Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

• Buy DVD from Amazon
• Rent from Blockbuster

• Composer Stephen Sondheim, notoriously protective of his stage works, long resisted offers to film this story. When Tim Burton expressed interest, however, Sondheim relented when pleased with Burton's vision for the project and on the condition that the composer would maintain casting approval. Burton would only agree to direct with Johnny Depp in the lead, and though Sondheim feared Depp's vocals would be too "rock oriented," the composer approved the actor after a vocal audition. To approve the casting of Helena Bonham Carter, and to combat any rumor of nepotism (as Carter and Burton were romantically involved), the actress sent Sondheim no less than twelve audition tapes of her singing. Very impressed with her vocals, Sondheim immediately approved the actress.
• Movie Goof (continuity error): In the beginning, Sweeney's teeth appear to be in very poor shape; however, by time he first picks up the teakettle in his apartment his teeth are considerably whiter and straighter.
• Movie Goof (continuity error): During the final scene the dried blood keeps on moving on Sweeney's face.
• The original Broadway production starring Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou opened at the Uris Theater on February 6, 1979, ran for 557 performances and won the 1979 Tony Awards for the Best Musical, Book and Score.