christopher-underwood I remembered little of this film from a previous viewing but was vaguely aware that I had been disappointed. Watching it again, I found it very hard to enjoy. I realise Woody Allen feels some empathy with the bunch of past it stand ups reminiscing in the diner but they mean nothing to me. Neither was I drawn or even amused at the list of Allen's clientele of failed has beens, one legged tap dancer, one armed juggler and all. I did find the New York and New Jersey location shooting attractive and did find the film picked up a bit towards the end. I enjoyed the little escapade with Allen and Farrow dodging through grasslands and crossing the Hudson but there was just too much or Allen fussing repeatedly with the same gestures and even dialogue. I also have no idea why Mia Farrow was dressed up to look like a female impersonator. She was supposed to be an attractive gangster's moll and here she is appallingly over dressed and over haired. Maybe it was suggested she show a bit of T&A and rebelled, being the contrary b**** we know she can be.

TheLittleSongbird Maybe not top 5 Woody Allen but around or near the top 10. Broadway Danny Rose is somewhat different for him, he cuts down a little on the verbal wit, there's little deep analysing and there is nothing here that can be deemed as self-indulgent(like some Woody Allen films have been criticised to be), yet it is still characteristic of Allen's writing style and the humour is still unmistakable. Broadway Danny Rose is terrifically shot in black and white, there's a harshness but also a real beauty to the photography, and the costumes and scenery are lovely too. The music is filled with Allen's most used music genre, jazz, and it's very soulful and catchy, while Allen directs tightly but never heavy-handedly. The dialogue, even if other Woody Allen films are more insightful, is still witty and has many hilarious lines that are quotable too, but most of the humour in Broadway Danny Rose lies in the plot and characterisation which are both done brilliantly. There are many funny scenes especially the shoot out involving helium- probably the funniest scene of the entire film- and there is a light-heartedness that gives the film a real sweetness and charm that never felt forced. Not to mention that the film has a really poignant ending, more so than any other Woody Allen film apart from perhaps The Purple Rose of Cairo. Allen has never had a character more likable or sympathetic, he brings eccentricity to his performance that really sparkles but he also gives an understated touch that allows you to relate to him. An unrecognisable Mia Farrow also gives one of her best performances in any of his films, very amusing and confident. Overall, funny, sweet, touching and accessible, even non-Woody Allen fans are likely to find some value to it. 10/10 Bethany Cox

evening1 Moderately entertaining story about a talent agent with a funny roster of lost-cause acts.Woody Allen does his usual good job as a protagonist with unconditional regard for his protégés, and Mia Farrow and the perfectly cast Nick Apollo Forte do well as a mob moll and a lounge lizard.I liked the evocative, black-and-white setting of the iconic Carnegie Deli as the site of the extended flashback that forms the basis for this film.I enjoyed the brief glimpses of Milton Berle and Sammy Davis Jr.This isn't one of Woody's funniest or more intriguing but it's worth a watch.

gridoon2018 For most other directors / writers / actors, "Broadway Danny Rose" would be a considerable (triple) achievement: there is terrific music, arty b & w photography, Woody (as an actor) at his most ingratiating, Mia Farrow (almost unrecognizable) at her loosest, solid supporting players, and a beautiful closing shot. However, by Woody Allen's own standards, this is a minor work in the grand total of his filmography; the main reason for that is that the story is too slight, and goes on a little too long (even though the movie is relatively short at 80 minutes). And the comedy produces smiles rather than belly laughs. Maybe it would have been more memorable if the role of Lou Canova had gone to the person that Allen, according to IMDb trivia, offered it to first: Sylvester Stallone! **1/2 out of 4.