"Soliloquy" - Carousel (1967) - Robert Goulet

[twilson11208]

Jeez...all this going back and forth on Mr Goulet's performance...what style, what note...who really cares? Lets settle it...Beautiful number with a beautiful song, performed and sung beautifully by a beautiful man. ZIP!

[TheWaterfallprincess]

wow! I have always adored this song ..I thought the movie version was amazing..but after seeing this Im not so sure...Mr Goulet conveys every emotion with his rendition of the epic R&H classic...Im bewitched utterly bewitched.

[JohnJohn27030]

Superb Mr Goulet.

[nancypo1]

I grew up listeing to him, what a great "pop" voice...

[makinbacon254]

Gave me chills. I hope to sing it like this some day.

[zzyyxxo]

A lot of real feeling. He nails it I think.

[tenorismo]

Hes singing live I give him credit for that.

[UglowD]

A singer who could have conquered, Broadway, Hollywood, the opera house and the concert hall had he been born a decade earlier. He's superb by any standard.

[kryptonbear]

With all the trash that makes it on to DVD, why can't someone remaster this along with his TV version of Brigadoon & Jack Cassidy's TV version of Kismet & release them on DVD? Why is it that nobody seems to care about preserving the history & heritage of Broadway musicals that were remade for TV?

[57188]

A very talented and powerful Captain of Corn. So cheesy it's fattening.

[haroldhill1000]

Fabulous rendition and slightly different from the one RG did on his first live album. He was truly into the character and very disciplined with his interpretation. What a set of pipes.

[nanny3738]

I think Mr Goulet could sing Twinkle,Twinkle little star and it would be beautiful ! many years ago my daughter worked in Miami at a club,and I told her IF Robert goulet came in and she did not get his autograph fo me I would be very upset. He mever came in so I an so sorry that I never got to see him. He seems to have been a wonderful person. Vera you are very special to have had the chance to have shared your lives together. Now I only have his music and I still live every note he sings.

[tenorismo]

Sing song vegas style . Nevrer ever sang a full line.

[damens]

@tenorismo Which is WAAY preferable to sing song Opera style. Nevrer ever acting a coherent line - or acting at all really.

[dmnemaine]

@damens,

The song was written to be sung by an operatic voice. And I beg to differ with you. The style a person sings in has nothing to do with whether or not that person is acting when they sing.

[damens]

@dmnemaine Dear F*ckKnuckle - as I said, this song is designed to be sung by an operatic voice (but congratulations on copying my point here). You are right that the style a person sings has nothing to do with whether they are acting or not - but who has ever said otherwise - no-one .. . EVER - so you are pissing in to the wind with your retard arguments. if you think a non-operatic voice iautomatically = "acting" I can't help you - No-one can ...

[dmnemaine]

@damens,

What I said was that singing style (whether "Vegas" or "Opera") has nothing to do with acting. How did you get "If you think a non-operatic voice automatically = 'acting' " out of that? I was very clear. You're the one who insinuating that "Opera style" equals non-acting.

[Donalda77]

wow

[marysharbor]

I haven't seen this since 1967, though I had the recording. I went through a lot of effort to get it, I recall. I only saw this once and I remembered it; I think Goulet's performance stayed with me beyond any other Billy. He adds more nuance than anyone; it's a song for acting, and Billy was not an easy part...and now, seeing it again, I know I was absolutely right to fall in love with Robert Goulet when I was in grade school.. He played all of Billy's dimensions and he had that voice & charm.

[jimmydm64]

As a composer of musical theater, I can tell you without a doubt that no performer ever ever ever sings the song the way you wrote it. And no amount of rehearsal will ever satisfy you. Composers quickly learn to let go of their babies and let the performers make it their own. If they don't, they'll/we'll go insane. Read the Rodgers biography how he describes the lead female in The King and I was terribly out of tune and he kept "dumbing down" the melodies. I'm sure Rodgers didn't care....

[phantomxr]

Actually this is very good,even includes the line "a skinny lipped virgin with blood like water",the word "Virgin" was dubbed out of Mcraes version,the original and best.

[scotpens]

@phantomxr : Not dubbed out; it was recorded that way ("a skinny-lipped LADY with blood like water") because of the movie censorship of the time. The words "damn" and "by God" weren't in the film version either.

[weikko79]

@scotpens Or "What the hell" -- this actually rhymed with "girl" in the original musical :)

[dmnemaine]

@weikko79,

"Hell" doesn't rhyme with "girl" . You might be able to get away with calling it a near-rhyme, but that's really stretching the point. Or are you insinuating that when John Raitt sang it originally, he pronounced "hell" as "hurl" or "girl" as "gell"? I can tell you from the original cast recording that he did not do either.

[weikko79]

@dmnemaine I have the original cast recording. I concede that it's a near-rhyme, but given Hammerstein's scrupulousness with rhymes (note that "hell-girl" fits the abab rhyme scheme perfectly in "Could it be? / What the hell... / What if he / Is a girl?"), I doubt if it was just a coincidence, either. Why would Hammerstein have tried to pass an "unsuitable" word like "hell" (where "heck" would have done as well), if not for this reason?

[dmnemaine]

@weikko79,

Oh I agree that it's spoken dialogue in meter, and I guess "hell" and "girl" flow together better than "heck" or "hey" and "girl". When Gordon MacRae said, "Wait a minute. Could it be? What the -? What if he is a girl?", the continuity was definitely lost.

[fromthesidelines]

Yes, this isn't a "film"- this is a videotaped, slightly "abridged" version of "Carousel", produced by Goulet's company [ROGO] for Armstrong (one of a series of "condensed Broadway musical" specials sponsored by them over ABC from 1966 through '68). They also sold "original cast album" recordings of those specials {pressed by Columbia}, through their dealers [a dollar each, I believe- or possibly $1.49]. This originally aired on May 7, 1967.

[robbey10]

this is not a film and not a night club act in the old days there where cultural events on television as strange as that may seem. And they would bring something very close to the Broadway production to your TV screen.Robert Goulet was a great Broadway Actor and Singer. In those days instead watching half talented hopefuls pass on a idiotic shows like Idol we had trained actors and singer on televison as schocking as that may seem.

[1915fas]

I don't know, it seems to me this is more of a lounge act version of Soliloquy. The way Goulet 'interprets' this number, it's not being sung as written. Rodgers and Hammerstein would certainly never have approved of this performance. On Broadway and in the recording of tracks for the movies they produced they insisted on an as written performance.

[Sshelly34213]

Um he's acting, it's a film.

Sorry but it's much more effective than just singing, it's what they do in the play version as well. This ISN'T a cd.

[1915fas]

I'm sure if you compare what Gordon Mac Rae and John Raitt were doing to this you'll have to admit that that was more difficult and demanding.

[Sshelly34213]

I have and I disagree

[RGGVERA]

@1915fas You are wrong, the song is sung exactly as it was written. And you are wrong again, R&H did approve the performance and the entire special.

Vera Goulet

[1915fas]

@RGGVERA It is unlikely that 'R&H' both approved of Goulet's version. 'H' was already dead by 1960 - a full seven years before this telecast. However, I refuse to be mean-spirited enough to attribute his death to a premonition of this performance.

[RGGVERA]

@1915fas Mean spirited! That’s an “understatement”. In the past thirty years I worked with the R&H Estate on numerous productions and negotiated Mr. Goulet’s contracts so I am somewhat qualified on the subject. Mr. Goulet’s website has had over 6 million visitors so his talent and legacy speaks for itself. Vera Goulet

[nanny3738]

@1915fas I think that Robert Goulet could sing Twinkle

twinkle little star and It would be wonderful. Never have I loved a voice more that his and his personalty. He seems to be always happy with his work and the people he sang for.My daughter worked in Miami for the Jocky club in the 60. And I told her that if Mr Goulet came there and she did no call me I would just not be a happy person. I so wanted to meet him. I will miss him soooooooo! was hopeing to meet him.

[dmnemaine]

@RGGVERA,

I can tell you that the song is not performed as written. I have the vocal score, and although Robert Goulet gives a wonderful performance, there is at least one alteration from the original. Robert Goulet does not sing the high F on the final note. 

[beautyisme82]

Do you happen to have any other clips from this telecast?

Thanks for this one.

[taratimbs]

It looks like he's peeing at 2:42.

[cmhmuscle]

oh my this is lovely......

[OMORINOEKI]

My son is having a girl in August. First child and grandchild!

I forwarded this to him. I told him to be patient until the middle when 'he' becomes a 'she.'

Noboby in today's world can compare to this kind of voice. No matter the key.

Thanks for having it available.

[Thumper17]

RIP, you shall be missed.

Robert Goulet

November 26 1933 - October 30 2007

"It would be difficult to decide in my roller coaster existence, just when I had my 'Best Day.' Perhaps it was when I married my present wife, Vera. Or the day when my three children were born. Certainly the day I came away cancer-free from a prostate operation stands near the top. For now, everyday seems as if it should be the best day of them all. I like to think of them as such."

[lightscameraaction24]

beautiful quote.  what a character, he's fantastic. What is this TV program? Is it available on DVD?

[ausfreak666]

its not a program it is a film called carousel, and you will definitely be able to get this from dvd shops

[Pointe5286]

also just to let you know everytime an new actor plays a role on broadway the songs get transposed...so it is possible that Patti Lupone's "Coming Up Roses" is in a different key than her understudy or Bernadette Peters or even the original key it is done in the sweet spots of each different actor's voice

[Hasselhoffhater]

So anyone noticed thatt the music is transposed down?

[stevevandien]

Why should that matter? This isn't opera, after all --

[yakkomovies]

Well I just prefer listening to music they way compsers wanted to write it.

[stevevandien]

I understand and respect your opinion. But please consider this: Although Hammerstein had died, Richard Rodgers was very much alive in 1967. Since this was a network telecast, the producers almost certainly had to ask and receive Rodgers' permission to transpose "Soliloquy" for Goulet. If the composer was OK with it, so am I. I'd much rather hear Goulet in this key instead of hearing him strain after high notes beyond his comfortable range:) --

[KatherineXIX]

It's transposed for the movie for Gordon McRae, too, and that's probably the version most people know.

[miyoshiumeki]

this was not transposed for the movie...it is in the original key....sometimes John Raitt goes higher because he was really a tenor.

[donaldrose]

I got to know Bob briefly in Canada and he had an amzing top to this voice and could sing a Tenor high C. In fact you couldn't stop him from singing at times. The transposition would have been for dramatic purposes because he is a genuine bass-baritone and would sound too forced in a higher key.

[MagTrag89]

love him love him love him

[shmoogle14]

Are there any more videos from this production? I'd love to hear him sing "If I loved You".

[Sshelly34213]

WOW he's an excellent actor, man if only he were in Hollywood when they were making Musicals, he could have been a star.

[Sshelly34213]

So does he have a boy or girl??

And are people actually complaining about his voice?? LMFAO its amazing, you've got to be effing kidding me. I don't understand how it could be better than that, please.

[ziploxx]

It was a girl!

[Sshelly34213]

AW CUTE.

lol :)

[forallyouknow]

He's a really lovely actor. He's got all these nuances to him--awesome.

[brcbrtn]

Robert did a great Brigadoon for TV too. with Sally Anne Howes. Wow, what a match-up! I think this piece of music is one of the best of the theater.. so simple, and bitter-sweet. Every father can identify with Billy's musings and worries. Always brings a tear to my eye. "Carousel" is an emotional roller-coaster anyway (to mix metephores), and by the end of "When you Walk Through a Storm" one is a soggy mess. Thanks for posting this. I remember watching when I was a kid.

[Kevin90028]

Bob Goulet out. Steve McQueen in.

[Sshelly34213]

why?? hes amazing

[Kevin90028]

I was referencing a line from "A Chorus Line." (I love Bob and I can't stand Steve.)

[Sshelly34213]

oic

[Sshelly34213]

why he's the most boring man on earth

[minarik01]

um, its also about 5 notes lower than the original key. Goulet really has no range. its kinda incredible.

[ksnygirl]

even if that's true, his voice is still amazing.

[angelinsacparadise]

Go Goulet!

[bjb17]

Goulet's interpretation is okay. It's just that with Gordon Macrae as a benchmark, it's never gonna match up.

[Mamasan41]

SPLENDID!!!

[sweettrt]

I second that emotion!!!

[Kokopuffs78]

I think Goulet's slightly arrhythmic interpretation of this song is perfectly authentic. One doesn't have to be in lock-step with the instrumentals. In fact, just the opposite is true; Sinatra practiced it all the time. Goulet's interpretation is right on the mark.

[Staymewithflagons]

I agree...it's actually better for stage...(people said my Dad was better than

Goulet :) (my Dad wore his Lancelot costume for that part at Longwood) but I'll give Bob his props here!

[ozzian2000]

How can anybody sing like that??? He just takes every damned song he sings and RUINS it for anyone else because NOBODY else can come close to him. I've seen him perform four times live and... dude... seriously... cannot be explained.

[magicj530]

you must be joking. this is the most piss-poor version of this epic aria that i've heard. he ruins all the rhythms and speaks most of the text. not a classy way to sing it.

[Staymewithflagons]

This style was considered quite authentic at the time...moving away from songs being over sung like giant opratic numbers.

[Sshelly34213]

What?? Why?

Fck man that's live, he's an awesome singer, show some respect, I sincerely DOUBT that you'd do it anymore justice.

[Sshelly34213]

L O L epic aria..

its a fcking broadway tune stop making it more than that.

Goulet does a fine job, I doubt you could do any better

[paulgirard889]

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!

[BeauBeau93]

I'm in this show this week. It's great fun.

[Babs22h]

he's cute!

[Chriswren9]

I don't mean to be THAT guy but is there any more of this production that someone could put on Youtube...?

ps. Robert Goulet has one of the best voices, so smooth and soothing and brutal when he needs too! RIP

[machinegunvibrato]

couldn't agree with you more abbout robert goulet

that and yes, where is the rest of this production???

[ItalianDivo101]

I'm not afraid to be that guy: ARE there more clips from this production?

[snagsnapper]

To bashers and even non worshipers. Like anybody knows what it's like to have that kind of talent Then there is my girlfriend with the "schmaltzy over the top" criticism it's got to stop! When Will Farrel got away with that sacriligious incredibly unfunny ripping of Bob on Saturday night live it wasn't funny even if Bob let it slide.Long live the memories and video of Bob Goulet

[mkxylplk]

here here, I'm with you. I understand sometimes comedians have to do what they have to do for laughs. But it seems like more "entertainers" today use the likeness of the true greats to the point that it becomes tacky and lame just for the sake of notariety or simple showing off. BTW, Will Farrel is a cheesy idiot and SNL is dead and as of this minute nobody fucking cares. RIP Mr Goulet, your memory and star will shine forever

[BalletBabyBoy]

I was the Carnival Boy with Bob in the last revival of Carousel. He was drunk and unreliable...yet he was a magnificent Billy. I would Cry during the If I loved You scene. He watched the ballet every night from the wings and would punch me when I came off...he would say "you meanie". I am so sad...I wish there was a tape of this production. It was wonderful..with all the problems..wonderful!

[pannicatack]

RIP Robert Goulet

[Hickey66]

This man is - what? hansome wonderful singer, yet, what is missing?

[notabroham]

moustache...?

[HunniBunch144]

LMFAO thats hysterical!!!

[odamae2]

I now understand why Elvis shot at his TV when he saw RG on air. I was never a fan of RG before- but now I am staring to see the errors of my ways! He has a powerful voice perfect for the stage.

[1915fas]

@odamae2 Elvis shot the TV because he didn't hear any connection between Goulet's voice and his heart. (Also, Elvis was suspicious of any singer who didn't sweat as much as he, Tom Jones or James Brown.)

[MissBroadwayDork]

Now I understand in a Chorus Line when one of the characters sings "Robert Goulet! Robert Goulet! Oh My God! Robert Goulet!"

[JadedBass]

Sadly I thought the exact too...

[sharontrout]

Thank you so much for posting this video.....condolances to his family and friends around the world!!!! Sharon T.  from oHIo

[GaminattheBarricades]

This single song made me like Carousel

this song is the most powerful soliloquy in all of R&H...possibly all of musical theatre!

[soulgrrl]

Brilliant!!!! Robert Goulet will be sorely missed. The breadth of his talent was amazing. We are blessed to have these videos for younger generations to appreciate.

[GroovyLA77]

What an amazing talent. His voice & face will forever be remembered. My deepest sympathy to Vera and the Goulet family. The world mourns your passing sweet Lancelot.

[gatebee]

Sing on with the angels... thank you for blessing us with your wonderful gift here on earth.

[Josephine1028]

You will be sorely missed, Mr. Goulet. You are the last of the romantics of my generation. Now the angels will have the magic of your voice. Thank you for many years of joy.

[Desperadorrj]

Damn Robert! You where the last of the hep-cats. You are missed!

[CeeCeeVS]

Rest in Peace Mr.Goulet ...

You sing with the angels now.

[maryquant1967]

They don't make men like this anymore. I thought he would be here forever. A classic.

[ridergirl952]

Unbelievably beautiful and moving. Such power and tenderness in his voice. Gorgeous. What a talent and what a shame that he's left us. Soar and sing with the angels, you handsome thing you.

[metuberous]

Wow! What a moving rendition of this timeless classic. Robert Goulet sings this with such credible passion that I could weep. Bravo, Robert and may you rest in peace.

[nbrisby]

RIP

[stuartwoolner]

Fantastic version of this timeless classic. Great interpretation... a joy to watch.

[dsneybuf]

Anyone have an opinion on the planned remake starring Hugh Jackman? I don't watch X-Men so I can't really say anyting.

[ksnygirl]

He was wonderful in Oklahoma. I can't wait for a revival with him!

[onufry54]

can we get a copy of this video on a CD?

[markie909]

This is great to see classic Goulet in action. I love how he takes jimself so lightly now, but people need to remember that he has some real talent and experience as well that clips like this prove!

[magicj530]

this is terrible...does no one have any respect for the music actually written? horrible version of this great classic.

[singingsammage]

Are you kidding? This is EXACTLY how Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote this song. Sung by one of the masters of the musical theatre.

I don't know what version yuou've heard.

S.

[magicj530]

um, no, maybe next time look at a score before posting.

[singingsammage]

I'm looking at the score right now, and I still don't understand what the fuck you're talking about. Clearly nobody else does either... :)

[jibberjabber]

this man will always be the voice of mikey from recess

but this was great nonetheless

[Froghorn8]

Robert--I saw you do this!! YOU are the BEST...Great recording!!LoveYA

Joy

[Smscsa]

That was very good.

[1234rdc]

John Raitt did it better!!

[montestone]

A classic yes. Anybody else notice how they kicked it down third at 7:14, just before "I gotta get ready..."? Guess Goulet didn't have the top Gs!

[pannicatack]

Yeah, I noticed that too. Instead of an F at the end, it's a C#.

[figlet]

this is an amazing find for me; thank you for posting

[ironfuscia]

great acting, great singing.

[Karenenglishrose]

Wow, fantastic, such a powerful song. My Dad sang it to me when I was little. Thank you for sharing.

[scooter110553]

Armstrong did such a great job reducing these shows to TV length - yet preserving the plots and a good chunk of the scores. And Robert Goulet was perfect for Brigadoon & Carousel. (They were a little out of their comfort zone for Kiss Me Kate.) When are they going to release these recordings again?

[Froghorn8]

The BEST soliloquy EVER!! Robert Goulet..Classic

[gamesport88]

Do you have any more clips?

The Carousel Waltz perhaps?

[broadwaystud2004]

classic!