The 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival, with its delightful theme of comedy, recently concluded, prompting a look back at some cinematic gems. Among them, What’s Up Doc? (1972), Peter Bogdanovich’s homage to screwball comedies, received a memorable screening at the Egyptian Theatre. For some attendees, it was a first-time viewing, highlighting the film’s enduring appeal across generations. This experience serves as a perfect moment to re-examine and appreciate the film’s brilliant opening credits, particularly the song that sets the stage for the madcap adventure ahead.
whatsupdoc1972title1.jpg
Opening title sequences that utilize a book with turning pages are a familiar trope in classic cinema. Films like It’s a Wonderful Life have employed this technique, often to suggest a literary origin or simply for a touch of old-fashioned charm. While straightforward compared to the complex title sequences we see today, such as those by David Fincher, these simpler approaches can be incredibly effective.
In What’s Up Doc?, the page-turning credits are more than just cute graphics; they are a deliberate and seductive introduction to the film’s world and, more importantly, to its captivating heroine, Judy Maxwell (Barbara Streisand). From the outset, the film aims to charm the audience and draw them into Judy’s orbit, as she embarks on her comedic pursuit of the bewildered Professor Howard Bannister (Ryan O’Neal).
The Seductive Power of “You’re The Top”
The opening sequence of What’s Up Doc? immediately establishes a playful, old-fashioned yet alluring tone. Before the visuals even appear, we hear a woman’s breathy sigh, instantly grabbing our attention. The hand that interacts with the pages, caressing them and playfully revealing the titles, adds to this sense of flirtation. It’s a “come hither” gesture that perfectly encapsulates the film’s zany spirit and the liberated atmosphere of the era. And then, there’s the voice, unmistakably Barbra Streisand, murmuring the lyrics to a classic tune.
This song is “You’re The Top,” a sparkling gem from Cole Porter’s songbook. Originally introduced in the 1934 musical Anything Goes by Ethel Merman and William Gaxton, “You’re The Top” is typically performed as a duet, a playful exchange of compliments between a man and a woman. In What’s Up Doc?, however, it’s Streisand’s solo rendition that takes center stage. The song itself is inherently about enticement and admiration, and Streisand’s vocal delivery amplifies this, drawing the viewer into the film’s romantic and comedic core.
Setting the Stage for Screwball Chaos
Using “You’re The Top” over the simple, page-turning titles is a masterstroke. The spirited melody and witty lyrics of this love song, juxtaposed with the visual simplicity of the credits, create an immediate sense of joyful anticipation. It signals that What’s Up Doc? is not just any film; it’s a vibrant, energetic, and utterly charming throwback to the golden age of screwball comedy. The song’s inherent flirtatiousness foreshadows Judy Maxwell’s character perfectly – she is bold, unconventional, and utterly captivating, just like the song itself.
The opening sequence, driven by this “What Up Song,” serves multiple purposes:
- Genre Declaration: It instantly announces the film’s comedic intentions and its roots in classic screwball.
- Character Introduction: It subtly introduces Judy Maxwell’s personality even before she appears on screen – alluring, playful, and musically inclined.
- Mood Setting: It establishes a lighthearted, romantic, and slightly mischievous atmosphere, preparing the audience for the comedic chaos to unfold.
- Audience Engagement: It directly engages the viewer with Streisand’s iconic voice and Porter’s timeless lyrics, creating an immediate connection and sense of delight.
In conclusion, the opening title sequence of What’s Up Doc?, and particularly its use of “You’re The Top,” is a perfect example of how music and visuals can work together to create a memorable and impactful introduction. It’s more than just credits; it’s an invitation into a world of laughter, romance, and delightful mayhem, all set to the tune of a truly top-notch song.
