The movie itself is often disappointing. The start of it is strong enough but doesn't head in a direction that makes for a satisfying musical. I don't mean that it doesn't have the standard happy ending but the second half of the film drops off in interest and quality . Streisand can sing of course so the musical numbers are the highlight and she shows a certain vulnerability that adds layers to her performance.

Barbra herself and her Fanny Brice isn't much like the real one but that's less of a problem than the direction the movie goes in . The peak is probably the fabulous Don't Rain on My Parade from there on it's heavily focused on Fanny and Nick's romance and relationship, marriage and becoming parents. The singing is minimal in the second half which could have been shortened. That and a little more singing could have lifted this movie considerably . The other problem is we can see what Fanny can't, Nick is no good for her . Not for this version of Fanny. The relationship is based on Fanny's real life one but it's played more romantically here. Barbra's Fanny isn't a wimp but she can't see the forest for the trees and believes in Nick too much. But Streisand sells it you still love her version of Fanny and can see how she won the Oscar.