Babes in Arms
MGM, 1939, B/W, 91 minutes, ***
Released October, 1939
Vaudeville is dying; moving pictures are taking over. Mickey must put on a
show to raise money for the vaudeville families so the kids won't be sent to the state work
school. The only trouble is, he doesn't have the money to mount the production, so he has to
get an "angel." Baby Rosalie to the rescue! A former child star being groomed for a comeback,
Baby Rosalie offers to fund the production so long as she can play the lead - the part that
Mickey has written specially for Patsy!
Babes in Arms was the first of four Mickey / Judy "backyard musicals" directed by the
legendary Busby Berkeley. June Preisser made her MGM debut in this film as Baby Rosalie - a
bit of a spoof of Shirley Temple. She refers to two of her films, "The Baby General"
(Shirley's The Little Colonel) and "The Queen's Little Daughter" (Shirley's
The Little Princess).
Mickey has dinner with Baby Rosalie to discuss the production with hilarious results - probably
the funniest scene in the movie. Judy sings "I Cried for You" with a tongue-in-cheek monologue
written by Roger Edens. Judy also sings "Figaro" and "Good Morning" (with Mickey Rooney) - a
song that would turn up again in the 1952 production of Singin' in the Rain. Babes
in Arms was on the exhibitor's top ten list for 1939, and Mickey Rooney was nominated for
a Best Actor Academy Award. The film was based on the Rodgers and Hart stage play of the same
name, but bore very little resemblance to the play.
The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film,
Girl Crazy,
Babes on Broadway
and Strike Up the Band.
Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan and Kay Van Riper
Based on the Play by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Musical Program: "Babes in Arms," "Where or When," (by) Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart; "Good Morning" (by) Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed; "God's Country" (by) Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Director: George Stoll
Orchestral Arrangements: Leo Arnaud and George Bassman
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Merrill Pye
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Wardrobe by: Dolly Tree
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Ray June
Film Editor: Frank Sullivan
Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Mickey Rooney) and Best Score (Roger Edens and George Stoll)
Cast:
Mickey Rooney [Mickey Moran],
Judy Garland [Patsy Barton],
Charles Winninger [Joe Moran],
Guy Kibbee [Judge Black],
June Preisser [Rosalie Essex],
Grace Hayes [Florrie Moran],
Betty Jaynes [Molly Moran],
Douglas McPhail [Don Brice],
Rand Brooks [Jeff Steele],
Leni Lynn [Dody Martini],
John Sheffield [Bobs],
Henry Hull [Madox],
Barnett Parker [William],
Ann Shoemaker [Mrs. Barton],
Margaret Hamilton [Martha Steele],
Joseph Crehan [Mr. Essex],
George McKay [Brice],
Henry Roquemore [Shaw],
Lelah Tyler [Mrs. Brice],
Additional Cast:
Sidney Miller [Sid],
Lon McCallister [Boy],
Charles Smith [Boy],
Crinoline Choir [vocals]
Musical Program:
[0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles);
[0:01] Ja-Da (excerpt played on trombone by Charles Winninger);
[0:07] Good Morning (sung by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney);
[0:15] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 1 (sung by Judy Garland and Betty Jaynes);
[0:17] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 2: You Are My Lucky Star (operatic arrangement sung by Betty Jaynes);
[0:18] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 3: Figaro ("hot" arrangement sung by Judy Garland);
[0:20] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 4: Broadway Rhythm (sung by Judy Garland and Betty Jaynes);
[0:23] Babes in Arms (sung and marched by Doug McPhail, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and Ensemble);
[0:37] Where or When (sung by Doug McPhail and Betty Jaynes with a little help from Judy Garland);
[1:00] I Cried for You (sung by Judy Garland with spoken interlude);
[1:10] Minstrel Show, Part 1: My Daddy Was a Minstrel Man (sung by Judy Garland);
[1:11] De Camptown Races / Old Folks at Home / Oh! Susannah (medley / montage sung and danced by Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and the Crinoline Choir);
[1:13] Minstrel Show, Part 2: Mr. Tambo and Mr. Bones (sung by Doug McPhail, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and The Crinoline Choir);
[1:15] Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider / (On) Moonlight Bay (sung by Mickey Rooney and the Crinoline Choir, danced by Mickey Rooney);
[1:16] I'm Just Wild About Harry (sung and danced by Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, The Crinoline Choir and the MGM Studio Chorus);
[1:28] God's Country (sung by Principals, Ensemble and Chorus)
See the Babes in Arms page on JGDB for more information.
Sister Site
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Babes in Toyland
Walt Disney / Buena Vista, 1961, Color, 105 minutes, ***
Released December, 1961
Grand Disney adaptation of the holiday musical favorite "March of the
Wooden Soldiers" stars Tommy Sands and Annette Funicello as Mother Goose Land lovers Tom
Piper and Mary Contrary, Ray Bolger as wicked Mr. Barnaby, and Ed Wynn as the addlebrained
Toymaker.
A number of movie adaptations of this 1903 Victor Herbert / Glen MacDonough operetta have
appeared over the past century, but this is by far the best one, in my opinion. It is a
charming and delightful adaptation; Annette Funicello and Ann Jillian are precious! Lots of
fun for the whole family!
Producer: Walt Disney
Assistant to the Producer: Lou Debney
Directed by: Jack Donohue
Assistant Director: Austen Jewell
Screenplay by: Ward Kimball & Joe Rinaldi and Lowell S. Hawley
Based on the Operetta by Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough [1903]
Music Adapted and Conducted by: George Bruns
Lyrics and Introductory Material: Mel Leven
Orchestration: Franklyn Marks
Choral Arrangements: Jud Conlon
Music Editor: Evelyn Kennedy
Choreograper: Tom Mahoney
Art Direction: Carroll Clark, Marvin Aubrey Davis
Set Decoration: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costumes Designed by: Bill Thomas
Costumers: Chuch Keehne, Gertrude Casey
Make-up: Pat McNalley
Hair Stylist: Ruth Sandifer
Sound Supervisor: Robert O. Cook
Special Effects: Eustace Lycett, Robert A. Mattey
Toy Sequence: Bill Justice, Xavier Atencio
Animation Effects: Joshua Meador
Matte Artist: Jim Fetherolf
Director of Photography: Edward Colman
Filmed in Technicolor
Film Editor: Robert Stafford
Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design (Color) and Best Score - Musical (George Bruns)
Cast:
Ray Bolger [Barnaby],
Tommy Sands [Tom Piper],
Annette Funicello [Mary Contrary],
Ed Wynn [Toymaker],
Tommy Kirk [Grumio],
Kevin Corcoran [Boy Blue],
Henry Calvin [Gonzorgo],
Gene Sheldon [Roderigo],
Mary McCarty [Mother Goose],
Ann Jillian [Bo Peep],
Brian Corcoran [Willie Winkie],
Marilee Arnold,
Melanie Arnold [Twins],
Jerry Glenn [Simple Simon],
John Perri [Jack-Be-Nimble],
David Pinson [Bobby Shaftoe],
Bryan Russell [The Little Boy],
James Martin [Jack],
Lana Dowding [Jill]
Musical Program:
[0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles);
[0:03] The Mother Goose Village Square / Lemonade (also contains short excerpts of "Jack Be Nimble" and "Simple Simon". Sung and danced by Cast and Chorus with special dance number by Tommy Sands and Annette Funicello);
[0:12] We Won't Be Happy Till We Get It (sung and danced by Ray Bolger, Henry Calvin and silent Gene Sheldon);
[0:14] Mary, Mary Quite Contrary (short intro sung by Chorus);
[0:16] Just a Whisper Away (Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands);
[0:21] We Won't Be Happy Till We Get It (reprised by Henry Calvin with silent Gene Sheldon);
[0:25] Slowly, He Sank to the Bottom of the Sea (sung by Henry Calvin, danced by Gene Sheldon);
[0:30] Castle in Spain (sung by Ray Bolger, danced by Bolger and Annette Funicello, solo dance performed by Ray Bolger);
[0:35] Never Mind, Bo Peep (sung by Ann Jillian with assistance from Cast and Chorus);
[0:39] I Can't Do the Sum (Annette Funicello and Chorus);
[0:45] Gypsies (sung and danced by Chorus);
[0:48] Floretta (sung and danced by Tommy Sands disguised as old crone and Chorus);
[0:55] Forest of No Return (Mens Chorus costumed as trees);
[0:58] Go to Sleep (Annette Funicello, Tommy Sands and Children);
[1:01] Toyland March (Annette Funicello, Tommy Sands, Children and Chorus);
[1:14] The Workshop Song (Children, Ed Wynn, Tommy Sands, Annette Funicello, Ann Jillian);
[1:18] Just a Toy (Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands);
[1:32] March of the Wooden Soldiers (Orchestra);
[1:44] Tom and Mary (short number sung by Chorus during finale)
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Babes on Broadway
MGM, 1941, B/W, 121 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1941
According to Variety in 1942, Babes on Broadway had it all...
"youthful zest, heart-tug, infectious rhythm, constant amusement and excitement, stirring
performances, substantial story interest, captivating music and lavish production."
The public agreed. In the first five days alone, nearly 133,000 people flocked to Radio City
Music Hall to see Oscar winners Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney star as Broadway hopefuls
struggling for their break on the Great White Way.
Babes on Broadway still has it all, with 16 song and dance numbers that run the gamut
from "Yankee Doodle Dandy" to "Hoe Down" to the Oscar nominated "How About You." And Mickey's
impression of Carmen Miranda is not to be missed!
Then, of course, there's Busby Berkeley, master of the high-energy dance number (and inventive
camera direction to match). Together with Garland and Rooney, he gives us a unique and
exciting version of old Broadway.
[from back of VHS sleeve]
Babes on Broadway is the third of four Mickey / Judy "backyard musicals" directed by
legendary Busby Berkeley. In this one, Mickey and Judy play two Broadway hopefuls who meet in
a drugstore on Broadway. They fall in love, and together they put on a show to raise money to
take a group of orphan kids to the country. Mickey and Judy sing and dance "How About You?"
(nominated for Best Song Academy Award) and "Hoe Down." Judy sings "Chin Up! Cheerio! Carry
On!" and "F.D.R. Jones." Mickey does a Carmen Miranda impression singing "Mama, Yo Quiero."
Mickey and Judy do some really swell impressions of legendary vaudevillians in the "Ghost
Theater" sequence.
The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film,
Girl Crazy,
Babes in Arms,
and Strike Up the Band.
Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Screen Play by: Fred Finklehoffe and Elaine Ryan
Original Story by: Fred Finklehoffe
Songs by: E. Y. Harburg, Burton Lane, Ralph Freed, Roger Edens, Harold J. Rome
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Vocals and Orchestrations: Leo Arnaud, George Bassman, Conrad Salinger
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Malcolm Brown
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Gowns by: Kalloch
Men's Wardrobe by: Gile Steele
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Lester White
Film Editor: Fredrick Y. Smith
Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("How About You?")
Cast:
Mickey Rooney [Tommy Williams],
Judy Garland [Penny Morris],
Fay Bainter [Miss Jonesy],
Virginia Weidler [Barbara Jo],
Ray McDonald [Ray Lambert],
Richard Quine [Morton Hammond],
Donald Meek [Mr. Stone],
Alexander Woollcott [Himself],
Luis Alberni [Nick],
James Gleason [Thornton Reed],
Emma Dunn [Mrs. Williams],
Frederick Burton [Mr. Morris],
Cliff Clark [Inspector Moriarity],
William Post, Jr. [Announcer],
Additional Cast:
Anne Rooney [third girl, opposite Hammy, uncredited],
Richard Hall [Little Boy Pianist],
Donna Reed [debut, Jonesy's Secretary],
Joe Yule [Mason, Reed's Aid],
Margaret O'Brien [debut, Child Auditioner],
Carl Stockdale [Man],
Dick Baron [Butch],
Will Lee [Waiter],
Stop, Look and Listen Trio [Themselves],
Tom Hanlon [Radio Man],
Renee Austin [Elinor],
Roger Steele [Boy],
Bryant Washburn [Director],
Charles Wagenheim [Composer],
Arthur Hoyt [Little Man Customer],
Jack Lipson [Fat Man Customer],
Dorothy Morris [Pit Astor Girl],
Maxine Flores [Pit Astor Girl],
Sidney Miller [Pianist],
King Baggott [Man in Audience],
Barbara Bedford [Matron],
Shimen Ruskin [Excited Russian],
Jean Porter ["Hoe Down" Dancer],
Leslie Brooks [Actress-Committee Extra],
Roger Moore [Bit, unconfirmed],
Ava Gardner [Bit, unconfirmed],
Six Hits and a Miss [vocals]
Musical Program:
[0:00] Babes on Broadway (sung by Chorus behind titles);
[0:02] Anything Can Happen in New York (sung and danced by Mickey Rooney, Ray McDonald and Richard Quine);
[0:23] How About You? (sung and danced by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland);
[0:32] Margaret O'Brien Audition (her first screen appearance);
[0:44] Little boy playing piano (Richard Hall);
[0:45] Hoe Down (sung and danced by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Ray McDonald, Virigina Weidler, Richard Quine, Anne Rooney, Six Hits and a Miss, The Five Musical Maids and the MGM Studio Chorus; solo dance by Ray McDonald);
[1:00] Chin Up, Cheerio, Carry On (sung by Judy Garland, St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers and the MGM Studio Chorus);
[1:18] Ghost Theater Sequence: "Cyrano de Bergerac" (performed by Mickey Rooney) / Mary's a Grand Old Name (performed by Judy Garland as Fay Templeton with off-screen Chorus) / She Is Ma Daisy (performed by Mickey Rooney as Sir Harry Lauder) / I've Got Rings on My Fingers (performed by Judy Garland as Blanche Ring with off-screen Chorus) / La Marseillaise (performed by Judy Garland as Sarah Bernhardt) / The Yankee Doodle Boy (performed by Mickey Rooney [as George M. Cohan] with Judy Garland and off-screen Chorus);
[1:32] Bombshell from Brazil (sung by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Richard Quine, Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler, Annie Rooney, Robert Bradford and Chorus);
[1:33] Mama, Yo Quiero (performed by Mickey Rooney impersonating Carmen Miranda);
[1:42] Finale: Blackout over Broadway (performed by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler, Richard Quine and Annie Rooney; instrumental segment performed by Minstrel Chorus in traditional minstrel show style) /
By the Light of the Silvery Moon (sung by The Uptowners, The Dick Davis Quartet and the MGM Studio Chorus, danced by Ray McDonald) /
F. D. R. Jones (performed by Judy Garland) /
Old Folks at Home (played by Mickey Rooney on banjo [on-screen], dubbed by Eddie Peabody) /
Alabamy Bound (played by Mickey Rooney on banjo [on-screen], dubbed by Eddie Peabody) /
Waiting for the Robert E. Lee (sung and danced by Virginia Weidler, Anne Rooney, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Richard Quine, Ray McDonald and Chorus) /
Babes on Broadway (performed by Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Richard Quine, Anne Rooney and Chorus)
See the Babes on Broadway page on JGDB for more details.
Sister Site
Featured Film
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This web site is revised daily. Please check back often!
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Baby Take a Bow
20th Century-Fox, 1934, B/W, 73 minutes, ***
Released June, 1934
One of Shirley's earliest vehicles at 20th Century-Fox. James Dunn plays
an ex-con who's having a hard time staying out of trouble on the outside, even though he's
gone straight. Claire Trevor plays his wife, and Shirley Temple plays his daughter. Trouble
begins when an old acquaintance steals a pearl necklace from Dunn's employer and gives it to
Shirley to hide. Of course, if the cops find the necklace in Dunn's possession, it'll be back
to the big house! Shirley and Dunn do a cute number on the tenement roof: "On Accounta I Love
You."
Producer: John Stone
Directed by: Harry Lachman
Screen Play: Philip Klein and E. E. Paramore, Jr.
Based on a play by James P. Judge
Musical Director: Samuel Kaylin
Music and Lyrics: Bud Green and Sam H. Stept
Dance Direction: Sammy Lee
Settings: Duncan Cramer
Gowns: Royer
Sound: George Leverett
Photography: L. W. O'Connell
Cast:
Shirley Temple [Shirley],
James Dunn [Eddie Ellison],
Claire Trevor [Kay Ellison],
Alan Dinehart [Welch],
Ray Walker [Larry Scott],
Dorothy Libaire [Jane],
Ralf Harolde [Trigger Stone],
James Flavin [Flannigan],
Richard Tucker [Mr. Carson],
Olive Tell [Mrs. Carson],
Additional Cast:
John Alexander [Rag Picker],
Mary Gordon [Mrs. O'Brien],
Lillian Stuart [Anna],
Howard C. Hickman [Blair],
Paul McVey [Daniels],
Guy Usher [Detective Captain McLean],
Eddie Hart [Detective sergeant],
Bud Geary [Police Detective],
Samuel S. Hinds [Warden]
Musical Program:
[0:17] Rock-a-Bye Baby (sung by James Dunn to Shirley Temple)
[0:34] Happy Birthday to You (sung by guests at Shirley's birthday party);
[0:36] On Accounta I Love You (sung and danced by Shirley Temple and James Dunn)
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Balalaika
MGM, 1939, B/W, 102 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1939
Prince Karagin (Nelson Eddy) is a Cossack in Csarist Russia just before
World War I. He meets and falls in love with Lydia Marakova (Ilona Massey), an aspiring opera
singer currently working as a cafe singer in a small town in Russia.
Lydia's family is anti-csarist, and actively involved in an assassination plot. Coincidentally,
Karagin doesn't reveal his full identity to her for fear that she won't be romantically
interested in a prince. Through his contact at the Russian Opera (Frank Morgan), he manages to
get Lydia appointed to the opera company, and she begins a career as an opera singer.
Later, she finds out who Karagin really is, and won't have any more to do with him. Meanwhile,
The Great War breaks out, and Karagin is sent to the front lines. After the war, Lydia and
Karagin meet again in Paris, where many of the Russian exhiles have fled, and take up their
romance where they had left off.
Highly entertaining film, good performances by all. Eddy's "Stille Nacht," sung to the
accompaniment of the enemy Austrian encampment in the distance on Christmas Eve, is one of
the highlights of the film - a very moving number.
Produced by: Lawrence Weingarten
Directed by: Reinhold Schunzel
Screen Play by: Leon Gordon, Charles Bennett and Jacques Deval
Based Upon the Play "Balalaika," Book and Lyrics by Eric Maschwitz, Music by George Posford and Bernard Grün
Musical Adaptation and Score: Herbert Stothart
Conductor: Dr. William Axt
Additional Lyrics: Gus Kahn, Bob Wright, Chet Forrest
Orchestration: Murray Cutter, Paul Marquardt, Wally Heglin
"Russian Cossack Choir," Anatol Frikin, Director
Opera (Based on "Scheherezade") (by) Rimsky-Korsakov
Choreography: Ernst Matray
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Eddie Imazu
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Directors of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg, Karl Freund
Film Editor: George Boemler
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Sound (Douglas Shearer)
Cast:
Nelson Eddy [Prince Peter Karagin],
Ilona Massey [Lydia Pavlovna Marakova],
Charlie Ruggles [Private Nicki Popoff],
Frank Morgan [Ivan Danchenoff],
Lionel Atwill [Professor Marakov],
C. Aubrey Smith [General Karagin],
Joyce Compton [Masha, Lydia's Maid],
Dalies Frantz [Dimitri Marakov],
Walter Woolf King [Captain Sibirsky],
Phillip Terry [Lieutenant Smirnoff],
Frederic Worlock [Dr. Ramensky],
Abner Biberman [Leo],
Arthur W. Cernitz [Captain Pavloff],
Roland Varno [Lieutenant Nikitin],
George Tobias [Slaski, the Counterman],
Paul Sutton [Anton],
Willy Costello [Captain Testoff],
Paul Irving [Prince Morodin],
Mildred Shay [Jeanette Sibirsky],
Alma Kruger [Mrs. Danchenoff],
Zeffie Tilbury [Princess Morodin],
Russian Cossack Choir directed by Anatol Frikin
Musical Program:
[0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles);
[0:02] Ride Cossack Ride (sung by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus);
[0:06] Tanya (sung by Ilona Massey);
[0:13] At the Balalaika (sung by Ilona Massey and Mens Chorus);
[0:31] The Volga Boatmen Song (sung by Nelson Eddy);
[0:42] Excerpts from the opera CARMEN (sung by Ilona Massey and Nelson Eddy);
[1:05] Shadows on the Sand (from "Scheherezade," sung by Ilona Massey and Chorus);
[1:09] Russian National Anthem (God Save the Noble Czar) (sung by Nelson Eddy, Ilona Massey and Chorus dubbing for audience at Imperial Opera);
[1:15] At the Balalaika (reprised by Mens Chorus dubbing for soldiers at the front);
[1:17] Stille Nacht (Silent Night) (sung in German by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus dubbing for Austrian Soldiers);
[1:23] Otchi Tchorniya (excerpt sung by Ilona Massey);
[1:27] At the Balalaika (sung by Nelson Eddy);
[1:34] Flow, Flow, White Wine (excerpt sung by mens Chorus with solo by Frank Morgan);
[1:37] Flow, Flow, White Wine (excerpt sung by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus);
[1:38] Wishing Episode: "Mirror, Mirror" (excerpt sung by Nelson Eddy and various party guests);
[1:41] Finale: Magic of Your Love (excerpt sung by Nelson Eddy, Ilona Massey and Chorus)
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The Band Wagon
MGM, 1953, Color, 112 minutes, ***½
Released August, 1953
Originally a Broadway play.
Lestor and Lily Marton (Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabray emulating Comden and Green themselves, I assume) have written a musical. They want the hottest producer in town,
Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan), to produce it. He agrees, and "washed up" song and dance man Tony Hunter (Fred Astaire) agrees to play the lead. But Cordova sees the play as a modern version
of "Faust" and takes off with the production in a very wrong direction without listening to the opinions of anyone involved.
When the play lays an egg on opening night, the company decides they want to rework the play with the original script and take it on the road. And Tony Hunter sells his rare paintings collection
to fund the effort. Hunter falls in love with Gaby Berard (Cyd Charisse), but they fight like cats and dogs, nearly halting the production. But in the end they do take the play on the road, and
of course it's a big success. Musical highlights include "That's Entertainment" and "Triplets" (Buchanan, Levant, Fabray and Astaire), "Louisiana Hayride" (Fabray and Company), and Fred and Cyd
"Dancing in the Dark".
The Broadway to Hollywood Classic Musicals Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and
Easter Parade,
Bells Are Ringing,
Finian's Rainbow
and Brigadoon.
Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: Jerry Thorpe
Story and Screen Play: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Songs by: Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Michael Kidd
Music Direction: Adolph Deutsch
Musical Numbers Designed by: Olvier Smith
Orchestrations: Conrad Salinger, Skip Martin and Alexander Courage
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Harry Jackson
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, Robert Brower
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Keogh Gleason
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Costumes by: Mary Ann Nyberg
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Film Editor: Albert Akst
Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Story / Screenplay (Betty Comden and Adolph Green); Best Score - Musical (Adolph Deutsch) and Best Costume Design - Color (Mary Ann Nyberg)
Cast:
Fred Astaire [Tony Hunter],
Cyd Charisse [Gaby Berard],
Oscar Levant [Lester Marton],
Nanette Fabray [Lily Marton],
Jack Buchanan [Jeffrey Cordova],
James Mitchell [Paul Byrd],
Robert Gist [Hal Benton],
Thurston Hall [Colonel Tripp],
Ava Gardner [The Movie Star],
LeRoy Daniels [Shoe Shine Boy],
Jack Tesler [Ivan],
Dee Turnell,
Elynne Ray,
Peggy Murray,
Judy Landon [Girls in Troupe],
Jimmie Thompson,
Bert May [Boys in Troupe],
John Lupton [Jack, the Prompter],
Owen McGiveney [Prop Man],
Sam Hearn [Agent],
Herb Vigran,
Emory Parnell [Men on Train],
Ernest Anderson [Porter],
Frank Scannell,
Stu Wilson,
Roy Engel [Reporters],
Al Hill [Shooting Gallery Operator],
Paul Bradley [Dancer in Park - Waiter],
Bobby Watson [Bobby, the Dresser],
Lotte Stein [Chambermaid],
Smoki Whitfield [Chauffeur],
Dick Alexander,
Al Ferguson [Stagehands],
Betty Farrington [Fitter],
Bess Flowers [Lady leaving Train / Extra in "Girl Hunter" Number]
Musical Program:
[0:07] By Myself (sung by Fred Astaire);
[0:14] A Shine on Your Shoes (sung and danced by Fred Astaire with LeRoy Daniels);
[0:19] Oedipus Bridge (Jack Buchanan and the MGM Studio Chorus);
[0:28] That's Entertainment (sung and danced by Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant and Fred Astaire);
[0:36] The Beggars Waltz (danced by Cyd Charisse, James Mitchell and Ballet Ensemble);
[1:00] Dancing in the Dark (instrumental danced by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse);
[1:09] You and the Night and the Music (sung by MGM Studio Chorus, danced by Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire);
[1:13] The Egg (short excerpt sung by MGM Studio Chous);
[1:17] I Love Louisa (sung and danced by Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant and Company);
[1:24] New Sun in the Sky (sung by India Adams dubbing for Cyd Charisse and Chorus, danced by Cyd Charisse and Chorus);
[1:25] I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Jack Buchanan);
[1:27] Louisiana Hayride (sung and danced by Nanette Fabray and Chorus);
[1:32] Triplets (sung by Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray and Jack Buchanan dressed as babies in highchairs);
[1:36] "Girl Hunt" A Murder Mystery in Jazz (performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse);
[1:51] Finale: That's Entertainment (sung by Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant, Jack Buchanan, India Adams dubbing for Cyd Charisse, Company and Chorus);
Sweet Music (outtake, Nanette Fabray and Jack Buchanan);
Got a Bran' New Suit (outtake, Nanette Fabray and Fred Astaire, Oscar Levant on piano);
Two-Faced Woman (outtake, India Adams with Oscar Levant on Piano)
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The Barkleys of Broadway
MGM, 1949, Color, 109 minutes, ***½
Released May, 1949
After 10 years apart, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers reteam in their final
film pairing, cleverly written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and smoothly directed by
Charles Walters. The story, per many sources, mirrors real-life creative tensions the two
shared. Astaire plays driven hoofer Josh Barkley. Rogers is his wife Dinah, who longs to
forsake the clackety-clap tapping of "Bouncin' the Blues" for stage dramas. She parts, Josh
vies to win her back and the routines leading to a happy resolution include Fred's "Shoes
with Wings On" and a rhapsodic reprise of a George and Ira Gershwin number from Shall We
Dance: "They Can't Take That Away from Me." All of which proves they can't take away the
Astaire / Rogers magic either.
[from back of DVD case]
The Barkleys of Broadway was originally planned as a follow-up film to
Easter Parade, pairing Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. But when Judy became ill,
Ginger came out of retirement to play the part.
The Astaire and Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and
Follow the Fleet,
Top Hat,
Swing Time
and Shall We Dance.
Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Charles Walters
Original Screen Play by: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Music by: Harry Warren
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Musical Direction: Lennie Hayton
Orchestration: Conrad Salinger
Vocal Arrangements: Robert Tucker
Song: "They Can't Take That Away from Me"
Music by George Gershwin, Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Musical Numbers Stagged and Directed by: Robert Alton
Dance Number: "Shoes with Wings On"
Directed by: Hermes Pan
Dancing Shoes Effects: Irving G. Ries
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Edward Carfagno
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Arthur Krams
Miss Rogers' Costumes by: Irene
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Albert Akst
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Color Cinematography (Harry Stradling)
Cast:
Fred Astaire [Josh Barkley],
Ginger Rogers [Dinah Barkley],
Oscar Levant [Ezra Miller],
Billie Burke [Mrs. Livingston Belney],
Gale Robbins [Shirlene May],
Jacques Francois [Jacques Pierre Barredout],
George Zucco [The Judge],
Clinton Sundberg [Bert Felsher],
Inez Cooper [Pamela Driscoll],
Carol Brewster [Gloria Amboy],
Wilson Wood [Larry],
Additional Cast:
Jean Andren,
Laura Treadwell [Women],
Margaret Bert [Mary, the Maid],
Allen Wood [Taxi Driver],
Forbes Murray,
Bess Flowers,
Lois Austin,
Betty Blythe [Guests in Theatre Lobby],
Bill Tannen [Doorman at Theatre],
Mahlon Hamilton [Apartment Doorman],
Hans Conried [Ladislaus Ladi],
Sherry Hall [Chauffeur],
Reginald Simpson [Husband],
Esther Somers [Sarah's Mother],
Helen Eby-Rock [Sarah's Aunt],
Mary Jo Ellis [Clementine],
Joyce Matthews [Genevieve],
Joe Granby [Duke de Morny]
Musical Program:
[0:00] Swing Trot (sung by Chorus, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers behind titles);
[0:12] Sabre Dance (piano solo by Oscar Levant);
[0:18] You'd Be Hard to Replace (sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers);
[0:25] Bouncin' the Blues (instrumental number danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers);
[0:31] My One and Only Highland Fling (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers);
[0:39] A Weekend in the Country (sung by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Oscar Levant);
[0:54] Shoes with Wings On (sung and danced by Fred Astaire with magic shoes);
[1:13] Excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 (played by Ochestra, Oscar Levant at the piano, at the Mercy Hospital Benefit);
[1:21] They Can't Take That Away from Me (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, at the Mercy Hospital Benefir);
[1:32] La Marseillaise (French National Anthem) recited by Ginger Rogers;
[1:45] Manhattan Downbeat (finale number sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with Chorus)
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Bathing Beauty
MGM, 1944, Color, 101 minutes, ***½
Premiere release June, 1944
General release July, 1944
While on honeymoon in California, Esther Williams discovers reason to
believe that new hubby Skelton has been unfaithful, so she leaves him and returns home where
she works at all-girl Victoria College. Skelton later follows and, due to a technicality in
the college's charter, manages to enroll in Victoria College in order to be near his new
bride. Esther is still angry and does her best to get him kicked out, but eventually she
ends up defending him. In the meantime, there are many comical situations and antics by
Skelton. The big musical number, "I'll Take the High Note," is a definite show-stopper!
This is a movie I never seem to grow tired of. Skelton is at his funniest, and that's pretty
funny! He pretty much steals the film, but Esther provides good support, as does the rest
of the talented cast. Don't miss it!
The Esther Williams, Vol. 1 DVD box set (shown right) contains this film and
Easy to Wed,
On an Island with You,
and Neptune's Daughter,
and Dangerous When Wet
Producer: Jack Cummings
Director: George Sidney
Screenplay: Dorothy Kingsley, Allen Boretz and Frank Waldman; adaptation by Joseph Schrank; based upon an original story by Kenneth Earl, M. M. Musselman and Curtis Kenyon
Musical Supervision and Direction: Johnny Green
Orchestrations: Ted Duncan, Calvin Jackson, Johnny Thompson
Dance Direction: Jack Donohue, Robert Alton
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Stephen Goosson, Merrill Pye
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis, McLean Nisbet
Costume Supervision: Irene, Kay Dean
Water Ballet Costumes Designed by: Sharaff
Water Ballet: John Murray Anderson
Assistant Technical Director: Merwin Daynes
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell
Cast:
Red Skelton [Steve Elliott],
Esther Williams [Caroline Brooks],
Basil Rathbone [George Adams],
Bill Goodwin [Willis Evans],
Jean Porter [Jean Allenwood],
Nana Bryant [Dean Clinton],
Carlos Ramirez [Carlos],
Donald Meek [Chester Klazenfrantz],
Jacqueline Dalya [Maria Dorango],
Francis Pierlot [Professor Hendricks],
Ann Codee [Mme. Zarka],
Margaret Dumont [Mrs. Allenwood],
Bunny Waters [Bunny],
Janis Paige [Janis],
Ethel Smith [Herself],
Harry James and His Music Makers with Helen Forrest [Themselves],
Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra with Lina Romay [Themselves],
Additional Cast:
Almira Sessions [Miss Phillips, faculty member],
Harry Hayden [Jonathan, the gate keeper],
Joe Yule [Bartender],
Margaret Adams,
Margaret Adden,
Karin Booth,
Lucille Casey,
Linda Deane,
Dolores Dey,
Bonnie Edwards,
Alice Eyland,
Dorothy Ford,
Mary Ganley,
Charmienne Harker,
Betty Jaynes,
Gloria Lake,
Vicky Lane,
Ann Lundeen,
Peggy Maley,
Beryl McCutcheon,
Muriel Morris,
Helen O'Hara,
Mary Perine,
Noreen Roth,
Naomi Scher,
Erin Selwyn,
Beverly Tyler,
Constance Weiler [Co-Eds]
Musical Program:
[0:00] Overture (played by MGM Studio Orchestra behind titles);
[0:03] Bim, Bam, Bum (sung by Lina Romay with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra);
[0:05] Te Quiero Dijiste (sung in Spanish by Carlos Ramirez with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra; instumental reprise played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra as Esther Williams swims);
[0:17] Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (played by Harry James and His Music Makers);
[0:31] By the Waters of Minnetonka (played by Ethel Smith at the organ with the MGM Studio Orchestra offscreen);
[0:33] Tico Tico (no fubá) (played by Ethel Smith at the organ with the MGM Studio Orchestra offscreen, co-eds on percussion onscreen);
[0:38] Red Skelton comedy sketch - "A girl waking up in the morning";
[0:42] Loch Lomond (excerpt sung by Girl's Chorus);
[0:44] I'll Take the High Note (sung and danced by Red Skelton, Jean Porter, Janis Paige, Carlos Ramirez, Helen Forrest and Buddy Moreno with Harry James and His Music Makers and Ethel Smith on Organ);
[1:00] Alma Llanera (sung by Lina Romay with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra);
[1:05] Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker Suite (excerpt played in background as girls practice ballet movements in Madame Zarka's Eurhythmics class);
[1:06] Red Skelton comedy sketch: ballet practice in Madame Zarka's class, Waltz of the Flowers played during part of this sketch;
[1:14] Hora Staccato (played by Harry James on trumpet with His Music Makers);
[1:19] I Cried for You (sung by Helen Forrest with Harry James and His Music Makers);
[1:33] Finale: instrumental reprisal of most of the song score (played by Harry James and His Orchestra and by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, swimming ballet by Esther Williams and Chorus Girls)
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Be Yourself
Art Cinema Corp. / United Artists, 1930, B/W, 65 minutes
Released February, 1930
Music and comedy surround a thin plot about a down-and-out boxer trying to
make it big. Some good laughs by Brice (married to Billy Rose) and a great burlesque by her of
Dante's Inferno. She sings "Cookin' Breakfast for the One I Love" (Billy Rose, Henry Tobias),
the best tune in the film. Other songs include "Kicking a Hole in the Sky," "Sasha, the
Passion of the Pasha," (Rose, Ballard MacDonald, Jesse Greer), and "When a Woman Loves a Man"
(Rose, Ralph Rainger).
Executive Producer: Joseph M. Schenck
Supervising Producer: John W. Considine, Jr.
Director: Thornton Freeland
Assistant Director: Roger H. Heman
Written by: Thornton Freeland, Max Marcin
(from the story "The Champ" by Joseph Jackson)
Music: Billy Rose
Music Arranger: Hugo Riesenfeld
Choreography: Maurice Kusell
Set Decorator: William Cameron Menzies
Costume Design: Alice O'Neill
Sound Recording Engineer: Harold Witt
Photography: Robert H. Planck, Karl Struss
Film Editor: Robert J. Kern
Cast:
Fannie Brice [Fannie Field],
Robert Armstrong [Jerry Moore],
Harry Green [Harry Field],
G. Pat Collins [Mac McCloskey],
Gertrude Astor [Lillian],
Budd Fine [Step],
Marjorie "Babe" Kane [Lola, Chorus Girl],
Rita Flynn [Jessica],
Anderson Lawler [Patron in Night Club],
Jimmy Tolson [Himself]
Musical Program:
When a Woman Loves a Man (sung by Fanny Brice and Chorus, reprised by Fanny Brice);
Cookin' Breakfast for the One I Love (sung by Fanny Brice and Henry Tobias, reprised by Jimmy Tolson);
Is There Something the Matter with Otto Kahn? (opera parody performed by Fanny Brice);
Kickin' a Hole in the Sky (sung by Fanny Brice and Chorus);
It's Gorgeous to Be Graceful (ballet parody performed by Fanny Brice)
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