Just saw this film for the first time recently, and became absorbed with the comparison to "Hello Dolly." Now I see that not only is "Dolly" a great film, but one of the few examples of a very successful remake. This is especially rare when a film is adapted to a musical format. "Dolly" seemed to follow the script of "Matchmaker" very closely, but did a much better job of putting it across. It added umph where it belonged, really bringing out the many choice morsels of the story. "Matchmaker" seems stagy by comparison and actually a rather mechanical run-through. I know its actors are veterans and some in the same vehicle, but they lack the edge in this presentation of the fresher and sharper "Dolly" cast. The material begged for the snap that "Dolly" gave it. "Matchmaker" is a good enough movie, but "Dolly" really sings (even when there's no music).
Review of The Matchmaker
