Musicals Blog

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

by Claire J Rottenberg


In 1970, my favorite Barbra Steisand movie musical, "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," was released. Like her two previous films, "Funny Girl" and "Hello, Dolly!," "On a Clear Day" was based on a Broadway musical. However, unlike the other two musicals, neither the film nor the Broadway musical of "On a Clear Day" was successful.

"On a Clear Day" opened on Broadway in October, 1965 and it ran for 280 performances. It starred Barbara Harris and John Cullum. The score was composed by Burton Lane with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, who also wrote the book for the play. The score for "On a Clear Day" was nominated for a Tony award. The play had a limited revival in 2000 as part of the Encores! concert series.

The story of "On a Clear Day" requires viewers to stretch their imagination and accept the concepts of ESP and reincarnation. The plot revolves around Daisy Gamble, a young woman who goes to a psychiatrist to break her smoking addiction. The doctor hypnotizes Daisy and discovers one of her past lives. Daisy falls in love with the doctor while he falls in love with the woman she once was.

The score from "On a Clear Day" has some beautiful songs, including the title song, "Melinda," "What Did I Have That I Don't Have?," and "Come Back To Me." One song, "What Did I Have That I Don't Have," became a popular hit.

The movie version of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" was released in 1970, starring Barbra Streisand as Daisy Gamble and Yves Montand as Dr. Marc Chabot. It co-starred a young Jack Nicholson and Bob Newhart. The screenplay was written by Alan Jay Lerner and the film was directed by Vincente Minnelli. A few small changes were made from the original Broadway version and several songs were cut from the movie version. Two new songs were added for Barbra Streisand's character.

Although "On a Clear Day" was not well received by critics, I love the film. I find the storyline intriguing and I love the songs. They have beautiful melodies and great lyrics and most stick in my head long after viewing the film. The film effectively combines humor with drama, something that is not easily achieved. The performances of all of the cast members are excellent, and both Barbra Streisand and Yves Montand are perfect in their roles.

If you haven't seen "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," rent or buy it and suspend reality for a few hours while you enjoy a delightful musical.