'American Masters': 'Marvin Hamlisch' review: Lively, but lacking

Hamlisch, who died unexpectedly at 68 during the 2012 tryout of "The Nutty Professor" musical, was the adored son of Viennese Jewish immigrants. He was a Juilliard piano prodigy at 6, prized for his virtuosic technique and uncanny ear. Not comfortable within the restrictions of classical music, he later explained, "I wanted to be Cole Porter," not Vladimir Horowitz. Although his Broadway dreams were unfulfilled in later years and unfinished when he died, Hamlisch's versatility, accessible melodic gifts and ebullient personality made him the rare crossover composer for both theater and more than 40 movie scores -- including, very early on, songs for Woody Allen's "Bananas" and "Take the Money and Run."

Allen, notoriously unavailable for interviews, is heard mumbling something about Hamlisch on an audiotape. But the film has no shortage of loving wattage from Barbra Streisand, his friend since he was rehearsal pianist for "Funny Girl." Other highlights include Carly Simon singing "Nobody Does It Better" in an apartment with Hamlisch on piano and Steven Soderbergh explaining the importance of Hamlisch's upbeat score to Matt Damon's character in "The Informant!" Conspicuously missing is anything about the late Edward Kleban, who wrote the unforgettable "Chorus Line" lyrics for Hamlisch's tunes.

SEE PHOTOSTV shows that made an impact