Wait for Your Laugh (2017) Reviews

• make 'em laugh

  ferguson-62017-11-01

  Greetings again from the darkness. Rose Marie. There is a fear that her name and legacy are unknown to many these days, and director Jason Wise (SOMM, 2012) sets out to ensure that this giant of entertainment receives her due. Not many are famous at age 4 and go on to have an 87 year career singing and making people laugh. In fact, she's likely the only one. A big chunk of the film has 94 year old Rose Marie in the place where she is most comfortable – under the lights, looking directly into the camera. She shares some remarkable stories of her life, and walks us through a time line of the history of entertainment. It's a history in which she played a significant role. We learn about her singing Sophie Tucker songs on stage in 1923 at age 4, and we hear her final credit as a voice actor on "Garfield" in 2013. In between, she received an NBC radio contract at age 5, and proceeded to star in Vaudeville, Radio, Broadway, Las Vegas, the nightclub circuit, and of course, Television. She was often referred to as "one of the boys", but the reality is, she was a trailblazer for women performers. In addition to Rose Marie's own words, there is insight from Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, Peter Marshall, her daughter Georgana Rodrigues, a long-time close friend, and many others. We learn that her "Uncle Al" was actually what Al Capone suggested she call him, and the other mobsters of the era were just "the boys", all whom "were wonderful" to her. In 1944, during WWII, she met the love of her life. Bobby Guy was the lead trumpet for "The Bing Crosby Show", and an extremely successful musician who played live in big bands, as well as on albums and film soundtracks. The fascinating stories come fast and furious, and director Wise uses reenactments for some segments and actual photos and clips for others. Rose Marie working opening night with Jimmy Durante at Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo in Las Vegas is particularly compelling, as Mr. Siegel's career and life didn't last much longer than opening weekend. Familiarity strikes once we reach the 1950's boom era for television. A rare clip of Rose Marie's first episode of "Gunsmoke" transitions into her wildly popular run on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-66). On the movie side, should you find yourself watching Gus Van Sant's PSYCHO, you'll now impress your friends with the knowledge that Rose Marie voiced Norman's mother in that remake. If this sounds like a recap of her career, you should know this barely scratches the surface, and half the fun is in feeling like she is telling her story directly to us. A 14 year run on "Hollywood Squares" is further testament to her comedic skills and quick wit. Rose Marie is comparable to Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett in both talent and impact, and deserves to be respected as such. This is a well-made and important documentary about the history of entertainment, one remarkable woman's career, her wonderful and tragic love story, and above all, a lesson in perseverance. At age 94, Rose Marie's mind is razor-sharp despite the failings of her physical body. As she waits for her next job, she proves she can still tell a joke … and that even today, she never has to wait long for the laugh.

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• Rose Marie-an amazing talent who deserved an amazing documentary . . .

  nkbrsmom2018-01-23

  And she got it. I saw the show in Chicago in mid-January, and I was blown away! I am a huge fan of the golden age of entertainment, and Rose Marie was such an integral part of its history, with all that she contributed to vaudeville, radio, Broadway, TV, etc. Having Rose Marie herself narrating most of the show, instead of just being the subject of the movie and having others talk for her, makes this a unique and special documentary. She led such a wonderfully diverse and captivating life, and gave so much of herself to the entertainment world and her fans. Only she could tell her story properly and with such humor and love, but having those who loved and knew her best join in, like her daughter Noopy, Peter Marshall, Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, and her best friend Ruthie-it was a testament to the positive impact she had on those around her. Jason and Christina did a wonderful job of letting Rose Marie shine, and they should be very proud of this very special film. Those of us in the theater laughed and cried together. Thank you for such a delightful and lively documentary about one of the true treasures of our time! As sad as I was to hear of her passing, I'm very happy that Rose Marie lived to see the finished project and witnessed the effect it had on her family, friends, and fans. Thanks to the vision of Jason and Christina, she went out on top, and we will always have this remarkable narrative of her extraordinary life.

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• Whether you remember her or not, it's a fascinating look at a long, long life as an entertainer.

  MartinHafer2018-05-04

  Most younger people probably have no idea who Rose Marie was. And, with folks who are a bit older, you might remember her from "The Dick Van Dyke Show". But there is so much more to this woman and her incredibly long career. Using mostly interviews with Rose Marie herself as well as her surviving friends in the entertainment world, you learn about her amazing life...starting as a 3-4 year-old singing professionally!! Baby Rose Marie was a big act and folks loved her...and this includes the like of Al Capone and other mobsters! Who else did she know and what else did she do? Watch this fascinating documentary. I think the best thing about this film was its timing. Rose Marie lived long enough to see the film's debut and was, briefly, a Twitter sensation...in her 90s! The DVD has a tacked on message to let you know that Rose Marie recently died...after the debut but just before the DVD release. Overall, it's a terrific and fascinating film from start to finish and is well worth seeing.

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• A very nice docu on a famous lady few people remember

  cekadah2018-05-20

  Rose Marie was both famous and obscure. By that statement I mean she never became the type of 'star' that remains a 'name' both during and long after a career in entertainment such as Elizabeth Taylor, or Sinatra, or Judy Garland. But in this documentary we see the amazing talent in singing and comedy Rose Marie brought to the stage, radio, and television. Always capable and professional she entertained thousands over many decades! This delightful docu once again places her in the limelight for generations that remember her and generations that never heard of her.

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• Quite a long and interesting Career

  lenab-309202017-11-29

  I was a bit familiar with Rose Marie from Hollywood Squares and Dick Van Dyke reruns. But she had a much longer and very interesting career. She started very young singing on stage and on the radio. The Mob took an interest in her ("as a daughter, not a girlfriend" she says) so she knew Al Capone as a child. As an adult she was part of the opening line-up for the Flamingo Hotel (with Xavier Cougat and Jimmy Durante) so she knew Bugsy Seigel. The film covers he career with commentary from Rose herself, many co-stars and friends. Her husband died relatively young leaving her as a single working mother. There are many enjoyable stories told - and I'm sure there are many more that didn't make it, especially about Las Vegas in it's first booming years. I enjoyed this film very much.

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