What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Funny Lady is theatrical-style musical with lots of singing and dancing, a somewhat grown-up love story that includes infidelity, and a very glamourous look at Depression era show business. The women wear flashy clothes: showgirls in revealing, outrageous costumes; Streisand as Fanny Brice wears plunging necklines and shows lots of leg. Almost everyone smokes almost all of the time as was common during the 1930s. There is some social drinking, but no drunkenness. Occasional swearing throughout: "Goddamn," "bastard," "screw," and "ass" are heard numerous times, plus some insults, both English and Yiddish.
- Families can talk about how biographical movies (both musical and dramatic) often alter the truth in order to make a more entertaining story. Where can you look to find the true story? In what movies would that be important to you?
- In addition to being a very talented comic and singer, the real Fanny Brice was considered "a woman ahead of her time." In what ways do you think this is true? Which current celebs or actors do you think are ahead of their time?