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Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif, Kay Medford, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon ... see more see more... , Lee Allen , Mae Questel , Gerald Mohr , Frank Faylen , Mittie Lawrence , Gertrude Flynn , Penny Santon , John Harmon , Thordis Brandt , Raymond Guth , Karen Lee , Mary Jane Mangler , Inge Neilsen , Tommy Rall , John Warburton , Lester Mack , Lloyd Gough

"Hello, gorgeous!" was Barbra Streisand's first comment to the Oscar statuette which she won for her performance in this biopic of entertainer Fanny Brice. This is also her first line in the film itse... read more read more...lf, the catalyst for a movie-long flashback. Repeating her Broadway role, Streisand stars as legendary comedienne Brice (1891-1951), whose life until the mid-1920s is romanticized herein. A gawky New Yawker, Brice fast-talks her way into show business, certain that she's destined to be "The Greatest Star." Hired as a "dramatic" singer by impresario Flo Ziegfeld (Walter Pidgeon), Brice defies orders to play it straight, turning a "Beautiful Bride" tableau into a laugh riot by dressing herself up as an extremely pregnant newlywed. The stratagem turns Brice into an overnight star and the toast of Broadway. But all is not roses for Brice, especially in her turbulent private life as the wife of big-time gambler Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif). Nicky at first finds it amusing to be referred to as "Mr. Brice," but he begins to resent his wife's fame and fortune and starts taking foolish risks with other people's money. The film was nominated for 8 Oscars, including Best Picture and Kay Medford for her portrayal of Brice's mother, Rose. Funny Girl was produced by Ray Stark, Brice's real-life son-in-law, who had enough material left over for a sequel, 1975's Funny Lady. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

81% liked it

18,720 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

39 critics

G, 2 hr. 35 min.

Directed by: William Wyler

Release Date: September 19, 1968

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DVD Release Date: November 21, 2001

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Stats: 1,003 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,003)


  • May 26, 2012
    Whyyyyy is this movie so long? There's nothing I dislike more than an overstuffed musical. Babs is cute, sometimes.
  • December 9, 2010
    This movie is the vision of what a Ziegfeld dancer should be, Barbra Streisand does a WONDERFUL JOB!!! :)
  • October 14, 2010
    This is a "yes I can!" biopic, with Streisand's zeal and down to earth appeal, magic vocal cords, and deliberate humor. Omar Sharif is magnificent as ever as Fanny's husband, and the production numbers are heartfelt and captures my attention and love.
  • January 11, 2010
    Bright musical biography of Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice. Barbra Streisand, reprising her Broadway role is nothing less than astonishing in her film debut. As a biography, its authenticity is questionable, but as an introduction to the talent that is Barbra Streisand, it'... read mores stunning. This film is the prefect star vehicle for the singer. Everything revolves around her and she's in virtually every scene. Legendary director William Wyler was not known for comedies or musicals and he applies an over-produced, over-photographed feel to the proceedings. It's also over-long at 155 minutes. However, whenever our lead actress sings, it's magic. The iconic score includes the songs "People", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "My Man".
  • October 5, 2009
    OMG -- I can't believe I've never seen this movie before, as long as it's been around! Babs was FABULOUS as usual -- I kinda hated to see Omar waste his many talents on a nasty character, but all the acting was fab and the sets and the costumes were wonderful -- again, as usual ... read morefor a Babs movie.
  • March 26, 2007
    pure talent on display
  • August 24, 2006
    Love it...
  • May 30, 2011
    I really enjoyed the film. I loved all the music and songs. And Barbra Streisand did a great job with the role as Fanny Brice. I didn't even realize that it was based on a real life person at first, but she seems like she was a real hoot. She took a lot of risks, but she always g... read moreot what she wanted. Except for in the end I guess. Although I didn't really care for Mr.Arnstein. He's too much a of "I'm a man, so my way or the highway" kind of guy. I think my only complain, is that film can be quite long at times. But thought it was overall a delight.
  • November 30, 2010
    My favorite Streisand movie! She is incredible and the songs are so perfect...never was there a dull moment in this film (:
  • May 30, 2010
    It's hard to review such a classic film when it's nothing like what you expected. I went in with dreams of a music-laced romp into the wild world of theatre, comedy, and romance. And I was right. Until the intermission. Then things got quite a bit darker and somewhat flatter.... read more The enchanting humour and joy was switched abruptly for a more mature feel, for lack of a better word. It's not better or worse, per say, but much different to the point of it being slightly jarring. That being said, the wonderful Mrs. Streisand was the one thing that held it all together. Her voice is stunning and her comedic timing nothing short of genius. She has that magic factor that not only makes her Oscar well-deserved but *also*, ladies and gents, what makes this a classic.

Critic Reviews


Dave Kehr
August 12, 2008
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Streisand is stunning, but the film is a trial, particularly when the music disappears somewhere around the 90-minute mark and all that's left is leaden melodrama. Full Review

August 12, 2008
TIME Magazine

This extended Streisand Special has done absolutely nothing to correct the flaws in the Broadway original. Full Review

Variety Staff
August 12, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

Barbra Streisand in her Hollywood debut makes a marked impact. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It is impossible to praise Miss Streisand too highly; hard to find much to praise about the rest of the film. Full Review

Peter Howell
October 12, 2001
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

The fun is there whenever Streisand is, and that could be reason enough for reacquainting yourself with Funny Girl. Full Review

Mario Tarradell
October 11, 2001
Mario Tarradell, Dallas Morning News

Remains Barbra Streisand's greatest moment on the big screen. Full Review

Michael Wilmington
September 11, 2001
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Whatever its flaws, Funny Girl is one star vehicle that works perfectly for its subject. Full Review

Stephanie Zacharek
August 31, 2001
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Barbra Streisand was the perfect choice to play the Florenz Ziegfeld-era comedienne Fanny Brice. Full Review

Kevin Thomas
August 31, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

A superb example of Hollywood craftsmanship in which all elements have been blended to perfection with inspired artistry. Full Review

Renee Schonfeld
February 15, 2012
Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media

Dazzling musical romance is long but entertaining. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts


    • Fanny Brice: Ziegfeld is waiting for me. For me! You see, you were wrong, Mrs. Strakosh.
    • Fanny Brice: Hello, gorgeous!

Funny Girl : Watch Free on TV


Funny Girl Trivia


  • Who played the title role in both Funny Girl and Funny Lady  Answer »
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