Gypsy's mother Rose dreams of a life in show business for her daughters, but Louise becomes a huge burlesque star. Stage musical loosely based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee.
Acting
Rosalind Russell's Rose devours every scene like a starving predator.
Costume
The stripper outfits escalate from tame to legendary—pay attention.
Writing
Sondheim's lyrics hiding in plain sight before he was famous.
Director
Mervyn LeRoy
Rosalind Russell
Rose Hovick
Natalie Wood
Louise Hovick/Gypsy Rose Lee
Karl Malden
Herbie Sommers
Paul Wallace
Tulsa
Betty Bruce
Tessie Tura
Parley Baer
Mr. Kringelein
Harry Shannon
Grandpa
Morgan Brittany
'Baby' June Hovick
Ann Jillian
'Dainty' June Havoc
Faith Dane
Miss Mazeppa
Roxanne Arlen
Miss Electra
Jean Willes
Miss Cratchitt
George Petrie
George
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rosalind Russell was so desperate for the role she signed away profit participation—then watched the film become a massive hit.
The real Gypsy Rose Lee was a literary intellectual who wrote mystery novels and corresponded with authors; the film flattens her into pure victim.
US
