The Night They Raided Minsky's

The Night They Raided Minsky's is a delightful mash-up of comedy, musical, and historical drama, that premiered in 1968, directed by William Friedkin. With a splendid cast starring Jason Robards, Britt Ekland, and Norman Wisdom, this substantial and well-constructed tale, painted against the backdrop of burlesque in the 1920s is a truly captivating picture.

Derived from Rowland Barber's novel, "The Night They Raided Minsky's: A Fanciful Expedition to the Lost Atlantis of Show Business," the plot is centered around the mythical closing of the last of New York City's burlesque theaters caused by an innocent Amish girl, prompting the invention of strip tease.

Jason Robards takes on the role of Raymond Paine, a burlesque comic who performs alongside his partner, Chick Williams, portrayed by Norman Wisdom. Their jocularity and tandem performances become the backbone of the entertainment at Minsky’s Burlesque, located in the Lower East Side of New York City which historically was a focal point of Vaudeville and live theater performances. Britt Ekland as Rachel Elizabeth Schpitendavel, navigates a compelling tale of self-discovery drawn from her sheltered Amish background.

Viewers will find themselves totally absorbed by Ekland's character. Rachel, the innocent and naive Amish girl who escapes her strict pennsylvania community, arrives in New York intent on becoming a dancer. Misunderstood and mislead by Paine and Williams, she's convinced to perform her innocent bible-themed dance at Minsky’s Burlesque. The unsuspecting girl becomes the center of attention and ecstasy in a world far removed from the one she knows, propelling the drama filled with both comedic and touching moments.

Robards in his masterful portrayal of Paine is inherently likable, maintaining a charismatic presence throughout the film. Wisdom, with his expressive demeanor and slapstick antics, provides an abundance of laughs, adding to the spirit of burlesque comedy, a genre not commonly traversed in cinematic history. Meanwhile, as Ekland navigates Rachel’s journey from a sheltered existence to the harsh reality of burlesque performance, her pure charisma and steady evolution provide for a memorable performance.

Other captivating characters in the film, portrayed by a roster of gifted actors like Harry Andrews, Joseph Wiseman and Forrest Tucker, include the devoutly religious father of Rachel, the proprietor of Minsky's, and the driver of the societal crusade determined to close down Minsky's - each potentially minor characters but introducing nuanced complexities to the plot.

Filmmaker Friedkin, known for stylistic and narrative boldness, beautifully catches the spirit of the time, giving viewers an appreciative view of the innocent and bawdy age of burlesque. The film, while not shying away from the risqué elements inherent to its burlesque backdrop, uses them to further the story, rather than for gratuitous show. From fast-paced dance numbers to the humorous banter between characters, the film is a careful blend of comedy, drama, and an affectionate goodbye to an era.

Ralph Burns’ outstanding musical score is another exceptional piece of the film. His original music, punctuated by renditions of traditional burlesque tunes, are not just delightful additions, but integral parts of the narrative, transitioning from comedic to dramatic, appropriately setting the mood and atmosphere for each scene.

The cinematography of Andrew Laszlo needs special mention for creating an image of 1920s New York that is both nostalgically romantic yet grimly realistic. The interiors of Minsky's theatre, the busy New York streets, and the contrasting peaceful Amish village, are all captured in a visually aesthetically pleasing manner.

In conclusion, The Night They Raided Minsky's succeeds in encapsulating the essence of a bygone era with a mixture of humor and melancholy. The performances are commendable, the narrative is spun with engaging turns, and the snapshot of 1920s burlesque entertainment is richly and carefully captured. This film offers a refreshing, enchanting, and thoroughly entertaining trip back in time. It's a portrait of a lost world, a woman’s innocence, an era's end, and the eternal resilience of the human spirit. All of these factors make this film a must-watch for movie enthusiasts who appreciate unique stories, dazzling performances, and the old-world charm and spirit of burlesque.