Few television remakes of musicals already made for the big screen are worthwhile. The rare exception is Gene Saks' 1995 TV version of “Bye Bye Birdie,” which is superior to the dismal '63 film because it goes back to its source - Michael Stewart's libretto for the 1960 stage musical.In fact, it uses Stewart's script; there was no adaptation.
Best of all, there is no Ann-Margret in it.
Instead, the spotlight is back on the lead female character, Rosie, played tartily by the perfectly cast Vanessa Williams.
Every number in this "Birdie" is memorable - the score is intact! plus a few added numbers! no deleted songs! - but the showstopper remains Williams' "Shriner's Ballet," choreographed by Ann Reinking who makes it fresh and new while occasionally paying tribute to Gower Champion's staging of the number for the Broadway original.
The number: “Shriner’s Ballet”
The Composer: Charles Strouse
The choreographer: Ann Reinking
The dancer: Vanessa Williams
The cinematographer: Glen MacPherson
The editor: Eric Albertson
The production designer: Charles C. Bennett
Perhaps the most unlikely dance team - Debra Winger and Nick Nolte - hoot it up in this charming scene from David S. Ward's 1982 film of "Cannery Row."
Fosse. Again. Yes. His 1969 film adaptation of "Sweet Charity" was written off in its day. Hastily so. And so was Fosse as a filmmaker. For some bizarre reason, the overrated "Cabaret" changed all that. But "Charity" is the better film. As this sequence demonstrates.
“Footloose.” 1984. Directed by Herbert Ross. This is for Chris Penn.
Peter H. Hunt's 1972 film of "1776" becomes more impressive with each viewing - a most accomplished musical film. Sherman Edwards' score is at once literate and catchy, lending itself to two particularly wonderful choreographic triumphs by Onna White.
The number: “He Plays the Violin”
Few television remakes of musicals already made for the big screen are worthwhile. The rare exception is Gene Saks' 1995 TV version of 
