Pippin: His Life And Times (1981)

A group of traveling players present the story of Pippin (William Katt), son of the 9th century King Charlemagne and head of the Holy Roman Empire, in song and dance. Based on the hit Broadway musical and directed by David Sheehan. The Broadway show owed its success to Bob Fosse's direction and staging and here choreographer Kathryn Doby recreates Fosse's unique dance style. The songs by Stephen Schwartz range from decent to very good but the show's problem has always been its book credited to Roger O. Hirson. It's weak although it's filled with self importance because it's (trying to) saying something. Forget the dialog interludes and enjoy the singing and dancing. Two performers stand out: the dynamic Ben Vereen (recreating his Tony winning performance) as the troupe's leader and Chita Rivera, who gives a sly performance as Pippin's stepmother. This production is a filmed play before a live audience, not a movie but the energy is there and pushes the staging forward but oh that trite dialog! I wouldn't mind seeing a proper film version. With Martha Raye, Leslie Denniston, Benjamin Rayson and Christopher Chadman.