Great Film overall

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Blistering performances.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

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.

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.

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.

As well as lovers of the Dick Van Dyke Show--we see the whole cast in color film taken on the set during rehearsals. And if you're interested in how Las Vegas became the neon capital of the world, you'll like the early 8 millimeter color footage of the opening of the Flamingo Hotel, and Rose Marie tells of her relationship with Bugsy Siegel and other mob guys. A well-made documentary that covers her whole nine decade career, including her 20 year marriage to trumpeter Bobby Guy.