Pippin (1982) Reviews

Pippin (1982)
Member Rating:  
This made-for-television movie is a filmed version of the Bob Fosse musical hit of the same name. William Katt stars in the title role of this fictionalized story of Pippin, the son of Charlemagne who sets out to find meaning in life and discovers his true self along the way. Ben Vereen appears in his Tony Award-winning role. ~ Bernadette McCallion, Rovi

 Read More


Director(s):
David Sheehan
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(6 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Linda D.

This is an old 1981 live tv perfomance. I like Ben Vereen - I love Bob Fosse's choreography - however this pop rock version of the story of the son of Charlemagne on his quest for the meaning of life just doesn't work for me. Martha Raye as his grandmother was just strange - Chita Rivera as his step-mother was fun - but again didn't quite fit here. This sort of burlesque vaudeville type musical just doesn't work with this particular story for me - I like musicals but this will never be a favorite. I only give it 3 stars as no matter what Bob Fosse's dance routines are too much fun to watch to totally dismiss.

Yes   |   No


Antoinette M.

This may be one of the worst musicals I have ever seen---cheesy, boring.

Yes   |   No


Juliana S.

"Pippin" is so 70s counterculture with its streetfair style and antiwar message. That said, I love the music, the dancing, and the start turns by Ben Vereen, Chita River, and Martha Raye. The main character, Pippin, looks a doofus in this day and age, but it's still a fun show, especially with all the sexy, hip-happy Fosse choreography.

Yes   |   No


Marie F.

Besides being very entertaining, there was much more of a theme than I expected. Pippin feels "empty and vacant" through most of the play and then finally he feels "trapped." In a very broad kind of way this could be considered a satire on existential desperation. I liked it.

Yes   |   No


Steven G.

Shot live on stage, fairly good. The high school production is cleaner than the real play (drug scene extracted and some of the cursing as well). Ben Vereen was outstanding as the Lead Player but William Katt was a disappointment. I am amazed he landed this role as it calls for a good actor and great singer -- and he is neither. Besides his substandard performance, the overall production is enjoyable. It addresses one young man's search for meaning in life, and is framed as a story within a story as a group opf actors show us the story of Pippin, son of Charlemagne.

Yes   |   No


Mark C.

This is a wonderful musical and a good movie of the stage production. Ben Vereen is nothing short of amazing. It's got Chita Rivera and Martha Raye. William Katt is earnestly naive and arrogant at the same time. Keep in mind: This is not an anti-war musical. Pippin's lyrics and staging mock hawks, doves, revolutionaries, the political abuse of religion, and the "free love" counterculture of the 60s and 70s, all in an effort to ask and answer, "What's really important?"

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 
Buy New  $12.99
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (6)
     
    Linda D.

    This is an old 1981 live tv perfomance. I like Ben Vereen - I love Bob Fosse's choreography - however this pop rock version of the story of the son of Charlemagne on his quest for the meaning of life just doesn't work for me. Martha Raye as his grandmother was just strange - Chita Rivera as his step-mother was fun - but again didn't quite fit here. This sort of burlesque vaudeville type musical just doesn't work with this particular story for me - I like musicals but this will never be a favorite. I only give it 3 stars as no matter what Bob Fosse's dance routines are too much fun to watch to totally dismiss.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Antoinette M.

    This may be one of the worst musicals I have ever seen---cheesy, boring.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Juliana S.

    "Pippin" is so 70s counterculture with its streetfair style and antiwar message. That said, I love the music, the dancing, and the start turns by Ben Vereen, Chita River, and Martha Raye. The main character, Pippin, looks a doofus in this day and age, but it's still a fun show, especially with all the sexy, hip-happy Fosse choreography.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 6 Reviews
       

      Quick Links

      Email Exclusives

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      FIND MOVIES

      ALL MOVIES

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      ALL ACTORS AND DIRECTORS

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      BLOCKBUSTER CORPORATE

       

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2012 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2012 Rovi Corporation.