Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
A rock-and-roll satire full of energy and charm, bringing the beloved Broadway hit to the big screen with an unforgettable cast.
Bye Bye Birdie - Movie Information
- Original Title: Bye Bye Birdie
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: George Sidney
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Music
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, Russian, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 4, 1963 (Belgium - AL), April 4, 1963 (United States - G), November 7, 1963 (United Kingdom - 12), December 30, 1966 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: 再见伯迪 (CN)
- Production Companies: Kohlmar-Sidney Productions, Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Bye Bye Birdie - Plot
A singer goes to a small town for a performance before he is drafted.
Bye Bye Birdie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the fun unfold in this classic musical comedy:
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Bye Bye Birdie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Sidney
Main Cast
- Janet Leigh
- Dick Van Dyke
- Ann-Margret
- Maureen Stapleton
- Bobby Rydell
- Jesse Pearson
- Paul Lynde
- Mary LaRoche
- Michael Evans
- Robert Paige
Writers
- Irving Brecher
- Lee Adams
Producers
- George Sidney
- Fred Kohlmar
Bye Bye Birdie - FAQs
What is Bye Bye Birdie about?
Bye Bye Birdie follows Albert Peterson, a struggling songwriter whose rock-and-roll client Conrad Birdie is about to be drafted. As a publicity stunt, Conrad visits a small Ohio town to give one lucky fan a farewell kiss on national television. The film is a warm, witty satire of rock-and-roll mania and 1960s American pop culture.
Is Bye Bye Birdie based on a real rock star?
Conrad Birdie is loosely inspired by Elvis Presley, whose 1958 military draft sent shockwaves through the music world. The stage musical and film satirize the hysteria surrounding Elvis's induction, poking fun at teen idol culture, media frenzy, and the music industry's panic over losing its biggest star.
Where can you watch Bye Bye Birdie online?
You can rent or buy Bye Bye Birdie on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to stream with ads on The Roku Channel, making it easy to revisit this classic musical comedy without a subscription.
Did Ann-Margret's role in Bye Bye Birdie launch her career?
Absolutely. Ann-Margret's electrifying performance as Kim McAfee made her a star overnight. Her opening number became iconic, and the film showcased her singing, dancing, and comedic timing to a massive audience. It led directly to a string of high-profile Hollywood roles and cemented her status as one of the era's brightest talents.
Who are the main actors in Bye Bye Birdie?
The film features a terrific ensemble led by Janet Leigh as Rosie DeLeon, Dick Van Dyke as the hapless songwriter Albert Peterson, and Ann-Margret as the starstruck teenager Kim McAfee. Jesse Pearson plays the swaggering Conrad Birdie, with Paul Lynde and Maureen Stapleton delivering memorable comic support.
Is Bye Bye Birdie appropriate for kids and families?
Yes, Bye Bye Birdie is rated G, making it suitable for all ages. It's a lively, good-natured musical comedy with catchy songs, slapstick humor, and plenty of charm. Families who enjoy classic Hollywood musicals will find it an entertaining and thoroughly wholesome watch.
Was Bye Bye Birdie a box office success?
Yes, the film performed well commercially, earning around $13.1 million against a $5 million budget. It was one of Columbia Pictures' bigger hits of 1963 and helped establish Ann-Margret as a bankable star. Critics responded warmly to its energetic performances and colorful production design.
Is Bye Bye Birdie based on a Broadway musical?
It is! The film adapts the hit 1960 Broadway musical of the same name, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. The stage show won four Tony Awards including Best Musical. Dick Van Dyke reprised his Tony-winning Broadway role as Albert Peterson for the film adaptation.
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