The music is not exceptional, the rendering of the songs lacks variety, and the pace, under Richard Fleischer's direction, is slow and without surprise. Indeed, toward the end it is perfunctory. Things happen mechanically.
– Bosley Crowther,
New York Times,
9 May 2005
rotten:
[It] almost bankrupted the studio when audiences stayed away in droves. In retrospect, it's not hard to see why.
– Trevor Johnston,
Time Out,
26 Jan 2006
rotten:
It's so clumsy and pounding that taking a child to it might be grounds for a visit from family services.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
12 May 2008
rotten:
Leslie Bricusse's adaptation retains the delightful aspects while taking considerable liberty with the plot. His music and lyrics, while containing no smash hits, are admirably suited to the scenario.