The 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival, celebrated for its comedic theme, prompted a delightful revisit to cinematic comedies, including Peter Bogdanovich’s 1972 masterpiece, What’s Up Doc? This screwball comedy, screened at the Egyptian Theatre during the festival, captivated both seasoned film enthusiasts and newcomers alike, proving its timeless appeal. Even the opening credits of What’s Up Doc? are a testament to its enduring charm and clever filmmaking, particularly when considering the spotlight on its opening song.
What's Up Doc? movie title card featuring Barbra Streisand's hand turning a page with the film's title, highlighting the opening song 'You're The Top'
The Art of Page-Turning Title Sequences in Classic Cinema
Employing page-turning as an artistic device in movie title sequences is a hallmark of classic cinema. Films like It’s a Wonderful Life famously utilized this technique, playfully presenting title cards as pages within a book. This approach, often seen in earlier films, served a simple yet effective purpose, sometimes indicating a literary source material. While less complex than modern title sequences, such as those crafted by David Fincher, these classic openings possess a nostalgic charm.
“What’s Up Doc?”: A Seductive Opening
In What’s Up Doc?, Bogdanovich masterfully employs the page-turning sequence as an homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s and 40s. However, beyond mere tribute, the opening becomes a subtle act of seduction, immediately drawing the audience into the film’s whimsical world. It’s not just about displaying credits; it’s about setting the stage for the film’s romantic and comedic pursuits, particularly those of the captivating Judy Maxwell (Barbra Streisand).
Even before the visuals fully emerge, an alluring sigh on the soundtrack captures our attention, emanating from the character poised to dominate the narrative. The playful interaction of a woman’s hand with the turning pages further enhances this seductive undertone. This tactile element, combined with the breathy vocalization, creates an intimate invitation, hinting at the spirited and slightly chaotic journey ahead.
“You’re The Top”: Cole Porter’s Song as an Enticement
Adding another layer to this captivating opening is the inclusion of Cole Porter’s iconic song, “You’re The Top.” This spirited tune, originally introduced in the 1934 musical Anything Goes, 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 Barbra Streisand’s solo rendition that graces the opening.
This choice is deliberate and insightful. The song, inherently about admiration and enticement, perfectly mirrors Judy Maxwell’s character and her pursuit of the somewhat clueless Professor Howard Bannister (Ryan O’Neal). Streisand’s powerful and alluring voice performing “You’re The Top” isn’t just background music; it’s a declaration of intent. It foreshadows Judy’s determined, almost aggressive, charm and her unwavering focus on winning Howard’s affection. The song transforms the title sequence from a simple credit roll into an overture of the film’s central romantic comedy dynamic.
In conclusion, the opening title sequence of What’s Up Doc?, underscored by the song “You’re The Top”, is far more than a functional introduction. It’s a masterfully crafted piece of filmmaking that uses classic techniques with a modern sensibility. It serves as both a nostalgic nod to cinematic history and a clever, seductive invitation into the chaotic and hilarious world of Judy Maxwell and What’s Up Doc? itself.
