For more on Barbara Eden you can read my article on Lockergnome(dot)com: "Barbara Eden Launches Official Website, Biography 2011." There you can leave? a comment.
this has looooong been one of my favorite songs from the musical theater and few get it right in performance a far as I'm concerned. I had no idea miss Eden ever did this but boy did she EVER!!! I want to find the whole thing...would LOVE to find the color version!
For the benefit of claification {sic}, this wasn't a "movie"- it was a condensed 90 minute videotaped color edition of "Kismet" [ABC, 10/24/67], preserved on black and white kinescope film. A "movie" is directly photographed on film.
I've always loved her, but I didn't know she could sing! What a great voice she has! Thanks so much for sharing this. I would love to get this movie. Is it still available?
Yeah, me too! I never thought she sould sing like this at all! Well the movie is always available at ebay now and then...take a look there my friend, I bought mine there.
This was a great production of Kismet. José Ferrer may not have the voice of Alfred Drake or Howard Keel, but he made a really convincing Poet. Between this and the MGM motion picture (I have both), I prefer this version.
It's amazing how times change. In the 1940's and 1950's, the arabian culture was depicted as exotic and romantic. Now, the arabian areas have become the New Evil Empire.
I've never found anything bad about Barbara Eden. People who would ever public such things are dogs in the manger. Everytime she amazes us with her multi-talent. Great!
the person who put something bad about this multifaceted actress what they have is envy hurray for the best series around the world and the actress who made this possible barbara eden
Actually color copies do exist for both CAROUSEL and BRIGADOON. I have both of them. Unfortunately, that is true about the b&w kinescope for KISMET. And KISS ME KATE (Robert Goulet, Carl Lawrence, Michael Callen and Jessica Walters) has yet to turn up. All four of these musicals for Armstrong Circle Theatre were produced by Robert Goulet's company (RoGO). I remember you could buy the cast albums at Armstrong stores for $1.00.
My friend started talking about this clip after I picked up an original cast recording on Broadway, and here it is! Fantastic range, and I love Barbara Eden!
Again, this was an excerpt from one of a series of 90 minute "condensed" versions of Broadway musicals {sponsored by Armstrong} presented on ABC between 1966 and '68 [including "Carousel" and "Brigadoon"]. This originally aired on October 24, 1967, on color videotape (apparently, only the black & white "kinescope" film transfer exists). Keep in mind this was during the period when Barbara proved she WAS as great a singer and dancer as she was an actress...
This is one of Barbara's favorite performances/shows. She complained once in an interview that she'd never had a copy of it, so I mailed one to her. She sent back the nicest handwritten "thank you" card. What a lady!
Well, she finally got to dress up in a genie costume that showed her navel - unlike on "I Dream of Jeannie".
I suspect those last very high notes in this song might've actually been dubbed by another singer. Barbara's lip-synching in this number (understandably) and I don't think her vocal range really was that wide.
I agree with Barbaraedenfan. Dubbing was quite a bit more difficult back in 1967, and althought we're used to it today, it wasn't done as often back then. Barbara Eden actually had quite a voice, although most people only knew her as Jeannie. That was definitely her, but your suspicion is quite a compliment.
It's not a mean character! She's the heroine! And for me she'll always be Dolores Grey, your typical blonde Iraqi. But Barbara is a heckuva lot better than I'd ever have guessed.
I always thought we should send road shows of Kismet throughout the Middle East (followed by Fiddler on the Roof) to demonstrate that we in the U.S. really DO understand and respect Arab culture... (That's not as dumb as Bush-Cheney foreign policy. and far gentler. and cheaper.)
I suspect they used or based the choreography on the original choreography by Jack Cole, who was known for his use of East Indian dance for jazz dance purposes. Those Bollywood video directors could learn from him.
If it wasn't for that "unfunny and weak show", 'Hickey', Barbara wouldn't have been asked to appear in this production- the producer {and ABC} KNEW they wanted that "essence of Jeannie" in her interpretation of "Lalume"...and she gave it to them!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Here in the UK we only know Babs from unfunny and weak US one show. Seeing her on this blooms my mind and all my lower senses. Never knew she could be so cruel. Wow.
Barbara didn't have a "Broadway career", 'Nellie', because she eventually admitted that she was "didn't have the guts to come to New York" to try a theatrical career when she started in show business. It wasn't until much later, after "JEANNIE's" success, that she started to demonstrate her abilities as a singer and the power to take center stage in musical comedy.
Wow!! I have been a fan of the muscia "Kismet" for years and absolutelly adore Dolores Gray's version of "Baghdad" but I am equally impressed with Barbara Eden here! She kicked ass. WHY didn't she have a Broadway career?? Augh!!!!
WOW! Barbara Eden injects much more sexual allure into this than she ever did in her "Jeannie" role. Those gyrating hips are extremely sexy, & her movement generally was excellent. Her singing was not too bad either. All in all, a really great early video of Barbara at her sexy seductive best, & something of a revelation to me.
Yea this performance of her particularly has quite many resemblances with Jeannie II (evil sister) if you know what I mean. Even her voice, which is unique and wonderful. She's really gorgeous in this movie although her kind of mean character in it ^^
Wow! I'd pretty well forgotten this version of Kismet existed -- but I now recall seeing it while I was in high school -- suitably impressed by Ms Eden's seductive performance -- I know it kind of took my breath away here in 2007, which is a little harder to do. Of course, it plays into some pretty primal stuff for me. Only watched Jeannie for a couple years in high school but it left a heavy imprint on me. Unexposed navel or no -- glad they didn't make the same mistake twice.
Barbara KNEW what the audience expected of her- if you ever see the entire production, you'll notice that she portrays "Lalume" as a sexier version of "Jeannie".
choregraphy has a slight south indian classical dance influence with broadway style jazz styling.very cool! i did not know that jeanie was so talented:)
Wow is a very easy exclamation. I haven't said it since my former wife dressed up in a number. That was 15 years ago. But now I have an excuse - WOW! I had no idea that any woman could do this better than Gray. That most angel and devil of womanhood. But now I have seen this! Barbara Eden I always thought as a B list starlet. So thanks for putting me in the picture.
Jose Ferrer was "Haji" in this October 24, 1967 TV adaptation, 'Larubia'. Also co-starring with Barbara were George Chakiris, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Hans Conried, and Bern Hoffman.
Ever since I was very young, I have loved the music from Kismet. Alfred Drake and Anne Jeffreys and all of the cast were superb. I have always wanted to visit Bagdad, but thanks to Bush, everything is in ruins. Thank you Mr. Bush :(
That's right, 'luchten'- Armstrong orignally sponsored the 90 minute videotaped version of "Kismet" as one of a series of "Broadway musicals for TV" specials they presented on ABC between 1966 and 1968. Thanks for sharing this excerpt with us!
I was a kid when a traveling company came to LA in 1962 to do KISMET at the Shrine Auditorium. Alfred Drake was the major Broadway star in that production reviving his signature role as Haji the Beggar. Anne Jeffreys played Lalume. I was bowled over by the lavish production and Drake's fabulous baritone. Who was Barbara's male lead in this production?
Yeah I just LOVE this movie the moment I've seen it's become one of my favorites! Barbara's soo gorgeous and sensual in the whole it. I would LOVE to have it on color (if you know) and yes I noticed it being a special. There are these several FUNNY commercials of an 'Armstrong' floor and ceiling company through the movie. E eu fico mto feliz que vcs ai, eh vcs rs, gostaram minhas quiridas amigas! kisses!
This "movie" was originally shown- on color videotape- in December 1967 as an ABC special. An adaptation of the Broadway [and Hollywood] musical, "Lalume" had previously been played by Marlene Dietrich (1944), Joan Diener (Broadway, 1953) and Dolores Gray (1955). Here, it was Barbara's turn.
Who the heck knew she could sing THAT well??! I've heard her sing low, but she hits a pretty good higher note in the end. This clip is fabulous!! Thanks for posting it!!
Five stars straightaway. We'll all be dreaming of Jeannie.
BlueStarCadet08 1 month ago
She's the *BEST* :)
ButterflyRoseX 8 months ago
She is FABULOUS! Who choreographed it? Wish there was a full copy of the show. I love Kismet.
BalletBabyBoy 10 months ago
@BalletBabyBoy This is the original Jack Cole choreography
chocolatesouljah 2 months ago
For more on Barbara Eden you can read my article on Lockergnome(dot)com: "Barbara Eden Launches Official Website, Biography 2011." There you can leave? a comment.
jfko6 1 year ago
cool! I have this productgion on VHS
bbabresch 1 year ago
Black and White in 1967? What studio produced this? She does a great job.
FrankJared 1 year ago
this has looooong been one of my favorite songs from the musical theater and few get it right in performance a far as I'm concerned. I had no idea miss Eden ever did this but boy did she EVER!!! I want to find the whole thing...would LOVE to find the color version!
kitboy69 1 year ago
BARBARA EDEN IS PERFECT
MANFLL 1 year ago
For the benefit of claification {sic}, this wasn't a "movie"- it was a condensed 90 minute videotaped color edition of "Kismet" [ABC, 10/24/67], preserved on black and white kinescope film. A "movie" is directly photographed on film.
fromthesidelines 2 years ago
I've always loved her, but I didn't know she could sing! What a great voice she has! Thanks so much for sharing this. I would love to get this movie. Is it still available?
Nekofemme 2 years ago
Yeah, me too! I never thought she sould sing like this at all! Well the movie is always available at ebay now and then...take a look there my friend, I bought mine there.
luchten 2 years ago
Thank you!
Nekofemme 2 years ago
She actually has a great voice. If you look at the interview she did, this was an important role for her and production.
eotto2001 2 years ago
This was a great production of Kismet. José Ferrer may not have the voice of Alfred Drake or Howard Keel, but he made a really convincing Poet. Between this and the MGM motion picture (I have both), I prefer this version.
bociephus 2 years ago
It's amazing how times change. In the 1940's and 1950's, the arabian culture was depicted as exotic and romantic. Now, the arabian areas have become the New Evil Empire.
SirReal1958 2 years ago
Wow.I didn't know she was a great singer too.She is definitely the most beautiful actress ever!No wonder everyone dreams of Genie.
owadave 2 years ago
Pop quiz
(1) There will be a bright golden haze if you name the original Hajj
(2) We will get to know you if you name the original Marsinah.
Good luck.
Juliaflo 2 years ago
I've never found anything bad about Barbara Eden. People who would ever public such things are dogs in the manger. Everytime she amazes us with her multi-talent. Great!
luchten 2 years ago 2
What a talent, thanks for sharing this!
boomchuckaboom 2 years ago
the person who put something bad about this multifaceted actress what they have is envy hurray for the best series around the world and the actress who made this possible barbara eden
Laleonachismosita 2 years ago
Actually color copies do exist for both CAROUSEL and BRIGADOON. I have both of them. Unfortunately, that is true about the b&w kinescope for KISMET. And KISS ME KATE (Robert Goulet, Carl Lawrence, Michael Callen and Jessica Walters) has yet to turn up. All four of these musicals for Armstrong Circle Theatre were produced by Robert Goulet's company (RoGO). I remember you could buy the cast albums at Armstrong stores for $1.00.
talkinbroadway 2 years ago
Anna Maria Alberghetti played Marsinah in this (my part, I'm a soprano).
Pop quiz--Dream the impossible dream and name the original Caliph.
Juliaflo 2 years ago
it's so broadway!
wonderful!
marcusebersol 3 years ago
My friend started talking about this clip after I picked up an original cast recording on Broadway, and here it is! Fantastic range, and I love Barbara Eden!
64098 3 years ago
WOW what voice!
VJTOMYAZ 3 years ago
Again, this was an excerpt from one of a series of 90 minute "condensed" versions of Broadway musicals {sponsored by Armstrong} presented on ABC between 1966 and '68 [including "Carousel" and "Brigadoon"]. This originally aired on October 24, 1967, on color videotape (apparently, only the black & white "kinescope" film transfer exists). Keep in mind this was during the period when Barbara proved she WAS as great a singer and dancer as she was an actress...
fromthesidelines 3 years ago 2
Thank you. You all are welcome. She's indeed incredible! I see she's so talented as an actress as well as a dancing performer. She's awesome!
luchten 3 years ago
I never knew there was a remake of Kismet. I have only seen the Howard Keel version. This looks great!! I love Barbara Eden.
Thank you for posting the clip!
USABrownEyedGirl 3 years ago
This is one of Barbara's favorite performances/shows. She complained once in an interview that she'd never had a copy of it, so I mailed one to her. She sent back the nicest handwritten "thank you" card. What a lady!
Sheldonwh 3 years ago
Well, she finally got to dress up in a genie costume that showed her navel - unlike on "I Dream of Jeannie".
I suspect those last very high notes in this song might've actually been dubbed by another singer. Barbara's lip-synching in this number (understandably) and I don't think her vocal range really was that wide.
hebneh 3 years ago
well, it seems you have never heard any other songs of Barbara Eden. She was a very strong and powerful voice and this was song 100% only by Barbara!
Barbaraedenfan 3 years ago
I agree with Barbaraedenfan. Dubbing was quite a bit more difficult back in 1967, and althought we're used to it today, it wasn't done as often back then. Barbara Eden actually had quite a voice, although most people only knew her as Jeannie. That was definitely her, but your suspicion is quite a compliment.
Sheldonwh 3 years ago
Actually, Barbara did sing on one of the Jeannie episodes. It is definitely her voice...
Dymension 3 years ago
It's not a mean character! She's the heroine! And for me she'll always be Dolores Grey, your typical blonde Iraqi. But Barbara is a heckuva lot better than I'd ever have guessed.
I always thought we should send road shows of Kismet throughout the Middle East (followed by Fiddler on the Roof) to demonstrate that we in the U.S. really DO understand and respect Arab culture... (That's not as dumb as Bush-Cheney foreign policy. and far gentler. and cheaper.)
ATsarIsBorn 3 years ago 2
I suspect they used or based the choreography on the original choreography by Jack Cole, who was known for his use of East Indian dance for jazz dance purposes. Those Bollywood video directors could learn from him.
zzindorf 3 years ago
Barbara Eden is a really good, dancer, singer and actress. Some may call her "the woman with many talents" This kind of reminds me of Jeannie II lol
Kaylara11 4 years ago
I don't think we should underestimate Baghdad.
friendlier 4 years ago
If it wasn't for that "unfunny and weak show", 'Hickey', Barbara wouldn't have been asked to appear in this production- the producer {and ABC} KNEW they wanted that "essence of Jeannie" in her interpretation of "Lalume"...and she gave it to them!
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Here in the UK we only know Babs from unfunny and weak US one show. Seeing her on this blooms my mind and all my lower senses. Never knew she could be so cruel. Wow.
Hickey66 4 years ago
Barbara didn't have a "Broadway career", 'Nellie', because she eventually admitted that she was "didn't have the guts to come to New York" to try a theatrical career when she started in show business. It wasn't until much later, after "JEANNIE's" success, that she started to demonstrate her abilities as a singer and the power to take center stage in musical comedy.
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
Wow!! I have been a fan of the muscia "Kismet" for years and absolutelly adore Dolores Gray's version of "Baghdad" but I am equally impressed with Barbara Eden here! She kicked ass. WHY didn't she have a Broadway career?? Augh!!!!
NellieOlsen 4 years ago
WOW! Barbara Eden injects much more sexual allure into this than she ever did in her "Jeannie" role. Those gyrating hips are extremely sexy, & her movement generally was excellent. Her singing was not too bad either. All in all, a really great early video of Barbara at her sexy seductive best, & something of a revelation to me.
hotwok19 4 years ago
Good one!
gwbushisno2 4 years ago
Yea this performance of her particularly has quite many resemblances with Jeannie II (evil sister) if you know what I mean. Even her voice, which is unique and wonderful. She's really gorgeous in this movie although her kind of mean character in it ^^
luchten 4 years ago
Wow! I'd pretty well forgotten this version of Kismet existed -- but I now recall seeing it while I was in high school -- suitably impressed by Ms Eden's seductive performance -- I know it kind of took my breath away here in 2007, which is a little harder to do. Of course, it plays into some pretty primal stuff for me. Only watched Jeannie for a couple years in high school but it left a heavy imprint on me. Unexposed navel or no -- glad they didn't make the same mistake twice.
normal1066 4 years ago
Barbara KNEW what the audience expected of her- if you ever see the entire production, you'll notice that she portrays "Lalume" as a sexier version of "Jeannie".
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
choregraphy has a slight south indian classical dance influence with broadway style jazz styling.very cool! i did not know that jeanie was so talented:)
kahina22 4 years ago
Wow is a very easy exclamation. I haven't said it since my former wife dressed up in a number. That was 15 years ago. But now I have an excuse - WOW! I had no idea that any woman could do this better than Gray. That most angel and devil of womanhood. But now I have seen this! Barbara Eden I always thought as a B list starlet. So thanks for putting me in the picture.
Hickey66 4 years ago
Jose Ferrer was "Haji" in this October 24, 1967 TV adaptation, 'Larubia'. Also co-starring with Barbara were George Chakiris, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Hans Conried, and Bern Hoffman.
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
Ever since I was very young, I have loved the music from Kismet. Alfred Drake and Anne Jeffreys and all of the cast were superb. I have always wanted to visit Bagdad, but thanks to Bush, everything is in ruins. Thank you Mr. Bush :(
jimmyratz 4 years ago
That's right, 'luchten'- Armstrong orignally sponsored the 90 minute videotaped version of "Kismet" as one of a series of "Broadway musicals for TV" specials they presented on ABC between 1966 and 1968. Thanks for sharing this excerpt with us!
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
I was a kid when a traveling company came to LA in 1962 to do KISMET at the Shrine Auditorium. Alfred Drake was the major Broadway star in that production reviving his signature role as Haji the Beggar. Anne Jeffreys played Lalume. I was bowled over by the lavish production and Drake's fabulous baritone. Who was Barbara's male lead in this production?
Larubia90631 5 years ago
fantastic...never knew about this special....Barbara is totally terrific! Thanks for posting!!!
BENC354 5 years ago
lphjr40 I believe you may find some copies selling on ebay now and then. It is of worth! =]
luchten 5 years ago
great great movie clip i would love to see the entire film... where and how can we get a copy ?
lphjr40 5 years ago
Yeah I just LOVE this movie the moment I've seen it's become one of my favorites! Barbara's soo gorgeous and sensual in the whole it. I would LOVE to have it on color (if you know) and yes I noticed it being a special. There are these several FUNNY commercials of an 'Armstrong' floor and ceiling company through the movie. E eu fico mto feliz que vcs ai, eh vcs rs, gostaram minhas quiridas amigas! kisses!
luchten 5 years ago
Barbara is so underrated as a singer... she just shines in this clip! Thanks for posting!
judygenefan 5 years ago
This "movie" was originally shown- on color videotape- in December 1967 as an ABC special. An adaptation of the Broadway [and Hollywood] musical, "Lalume" had previously been played by Marlene Dietrich (1944), Joan Diener (Broadway, 1953) and Dolores Gray (1955). Here, it was Barbara's turn.
fromthesidelines 5 years ago
Who the heck knew she could sing THAT well??! I've heard her sing low, but she hits a pretty good higher note in the end. This clip is fabulous!! Thanks for posting it!!
MollieDuck 5 years ago
ed! nossa ta muito lindo!
a Barbara ela é perfeitaaa!
love her sooooo much!
mais lindo do que nunca!
beijosss
dudaidoj 5 years ago