Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

With an Oscar about to be on her mantle, Liza Minnelli was everywhere in the early to mid 70's, and this triumphant TV special (edited from her Broadway musical revue) gives a glimpse into the life of a performer that is indeed magical. Nearly fifty years have gone by ever since Liza reminded us that she's not Lisa, and if she had quit show business after this and her Oscar winning performance in "Cabaret", her legacy would have been set in stone. Forget the gossip about her future problems. Here, as she tells is, she has a problem, but it isn't a major one, and with brilliantly clever lyrics by Fred Ebb, Liza explains as to the issues with her name.Paying tribute to her pals Fred Kander and John Ebb, Liza opens the show with the song "Say Yes" from their recent flop Broadway musical "70 Girl 70". She then gets nostalgic and shows some serious acting prowess in her next number, "It was a good time" (recently heard in the movie "Ryan's Daughter"), a show-stopper if there ever was one. In fact, there are several show stopping moments in this, so the short length of the special isn't one to disappoint because it is all so magical. Those who saw "The Boy From Oz" on Broadway will see instantly Stephanie J. Block's big Liza moment ("She Loves to Hear the Music") with both "Ring Them Bells" and "Bye Bye Blackbird". With "Cabaret" still a triumph in movie theaters when this came out, the hour long special ends with Liza doing a "Cabaret" medley, including one song ("Married") cut out of the film, and getting to do Joel Grey's big opening number ("Wilkomen") as well. What is truly magical about Liza's presence here is her uniqueness as a performer. Like mother Judy Garland, she had great respect for her audience, and never gives the impression that she was simply "phoning it in". Liza laughs, clowns, emotes dramatically, and even if she's avante garde in many ways, she draws you in with her passion and drive and energy and verve and compassion. There's a reason why some performers make you want to psychologically hug them, because all your problems seem silly and solvable when you hear that big voice making it seem as if she is singing just for you. Few performers have that ability, and I'm sure that of her many longtime family friends, there were few without at least a tear or two. This gets a huge standing ovation at the end, and I find it tempting even by watching this on video to stand at the end as well.

I remember watching this when it was first on. I was 12, but I was apparently a very gay 12. I like Liza a lot, but I had problems with this show. One of the criticisms that has dogged her in her stage appearances has been that she lipsynched parts of her performances. Well, unless there were invisible body mikes somewhere (which I don't think were even in use in 1972), she had to have been lypsynching for at least part of the show. For great swaths of music, she has no mike and is dancing a lot, so where is the sound coming from? The choreography is iconic Bob Fosse, and I love Kander and Ebb. She looks gorgeous.... until the end, when she's wearing that jeweled kimono thing, and the horrible wrap skirt. I was really disappointed that it didn't live up to my memories. I'm renting the Barbra Streisand specials on DVD and if they disappoint me, too, all that will be left to me is Bette Midler! If I lose her, I think I'll have to go straight.

This magnificent film about Liza Minnelli is one of the best films showcasing a popular entertainer at her prime. Bob Fosse directed with a keen eye and great panache. He gets the viewer involved in the performance and what the star is trying to accomplish. The music material by Kander and Ebb never sounded to poignant and fresh, as interpreted by Ms. Minnelli.The late 60s and early 70s brought forth an unusual talent, Liza Minnelli. She was at the time at the best moment of her career. She had a voice, youth, and she could move well, following Bob Fosse's choreography, designed to enhance the presentation.The film has been kept in mint condition and just recently released on cable. Fans of Liza Minnelli can rejoice in rediscovering that vibrant entertainer showing her public why she was a star on her own right.

i was lucky enough to have seen the show when it was originally broadcast. I have been looking for a copy of this show either on VHS or Video Disc. But have not been able to achieve my goal. Anyway, I remember that I was impacted, I fell in love with Liza that very first time, what a woman, Energy, Charisma, strength, voice. I remember watching her sing every song, I used to know all the lyrics of all her songs, and even remember some of the steps. It was the best show I ever saw, and actually have not been able to see another show like that. I've seen Madonna or Cher live, but they can't compare with Liza and her voice. I saw her live years later here on my hometown, she is still great, but I think that this is her best concert ever.