(1965)
2
Craig Butler
Billie is a ridiculous and incredibly dated teen musical -- but it's one that has a very pleasing campiness to it that provides a substantial reward for those in the mood to laugh at how silly the whole film is. Not that there aren't some legitimate assets beyond its camp value. Billie does boast a perky, energetic performance from a strangely-bewigged Patty Duke. It's not what one calls a great performance, because the material doesn't really allow for such a thing. But Duke gives the role her all, and she's a great deal of fun. True, her singing is nothing to write home about -- but then, neither are the songs she has been given to warble. Jim Backus is fun as the male chauvinist father, and Jane Greer is a welcome addition as the understanding mother. It's also fun to see 1960's sitcom fixtures Dick Sargent, Richard Deacon and Ted Bessel in small roles. Ronald Alexander's screenplay is ridiculous, and modern viewers will undoubtedly howl at the "I enjoy being a girl after all" resolution -- but that's all to the good for its camp appeal. It's ludicrous and unbelievable and would be totally insulting if one took it at all seriously -- so it's best to approach Billie in a totally mocking manner to get the most enjoyment out of it.
cast-crew for Billie on AllMovie
Billie (1965)
