Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart - Documentary

Forming a large part of the 'Great American Songbook' story, a look back at the prolific musical careers of songwriters Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers.
Originally Broadcast on BBC Channel 4. c. 2008.
Richard Charles Rodgers 1902 - 1979. An American composer, known largely for his work in musical theater. With 43 Broadway musicals and over 900 songs to his credit, Rodgers was one of the most significant American composers of the 20th century, and his compositions had a significant impact on popular music.
He is best known for his songwriting partnerships with the lyricist Lorenz Hart, with whom he wrote many musicals throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including Pal Joey, A Connecticut Yankee, On Your Toes and Babes in Arms; and Oscar Hammerstein II, with whom he wrote musicals through the 1940s and 1950s, such as Oklahoma!, Flower Drum Song, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. His collaborations with Hammerstein, in particular, are celebrated for bringing the Broadway musical to a new maturity by telling stories that were focused around characters and drama rather than the light-hearted entertainment that the genre was known for beforehand.
Rodgers was the first person to win all of what are considered the top American entertainment awards in theater, film, recording, and television - a Tony, an Oscar, a Grammy, and an Emmy- now known collectively as an EGOT. In addition, he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize, making him one of only two people to receive all five awards (Marvin Hamlisch is the other). In 1978, Rodgers was awarded The Kennedy Center Honors for his lifetime achievement in the arts.
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[@user-sh8vg9sk5c]

Thank you so much for this wonderful film. The class, style, and wit of Mr Hart, we will never see again.
R.I.P. Mr H
❤❤❤❤❤. Xxxxx.

[@jochenstossberg5427]

This team wrote some of the most sophisticated, brilliantly witty songs in the Great American Songbook. They were a legendary pair. Rodger's work with Hammerstein was just as brilliant, but entirely different. The reason was that the dazzlingly talented Lorenz Hart was a deeply troubled man, and Oscar Hammerstein was the opposite. So Hart was probably the wittiest lyricist, but Hammerstein the most heartfelt. Just read the lyrics to Bewitched from 'Pal Joey'. Hart was so clever. what he got away with was nothing short of a miracle. Many radio stations of that time refused to air the complete song. Only two other lyricists matched him for wit, Stephen Sondheim and Cole Porter, with Fred Ebb coming very close.

[@feline1104]

Such partnerships are made in heaven. The lagacy of these musical and lyrical legends should be always treasured. Thank you for this insightful comment. Jayne Anne.

[@miketackabery7521]

Larry Hart was essential to Rodgers's music. His witty, but biting and brittle lyrics are the perfect antidote to the rich, beautiful, and positive music.
With Hammerstein we got great shows with wonderful songs, but with Hart we got quickly dated and forgettable shows... with immortal songs.

[@CliffMcAulay]

What a treasure to find on youtube..These men not only wrote some of the most life enhancing and melodic songs of their time, but also worked the dramatic possibilities into perfection. It must have made their fellow theatrical writers shake to hear a new Rodgers and Hart musical was on its way.This film is a real treat I am now binge watching...Rebecca Luker! Balanchine!..The joy goes on and on. Thank you Jayne Anne...Consider yourself subscribed!