My favorite Norma will always be Patti, but I saw Betty on Broadway and she was fantastic. I wish all the Joes were better. It tends to be such a throw-away role because the whole focus in Norma. I never saw a Joe that was more than functional in the show...and I think it's got great potential.
@FaceTune Nope no way no how, not even in the stands of the baseball field in terms of singing talent.. she can act but she turned Norma into a near Fatal Attraction meets Cruella DeVille..."
Betty is all Broadway, and is beautiful so is believable as the fallen star...
@karrezza it may be a "fatal attraction meets cruella deville" call it as u want but damn I liked that crossing and even for Norma coz I imagined her character as impressive and imposing as Glenn Close... Buckley is the second best according to me... but i do get ur point i just don't think I'll agree for now...
@karrezza oh and I just realized buckley went flatt while going in high notes... very inaccurate when she says "the girl next door" and it annoys my ears... but again that's me! if u don't agree ignore...
I saw it with Betty and Elaine. Betty was powerful and convincing. The psychosis was subtle. Until the end she played it just a few degrees off normal. More like a pampered person deluding herself than someone truly disturbed. Elaine was over the top and silly from the start. Her eyes appeared to be rolling around her head in craziness. She seemed to be doing a musical version of Carol Burnett's "Nora Desmond" parody. It reminded me that Andrew Lloyd Webber is a 2nd rate writer.
@pnyc1969 Good comment.. I have only seen videos.. and by the looks of it Buckley brings a classy element to everything she touches, always regal in some way.
I love Patti - duh, but I didn't see her do Sunset. I saw Glenn. I saw Elaine. And I saw Betty. Betty Buckley was the only one who, IMHO, brought the whole package together. Her incredible voice, her acting, her phrasing and interpretation, her gestures - perfection.
To "Sunset" fans, who enjoyed productions of this UNDER-RATED musical, a blessing many had, to relish, THE leading ladies of Broadway, all take a shot, at the complex and twisted role of Ms. Desmond. Fortunate to see two productions in LA, (Close/Clark,), and reading reviews of "the best", it appears each STAR, brought something unique to the show. I regret missing Buckley/ Lu Pone's performances. It's like collecting a million $ prize, and asked how do you want it? 1's or 5's, it's still $.
I saw Patti, Betty and Elaine! Patti is so original in being the Original, Betty is the perfect actress with the perfect vocal abilities, and Elaine is the perfect local singer/actress for the London stage! I loved them all, much more then you can imagine, if you did not see them all.
i know. she played a sympathetic young and very beautiful teacher in the movie. sorry she died.
i watched the whole movie cause i had no idea what it was all about. the scariest part for me when her mother's arm came up from their burned down house...or was it carrie's. i don't remember that.
i know for sure i always got an eerie feeling anytime i saw sissy spacek (winning an academy award changed my percetion of her however. i didn't know what to make of her in real life. lol.
I have always loved her in carrie&mainly for her Broadway contributions..She is on Facebook&accepts ppl she is a fbook friend,and she loves her family&facebook friends and she talks daily about her current show that just opened and her life,,it's so gr8 that she lets a fan see her life..shes the best..
He must have some voice because I just read today he's in the lead as the Phantom in London right now and Webber wants him to play the Phantom in the sequel next year; Phantom: Love Never Dies.
Favorite Joe (I heart John Barrowman!), and I love Betty's singing, but it feels more to me like "Betty Buckley singing a song from SB!" than "Norma Desmond singing a song!" I feel like Patti LuPone (personality wise as well) fit the character more. As an out of context song, I like Betty's version best, but within the show, I prefer Patti.
what gives you the impression that im a patti fan bitch. all i said was that patti lupone was better. is a person whod rather have an apple than beef jerkey a vegan?
I've seen her in concert multiple times and saw her as Norma and she was AMAZING. I saw Glenn, too. I didn't think she sucked, but Betty acted and sang brilliantly.
Ms. Buckley is surely the greatest of the Normas. I saw all three women (Close, Buckley, Paige) in New York, and Ms. B was far and away the strongest.
I agree Kathryn Evans was fantastic, also saw her first at Watermill Theatre before it transferred. Mind you I've never seen SB before but watched lots of clips. Can't we get some of Kathryn in Sb put on UTube
Does anyone know where this recording actually came from, i know its at the Olivier Awards but as far as im aware thats not on tv or released on video.
From Australia: I saw this performance with Ms Buckley in New York. It was totally awsome and unfortunately the cds were sold out. She was a treat!!Love her
This starts out as a mediocre,generic musical tune. It doesn't do anything for me,maybe it's the white.The lyricist is trying to make it seem like BROADWAY and it is NOT! They charge $500 per ticket for THIS???The Erich Von Stroheim guy has a nice Wagnerian tenor.Too much vibrato for me in her voice...
i was kinda waiting the whole performance wondering "where are you going with this (acting wise) betty?" i didnt get what she was doing what i saw was more like betty getting her name on the marquee. that being said she has a magnificent singing voice. mabey she was off tonight cause ive heard raves about her.
Yes, Betty did do a great Norma! It's refreshing to meet a LuPone fan who isn't automatically against all other Normas like some tend to be. I like LuPone's Norma too, but I also appreciate other actresses who've played her :D
I blamed so much when I realized that Ms Glenn Close would not be singing Sunset Boulevard that day... but when I heard Betty Buckley I was really amazed and astonished for such outstanding performance
I can't stand how Barrowman splits "Sunset" when singing "Sunset Boulevard" into three counts when it should be two; the way Hugh Jackman sings it is correct and sounds much better.
I can't hear that, and I listened to both of them. If the singer over-enunciates the "n" I can see how it might sound like 3 syllables, but Jackman is equally guilty of that. I think that's just how the song is.
It's not three syllables, it's three beats; there's a difference. But you are right, he is over-enunciating the "n" in "Sunset" and he is also sliding the note down into the beginning of "Boulevard." It just sounds sloppy. A high school music teacher wouldn't let someone get away with it, I can't believe whomever directed his West End production did. If you listen to the version on the Original Cast Recording, the one with Glenn Close, that version on "Sunset Boulevard" is correct.
I saw her in this role in 1995 on Broadway. It was the second Broadway show that I had EVER seen. I was a silly little theatre major and she made me cry. (That's why I came back 2 other times.) LOL!
Does anyone know where I can get good Betty clips of her singing in Sunset Boulevard, I find her best Norma Desmond, but Glenn Close is not far behind, Betty Buckley is AWESOME!!!!
As a singer, I think she's the best in this number. But she misses both the grandeur and dementia. I prefer Patti overall even though her voice can be very harsh.
OMG i am a HUGE broadway freak, and in the begining i saw th ename betty buckley i started flipping out almost screaming at my friend sit is her ahhh!!!! and sh ewas kick ass in the movie
Ive heard that she was the best so i decided to check it out and she she is really great but unfortunatly i am totally biased against patti cause i love her so much.
Im not as much a fan of whoever was Joe in this clip though i dont know why....
My husband and I saw Sunset in NYC three times, twice with Betty Buckley and once with Elaine Paige. We thought Betty was absolutely fantastic!!!! We enjoyed Elaine, but preferred Betty much more. It is not the first time I've heard Betty was a tough teacher...interesting
Her voice is absolutely stunning, I could listen to it all day. But her acting was just terrible - her mood stayed the same the entire song and there was no use of dynamics or hand language, it was just so not believable.
Mike309 you are really acting so grown up yourself. I may like Buckley but I know she has had a rep with many people as not so nice. Not all people think she has a beautiful voice or is a great actress/coach. so, please, allow professionals and fans to differ or agree. Thanks.
Saw this performance in May 1994 in London....Miss Buckley rules.... and Joah Barrowman is one sexy Joe!
I went to this performance with Hollywood Icon Joan Fontaine, during the performance. The funny thing was, the sets were acting up and Betty had to walk around the stage wall to sing her big song..then...we went back stage to say hello to the cast..awesome memory!
you have to all realize that this was also prior to betty to begin studying with joan lader in nyc. she had currently been singing with the very much outdated paul gavert technique. she came back from london, began studying with joan and her technique became transformed. vowels in perfect shape....effortless belting....her run on broadway was amazing....this was i london..vowels very spread with very little support...thank god she found joan...
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I have to agree with you, Betty's performance is very sub-par, it ranks right up there with Pattie Def-tone (lol) Glen close not only has the VOICE, but she is Norma.
You are both so far out of your minds (ooo!!!! after all these years, the Norma Wars wage on! Teeheeeheeeheeeee! I LOVE Patti, and I love Betty, and I love Karen, and Glenn is my favorite SCREEN actress -- Help me!!!!)
Never worked with her, never saw her live, did hear she was a little crazy during "Cats," (I had a visiting professor who worked with her). But, I also had a visiting prof who walked out of Paul Newman's studio because he mistreated his students. So, who knows? Talented people aren't always nice. That much I have learned.
I will stop when I am not attacked for having a different opinion. Others on the sites agreed. Of course many are not commenting. No one is perfect. You do not know her nor did you work with her. Many of us did. I am simply giving an opinion numerous people share. When I am permitted my say without <"you can say nothing wrong about someone we deem perfect, I will conclude!" Actually, this is tiresome. I simply made remarks and asked for me. End of it. You accept criticism if in the pro world.
I am not too concerned,kiddo. I already have accomplished roles on Broadway, great reviews, and now in film. I am much younger than when Betty got rolling. She did little film and basically, EIE for t.v.,and her Broadway roles were actually limited. She did the roles well. Her voice is strong and good. I am sure she has been nice to some students and some professionals with whom she worked. Many however- in both categories found her very very difficult -thus the work ended. Cabaret/travel is it!
Clearly, you are NOT in the business. Being a great, intense, demanding professional is different than being a very nasty teacher who humiliated students and acted like a paranoid confused person. I am not going into all of it, but this was a very sorry situation. Grow up and get into the real world where real professionals can be decent people, difficult, and challenging or very kind- but not vicious to students!
omg this is aweful. She is shouting most of the song and facial expressions are not there.Where is the passion. Glen was so much better,and I hope Glen is in the movie version cause this woman is terrible.
Oh boo hoo! Betty Buckley hurt some students feelings. Get used to it. If you can't get through a master class without wimpering, GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS!
i would pay £10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 to have dinner with him (not a legal contract)
I never had her as a teacher, but I did work with Betty when I was young and she was fabulous to me. Not trying to enter a debate, just tossing out my experience. She's a legend of the theatre and that carries weight with it, but she was very helpful and quite wonderful.
Actors are often kind (not always) to people attending shows as fans or guest through connects. that is not to say, she was not sincere at that moment. She has her kind moments. Overall, a lot of us were just shocked and disappointed at hom many students she hurt. Also, her rep did hurt her on broadway after a time. Roles dropped off. I still wish her well.
it does matter. You impact students for a long time. You impact professional projects and fellow artists with how you act. I have worked with great ladies (and gents) in this business, and most of them were gifted,legends (true legends and lasting many decades), and very classy/gracious. I do not want to go into too much. I already did. She handled students often in a manner humiliating, hurtful, and not nurturing. For some, they say she was fine. I am glad to hear this.
Shrina17, thanks for your interest. I am not here to do endless bashing. I feel fans and especially students have a right to know the downside of some artists and not the Divine perfect image. As I said ,when a comment was made, she is talented so why does it matte if she is a B!
Hi wolf9fire, I enjoy your posts--my husband and I saw her twice in Sunset then in concert at different venues probably 5 or 6 times--we met Betty and she was nice enough (she took the time to meet us) but wolf9fire had a lot of time to get to know her more than a minute like my husband and me---wolf9fire, you have me so intrigued.....I'm not sure you want to comment to me but what did she do....yell, act weird thanks and I really do enjoy your input on YOUTUBE,
I did not want to go on with this, but you will not stop the attacks on an opinion. I am stopping here now. it is senseless to try to have the right to discuss someone with children. I could have said much more,believe me and chose not to do so. Truth is sometimes painful for FANS who do not know an artist!
everyone has the right to discuss someone whose class they attended. Of all the lesser known stars like BB to the greats like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Dame Judi Dench, Marian Seldes, and on...she had the least valuable input and was the ONLY one who disappointed and hurt students.
Child. Professionals attend one anothers classes. I am a Master teacher now. I have a career that is going stronger than Betty Lynn's ever did and she basically retired in her early 50's to Texas and tours at times. I am glad not to be the type of teacher she was. I would never disrespect or be cruel to a student or a fellow artist over and over. End of talk with immature children!
Spend your days counting comments of those who like someone else better or know Betty Lynn. Enjoy. One would have to respond ,if others just respected each persons input and moved on to theirs. I don't intend to continue to debate this juvenile responding you do. Accept one anothers opinions and input. Every actor accepts it. End of subject.
Some may have liked working with her. Many of us found it to be a nightmare. End of discussiong. Talk about Lansbury, Seldes, Dench,and many others with whom we've worked- Pros! Ladies! Kind. Gracious.gifted. There is a difference!
Some like her voice. Some do not. As noted on here. Also, as some wise student said, "know her then comment what she is really like!" Yes, comment and/or give an opinion on her voice. Hitting neg minus signs changes nothing-certainly not the truth.
I know many students (I was in classes also and saw her actions directed at others numerous times) who had belived her spiritual talk and she acted quite the opposite. If you ask a number of pros in theatre in NY, she developed the difficult attitude and lost work. She still works on tour. Fine. Wish her well. I am simply being honest. I withheld things as well. End of story. She is not a Divine,perfect person. No one is.
Everyone has a right to an opinion on each video displayed. that is why they are here. I was not attacked her on anything viciously. I noted (and it much more trusted when someone actually KNOWS her,works with her,studies with her) how MANY students (no not all for she is perceived in different ways and handles people per her reasons) who were very disillusioned.
Again I am sorry, but Betty is a very strange person. She followed A guru which is fine, but never carried the spiritual side with her. She attacked her class members (she taught in NY) bringing some to tears. I liked her class until I saw what she did to a lot of people. If you were in NY and knew theatre people, you would hear it again and again. Movies would not hire her.
I am not trying to vicious about Betty Lynn. I gave some decent comments about her voice and acting on some of her sites. I just know when a number of studied with her at Meisner Studios and got to know her, she sadly sadly disappointed. That is all. She was not as caring and spiritual as many feel and hope she is. That's all. She got a rep on Broadway and lost work. It is true. Ask a lot of people in theatre there. I wish her well. Just disappointed in her with many!
Does anyone have her Carnegie Hall performance. Kind of the last of the good. But her two backup singers- Mallard and Sekill I think- were terrible. OMG they ruined it.
Close and Paige were dyamite- real actresses! Close has a unique style voice and Paige is dynamite. Buckley stopped getting Broadway with a real Diva rep.
She is VERY powerful vocally, but there is no passion or emotion whatsover in her performance. It seems like all of her energy is going into belting each note.There is so much emotion in Patti's performance and also Elaine Paige and Petula Clark. Does anyone have footage of when Rita Moreno did it?
Ms. Buckley is terrific, but let's not forget the young John Barrowman. This was just his beginning, he went on to do at least 15 West End shows and now has his own TV show on BBC, "Torchwood." He's a terrific singer, actor and all round entertainer!
this was actully johns 6th west end show he had appeared in anything goes miss saigon etc 5 years before this, he is a really nice bloke and really down to earth, my friend runs a charity and john is the patron and was at the christmas charity pantomime and raised £6000 which 2 womwn paid to have dinner with him, he is totally outrageous
I had the chance to see (and later speak with) Betty Buckley play Norma Desmond on Broadway. Magnificnet play and performance. Thank you for posting this on YouTube.
I was very impressed with this Betty Buckly interpretation. I found it quite haunting. I saw glen in person but I really like this version. It was eerie
1994 baby! Best time in the world at the Adelphi!!!! AMAZING!!!!
whurdsderodan 1 week ago
BETTY BUCKLEY WAS A REMARKABLE STAR !
FISTRIG 4 months ago
@FISTRIG Was? IS! She isn't dead!
karrezza 3 months ago
I love Betty's Norma. She did such a wonderful job. Easily one of the best Normas.
traod8 4 months ago
My favorite Norma will always be Patti, but I saw Betty on Broadway and she was fantastic. I wish all the Joes were better. It tends to be such a throw-away role because the whole focus in Norma. I never saw a Joe that was more than functional in the show...and I think it's got great potential.
lcowles 6 months ago
Glenn was the best...as always
FaceTune 6 months ago
@FaceTune Nope no way no how, not even in the stands of the baseball field in terms of singing talent.. she can act but she turned Norma into a near Fatal Attraction meets Cruella DeVille..."
Betty is all Broadway, and is beautiful so is believable as the fallen star...
karrezza 6 months ago in playlist Betty Buckley
@karrezza it may be a "fatal attraction meets cruella deville" call it as u want but damn I liked that crossing and even for Norma coz I imagined her character as impressive and imposing as Glenn Close... Buckley is the second best according to me... but i do get ur point i just don't think I'll agree for now...
FaceTune 6 months ago
@karrezza oh and I just realized buckley went flatt while going in high notes... very inaccurate when she says "the girl next door" and it annoys my ears... but again that's me! if u don't agree ignore...
FaceTune 6 months ago
is that john barrowman? I wonder if he was in the one i saw
GrissomLovesSara 6 months ago
Betty Buckley is simply a Goddess
MasterMark123 6 months ago
Joe's cute
tigandmouse 7 months ago
Yes, Betty played it rather than just sang it. Love her, love the performance...
alex4anw 8 months ago 2
JOHN!!!! :D
irishwhitie444 9 months ago
I saw it with Betty and Elaine. Betty was powerful and convincing. The psychosis was subtle. Until the end she played it just a few degrees off normal. More like a pampered person deluding herself than someone truly disturbed. Elaine was over the top and silly from the start. Her eyes appeared to be rolling around her head in craziness. She seemed to be doing a musical version of Carol Burnett's "Nora Desmond" parody. It reminded me that Andrew Lloyd Webber is a 2nd rate writer.
pnyc1969 9 months ago
@pnyc1969 Good comment.. I have only seen videos.. and by the looks of it Buckley brings a classy element to everything she touches, always regal in some way.
karrezza 8 months ago
Madonna as Norma???
OverBearin 9 months ago
I love Patti - duh, but I didn't see her do Sunset. I saw Glenn. I saw Elaine. And I saw Betty. Betty Buckley was the only one who, IMHO, brought the whole package together. Her incredible voice, her acting, her phrasing and interpretation, her gestures - perfection.
dec3700 10 months ago
I wish I could have seen Sunset boulevard then.... but I was only a little kid...
madandmountedNorway 11 months ago
Betty Buckley is the greatest star of all!
FriederLosche 1 year ago 3
Possibly my favourite musical of all time. It's briliant.
Saw it a few times here in London with John B. & Betty B.
She's amazing.
Remember the set? Bloody awesome!
bootsamou 1 year ago
I love this musical!
dyssbroadway 1 year ago
To "Sunset" fans, who enjoyed productions of this UNDER-RATED musical, a blessing many had, to relish, THE leading ladies of Broadway, all take a shot, at the complex and twisted role of Ms. Desmond. Fortunate to see two productions in LA, (Close/Clark,), and reading reviews of "the best", it appears each STAR, brought something unique to the show. I regret missing Buckley/ Lu Pone's performances. It's like collecting a million $ prize, and asked how do you want it? 1's or 5's, it's still $.
PopTrivVinny 1 year ago
I saw Patti Lupone, an understudy, Betty and Elaine Paige in this.....Betty was the best.
dgjbear 1 year ago
I saw Patti, Betty and Elaine! Patti is so original in being the Original, Betty is the perfect actress with the perfect vocal abilities, and Elaine is the perfect local singer/actress for the London stage! I loved them all, much more then you can imagine, if you did not see them all.
fiyeroberlin 1 year ago
Betty is great as always. John Barrowman sounds like a Disney cartoon character--like Aladin.
peeje852 1 year ago
I saw her in the role - was impressed - having said that I was more impressed [against my will] with Petula Clarke!
lhrlyc 1 year ago
I saw her on Broadway doing this and she was fantastic.
ginger1961 1 year ago
betty buckley is perfection in concert!
mcnibbless 1 year ago
Oh my god! I saw this cast in 1994, you can't imagine how grateful I'm! Thanks a lot to share it with us!
sightnomoreladys 1 year ago
hes hot john barrowman aaargh x
JenO293 2 years ago 2
Guys, please don't massacre me... but John Barrowman next to Betty Buckley? My God... what a travesty!
rlee1976 2 years ago
He sounds like a 15 year old.
picketpuncher 2 years ago
I'd say 16, but that may be pushing it.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
their is just something cool about betty buckley. anyone remember how hot she looked in movie "carrie"?
BG54BG 2 years ago
@BG54BG
i remember, but do you remember her as the new mother in "eight is enough"?
wntoply6 1 year ago
Heck, she was in Carrie first before she was Abby! Though my first memory is as Abby, I was too scared as a kid to see Carrie!
karrezza 1 year ago
i know. she played a sympathetic young and very beautiful teacher in the movie. sorry she died.
i watched the whole movie cause i had no idea what it was all about. the scariest part for me when her mother's arm came up from their burned down house...or was it carrie's. i don't remember that.
i know for sure i always got an eerie feeling anytime i saw sissy spacek (winning an academy award changed my percetion of her however. i didn't know what to make of her in real life. lol.
wntoply6 1 year ago
I have always loved her in carrie&mainly for her Broadway contributions..She is on Facebook&accepts ppl she is a fbook friend,and she loves her family&facebook friends and she talks daily about her current show that just opened and her life,,it's so gr8 that she lets a fan see her life..shes the best..
bootsybobb 1 year ago
yes. she was aperfect replacement for the late Diana Hyland.
BG54BG 1 year ago
Just want them to finall make the darn movie. I know I want Glenn Close for Norma but torn between Jackman and Barrowman for Gillis.
jessied44 2 years ago 2
Close is too old for the role now.. the character is in her late 40's I believe
karrezza 2 years ago
close was right en point. Norma Desmond was 50
BG54BG 1 year ago
Well both were, given Close and Buckley are the same age. Both are 62, born in 1947, Close is a few months older.
karrezza 1 year ago
I still like Kevin Anderson on the original recording...
artofpoetry 2 years ago
Brava, Betty! I think she was superb in this role at least from what I have seen here! Wow... that's what you call singing with acting!
alexmz123 2 years ago 2
God, I just can't stand Barrowman. Such a mediocre voice and ever so gay. And I'm a gay man, not a homophobe.
Lindow 2 years ago
I am gay man too. I think JB has a great voice and is truly talented. As for looks: WOOF!!! :-)
peerkbh 2 years ago
I completely agree. His performance is horrid.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
Horrid? OMG, you clearly have no sense of song appreciation. Get lost loser
karrezza 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I have an incredible sense of song appreciation.
Barrowman has about as much talent as a mediocre summer stock actor.
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago
am i the only person that prefers the Alan Campbell version of Sunset Boulevard?
violetsaga 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
gforcestp 2 years ago
You're not! Preferring the original is original
fiyeroberlin 1 year ago
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dang. he is weaker than water. that sounds like a college production. maybe when his nutz drop...
fsuga00 2 years ago
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you f****** b**** need to die!
BrazilNemoFish 2 years ago
calm down there smells like fish. anger management issues?
fsuga00 2 years ago
I must say, I adore John Barrowman as an actor, but I just don't think he has a very powerful voice. Atleast not here.
TheStrangerDied 2 years ago
He must have some voice because I just read today he's in the lead as the Phantom in London right now and Webber wants him to play the Phantom in the sequel next year; Phantom: Love Never Dies.
Cavillier1970 2 years ago
He is? I'd love to see him as the Phantom, but I am pretty sure some other guy is cast already as the Phantom for Love Never Dies.
TheStrangerDied 2 years ago
Favorite Joe (I heart John Barrowman!), and I love Betty's singing, but it feels more to me like "Betty Buckley singing a song from SB!" than "Norma Desmond singing a song!" I feel like Patti LuPone (personality wise as well) fit the character more. As an out of context song, I like Betty's version best, but within the show, I prefer Patti.
blackpython 2 years ago
I just saw the London production of SB and I have to say..... it was HORRENDOUS.
The vocals were mediocre.
Acting was horrendous.
Staging was awkward.
&the fact that the director chose for the actors to play the instruments as well took A LOT away from the performance.
the one good thing: The set was pretty cool..
All in all.... 1 Star out of 4.
stager1188 2 years ago
"I am big. its the pictures that got small" - Norma Desmond
MichaelCrawfordsFan 2 years ago 3
Grizabella with a turban :)
lag3227 3 years ago 2
Betty a drunk? That's a new one. Never heard that before
SHRINA17 3 years ago
she's not bad, although patti lipone is SOOOOOOOOOO MUSCH BETTER!
wmst3 3 years ago
*LuPone
And no, she wasn't. ;-)
emlodik 3 years ago
uh yea she was!
Selendomono 2 years ago
No, only the most narrow minded fanqueer would think that.
HouseOnSunset 2 years ago
lol way to be mean!
Selendomono 2 years ago
Hey! At least we're not burning cast recordings in effigy like SOME Patti fanbitches!
HouseOnSunset 2 years ago
what gives you the impression that im a patti fan bitch. all i said was that patti lupone was better. is a person whod rather have an apple than beef jerkey a vegan?
Selendomono 2 years ago
Look, as long you're not drooling over Petula Clark and that theatrical abortion known as the "The 2nd US Tour," you're okay in my book! ;-)
PS- Just please don't go around burning cast recordings in effigy!
HouseOnSunset 2 years ago
lol i dont have a clue who petula clark is so i guess im ok :P
Selendomono 2 years ago
And you call yourself a "Sunset Boulevard" fan? FRAUD!!!!!
HouseOnSunset 2 years ago
"sure I came out here to get a real voice..."
ykaiilah 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
betty is a total mean person in life, shes a total drunk. don't look up to her. even glenn did better...and glenn sucked. patti did the BEST.
midgetashley 3 years ago
interestingly I like her for her voice.
she has by far the greatest female voice I have ever heard, no question
jimacheson 3 years ago
Don't you mean she WAS a drunk?
I've seen her in concert multiple times and saw her as Norma and she was AMAZING. I saw Glenn, too. I didn't think she sucked, but Betty acted and sang brilliantly.
tkactor 3 years ago
Ms. Buckley is surely the greatest of the Normas. I saw all three women (Close, Buckley, Paige) in New York, and Ms. B was far and away the strongest.
adknorth 3 years ago
you should go and see the new london production starring kathryn evans she is absolutely amazing, the best ive ever heard
garrychelsea 3 years ago
I agree Kathryn Evans was fantastic, also saw her first at Watermill Theatre before it transferred. Mind you I've never seen SB before but watched lots of clips. Can't we get some of Kathryn in Sb put on UTube
susie3piaf 2 years ago
LUPONE DID THE BESTTTT.
midgetashley 3 years ago
Does anyone know where this recording actually came from, i know its at the Olivier Awards but as far as im aware thats not on tv or released on video.
evilproaxe 3 years ago
People think Bettys a prissy. Should I like her? I like her preformance though!
pattimylove 3 years ago
My favorite version. I think she could've done an even better job if she didn't have so many kids; eight, I believe.
kermsroomy 3 years ago
John Barrowman looks hot and i like how he sings sunset boulevard.
hatorl 3 years ago 2
From Australia: I saw this performance with Ms Buckley in New York. It was totally awsome and unfortunately the cds were sold out. She was a treat!!Love her
chersparkle 3 years ago
This starts out as a mediocre,generic musical tune. It doesn't do anything for me,maybe it's the white.The lyricist is trying to make it seem like BROADWAY and it is NOT! They charge $500 per ticket for THIS???The Erich Von Stroheim guy has a nice Wagnerian tenor.Too much vibrato for me in her voice...
joeocho88 3 years ago
i was kinda waiting the whole performance wondering "where are you going with this (acting wise) betty?" i didnt get what she was doing what i saw was more like betty getting her name on the marquee. that being said she has a magnificent singing voice. mabey she was off tonight cause ive heard raves about her.
Selendomono 3 years ago
Wow!!! I really enjoyed this, she is just GREAT!!!
Although, (and I am probably going to get about 400 thumbs down for this but I will say it anyway) I am partial to Patti LuPone as Norma.
laluponeista88 3 years ago 9
I'm with you; I love Patti. Viva La Lupone!! :) However, I will admit that I do love Glenn Close as Norma too.
missdevine09 3 years ago
@laluponeista88
Yes, Betty did do a great Norma! It's refreshing to meet a LuPone fan who isn't automatically against all other Normas like some tend to be. I like LuPone's Norma too, but I also appreciate other actresses who've played her :D
traod8 4 months ago
ms. buckley is brilliant.
zeebrafeets 3 years ago 2
Comment removed
AtLastOnTheGround 3 years ago 4
In my entife life, I have rarely seen such perfection - the perect match of artist to role.
roccoh2 3 years ago
I actually saw this production with Betty Buckley and John Barrowman. It was an awesome show.
xxxLinnythepoohxxx 3 years ago 2
I blamed so much when I realized that Ms Glenn Close would not be singing Sunset Boulevard that day... but when I heard Betty Buckley I was really amazed and astonished for such outstanding performance
enfava 3 years ago
I can't stand how Barrowman splits "Sunset" when singing "Sunset Boulevard" into three counts when it should be two; the way Hugh Jackman sings it is correct and sounds much better.
GoodbyeToBlueberyPie 3 years ago
I can't hear that, and I listened to both of them. If the singer over-enunciates the "n" I can see how it might sound like 3 syllables, but Jackman is equally guilty of that. I think that's just how the song is.
silverdolphin86 3 years ago
It's not three syllables, it's three beats; there's a difference. But you are right, he is over-enunciating the "n" in "Sunset" and he is also sliding the note down into the beginning of "Boulevard." It just sounds sloppy. A high school music teacher wouldn't let someone get away with it, I can't believe whomever directed his West End production did. If you listen to the version on the Original Cast Recording, the one with Glenn Close, that version on "Sunset Boulevard" is correct.
GoodbyeToBlueberyPie 3 years ago
I saw her in this role in 1995 on Broadway. It was the second Broadway show that I had EVER seen. I was a silly little theatre major and she made me cry. (That's why I came back 2 other times.) LOL!
tarynactress 3 years ago 3
ahh i love this song
john barrowman is amazingg
thatisfunnyHAHAHA 3 years ago
This is the first time I've heard Betty Buckley playing Norma and she's incredibly good. Good to see John Barrowman too!
queerlybeloved 3 years ago
Does anyone know where I can get good Betty clips of her singing in Sunset Boulevard, I find her best Norma Desmond, but Glenn Close is not far behind, Betty Buckley is AWESOME!!!!
Museleaders 3 years ago 3
As a singer, I think she's the best in this number. But she misses both the grandeur and dementia. I prefer Patti overall even though her voice can be very harsh.
slobone 3 years ago 3
Is it just me or does her face look like a corpse's in this? It doesn't even look like she has eyes! Ahh zombie Betty!
bohemiawelcumsyou 3 years ago
she is amazing! And she was pretty much the best thing in "The Happening" lol
bellj1287 3 years ago
OMG i am a HUGE broadway freak, and in the begining i saw th ename betty buckley i started flipping out almost screaming at my friend sit is her ahhh!!!! and sh ewas kick ass in the movie
Museleaders 3 years ago
John Barrowman was amazing as always.
TRWolf 3 years ago
Love me some John Barrowman
Buck61 3 years ago
Ive heard that she was the best so i decided to check it out and she she is really great but unfortunatly i am totally biased against patti cause i love her so much.
Im not as much a fan of whoever was Joe in this clip though i dont know why....
Betty Buckley Rules!
Selendomono 3 years ago
She kind of looks like Voldemort too in this clip
rogueromulan 3 years ago 2
LOL!
TheOopsGirl 3 years ago
Of all the various "Sunset" clips I've seen of Betty, this was by FAR the best I've seen.
rogueromulan 3 years ago
My husband and I saw Sunset in NYC three times, twice with Betty Buckley and once with Elaine Paige. We thought Betty was absolutely fantastic!!!! We enjoyed Elaine, but preferred Betty much more. It is not the first time I've heard Betty was a tough teacher...interesting
SHRINA17 3 years ago
I've very sorry to say it but she was under the note for most of that performance. The last note especially.
Joeleole 3 years ago
I'm very sorry to say this, but as far as I'm concerned, this is as good as she gets in this role.
rogueromulan 3 years ago
Her voice is absolutely stunning, I could listen to it all day. But her acting was just terrible - her mood stayed the same the entire song and there was no use of dynamics or hand language, it was just so not believable.
bohemiawelcumsyou 3 years ago
Mike309 you are really acting so grown up yourself. I may like Buckley but I know she has had a rep with many people as not so nice. Not all people think she has a beautiful voice or is a great actress/coach. so, please, allow professionals and fans to differ or agree. Thanks.
Debutbroadway04 3 years ago
Saw this performance in May 1994 in London....Miss Buckley rules.... and Joah Barrowman is one sexy Joe!
I went to this performance with Hollywood Icon Joan Fontaine, during the performance. The funny thing was, the sets were acting up and Betty had to walk around the stage wall to sing her big song..then...we went back stage to say hello to the cast..awesome memory!
whurdsderodan 3 years ago
I love Betty.. always have and always will! She has the intensity and softness to play this role.
crbar1 3 years ago
you have to all realize that this was also prior to betty to begin studying with joan lader in nyc. she had currently been singing with the very much outdated paul gavert technique. she came back from london, began studying with joan and her technique became transformed. vowels in perfect shape....effortless belting....her run on broadway was amazing....this was i london..vowels very spread with very little support...thank god she found joan...
Artwaycon 3 years ago
Betty's performance is very raw - but not in a good way. Compared to Glenn Close, her vocals are poor and she has very little stage presence.
Rassybeds 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I have to agree with you, Betty's performance is very sub-par, it ranks right up there with Pattie Def-tone (lol) Glen close not only has the VOICE, but she is Norma.
Jhnyangl10 3 years ago
You are both so far out of your minds (ooo!!!! after all these years, the Norma Wars wage on! Teeheeeheeeheeeee! I LOVE Patti, and I love Betty, and I love Karen, and Glenn is my favorite SCREEN actress -- Help me!!!!)
fanadiana 3 years ago
John Barrowman is hot and sexy !
deafbear18 3 years ago 4
Never worked with her, never saw her live, did hear she was a little crazy during "Cats," (I had a visiting professor who worked with her). But, I also had a visiting prof who walked out of Paul Newman's studio because he mistreated his students. So, who knows? Talented people aren't always nice. That much I have learned.
teeceetn 3 years ago
I will stop when I am not attacked for having a different opinion. Others on the sites agreed. Of course many are not commenting. No one is perfect. You do not know her nor did you work with her. Many of us did. I am simply giving an opinion numerous people share. When I am permitted my say without <"you can say nothing wrong about someone we deem perfect, I will conclude!" Actually, this is tiresome. I simply made remarks and asked for me. End of it. You accept criticism if in the pro world.
Wolf9fire 3 years ago
Ok, you may be right and certainly have been hurted by BB's behaviour, but do you know why many of us don't care about that?
Just because love has its reasons which the reason ignore...An you can't go against it.
bye
AlmaTrebor 3 years ago
I agree.
Dangay13 3 years ago
I agree.
Dangay13 3 years ago
I am not too concerned,kiddo. I already have accomplished roles on Broadway, great reviews, and now in film. I am much younger than when Betty got rolling. She did little film and basically, EIE for t.v.,and her Broadway roles were actually limited. She did the roles well. Her voice is strong and good. I am sure she has been nice to some students and some professionals with whom she worked. Many however- in both categories found her very very difficult -thus the work ended. Cabaret/travel is it!
Wolf9fire 3 years ago
I believe she was good and did some good work and perhaps, some good teaching at times. I debate the word 'legend' compared to many others.
Wolf9fire 3 years ago
Clearly, you are NOT in the business. Being a great, intense, demanding professional is different than being a very nasty teacher who humiliated students and acted like a paranoid confused person. I am not going into all of it, but this was a very sorry situation. Grow up and get into the real world where real professionals can be decent people, difficult, and challenging or very kind- but not vicious to students!
Wolf9fire 3 years ago
omg this is aweful. She is shouting most of the song and facial expressions are not there.Where is the passion. Glen was so much better,and I hope Glen is in the movie version cause this woman is terrible.
chaksheba 3 years ago 5
Oh boo hoo! Betty Buckley hurt some students feelings. Get used to it. If you can't get through a master class without wimpering, GET OUT OF THE BUSINESS!
mike309 4 years ago 3
John Barrowman is amazing!
WestEndRose 4 years ago
i would pay £10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 to have dinner with him (not a legal contract)
felic70 4 years ago 3
She will always be Grizabella to me.
I never had her as a teacher, but I did work with Betty when I was young and she was fabulous to me. Not trying to enter a debate, just tossing out my experience. She's a legend of the theatre and that carries weight with it, but she was very helpful and quite wonderful.
And Michael Ball shall always be my favourite Joe
Kris1907 4 years ago
Actors are often kind (not always) to people attending shows as fans or guest through connects. that is not to say, she was not sincere at that moment. She has her kind moments. Overall, a lot of us were just shocked and disappointed at hom many students she hurt. Also, her rep did hurt her on broadway after a time. Roles dropped off. I still wish her well.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
I thought you were going to stop on this subject??!! Obviously you need help as in professional help!
148jules 4 years ago
it does matter. You impact students for a long time. You impact professional projects and fellow artists with how you act. I have worked with great ladies (and gents) in this business, and most of them were gifted,legends (true legends and lasting many decades), and very classy/gracious. I do not want to go into too much. I already did. She handled students often in a manner humiliating, hurtful, and not nurturing. For some, they say she was fine. I am glad to hear this.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Shrina17, thanks for your interest. I am not here to do endless bashing. I feel fans and especially students have a right to know the downside of some artists and not the Divine perfect image. As I said ,when a comment was made, she is talented so why does it matte if she is a B!
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Hi wolf9fire, I enjoy your posts--my husband and I saw her twice in Sunset then in concert at different venues probably 5 or 6 times--we met Betty and she was nice enough (she took the time to meet us) but wolf9fire had a lot of time to get to know her more than a minute like my husband and me---wolf9fire, you have me so intrigued.....I'm not sure you want to comment to me but what did she do....yell, act weird thanks and I really do enjoy your input on YOUTUBE,
Peace
SHRINA17 4 years ago 2
I did not want to go on with this, but you will not stop the attacks on an opinion. I am stopping here now. it is senseless to try to have the right to discuss someone with children. I could have said much more,believe me and chose not to do so. Truth is sometimes painful for FANS who do not know an artist!
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
everyone has the right to discuss someone whose class they attended. Of all the lesser known stars like BB to the greats like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Dame Judi Dench, Marian Seldes, and on...she had the least valuable input and was the ONLY one who disappointed and hurt students.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Child. Professionals attend one anothers classes. I am a Master teacher now. I have a career that is going stronger than Betty Lynn's ever did and she basically retired in her early 50's to Texas and tours at times. I am glad not to be the type of teacher she was. I would never disrespect or be cruel to a student or a fellow artist over and over. End of talk with immature children!
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
he's voice's not a strong voice, sounds a lil too fragile
GladiatorHBL 4 years ago
Spend your days counting comments of those who like someone else better or know Betty Lynn. Enjoy. One would have to respond ,if others just respected each persons input and moved on to theirs. I don't intend to continue to debate this juvenile responding you do. Accept one anothers opinions and input. Every actor accepts it. End of subject.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Some may have liked working with her. Many of us found it to be a nightmare. End of discussiong. Talk about Lansbury, Seldes, Dench,and many others with whom we've worked- Pros! Ladies! Kind. Gracious.gifted. There is a difference!
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Some like her voice. Some do not. As noted on here. Also, as some wise student said, "know her then comment what she is really like!" Yes, comment and/or give an opinion on her voice. Hitting neg minus signs changes nothing-certainly not the truth.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
I know many students (I was in classes also and saw her actions directed at others numerous times) who had belived her spiritual talk and she acted quite the opposite. If you ask a number of pros in theatre in NY, she developed the difficult attitude and lost work. She still works on tour. Fine. Wish her well. I am simply being honest. I withheld things as well. End of story. She is not a Divine,perfect person. No one is.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
You were in HER Class? that sez it all.
When she comes to YOUR class, then you can critizise.
wolf9fireisajerk 4 years ago
Everyone has a right to an opinion on each video displayed. that is why they are here. I was not attacked her on anything viciously. I noted (and it much more trusted when someone actually KNOWS her,works with her,studies with her) how MANY students (no not all for she is perceived in different ways and handles people per her reasons) who were very disillusioned.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
disillusioned???
from YOUR Failures, not hers!
wolf9fireisajerk 4 years ago
lol i feel like i don't need to see the actual production after seeing the five-minute summary, hah
thatdrattedcat 4 years ago
Again I am sorry, but Betty is a very strange person. She followed A guru which is fine, but never carried the spiritual side with her. She attacked her class members (she taught in NY) bringing some to tears. I liked her class until I saw what she did to a lot of people. If you were in NY and knew theatre people, you would hear it again and again. Movies would not hire her.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
I am not trying to vicious about Betty Lynn. I gave some decent comments about her voice and acting on some of her sites. I just know when a number of studied with her at Meisner Studios and got to know her, she sadly sadly disappointed. That is all. She was not as caring and spiritual as many feel and hope she is. That's all. She got a rep on Broadway and lost work. It is true. Ask a lot of people in theatre there. I wish her well. Just disappointed in her with many!
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
>>I am not trying to vicious about Betty Lynn.
Oh, I guess 26 negative posts about her is kind?
jayshreesin 4 years ago
Vocally, I don't think anyone can tackle "Sunset Boulevard" like Kevin Anderson
rogueromulan 4 years ago
Does anyone have her Carnegie Hall performance. Kind of the last of the good. But her two backup singers- Mallard and Sekill I think- were terrible. OMG they ruined it.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Close and Paige were dyamite- real actresses! Close has a unique style voice and Paige is dynamite. Buckley stopped getting Broadway with a real Diva rep.
Wolf9fire 4 years ago
Wolf, why do you post only negative reviews of Betty Buckley? come clean!!!
jayshreesingala 4 years ago
I'm not sure I enjoy John Barrowman in this role; and I hugely regret this, as I'm a big fan of both him and the song.
It's like he either rushes the line, or slows it down unrealistically.
"Beneath... the... tan... the... battle rages. Smilearentedsmile,fillsomesglasskisssomeswife kiss some ones... ass..sss...ss we... do... whatever... paysthewages."
That sort of thing. Perhaps exaggerated, but that is how I feel about his version. And hell. I don't even like Michael Ball.
sraine311 4 years ago
She is VERY powerful vocally, but there is no passion or emotion whatsover in her performance. It seems like all of her energy is going into belting each note.There is so much emotion in Patti's performance and also Elaine Paige and Petula Clark. Does anyone have footage of when Rita Moreno did it?
rogueromulan 4 years ago
excellent
saw the show in NYC
both with Betty Buckley and Glenn Close
wonderful
thanks for sharing...
johnnyrolex 4 years ago
Ms. Buckley is terrific, but let's not forget the young John Barrowman. This was just his beginning, he went on to do at least 15 West End shows and now has his own TV show on BBC, "Torchwood." He's a terrific singer, actor and all round entertainer!
NinjaKirbyz1 4 years ago
this was actully johns 6th west end show he had appeared in anything goes miss saigon etc 5 years before this, he is a really nice bloke and really down to earth, my friend runs a charity and john is the patron and was at the christmas charity pantomime and raised £6000 which 2 womwn paid to have dinner with him, he is totally outrageous
garrychelsea 4 years ago
I had the chance to see (and later speak with) Betty Buckley play Norma Desmond on Broadway. Magnificnet play and performance. Thank you for posting this on YouTube.
JoeVialFilms 4 years ago
Great video! I think Glenn is my favorite Norma Desmond, but Betty Buckley is good too. :)
timberwolf190 4 years ago
Apparently I spelled the word ROLE wrong....sorry to those of you who DIDN'T get my meaning clearly....
Betty Buckley is the BEST IN THIS ROLE!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Buckley, and she was a sweetheart to me.
Hope I was CLEER...OOOOPS... I mean CLEAR this time!
MadamElvis 4 years ago
Betty Buckley OWNS this roll in voice and acting! She is AWESOME!
MadamElvis 4 years ago
role = a part in a play
roll = a dinner roll, a roll in the hay
LoyalTideFan 4 years ago
LMAO....we got it okay. But bless your urge to clarify..Cheers, babe!
timmay973nj 4 years ago
I was very impressed with this Betty Buckly interpretation. I found it quite haunting. I saw glen in person but I really like this version. It was eerie
dgoldyn 4 years ago
Betty is playing a crazy woman - she works often and is not crazy hereself-jeez
evans54 4 years ago
ok!!! no need 4 the ''jeez'' remark thanku
standup22 4 years ago