The Affairs of Dobie Gillis
MGM, 1953, BW, 74 minutes, ***½
Released August, 1953

An effervescent, young Debbie Reynolds is the fresh-faced coed who unsettles the affairs of ever-ingenious ladies' man Dobie Gillis (Bobby Van) in this lighter-than-air romantic frolic. Also along for the collegiate high jinks, music and laughter is the celebrated director-choreographer Bob Fosse in one of his first big-screen roles.

For freshman "enjoyer of life" Gillis, there's only one subject worth studying at venerable Grainbelt U. - girls. With the help of his equally amorous sidekick Charlie (Fosse), Dobie scouts around and, before you can say "boola boola," falls head-over-slide-rule for pretty classmate Pansy Hammer (Reynolds). Matching wits with oddball professors and irate parents, Dobie and his gal soon have the entire campus jitterbugging to the sound of big band tunes, red-hot dance numbers and the occasional chemistry lab explosion! Scripted by humorist Max Shulman and directed by Don Weis (Pajama Party), this delightfully upbeat comedy spawned a hit TV series, "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."   [from back of VHS tape sleeve]

Really cute campus musical-comedy that inspired the television series. Dobie (Bobby Van) travels to New York City to hire a band for a big dance to save the college magazine. Reynolds, Van, Ruick and Fosse are the college kids, Conried is their grouchy English professor. Debbie and Bobby make a great team! Debbie is cute as a button, and Bobby is her bumbling boyfriend. Pure fun throughout, with an all-too-rare screen appearance by legendary choreographer Fosse.

Produced by: Arthur M. Loew, Jr.
Directed by: Don Weis
Assistant Director: Joel Freeman
Story and Screen Play by: Max Shulman
Musical Direction: Jeff Alexander
Dances Staged by: Alex Romero
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons, Leonid Vasian
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Phototgraphy: William Mellor
Montage Sequences by: Peter Ballbusch
Film Editor: Conrad A. Nervig

Cast: Debbie Reynolds [Pansy Hammer], Bobby Van [Dobie Gillis], Barbara Ruick [Lorna Ellingboe], Bob Fosse [Charlie Trask], Hanley Stafford [Mr. Hammer], Lurene Tuttle [Mrs. Hammer], Hans Conried [Professor Amos Pomfritt], Charles Lane [Professor Obispo], Archer MacDonald [Harry Dorcas], Kathleen Freeman [Happy Stella], Almira Sessions [Aunt Naomi]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: All I Do Is Dream of You (played by Orchestra under titles); [0:06] Red River Valley (square dance segues into Dixieland Jitterbug; danced by Bobby Van with Debbie Reynolds, Bob Fosse with Barbara Ruick, and Students); [0:25] All I Do Is Dream of You (sung by Debbie Reyonolds and Bobby Van in canoe, Bobby Van playing ukelele on-screen); [0:29] You Can't Do Wrong Doin' Right (sung and danced by Barbara Ruick, Bob Fosse, Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van); [0:36] All I Do Is Dream of You (reprised by Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van); [0:48] I'm Through with Love (sung and danced by Bobby Van); [1:11] Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (comedy number played by "Happy Stella Kowalski and Her Schottische Five," sung by Debbie Reynolds and Barbara Ruick); [1:12] Finale: All I Do Is Dream of You (with special lyric, sung and danced by Bobby Van, Debbie Reynolds, Bob Fosse and Barbara Ruick)

Tyrone Power stars in this "must-see" (TV Guide) extravaganza of music, story and romance. Set in the early 1900s, Irving Berlin's masterpiece follows the highs and lows of San Francisco aristocrat Roger Grant, who changes his name to Alexander and leads a band with a whole new sound - swing! As Grant meets with musical successes and failures, he also conducts an on-again, off-again love affair with Stella Kirby (Alice Faye), his lead singer. Also featuring Don Ameche, Jack Haley and then-newcomver Ethel Merman. This musical treasure is a perfect addition to any collection of film classics.   [from back of DVD case]

Wonderful film - a personal favorite of mine. Alice Faye turns in an even better than usual performance, and Ty Power is perfect as her romantic interest. Setting begins on the Barbary Coast where Ty Power has a new band, and Alice is accidentally thrown in with them when they show up for an audition. I love the scene where the boys start playing "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in the bar, and Alice Faye joins in (see pictures). After they finish, she starts in on them about stealing her song. Great scene!

The Setting ultimately shifts to prohibiton-era New York, where Ty's band eventually plays Carnegie Hall - but not before a love triangle develops and Ty Power goes off to war in Europe.

Dixie Dunbar makes a dance appearance, and Ethel Merman has several numbers. The Irving Berlin song score includes the beautiful Academy Award winning "Now It Can Be Told" in an unforgettable delivery by Alice Faye.

Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Harry Joe Brown
Directed by: Henry King
Screen Play by: Kathryn Scola and Lamar Trotti
Adaptation by: Richard Sherman
Lyrics and Music by: Irving Berlin
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Dances Staged by: Seymour Felix
Art Direction: Bernard Herzbrun, Boris Leven
Set Decorations by: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: Arthur Von Kirbach, Roger Heman
Photography: Peverell Marley
Film Editor: Barbara McLean

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score; Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Story, Best Film Editing, Best Song ("Now It Can Be Told"), Best Interior Decoration

Cast: Tyrone Power [Alexander (Roger Grant)], Alice Faye [Stella Kirby], Don Ameche [Charlie Dwyer], Ethel Merman [Jerry Allen], Jack Haley [Davey Lane], Jean Hersholt [Professor Heinrich], Helen Westley [Aunt Sophie], John Carradine [Taxi Driver], Paul Hurst [Bill], Wally Vernon [Himself], Ruth Terry [Ruby], Douglas Fowley [Snapper], Chick Chandler [Louie], Eddie Collins [Corporal Collins], Joseph Crehan [Stage Manager], Robert Glecker [Eddie], Dixie Dunbar [Specialty], Joe King [Charles Dillingham], Charles Coleman [Head Waiter], Stanley Andrews [Colonel], Charles Williams [Agent], Jane Jones, Otto Fries, Mel Kalish [Trio], Selmer Jackson [Radio Station Manager], Donald Douglas [Singer], Additional Cast: Grady Sutton [Babe], Tyler Brooke [Assistant Stage Manager], James Flavin [Sergeant], Jack Pennick [Sergeant], Harold Goodwin [M.P.], Edward Keane [Major], Ralph Dunn [Captain], Charles Tannen [Secretary], Robert Lowery [Reporter], Eleanor Wesselhoeft [Martha], The King's Men [Vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: medley of tunes from the song score (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Chamber music (played by Roger Grant and Musicians); [0:06] Alexander's Ragtime Band (played at "Ship Cafe" by Ty Power [violin], Don Ameche [piano], Jack Haley [drums], unidentified actor [trumpet], unidentified actor [clarinet], joined by Alice Faye [vocals]); [0:10] Ragtime Violin (excerpt sung by Jane Jones, Otto Fries and Mel Kalish; played onscreen by Alexander's Ragtime Band - by this time a trombonist and stand-up Bass have been added); [0:15] That International Rag (sung by Jack Haley, Alice Faye and Chick Chandler); [0:19] Everybody's Doing It (sung by Chorus, danced by Dixie Dunbar and Wally Vernon; then sung by Alice Faye and Chorus; by now the band is a full orchestra and is billed as "Alexander's Ragtime Band with Stella Kirby); [0:21] "Opening the Beautiful Rococo Room, Cliff House" presenting Alexander's Ragtime Band with Stella Kirby [0:22] Now It Can Be Told (sung by Don Ameche at the Piano); [0:25] Now It Can Be Told (reprised by the Band at a rehearsal); [0:26] Now It Can Be Told (sung by Alice Faye); [0:34] This Is the Life (sung and danced by Wally Vernon); [0:37] When the Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves for Alabam' (sung by Alice Faye); [0:42] For Your Country and My Country (sung by Douglas Fowley for Army Recruiting publicity); [0:45] I Can Always Find a Little Sunshine at the YMCA (sung by the King's Men); [0:47] Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning (sung by Jack Haley and Chorus - this is a mini-production of "This Is the Army," the traveling show produced and starred in by Irving Berlin, himself, as a morale booster during WWI); [0:51] We're on Our Way to France (sung by Men's Chorus, Soldiers march off stage and out the door to be shipped off to war); [0:53] War montage; [0:59] Say It with Music (excerpt sung by Ethel Merman); [1:01] A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody (excerpt sung by Ethel Merman); [1:12] Blue Skies (sung by Ethel Merman; then sung by Alice Faye, Ethel Merman and Chorus); [1:15] Pack Up Your Sins and Go to the Devil (sung and danced by Ethel Merman and Ensemble); [1:17] What'll I Do? (short excerpt sung by Chorus); [1:18] My Walking Stick (sung and danced by Ethel Merman and Girl's Chorus); [1:20] Remember (sung by Alice Faye); [1:21] Everybody Step (sung and danced by Ethel Merman and Chorus); [1:22] All Alone (sung by Alice Faye); [1:25] Gypsy in Me (short excerpt sung by auditioner); [1:32] Alexander's Ragtime Band plays Carnegie Hall: [1:32] Everybody Step (?) (instrumental arrangement played by Alexander's Ragtime Band at Carnegie Hall); [1:35] Easter Parade (excerpt sung by Don Ameche and Girl's Chorus in formal gowns with Easter bonnets at Carnegie Hall); [1:38] Heat Wave (sung and danced by Ethel Merman and Mixed Chorus at Carnegie Hall); [1:42] Finale: Alexander's Ragtime Band (played by Alexander's Ragtime Band at Carnegie Hall, joined by Alice Faye and Chorus)

Ali Baba Goes to Town
20th Century-Fox, 1937, BW, 80 minutes, ***
Released October, 1937

This funny, sophisticated satire takes on Hollywood, American society, and the politics of Roosevelt's depression-era New Deal. Cantor is in top form as Al Babson, an autograph-seeking, movie star-loving hobo, who wanders onto a set and is knocked out in an accident that disrupts filming. He overdoses on medication and dreams he is in old Baghdad where he is hailed as the magician, Ali Baba, and proceeds to reform the ancient empire along the lines of the New Deal. The movie contains a marvelous special effects sequence with a flying carpet, involving a fight scene and a fire with Cantor hurrying back to safety as it burns away around him. [from back of videotape sleeve]

Produced by: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Laurence Schwab
Production Assistant: David Hempstead
Directed by: David Butler
Assistant Director: Ad Schaumer
Screen Play by: Harry Tugend and Jack Yellen
Based on a story by Gene Towne, Graham Baker and Gene Fowler
Music and Lyrics by: Mack Gordon and Harry Revel
"Twilight in Turkey" by Raymond Scott
Dances staged by: Sammy Lee
Music by: Robert Russell Bennett
Additional Music: Walter Scharf
Musical Direction: Louis Silvers
Art Direction: Bernard Herzbrun
Set Decorations by: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling, Herschel
Sound: Alfred Bruzlin, Roger Heman
Photography: Ernest Palmer
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best Dance Direction (Sammy Lee, "Swing Is Here to Stay")

Cast: Eddie Cantor [Ali Baba / Aloysius 'Al' Babson], Tony Martin [Yusuf / Announcer at Premiere], Roland Young [Sultan], June Lang [Princess Miriam], Louise Hovick [Sultana], Raymond Scott and His Quintet [Themselves], John Carradine [Ishak / Broderick], Virginia Field [Dinah], Alan Dinehart [Boland], Douglass Dumbrille [Prince Musah], Maurice Cass [Omar, The Rug Maker], Warren Hymer, Stanley Fields [Tramps], Paul Hurst [Captain], Sam Hayes [Radio Announcer / Assistant Director], Douglas Wood [Selim], Sid Fields [Assistant Director], Ferdinand Gottschalk [Chief Councilor], Charles Lane [Doctor], Peters Sisters [Themselves], Jeni Le Gon [Dancer], The Pearl Twins [Dance Specialty], Additional Cast: Eddie Abdo [Arab to Intone Evening Prayer], Jack Rutherford, Herbert Ashley [Sentries], Lynn Bari [Harem Girl], George Regas [Bearded Arab], Jack Clifford Guard], Francis McDonald [Ringleader], James Pierce [Captain of the Guards], Blue Washington [Slave], Marjorie Weaver [Harem Girl], Harry Woods [Officer], Lee J. Cobb, Eddie Collins, Harry Burns, Hector Sarno, Norman Willis, John Picorri, Russ Powell, James P. Burtis [Arabs], Dolores del Rio [Herself, file footage], The Ritz Brothers [Themselves, file footage], Tyrone Power [Himself, file footage], Douglas Fairbanks [Himself, file footage], Victor McLaglen [Himself, file footage], Ann Sothern [Herself, file footage], Shirley Temple [Herself, file footage], George Temple [Himself, file footage], Gertrude Temple [Herself, file footage], Sonja Henie [Herself, file footage], Michael Whalen [Himself, file footage], Mary Pickford [Herself, file footage], Cesar Romero [Himself, file footage], Phyllis Brooks [Herself, file footage], Jack Haley [Himself, file footage]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (includes a bit of "Whoopee," played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:05] Laugh Your Way Through Life (sung by Eddie Cantor); [0:14] Arabian Dance (played by Raymond Scott and His Quintet); [0:30] Swing Is Here to Sway (sung by Eddie Cantor and Chorus, danced by The Pearl Twins, sung by Peters Sisters); [0:43] I've Got My Heart Set on You (sung by Tony Martin); [0:49] Happy Days Are Here Again (played by Orchestra); [0:49] Vote for Honest Abe (sung by Eddie Cantor and Chorus); [1:01] Twilight in Turkey (played by Raymond Scott and His Quintet); [1:08] Arabania (played by Raymond Scott and His Quintet); [1:17] Spring Is Here to Sway (sung by The Peters Sisters); [1:20] Laugh Your Way Through Life (sung by Eddie Cantor and Chorus)

Alias Jesse James
Hope Enterprises / United Artists, 1959, Color, 92 minutes, ***
Released March 1959

When Eastern insurance salesman Bob Hope inadvertently sells a policy to the infamous outlaw Jesse James, he heads out West to protect his client, not knowing that James has a plan to get Hope mistaken for him and shot. Hilarious frontier romp also stars Rhonda Fleming and Wendell Corey, with a posse of cameos that includes Gene Autry, Gary Cooper, Roy Rogers and TV gunslingers James Arness, James Garner, Hugh O'Brian, Fess Parker and Jay Silverheels.

Produced by: Jack Hope
Associate Producer: Kent McCray
Executive Producer: Bob Hope
Directed by: Norman Z. McLeod
Assistant Director: Daniel McCauley
Screenplay by: William Bowers and Daniel D. Beauchamp
Based on a Story Written by Robert St. Aubrey and Bert Lawrence
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Joseph J. Lilley
Songs: "Ain't A-Hankerin'" and "Protection" Music: Arthur Altman, Lyrics: Bud Burtson
Song: "Alias Jesse James" Music: Marilyn and Joe Hooven, Lyrics: By Bunham, Sung by: Guy Mitchell
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Roland Anderson
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Bertram Granger
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Hair Style Supervision: Nellie Manley
Sound Recording by: Lyle Figland and Charles Grenzbach
Director of Photography: Lionel Lindon
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Film Editing: Jack Bachom, Marvin J. Coil

Cast: Bob Hope [Milford Farnsworth], Rhonda Fleming [The Duchess], Wendell Corey [Jesse James], Gloria Talbot [Indian Maiden], Jim Davis [Frank James], Will Wright [Titus Queasley], Mary Young [Ma James], Mickey Finn [Tough Guy], Bob Gunderson, Fred Kohler, Ethan Laidlaw, Glenn Strange [James Gang], Sid Melton [Fight Fan], George E. Stone [Gibson Girl Fan], James Burke [Charlie], Joseph Vitale [Sam Hiawatha], Hugh O'Brian [Wyatt Earp], Ward Bond [Major Seth Adams], James Arness [Cameo as Matt Dillon], Roy Rogers [Cameo as Himself], Fess Parker [Cameo as Davy Crockett], Gail Davis [Cameo as Annie Oakley], James Garner [Cameo as Bret Maverick], Gene Autry [Cameo as Himself], Jay Silverheels [Cameo as Tonto], Bing Crosby [Cameo as Himself], Gary Cooper [Cameo as Himself]

Musical Program: [0:00] Alias Jesse James (sung by Guy Mitchell and Mens Chorus behind titles); [0:38] Ain't a Hankerin' (sung by Rhonda Fleming and Bob Hope); Protection [not used]

All-American Co-Ed
Hal Roach / United Artists, 1941, B/W, 51 minutes, **½
Released October, 1941

Wacky cross-dressing comedy from Hal Roach Studios. When an all-girl school insults a pack of macho guys from Quinceton University they decide to put one of their own into a dress and have him enter a beauty contest. Frances Langford, Johnny Downs, Harry Langdon star.

Pretty cute for a "B" movie. The plot is paper thin, but it's fun watching the Mar Brynn girls and the Zetas from Quinceton sing and dance. Frances Langford is always fun. The production number that the Mar Brynn girls put on is really cute!

The print used to make this DVD is quite nice!

The title reel includes this statement: "Any similarity to actual college life depicted in this picture is purely coincidental."

Hal Roach Presents:
Produced and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Assistant Director: Eddie Montagne
Adapted by: Kenneth Higgins
From an Original Story by: LeRoy Prinz and Hal Roach, Jr.
Screenplay by: Cortland Fitzsimmons
Musical Score: Edward Ward
Songs: "I'm a Chap With a Chip on My Shoulder," "Up at the Crack of Dawn," "The Farmer's Daughter" by Walter G. Samuels and Charles Newman; "Out of the Silence" by Lloyd B. Norlin
Art Direction: Charles D. Hall
Set Decorations: W. L. Stevens
Gowns by: Irene Saltern
Costumes by: Travilla
Made by: Jack's
Sound Recording by: William Randall
Director of Photography: Robert Pittack
Photographic Effects: Roy Seawright
Film Editor: Bert Jordan

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score - Musical (Edward Ward) and Best Song ("Out of the Silence"), music and lyrics by Lloyd B. Norlind

Cast: Frances Langford [Virginia], Johnny Downs [Bob Sheppard], Marjorie Woodworth [Bunny], Noah Beery, Jr. [Slinky], Esther Dale [Matilda], Harry Langdon [Hap Holden], Alan Hale, Jr. [Tiny], Kent Rogers [Henry], Allan Lane [2nd Senior], Joe Brown, Jr. [3rd Senior], Carlyle Blackwell Jr. [4th Senior], Irving Mitchell [Doctor], Lillian Randolph [Washwoman (Deborah)], The Tanner Sisters [Vocal Trio, Mickey Tanner, Betty Tanner, Martha Tanner]

Musical Program: [0:00] Queen of the Flowers (instrumental intro behind titles, sung and danced by Zeta Fraternity in drag, solo by Johnny Downs); [0:01] I'm a Chap with a Chip on My Shoulder (sung and danced by Johnny Downs and Chorus of Zetas - all in drag); [0:04] I'm a Chap with a Chip on My Shoulder (excerpt sung by Frances Langford); [0:14] Up at the Crack of Dawn (sung by The Tanner Sisters, Majorie Woodworth, and the Mar Brynn Girls); [0:25] Out of the Silence (sung by Frances Langford and Mar Brynn Girls); [0:39] The Farmer's Daughter (music begins in background - production number with Frances Langford, The Tanner Sisters, Johnny Downs and Chorus of Mar Brynn Girls; includes a segment of Ziegfeld Girl look-alikes dressed as vegetables!)


Frances Langford sings "The Poor Farmer's Daughter"

Amadeus
Orion, 1984, Color, 158 minutes, ***½
Released September, 1984

Amadeus triumphs as gripping human drama, sumptuous period epic, glorious celebration of the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - and as the winner of eight 1984 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (produced by Saul Zaentz), Actor (F. Murray Abraham), Director (Milos Forman) and Adapted Screenplay (Peter Shaffer).

It's 1781 and Antonio Salieri (Abraham) is the competent court composer to Emperor Joseph II. When Mozart (Oscar nominee Tom Hulce) arrives at court, Salieri is horrified to discover that the godlike musical gifts he desires for himself have been bestowed on a bawdy, impish jokester. Mad with envy, he plots to destroy Mozart by any means. Perhaps, even murder.   [from back of DVD case]

Beautifully produced biopic of the classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). Nearly three hours of wonderful music - symphony and opera excerpts. Depressing story, but interesting nonetheless. Beautiful Mozart music featured and used in the background score throughout the film.

Producer: Saul Zaentz
Executive Producers: Michael Hausman and Bertil Ohlsson
Director: Milos Forman
Screenplay: Peter Shaffer (based on the stage play by Peter Shaffer)
Music Director: Neville Marriner
Musical Composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Salieri and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
Choreography: Twyla Tharp
Production Designer: Patrizia von Brandenstein
Art Directors: Karel Cerny, Francesco Chianese and Josef Svoboda
Costume Design: Theodor Pistek
Special Effects: Dick Smith
Director of Photography: Miroslav Ondricek
Film Editing: Michael Chandler, Nena Danevic

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham), Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay (Peter Shaffer), Best Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Makeup; Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Tom Hulce), Best Cinematography (Miroslav Ondricek) and Best Film Editing

Cast: F. Murray Abraham [Antonio Salieri], Tom Hulce [Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart], Elizabeth Berridge [Constanze Mozart], Simon Callow [Emanuel Schikaneder], Roy Dotrice [Leopold Mozart], Christine Ebersole [Katerina Cavalieri], Jeffrey Jones [Emperor Joseph II], Charles Kay [Count Orsini-Rosenberg], Kenny Baker [Parody Commendatore], Lisbeth Bartlett [Papagena], Barbara Bryne [Frau Weber], Martin Cavani [Young Salieri], Roderick Cook [Count Von Strack], Milan Demjanenko [Karl Mozart], Peter DiGesu [Francesco Salieri], Richard Frank [Father Vogler], Patrick Hines [Kappelmeister Bonno], Nicholas Kepros [Archbishop Colloredo], Philip Lenkowsky [Salieri's Servant], Herman Meckler [Priest], Jonathan Moore [Baron Van Swieten], Cynthia Nixon [Lorl], Brian Pettifer [Hospital Attendant], Vincent Schiavelli [Salieri's Valet], Douglas Seale [Count Arco], Miroslav Sekera [Young Mozart], John Strauss [Conductor], Karl-Heinz Teuber [Wig Salesman], Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Musical Program: Symphony No. 25 in G Minor; Stabat Mater; Bubak and Hungaricus; Serenade for Winds; The Abduction from the Seraglio; Symphony No. 29 in A; Concerto for Two Pianos; Mass in C Minor; Symphonie Concertante; Piano Concerto in E Flat; The Marriage of Figaro; Don Giovanni; Zaide, aria, Ruhe Sanf; Requiem; Introitus; Dies Irae; Rex Tremendae Majestatis; Confutatis; Lacrymosa; Piano Concerto in D Minor

The Amazing Mrs. Holliday
Universal, 1943, B/W, 98 minutes, ***½
Released February, 1943

Deanna smuggles a flock of Chinese orphan children into the U.S. to get them away from their war-torn homeland (WWII). Once in America, she finds herself in a position where she must pretend to be the wife of the sea captain on whose boat they escaped China, now thought to be lost at sea. The captain turns out to be from a wealthy family, and Deanna and the children find themselves living in a huge mansion. Deanna - continuing her charade as the Captain's wife - is the sole heir to the estate. But she can't keep up the charade for long, and when the family finds out, they are definitely not happy campers! And then, just when things are getting really bad for Deanna, the captain shows up! Fun film!

Produced and Directed by: Bruce Manning
Associate Producer: Frank Shaw
Screen Play: Frank Ryan and John Jacoby
Adaptation: Boris Ingster and Leo Townsend
From an Original Story by: Sonya Levien
Musical Director: Charles Previn
Music Score: Frank Skinner, H. J. Salter
Vocal Coach: Andres de Segurola
Art Direction: Jack Otterson
Associate: Martin Obzina
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Associate: T. F. Offenbecker
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Director: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: William Hedgcock
Director of Photography: Woody Bredell
Film Editor: Ted Kent

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score (Comedy/Drama)

Cast: Deanna Durbin [Ruth Kirke], Edmond O'Brien [Tom Holliday], Barry Fitzgerald [Timothy Blake], Arthur Treacher [Henderson], Harry Davenport [Commodore Holliday], Grant Mitchell [Edgar], Frieda Inescort [Karen], Elisabeth Risdon [Louise], Jonathan Hale [Ferguson], Esther Dale [Lucy], Gus Schilling [Jeff, man in train station], J. Frank Hamilton [Dr. Kirke], Christopher Severn, Yvonne Severn, Vido Rich, Mila Rich, Teddy Infuhr, Linda Bieber, Diane Dubois, Bill Ward, and "The Chinese Baby" [Children]

Musical Program: [0:29] Mighty Lak' a Rose (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:46] Chinese Lullaby (sung by Deanna Durbin); [1:11] The Old Refrain (sung by Deanna Durbin); [1:23] Vissi d'arte (from the opera TOSCA, sung by Deanna Durbin)

Out of eight Oscar nominations, this sparkling, multifaceted musical won Best Picture, Best Score, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design. And a special statuette "for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film" was presented to Gene Kelly.

Never before has an entire script been written expressly as a prelude to a seventeen-minute visual love song - the spectacular ballet Kelly created and danced with lovely Leslie Caron.

Kelly is struggling fine artist Jerry Mulligan, an ex-GI in post-WWII Paris. Caron is lonely French shopgirl Lise Bouvier, engaged to marry a successful entertainer unless Jerry can convince her otherwise. Charmingly acerbic pianist Oscar Levant plays Mulligan's best friend.

The music, performed on and off camera by the great Benny Carter and the MGM Orchestra, is all Gershwin, from "Embraceable You" ... "I Got Rhythm" ... "Love Is Here to Stay," to the electrifying finale.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

An American in Paris is one of the most beautifully produced musical films from Hollywood's Golden Age. Starring Gene Kelly with Leslie Caron in her first American film appearance, the film brings some of George and Ira Gershwin's finest music to the silver screen. The story is simple - the age-old love triangle, but the presentation is very unique: sometimes tender, sometimes humorous, but always a visual delight. But, story aside, the "American in Paris" Ballet is one of the best - if not the best - musical scene ever filmed! [JJ]

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Assiciate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Story and Screen Play by: Alan Jay Lerner
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Music by: George Gershwin
Musical Direction: Johnny Green and Saul Chaplin
Orchestrations: Conrad Salinger
Choreography by: Gene Kelly
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Keogh Gleason
Gene Kelly's Paintings by: Gene Grant
Costumes Designed by: Orry-Kelly
Ballet Costumes Designed by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Alfred Gilks
Ballet Photographed by: John Alton
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe, Irving G. Ries
Montage Sequences by: Peter Ballbusch
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture; Best Story and Screenplay (Alan Jay Lerner); Best Color Cinematography; Best Score - Musical (Johnny Green and Saul Chaplin); Best Art Direction-Set Decoration - Color; Best Costume Design -Color. Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Film Editing

Cast: Gene Kelly [Jerry Mulligan], Leslie Caron [Lise Bourvier], Oscar Levant [Adam Cook], Georges Guetary [Henri Baurel], Nina Foch [Milo Roberts], Eugene Borden [Georges Mattieu], Martha Bamattre [Mathilde Mattieu], Mary Young [Old Woman Dancer], Ann Codee [Therese], George Davis [Francois], Hayden Rorke [Tommy Baldwin], Paul Maxey [John McDowd], Dick Wessel [Ben Macrow], Don Quinn, Adele Coray [Honeymooners], Alfred Paix [Postman], Noel Neill [American Girl], Nan Boardman [Maid], John Eldredge [Jack Jansen], Anna Q. Nilsson [Kay Jansen], Madge Blake [Edna Mae Bestram, the Customer], Art Dupuis [Driver], Greg McClure [Artist], Andre Charisse [Dancing Partner], Mac McLain [singing voice for Oscar Levant]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: An American In Paris / 'S Wonderful / I Got Rhythm (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:09] Portraits of Lise (danced by Leslie Caron); [0:14] By Strauss (sung by Georges Guetary, Gene Kelly, Mac MacLain, Grace Stark, Pete Roberts [Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary and Oscar Levant onscreen]; danced by Ensemble); [0:26] I Got Rhythm (sung by Gene Kelly and Children, danced by Gene Kelly), [0:46] Tra-La-La (sung by Gene Kelly and Oscar Levant, Oscar Levant at the piano, danced by Gene Kelly), [0:55] Love Is Here to Stay (sung by Gene Kelly, danced by Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron), [1:00] (I'll Build A) Stairway to Paradise (sung by Georges Guetary, paraded by Show Girls), [1:05] Third movement from Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F (played by Oscar Levant at the piano with Orchestra), [1:16] The Woman Trouble Scene (a very nervous Oscar Levant with Gene Kelly and Georges Guetary -- classic comedy scene!); [1:20] 'S Wonderful (sung and danced by Georges Guetary and Gene Kelly); [1:26] The party; [1:35] An American in Paris Ballet (danced by Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron with Chorus); Strains of "An American in Paris Ballet" are embedded in the background score throughout the film.

Young Donald Martin (Dean Stockwell) runs away from home to join the Navy, but a cop (Rags Ragland) foils his plans. He grabs gobs Kelly and Sinatra, on shore leave in the wrong place at the right time, and convinces them to escort the young lad home and convince him that he needs to wait a few years before joining up.

Arriving at Donald's home, the sailors discover he lives with his very attractive and very eligible Aunt Susie (Kathryn Grayson). Aunt Susie has been spending her days working to break into show business as an opera singer, so Kelly and Sinatra offer to get her an audition with "friend" Jose Iturbi as an excuse to meet her again. But Iturbi is no friend at all - they had recently seen him conducting a concert onboard their ship but didn't actually meet him. Suddenly their shore leave turns into a series of fiascos as they try to get Aunt Susie an audition with Iturbi to keep from disappointing her.

Highly entertaining film with Kathryn singing "Jealousy" and "My Heart Sings." Legend has it that the Grayson audition scene is actual footage from her first MGM screen test. Iturbi plays some splendid classical numbers, and Frank and Gene sing an impromtu bawdy version of "If You Knew Susie" to discourage a would-be suitor (Grady Sutton). Frank also croons "What Makes the Sunset" and "I Fall in Love Too Easily." Kelly dances with Jerry the mouse - an early mix of live-action and animation. But the show-stopper, in my opinion, is Gene Kelly and little Sharon McManus performing a Mexican Hat Dance together!

The Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection DVD Box Set (see right) contains this film, On the Town and Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: George Sidney
Screen Play by: Isobel Lennart
Suggested by a Story by Natalie Marcin
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Frank Sinatra Songs by: Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn
Orchestrations by: Axel Stordahl
Kathryn Grayson's Vocal Arrangements by: Earl Brent
Dance Sequences Created by: Gene Kelly
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Randall Duell
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Richard Pefferle
Costume Supervision: Irene
Associate: kay Dean
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Directors of Photography: Robert Planck, Charles Boyle
"Tom & Jerry" Cartoon by M-G-M Cartoon Studio
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score - Musical (Georgie Stoll). Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Gene Kelly), Best Color Cinematography and Best Song ("I Fall in Love Too Easily") by Jule Styne (Music), Sammy Cahn (Lyrics)

Cast: Frank Sinatra [Clarence Doolittle], Kathryn Grayson [Susan Abbott], Gene Kelly [Joseph Brady], Jose Iturbi [Himself], Dean Stockwell [Donald Martin], Pamela Britton [Girl from Brooklyn], Rags Ragland [Police Sergeant], Billy Gilbert [Cafe Manager], Henry O'Neill [Admiral Hammond], Carlos Ramirez [Carlos], Edgar Kennedy [Police Captain], Grady Sutton [Bertram Kramer], Leon Ames [Admiral's Aide], Sharon McManus [Little Girl Beggar], James Flavin [Radio Cop], James Burke [Studio Cop], Henry Armetta [Hamburger Man], Chester Clute [Iturbi's Assistant], Additional Cast: Peggy Maley [Lana Turner Double], Sondra Rodgers [Iturbi's Secretary], Steve Brodie [Soldier], Garry Owen [Soldier], William Forrest [Movie Director], Renie Riano [Waitress], Ray Teal [Assistant Movie Director], Milton Kibbee [Bartender]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Anchors Aweigh (Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Jose Iturbi); [0:06] We Hate to Leave (sung by Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly); [0:21] Largo al Factotum (excerpt sung by Carlos Ramirez with Orchestra Conducted by Jose Iturbi [onscreen]); [0:27] Brahms' Lullaby (sung by Frank Sinatra with music box); [0:33] I Begged Her (sung and danced by Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra); [0:47] If You Knew Susie Like I Know Susie (with special lyrics, sung by Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly); [0:54] Cielito Lindo (sung by mens quartet); [0:56] Jealousy (Jalousie) (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:03] What Makes the Sunset (sung by Frank Sinatra); [1:09] (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:11] The Donkey Serenade (played by Jose Iturbi at the piano with Orchestra); [1:15] The King Who Couldn't Dance (aka The Worry Song, sung and danced by Gene Kelly with Jerry the Mouse); [1:30] Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 / Tonight We Love (excerpt played by Jose Iturbi at the piano, sung by Frank Sinatra); [1:34] The Charm of You (sung by Frank Sinatra); [1:43] Chiapanecas (Mexican Hat Dance - actually a medley of tunes) (danced by Gene Kelly and Sharon McManus -- really cute!); [1:47] Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (played by Jose Iturbi and young pianists at the Hollywood Bowl); [1:53] I Fall in Love Too Easily (sung by Frank Sinatra); [1:59] La Cumparsita (ballet danced by Gene Kelly); [2:12] Waltz from Serenade for Strings (Screen Test of Susan Abbott - sung by Kathryn Grayson); [2:17] Finale: Anchors Aweigh (Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Jose Iturbi); other tunes embedded in the background score

Andy Hardy Meets Debutante
MGM, 1940, B/W, 89 minutes, ***½
Released July, 1940

Judy Garland appeared in three of the 16 Andy Hardy episodes. I think this one may be my favorite of the three. By the time this one was made, Judy had attained superstardom, and she and Mickey were positively electric together.

In this episode, Andy has a crush on the "nation's number-one debutante," though he has only seen her in magazines -- she lives in New York, and Andy lives far away in small town Carvel. But, much to his delight, a business trip for his father soon takes the Hardys to New York City. There he meets up with his old pal Betsy Booth (Judy Garland). Of course, it turns out that Betsy and Debutante (Diana Lewis) are best of friends. Betsy asks Debutante to invite Andy to her debut ball, though it breaks Betsy's heart to learn that she's in love with Andy in vain. But Andy soon learns that debutantes travel in faster circles than he cares for and that Betsy is pretty special, herself! Plenty of comic scenes and bright dialog. Judy is at her best and sings "Alone" and "I'm Nobody's Baby."

Producer: J. J. Cohn (not included in credits on film)
Directed by: George B. Seitz
Screen Play by: Annalee Whitmore and Thomas Seller
Based Upon the Characters Created by Aurania Rouverol
Musical Program: "Alone" (by) Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed; "I'm Nobody's Baby" (by) Benny Davis, Milton Ager, Lester Santley
Musical Score: David Snell
Musical Conductor: Georgie Stoll
Musical Arrangements: Roger Edens
Vocal and Orchestration: Arnaud, Salinger, Van Eps, Heglin
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Gabriel Scognamillo
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Wardrobe by: Dolly Tree
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Directors of Photography: Sidney Wagner, Charles Lawton
Film Editor: Harold F. Kress

Cast: Lewis Stone [Judge Hardy], Mickey Rooney [Andy Hardy], Cecilia Parker [Marian Hardy], Fay Holden [Mrs. Hardy], Judy Garland [Betsy Booth], Ann Rutherford [Polly Benedict], Diana Lewis [Daphne Fowler], George Breakston ["Beezy"], Sara Haden [Aunt Milly], Addison Richards [Mr. Benedict], George Lessey [Underwood], Cy Kendall [Mr. Carillo], Clyde Willson [Francis], Additional Cast: Herbert Evans [Betsy's Butler], John Merkyl [Prentiss, Betsy's Chauffeur], Marjorie Gateson [Mrs. Desmond Fowler], Claire Du Brey [Mrs. Hackett, Daphne's Secretary], Charles Trowbridge [Davis, Daphne's Butler], Charles Coleman [Head Waiter], Charles Wagenheim [Waiter], Arthur Belasco [Doorman], Lester Dorr [Photographer], Oscar "Dutch" Hendrian [Taxi Driver], Ethelreda Leopold [Sirocco Club Patron], Buddy Messinger [Elevator Boy], William Newell [Insurance Investigator], Sherrie Overton [Cigarette Girl], Thomas Pogue [Carriage Coachman], Edwin Stanley [Judge]

Musical Program: [0:40] Alone (sung by Judy Garland); [1:14] I'm Nobody's Baby (sung by Judy Garland); Buds Won't Bud (not used - sung by Judy Garland, precording was made and is generally available on Judy Garland CDs)

For additional iformation, see:
Andy Hardy Series Featured Films	Sister Site Featured Film

Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble
MGM, 1944, B/W, 107 minutes, ***
Released May, 1944

Andy has finally graduated from high school and is now a freshman at Wainright College. There he gets mixed up with a blonde lollapalooza, who cons him out of most of his bankroll. He also meets Kay (Bonita Granville) and develops a serious crush. Attempts to recover his bankroll from the lollapalooza land him in hot water, and he soon learns that she is not one, but two! Identical twins!

Produced by: Carey Wilson (not included in film credits)
Directed by: George B. Seitz
Screen Play by: Harry Ruskin, William Ludwig and Agnes Christine Johnston
Based Upon the Characters Created by Aurania Rouverol
Musical Score: David Snell
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Harry McAfee
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Helen Conway
Costume Supervision: Irene
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Lester White
Film Editor: George White

Cast: Lewis Stone [Judge Hardy], Mickey Rooney [Andy Hardy], Fay Holden [Mrs. Emily Hardy], Sara Haden [Aunt Milly], Herbert Marshall [Dr. M. J. Standish], Bonita Granville [Kay Wilson], Jean Porter [Katy Henderson], Keye Luke [Dr. Lee], Lee Wilde [Lee Walker], Lyn Wilde [Lyn Walker], Marta Linden [Mrs. Townsend], Additional Cast: Jackie Moran [Spud], Tommy Dix [Mark], Connie Gilchrist [House Mother], Cliff Clark [Officer Shay], Eddie Acuff [Taxi driver #1], Frank Faylen [Taxi driver #2], Garry Owen [Taxi driver #3], Barbara Bedford [Dean's Secretary], Claire McDowell [Dr. Standish's Servant], Ruth Clark [Office Worker], Frank Darien [Watchman at Joe's Place], William Bailey [Brakeman], Nick Stewart [Dining Car Waiter], Sam McDaniel [Pullman Porter], Emory Parnell [Train Conductor], Emmett Vogan [Baggage Man]

Musical Program: [1:11] Easy to Love (excerpt sung by Lee Wilde, danced by Lee Wilde and Lyn Wilde)

Andy Hardy Series Featured Films

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Andy Hardy's Private Secretary
MGM, 1941, B/W, 102 minutes, ***
Released February, 1941

It's graduation time, and Andy is over-worked. He's chairman of just about every graduation committee, and he's president of the senior class as well. Two of Andy's classmates are siblings, Harry (Todd Karns) and Kathryn Land (Kathryn Grayson). The Land family has fallen on hard times - Mr. Land (Ian Hunter) is out of work. Andy tells Judge Hardy about the situation, and the Judge helps Mr. Land find a job in South America.

Kathryn and Harry are ecstatic, and they are now eager to help Andy. Kathryn suggests that she help by becoming Andy's private secretary, and Harry offers to head the decorating committee. But Andy is Andy, and he changes a telegram Mr. Land has entrusted him to take to the telegraph office. Though Mr. Land has indicated in the telegram that he and his family can leave for South America immediately, Andy changes the telegram to indicate that they can't leave until the end of the week. He wants to ensure that the Lands don't leave for South America before graduation so that Kathryn and Harry can attend graduation ceremonies. As a result of Andy's interference, Mr. Land loses his new-found job, and once again Judge Hardy must come to the rescue.

This was Kathryn Grayson's first screen appearance. She already acts like a veteran, and plays her part thoroughly convincingly. She sings a number of opera arias, and one piece of "real music" (as Andy puts it), Cole Porter's "I've Got My Eyes on You."

Producer: Carey Wilson (not included in credits on film)
Directed by: George B. Seitz
Screen Play by: Jane Murfin and Harry Ruskin
Based on a Story by Katharine Brush
Based Upon the Characters Created by Aurania Rouverol
Songs: "Voices of Spring" (by) Johann Strauss; "The Mad Scene" from LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR (by) G. Donizetti; "I've Got My Eyes on You" (by) Cole Porter
Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart
Song Score: various (none original)
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: John S. Detlie
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Lester White
Film Editor: Elmo Veron

Cast: Lewis Stone [Judge Hardy], Mickey Rooney [Andy Hardy], Fay Holden [Mrs. Emily Hardy], Ian Hunter [Steven Land], Ann Rutherford [Polly Benedict], Kathryn Grayson [Kathryn Land], Todd Karns [Harry Land], John Dilson [Mr. Davis], Addison Richards [George Benedict], George Breakston [Beezy Anderson], Margaret Early [Clarabelle Lee], Gene Reynolds [Jimmy MacMahon], Don Douglas [Mr. Harper], Bertha Priestley [Susan Wiley], June Preisser [Euphrasia Clark], Betty Jane Graham [Student], Lee Phelps [Barnes], John Dilson [Mr. Davis, Principal], Hooper Atchley [Conductor], Frederick Burton [Governor Spaulding], Ken Christy [Policeman in Court], Charles Smith [Bob, Delinquent in Court], Mary Field [Lingerie Saleswoman], Hal K. Dawson [Men's Department Salesman], Donald Douglas [Mr. J. O. Harper], George Guhl [Station Master], George Noisom [Messenger], Erskine Sanford [Mr. Bosinny, Photographer], Joseph Crehan [Peter Dugan], C.M. "Slats" Wyrick, Elliott Sullivan [Service Station Men]

Musical Program: [0:46] Voices of Spring (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:26] Graduation March; [1:27] Ardon gl'incensi (Mad Scene from the opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:31] I've Got My Eyes on You (sung by Kathryn Grayson)


Andy Hardy Series
Featured Films

Animal Crackers
Paramount, 1930, B/W, 98 minutes, ***
Released August, 1930

All Four Marx Brothers in a zany tale involving high society parties, a stolen painting, African explorers, young lovers, and a manic game of bridge. With Margaret Dumont, Lillian Roth, and the song "Hooray for Captain Spaulding."

This film is so far over the top it borders on weird! The entire film feels like it was impromptu. But that's not to say it's not entertaining. It is crazy fun as only the Marx Brothers can do it!

Producer: none credited
Directed by: Victor Heerman
Screen Play by: Morrie Ryskind
Based on the Musical Play by George S. Kaufman, Morrie Ryskind, Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby
Continuity by: Pierre Collings
Music: Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby, Sheldon Brooks, Nat Bonx and Moe Jaffe
Art Director: Ernst Fegte
Photographed by: George Folsey

Cast: Groucho Marx [Captain Jeffrey Spaulding], Harpo Marx [The Professor], Chico Marx [Signor Emanuel Ravelli], Zeppo Marx [Horatio Jamison], Lillian Roth [Arabella Rittenhouse], Margaret Dumont [Mrs. Rittenhouse], Louis Sorin [Roscoe Chandler], Hal Thompson [John Parker], Margaret Irving [Mrs. Whitehead], Kathryn Reece [Grace Carpenter], Robert Greig [Hives], Edward Metcalf [Hennessey], The Music Masters [Six Footmen], Ann Roth [Girl]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Butler's Song (sung by Robert Craig and The Music Masters); [0:04] Hooray for Captain Spaulding (Zeppo Marx and sung by Chorus); [0:05] May I Present (sung by Zeppo Marx and Chorus); [0:07] Hello, I Must Be Going [sung by Groucho Marx, Margaret Dumont and Chorus); [0:08] Hooray for Captain Spaulding (sung by Chorus, danced by Groucho Marx); [0:50] Original Piano Ditty (Chico Marx at the Piano); [0:55] Anvil Chorus (from the Opera IL TROVATORE) (very short excerpt played by Harpo Marx on horseshoes, Chico Marx at the Piano); [1:01] Why Am I So Romantic? (sung by Hal Thompson and Lilian Roth, then played on harp by Harpo Marx); [1:32] My Old Kentucky Home (excerpt sung by Groucho, Zeppo and Chico)



Buy Posters

Annie is the story of a plucky, red-haired girl who dreams of life outside her dreary orphanage. One day, Annie (Aileen Quinn) is chosen to stay for a week with the famous billionaire "Daddy" Warbucks (Albert Finney). One week turns into many, and the only person standing in the way of Annie's fun is Miss Hannigan, the tyrannical ruler of the orphanage (played to hilarious perfection by Carol Burnett). Will Miss Hannigan's zany attempts to kidnap the irrepressible Annie succeed? Enjoy all the unforgettable songs, including "It's the Hard-Knock Life" and "Tomorrow."
[from back of DVD case]

I had the good fortune to see the road-show production of the stage play, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. But, I think the film is even better... strong cast, great sets. It's a wonderful film! Aileen Quinn holds her own among such scene-stealers as Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters! If you haven't seen it, you're missing a great movie!

The story is based on the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," which was syndicated in the "Sunday Funnies" (as we used to call them) for many decades (1924 to 1964). (See the treatise on Wikipedia). In this version of the story, Annie is an orphan living the hard-knock life until the richest man in the world, Daddy Warbucks, discovers her and invites her to stay at his home for two weeks. He comes to love her and offers to adopt her, but first he must try to find her real parents. He offers a huge award to anyone who can prove they are Annie's biological parents. Will Annie's parents show up, or will she end up living on easy street?

Producer: Ray Stark
Executive Producer: Joe Layton
Associate Producer: Carol Sobieski
Director: John Huston
Screenplay: Carol Sobieski (based on the stage musical by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, based on the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie")
Music: Ralph Burns, adapted from the stage play music by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin
Choreography: Arlene Phillips
Production Designer: Dale Hennesy
Art Directors: Robert Guerra and Dianne Wager
Set Decoration: Marvin March
Costume Design: Theoni V. Aldredge
Cinematography: Richard Moore
Editor: Michael A. Stevenson

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Song Score (Ralph Burns, adaptation), Best Art Direction/Set Decoration

Cast: Albert Finney [Daddy Warbucks], Carol Burnett [Miss Hannigan], Ann Reinking [Grace Farrell], Tim Curry [Rooster Hannigan], Bernadette Peters [Lilly], Aileen Quinn [Annie], Geoffrey Holder [Punjab], Roger Minami [Asp], Toni Ann Gisondi [Molly], Rosanne Sorrentino [Pepper], Lara Berk [Tessie], April Lerman [Kate], Robin Ignico [July], Lucie Stewart [Duffy], Edward Herrmann [Franklin Delano Roosevelt], Lois De Banzie [Eleanor Roosevelt], Peter Marshall [Bert Healy], Loni Ackerman, Murphy Cross, Nancy Sinclair [Boylan Sisters], I. M. Hobson [Drake], Irving Metzman [Bundles], Lu Leonard [Mrs. Pugh], Mavis Ray [Mrs. Greer], Angela Martin [Mrs. McKracky], Pam Blair [Annette], Colleen Zenk [Celette], Victor Griffin [Saunders], Jerome Collamore [Frick], Jon Richards [Frack], Wayne Cilento [Photographer], Ken Swofford [Weasel], Larry Hankin [Pound Man], Kurtis Epper Sanders [Spike]

Musical Program: [0:00] Tomorrow (sung by Aileen Quinn and Chorus behind titles); [0:02] Maybe (sung by Aileen Quinn); [0:07] It's the Hard-Knock Life (sung by Aileen Quinn and Orphan Girls as they clean the orphanage house); [0:16] Sandy (Dumb Dog) (sung by Aileen Quinn); [0:20] Sandy (Dumb Dog) (continued by Aileen Quinn and Orphan Girls); [0:32] I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here (production number sung and danced by Ann Reinking, Servants and Aileen Quinn); [0:40] Little Girls (sung by Carol Burnett); [0:45] Maybe (reprised by Orphan Girls); [0:51] Let's Go to the Movies (production number sung and danced by Ann Reinking, Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Mens Chorus and Girls Chorus, taken up by show girls at Radio City Music Hall); [1:05] We Got Annie (sung and danced by Ann Reinking and Servants); [1:10] Sign (sung by Carol Burnett and Albert Finney); [1:18] You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile (sung by Bert Healy and The Boylan Sisters - Peter Marshall, Loni Ackerman, Murphy Cross and Nancy Sinclair - at radio station; taken up by Orphan Girls); [1:27] Tomorrow (sung a capella by Aileen Quinn, then sung by Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Edward Herrmann and Lois De Banzie); [1:32] Easy Street (sung and danced by Tim Curry, Bernadette Peters and Carol Burnett); [1:46] Maybe (sung by Aileen Quinn, then picked up by Albert Finney); [2:00] Finale: I Don't Need Anything But You / We Got Annie (reprise) / Tomorrow (reprise) (sung and danced by Albert Finney, Aileen Quinn and Chorus); [2:04] Tomorrow (sung by Aileen Quinn and Chorus behind end credits)

Annie Get Your Gun
MGM, 1950, Color, 107 minutes, ***
Released May, 1950

Musical comedy loosely based on the life story of Annie Oakley. Began as an Irving Berlin stage play in 1946, starring Ethel Merman in the title role. The real show-stopper in this film is Howard Keel and Betty Hutton singing "Anything You Can Do"! Due to legal entanglements, the film wasn't released on video until November, 2000.

This is the film Judy Garland was working on when she was suspended from MGM in 1949. Due to the recent resurgence of interest in Judy's work, all of her pre-recordings and all scenes that were filmed have been released for collectors.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: George Sidney
Screen Play by: Sidney Sheldon
Music and Lyrics by: Irving Berlin
Book by: Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields
Based on the Musical Play Produced on the Stage by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, II
Musical Numbers Staged by: Robert Alton
Musical Direction: Adolph Deutsch
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Richard A. Pefferle
Women's Costumes by: Helen Rose
Men's Costumes by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Charles Rosher
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Montage Sequences by: Peter Ballbusch
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: James E. Newcom

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score (Musical); Academy Award nominations for Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Color)

Cast: Betty Hutton [Annie Oakley], Howard Keel [Frank Butler], Louis Calhern [Buffalo Bill], J. Carrol Naish [Chief Sitting Bull], Edward Arnold [Pawnee Bill], Keenan Wynn [Charlie Davenport], Benay Venuta [Dolly Tate], Clinton Sundberg [Foster Wilson], James Harrison [Mac], Bradley Mora [Little Jake], Susan Odin [Jessie], Diana Dick [Nellie], Chief Yowlachie [Little Horse], Robert Malcolm [Conductor], Lee Tung Foo [Waiter], William Tannen [Barker], Anne O'Neal [Miss Willoughby], Evelyn Beresford [Queen Victoria], John Hamilton [Ship Captain], Edward Earle [Footman], Marjorie Wood [Constance], Elizabeth Flournoy [Helen], Mae Clarke [Mrs. Adams], Frank Wilcox [Mr. Clay], Andre Charlot [President Loubet of France], Nino Pipitone [King Victor Emmanuel of Italy], John Mylong [Kaiser Wilhelm II], Eleanor Brown [Minnie], Carl Sepulveda, Carol Henry, Fred Gilman [Cowboys]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Colonel Buffalo Bill (performed by Keenan Wynn, Benay Venuta, Howard Keel and Company); [0:10] Doin' What Comes Natur'lly (Performed by Betty Hutton and Siblings [dubbed by Childrens Chorus]); [0:16] The Girl That I Marry (sung by Howard Keel); [0:18] You Can't Get a Man with a Gun (performed by Betty Hutton); [0:29] There's No Business Like Show Business (sung by Keenan Wynn, Howard Keel, Louis Calhern, Betty Hutton and Chorus); [0:39] They Say It's Wonderful (sung by Betty Hutton and Howard Keel); [0:48] There's No Business Like Show Business (sung by Betty Hutton); [0:52] My Defenses Are Down (sung by Howard Keel and Chorus); [1:04] I'm an Indian Too (sung and danced by Betty Hutton and Indians); [1:23] The Girl That I Marry (reprised by Betty Hutton); [1:31] I've Got the Sun in the Morning (sung by Betty Hutton and off-screen Chorus); [1:37] Anything You Can Do (performed by Betty Hutton and Howard Keel); [1:46] There's No Business Like Show Business (sung by Company and Chorus)

original soundtrack album

Judy Garland was originally cast in the role of Annie Oakley, but was replaced by Betty Hutton. Judy pre-recorded all songs and filmed two scenes. For more information about Judy's work on this film, see the Annie Get Your Gun page on the Judy Garland Database.


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Anything Goes
Paramount, 1956, Color, 106 minutes, ***
Released April 1956

Bill Benson (Bing Crosby) and Ted Adams (Donald O'Connor) are to appear in a Broadway show together and, while in Paris, each 'discovers' the perfect leading lady for the plum female role. Each promises the prize role to the girl they selected without informing the other until they head back across the Atlantic by liner - with each man having brought his choice along! It becomes a stormy crossing as each man has to tell his 'find' that she might not get the role after all.

Produced by: Robert Emmett Dolan
Directed by: Robert Lewis
Assistant Director: John Coonan
Screen Story and Screen Play by: Sidney Sheldon
From the Play by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse
(Revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse)
Music and Lyrics by: Cole Porter
New Songs by: Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen
Musical Numbers Arranged and Conducted by: Joseph J. Lilley
Special Orchestral Arrangements by: Van Cleave
Musical Numbers Staged by: Nick Castle
Jeanmarie Ballet and "I Get a Kick Out of You" Staged by Roland Petit
"Anything Goes" dance number staged by Ernie Flatt
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Joseph MacMillan Johnson
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Grace Gregory
Costumes: Edith Head
Ballet Costumes: Tom Keogh
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Gene Merritt, Gene Garvin
Director of Photography: John F. Warren
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Filmed in VistaVision, Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Edited by: Frank Bracht

Cast: Bing Crosby [Bill Benson], Donald O'Connor [Ted Adams], Zizi Jeanmaire [Gaby Duval], Mitzi Gaynor [Patsy Blair], Phil Harris [Steve Blair], Kurt Kasznar [Victor Lawrence], Richard Erdman [Ed Brent], Walter Sande [Alex Todd], Archer MacDonald [Otto], Argentina Brunetti [Suzanne], Alma Macrorie [French Baroness], Dorothy Neumann [German Woman], James Griffith [Paul Holiday], Don Megowan [Henri], Marcel Dalio [Ship's Captain], Bess Flowers [Dance Extra on Ship], Jean Del Val [French Luggage Man], Stuart Holmes [Parisian Nightclub Table Extra], Paul Wexler, Nancy Kulp [Autograph Seekers], Virginia McDowall [English Usherette], Torben Meyer [French Waiter], Buzz Miller [Specialty Dancer], Ruta Lee [Girl]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] Ya Gotta Give the People Hoke (sung and danced by Bing Crosby and Donald O'Connor); [0:14] Anything Goes (sung by Mitzi Gaynor, danced by Mitzi Gaynor and Chorus); [0:24] I Get a Kick Out of You (sung and danced by Zizi Jeanmaire and Chorus); [0:36] You're the Top (sung and danced by Bing Crosby with Mitzi Gaynor and Donald O'Connor with Zizi Jeanmaire); [0:49] It's D'Lovely (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor and Mitzi Gaynor); [1:05] All Through the Night (sung by Bing Crosby); [1:08] "Dream Ballet" (danced by Zizi Jeanmaire and Ensemble); [1:22] You Can Bounce Right Back (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor with Children); [1:32] A Second Hand Turban and a Crystal Ball (sung by Bing Crosby with comedy routine by Bing Crosby and Donald O'Connor); [1:41] Blow, Gabriel, Blow (sung and danced by Bing Crosby, Mitzi Gaynor, Donald O'Connor, Zizi Jeanmaire and Chorus)

Applause
Paramount, 1929, B/W, 79 minutes
Premiere release October, 1929
General release January, 1930

Roaring '20s torch singer Helen Morgan is a fading burlesque star trying to shield her daughter from the seamy side of show business. In her first film role, the tragic Morgan mirrors her real-life association with ne'er-do-well men and does some cabaret tunes in her plaintive style. With Joan Peers, Henry Wadsworth; directed by Rouben Mamoulian.

Producers: Monta Bell, Jesse L. Lasky, Walter Wanger
Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Screenplay: Garrett Fort, from the novel by Beth Brown
Music: various
Cinematography: George Folsey
Editor: John Bassler

Cast: Helen Morgan [Kitty Darling], Joan Peers [April Darling], Fuller Mellish, Jr. [Hitch Nelson], Jack Cameron [Joe King], Henry Wadsworth [Tony], Roy Hargrave [Slim Lamont], Dorothy Cumming [Mother Superior], Mack Gray [Slim's Brother], Jack Singer [Producer]

Musical Program: Give Your Little Baby Lots of Lovin' (Helen Morgan); What Wouldn't I Do for That Man (Helen Morgan); Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula; I've Got a Feelin' I'm Fallin'

April in Paris
Warner Bros., 1952, Color, 101 minutes, ***
Released December 1952

Doris Day is the perky chorus girl mistakenly sent to a Paris arts festival who finds love on an ocean liner with milquetoast diplomat Ray Bolger. Dancing, singing and sparkling romance ensue, with songs like "It Must Be Good," "That's What Makes Paree" and "The Place You Hold in My Heart." With Eve Miller, Claude Dauphin. One of the funniest scenes in any musical-comedy is that of Claude Dauphin singing "April in Paris" at an outdoor cafe in Paris during a storm!

Produced by: William Jacobs
Directed by: David Butler
Assistant Director: Phil Quinn
Screenplay: Jack Rose and Melville Shavelson
Original Songs: Lyrics by Sammy Cahn, Music by Vernon Duke
Song: "April in Paris" Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, Music by Vernon Duke
Musical Direction by: Ray Heindorf
Orchestrations: Frank Comstock
Vocal Arrangements: Norman Luboff
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Director: Leo K. Kuter
Set Decorator: Lyle B. Reifsnider
Wardrobe by: Leah Rhodes
Makeup Artist: Gordon Bau
Sound by: C. A. Riggs, David Forrest
Director of Photography: Wilfred M. Cline
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Mitchell G. Kovaleski
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Cast: Doris Day [Ethel "Dynamite" Jackson], Ray Bolger [Samuel Winthrop Putnam], Claude Dauphin [Philippe Fouquet], Eve Miller [Marcia Sherman], George Givot [Francois], Paul Harvey [Secretary Sherman], Herbert Farjeon [Joshua Stevens], Wilson Millar [Sinclair Wilson], Raymond Largay [Joseph Welmar], John Alvin [Tracy], Jack Lomas [Cab Driver]

Musical Program: [0:00] April in Paris (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:07] It Must Be Good (sung and danced by Doris Day and Girls Chorus); [0:17] April in Paris (sung by Doris Day); [0:23] Life Is Such a Pleasure (sung and danced by Ray Bolger); [0:33] Give Me Your Lips (sung by Claude Dauphin); [0:45] unidentified French song (sung by Claude Dauphin and Kitchen Staff, danced by Claude Dauphin, Doris Day and Kitchen Staff); [0:49] I'm Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight (sung and danced by Doris Day, Claude Dauphin, Ray Bolger, Musicians and Kitchen Staff); [1:03] The Place You Hold in My Heart (sung by Doris Day); [1:22] April in Paris (sung by Claude Dauphin in and outdoor cafe as the wind blows up a storm -- funny scene!); [1:26] That's What Makes Paris Paree (sung by Doris Day and Claude Dauphin, danced by Chorus); [1:37] I Ask You (sung by Doris Day, Claude Dauphin and Ray Bolger); [1:39] April in Paris (reprised by Chorus)

Artists and Models
Paramount, 1955, Color, 108 minutes, ***
Released November, 1955

Struggling comic book artist Dean Martin begins basing his scripts on the wild dreams of roommate Jerry Lewis and becomes a big success, but the duo winds up getting involved with beautiful models and secret agents. With Shirley MacLaine, Dorothy Malone, Anita Ekberg, Eva Gabor.

Very funny movie!

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis
Associate Producer: Paul Nathan
Directed by: Frank Tashlin
Assistant Director: C. C. Coleman, Jr.
Screenplay by: Frank Tashlin, Hal Kanter, Herbert Baker
Adaptation by: Don McGuire
Based on a Play by Michael Davidson and Norman Lessing ("Rock-a-Bye Baby")
New Songs: Music by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Jack Brooks
Musical Numbers Created and Staged by: Charles O'Curran
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Walter Scharf
Vocal Arrangements by: Norman Luboff
Art Direction: Hal Pereira, Tambi Larsen
Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Arthur Krams
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Hugo Grenzbach, Gene Garvin
Director of Photography: Daniel L. Fapp
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Filmed in VistaVision, Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Editorial Supervision: Warren Low

Cast: Dean Martin [Rick Todd], Jerry Lewis [Eugene Fullstack], Shirley MacLaine [Bessie Sparrowbush], Dorothy Malone [Abigail Parker], Eddie Mayehoff [Mr. Murdock], Eva Gabor [Sonia], Anita Ekberg [Anita], George "Foghorn" Winslow [Richard Stilton], Jack Elam [Ivan], Herbert Rudley [Chief Samuels], Richard Shannon [Agent Rogers], Richard Webb [Agent Peters], Alan Lee [Otto], Kathleen Freeman [Mrs. Muldoon], Art Baker [Himself], Emory Parnell [Kelly], Carleton Young [Col. Drury], Sharon Baird [Specialty Dancer], Nick Castle [Specialty Dancer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Artists and Models (sung by Dean Martin and Chorus off-screen behind titles); [0:11] When You Pretend (sung by Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin); [0:40] You Look So Familiar (sung by Dean Martin); [0:52] The Lucky Song (sung by Dean Martin, danced by Dean Martin, Sharon Baird and Children); [1:04] Innamorata (sung by Dean Martin); [1:06] Innamorata (comic rendition sung and danced by Shirley MacLaine and Jerry Lewis); [1:31] Artists and Models (sung by Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Chorus); [1:47] When You Pretend (short excerpt sung at end of movie by Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dorothy Malone and Shirley MacLaine)

Artists and Models
Paramount, 1937, B/W, 97 minutes
Released August, 1937

In his first feature film role, Jack Benny plays an advertising executive. His most important client is a silver product retailer, and as part of the advertising campaign, they intend to select a beauty contestant as the Silver Girl, and crown her Queen of the Artists and Models Ball. Gail Patrick and Ida Lupino are off and running. Who will be the next Silver Girl? Plenty of laughs and music.

Producer: Lewis E. Gensler
Director: Raoul Walsh
Screenplay: Walter DeLeon and Francis Martin (based on a story by Sig Herzig and Gene Thackery)
Musical Score: Victor Young
Song Score: Leo Robin and Frederick Hollander
Choreography: Vincente Minnelli and LeRoy Prinz
Cinematography: Victor Milner
Editor: Ellsworth Hoagland

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Song: "Whispers In The Dark"

Cast: Jack Benny [Mac Brewster], Ida Lupino [Paula], Richard Arlen [Alan Townsend], Gail Patrick [Cynthia], Ben Blue [Jupiter Pluvius], Judy Canova [Toots, Specialty], Cecil Cunningham [Stella], Donald Meek [Dr. Zimmer], Hedda Hopper [Mrs. Townsend], Sandra Storme [Model], Madeline Grey [Marjorie], Alan Birmingham [Craig Sheldon], Kathryn Kay [Lois], Jerry Bergen [Bartender], Mary Shepard [Water Waltzer], Gloria Wheeden [Water Waltzer], Dell Henderson [Lord], Virginia Brissac [Seamstress], Henry Johnson, Harry C. Johnson [Jugglers], Jack Story [Cycling Star], Harvey Poirier [Sharpshooter], David Newell [Romeo], Jane Weir [Miss Gordon], Edward Earle [Flunky], Howard Hickman [Mr. Currie], Pat Moran [Tumbler], Peter Arno, McClelland Barclay, Arthur William Brown, Rube Goldberg, John LaGatta, Russell Patterson [Artists], Martha Raye, Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra, Russell Patterson's Personettos, Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra, Anne Canova, Zeke Canova, The Yacht Club Boys, Connee Boswell [Guests]

Musical Program: Whispers in the Dark (sung by Connee Boswell with Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra); Pop Goes the Bubble; Stop, You're Breaking My Heart; I Have Eyes; Public Melody Number One (production number - Martha Raye with Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra); Mr. Esquire (the Personettes puppet act)

At the Circus
MGM, 1939, B/W, 87 minutes
Released October, 1939

More Marx Brothers antics as the boys try to save circus owner Kenny Baker's big top from bankruptcy. The high point is Groucho's rendition of "Lydia the Tattooed Lady." With Margaret Dumont.

The Marx Brothers Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and A Night at the Opera, A Day at the Races, A Night in Casablanca, Room Service, Go West and The Big Store.

Producer: Mervyn Leroy
Director: Edward Buzzell
Screenplay: Irving Brecher
Musical Score: Franz Waxman
Song Score: E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen
Choreography: Bobby Connolly
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Mens's Costume Design: Valles
Women's Costume Design: Dolly Tree
Cinematography: Leonard Smith
Editor: William H. Terhune

Cast: Groucho Marx [Attorney Loophole], Chico Marx [Antonio], Harpo Marx [Punchy], Kenny Baker [Jeff Wilson], Florence Rice [Julie Randall], Eve Arden [Peerless Pauline], Margaret Dumont [Mrs. Dukesbury], Nat Pendleton [Goliath], Fritz Feld [Jardinet], James Burke [John Carter], Jerry Marenghi [Little Professor Atom], Barnett Parker [Whitcomb], Irving Bacon [Telegraph Clerk], Willie Best [Redcap]

Musical Program: Step Up and Take a Bow; Two Blind Loves (Kenny Baker and Florence Rice); Lydia the Tattooed Lady (Groucho Marx); Swingali; Blue Moon; Oh! Susannah


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Athena
MGM, 1954, Color, 95 minutes, ***
Released November 1954

Unusual MGM musical extravaganza follows the romantic adventures of seven daughters of a health-conscious family who are named for heroines of Greek mythology. Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Virginia Gibson, Edmund Purdom, Vic Damone and Louis Calhern star; songs include "Love Can Change the Stars," "I Never Felt Better" and "The Girl Next Door."

As far as I'm concerned, any film with Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds together is made in heaven! This one has an unusual plot and seems a bit odd the first time around. But after watching it several times, I've come to enjoy it - primarily because of Debbie and Jane. The Martin-Blane song score is beautiful. Vic Damone sings, "The Girl Next Door," (just change the gender of Judy Garland's "The Boy Next Door" from Meet Me in St. Louis); Jane, Debbie and their sisters sing "I Never Felt Better" (great number!); and Jane sings "Vocalize," "Love Can Change the Stars," and "Chacun le sait." Two of the Brides from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Nancy Kilgas and Virginia Gibson) play sisters of Jane and Debbie.

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Richard Thorpe
Assistant Director: Arvid Griffen
Written by: William Ludwig and Leonard Spigelgass
Songs: Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Music Supervised and Conducted by: George Stoll
Orchestrations: Robert Van Eps
Vocal Supervision: Jeff Alexander
Choreography by: Valerie Bettis
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Henry Grace
Costumes by: Helen Rose, Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Wesley C. Miller
Director of Photography: Robert Planck
Photographed in Eastman Color, Print by Technicolor
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Film Editor: Gene Ruggiero

Cast: The Sisters: Jane Powell [Athena], Debbie Reynolds [Minerva], Virginia Gibson [Niobe], Nancy Kilgas [Aphrodite], Dolores Starr [Calliope], Jane Fischer [Medea], Cecile Rogers [Ceres], and Edmund Purdom [Adam Calhorn Shaw], Vic Damone [Johnny Nyle], Louis Calhern [Grandpa Mulvain], Evelyn Varden [Grandma Salome Mulvain], Linda Christian [Beth Hallson], Ray Collins [Mr. Tremaine], Carl Benton Reid [Mr. Griswalde], Howard Wendell [Mr. Grenville], Henry Nakamura [Roy], Steve Reeves ("Mr. Universe" of 1950) [Ed Perkins], Kathleen Freeman [Miss Seely], Richard Sabre [Bill Nichols]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: Athena (played by Orchestra behind titles, short vocal by Chorus); [0:02] The Girl Next Door (sung by Vic Damone); [0:15] Vocalize (sung by Jane Powell); [0:22] Imagine (sung by Vic Damone and Debbie Reynolds); [0:38] Vocalize (sung by Jane Powell and The Mulvains); [0:44] Imagine (sung by Vic Damone and Debbie Reynolds); [0:46] Webson's Meat (commercial jingle on radio); [0:49] Love Can Change the Stars (sung by Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Virginia Gibson, Nancy Kilgas, Dolores Starr, Jane Fischer and Cecile Rogers); [0:57] I Never Felt Better (sung and danced by Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds and the Mulvains); [1:10] Chacun Le Sait (from the opera THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT, sung by Jane Powell); [1:14] Venezia (sung by Vic Damone, danced by Ensemble); [1:30] Love Can Change the Stars (sung by Vic Damone); [1:34] Vocalize (sung by Jane Powell and Chorus)


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Auntie Mame
Warner Bros., 1958, Color, 143 minutes
Released December, 1958

Mame is an unconventional individualist socialite from the roaring 20's. When her brother dies, she is forced to raise her nephew Patrick. However, Patrick's father has designated an executor to his will to protect the boy from absorbing too much of Mame's rather unconventional perspective. Patrick and Mame become devoted to each other in spite of this restriction, and together journey through Patrick's childhood and the great depression, amidst some rather zany adventures.

Producer: Morton DaCosta
Director: Morton DaCosta
Screenplay: Betty Comden and Adolph Green,
from the stage play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
(based on the novel by Patrick Dennis)
Original Music: Bronislau Kaper
Music Director: Ray Heindorf
Production Design: Malcolm Bert
Art Direction: Malcolm Bert
Set Decoration: George James Hopkins
Costume Design: Orry-Kelly
Cinematography: Harry Stradling Sr.
Editor: William Ziegler

Cast: Rosalind Russell [Mame Dennis], Forrest Tucker [Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside], Coral Browne [Vera Charles], Fred Clark [Dwight Babcock], Roger Smith [Patrick Dennis, older], Patric Knowles [Lindsay Woolsey], Peggy Cass [Agnes Gooch], Jan Handzlik [Patrick Dennis, younger], Joanna Barnes [Gloria Upson], Pippa Scott [Pegeen Ryan], Lee Patrick [Doris Upson], Willard Waterman [Claude Upson], Robin Hughes [Brian O'Bannion], Connie Gilchrist [Norah Muldoon], Yuki Shimoda [Ito], Brook Byron [Sally Cato MacDougall], Carol Veazie [Mrs. Burnside], Henry Brandon [Acacius Page]

Musical Program: Chu Chin Girl; O Rumsun U; Tooralay; Drifting