.

[MH_]

60 years ago today! Will forever be my favourite musical of all time!

[onirannam]

Backstage home movies halfway in with Streisand in the mix. What a surprise treat. Having seen her three times at the Winter Garden in 1964 this video captures many scenes most have forgotten like Coronet Man, Rat A Tat Tat and the bridal production number staging. Thanks for sharing. Plus 17 minutes in is what appears to be a celebration party for My Name Is Barbra. Someone hands her Sadie who she holds up for the camera. Wow!

[ommanipadmejum]

This is a treasure! Even the moment when she receive the puppy poodle Sadie, that the cast gift her. Super gift for her fans in her day!

[tomg]

As noted below, extraordinary. Fan since 1970. Never seen this even though it was just posted a year ago. What a treasure!