Cabaret
Allied Artists / ABC Pictures, 1972, Color, 124 minutes, ****
Released February, 1972

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to the movie musical landmark unlike anything seen before or since its arrival two [now three] decades ago: Cabaret.

Winner of eight Academy Awards, it brings 1931 Berlin to both madcap and menacing life inside and outside the Kit Kat Klub. There a starry-eyed singer and an impish master of ceremonies sound the clarion call to decadent fun, while in the streets a certain political party grows from a laughing stock into a brutal force, shattering many lives in the process.

Cabaret caught lightning for several talents, notably Liza Minnelli as the "divinely decadent" Sally Bowles, Joel Grey in his starmaking Broadway role as the devilish emcee and director Bob Fosse, who shaped a triumph of style, showmanship and substance. All three won Oscars, as did cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth and musical supervisor Ralph Burns, who adapted the dynamic John Kander / Fred Ebb score, featuring "Mein Herr," "The Money Song" and "Maybe This Time," all newly written for the film.

Note: May be objectionable to some people (adult situations and language).

Setting: Berlin, 1931

Produced by: Cy Feuer
Associate Producer: Harold Nebenzal
Directed by: Bob Fosse
Screenplay by: Jay Allen
Based on the musical play 'Cabaret' book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten ("I Am a Camera")
and stories by Christopher Isherwood
Produced on the New York stage by Harold Prince
Music by: John Kander
Lyrics by: Fred Ebb
Music Supervised, Arranged and Conducted by: Ralph Burns
Additional Songs by: John Kander and Fred Ebb
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Bob Fosse
Research Consultant: Hugh Wheeler
Production Design: Rolf Zehetbauer
Art Directors: Jurgen Kiebach and Rolf Zehetbauer
Set Decoration: Herbert Strabel
Costume Designer: Charlotte Flemming
Sound: David Hildyard
Photographed by: Geoffrey Unsworth
In Technicolor
Editor: David Bretherton

Awards: Won Academy Awards for Best Actress (Liza Minnelli), Best Supporting Actor (Joel Grey), Best Director (Bob Fosse), Best Cinematography (Geoffrey Unsworth), Best Film Editing (David Bretherton), Best Song Score (Ralph Burns), Best Art Direction / Set Decoration (Rolf Zehetbauer, Jurgen Kiebach and Herbert Strabel), Best Sound (Robert Knudson and David Hildyard); Received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Cast: Liza Minnelli [Sally Bowles], Michael York [Brian Roberts], Helmut Griem [Maximilian von Heune], Joel Grey [Master of Ceremonies], Fritz Wepper [Fritz Wendel], Marisa Berenson [Natalia Landauer], Elisabeth Neumann-Viertel [Fraulein Schneider], Helen Vita [Fraulein Kost], Sigrid von Richthofen [Fraulein Maur], Gerd Vespermann [Bobby], Ralf Wolter [Herr Ludwig], Georg Hartmann [Willi], Ricky Renee [Elke], Estrongo Nachama [Cantor], Kathryn Doby, Inge Jaeger, Angelika Koch, Helen Velkovorska, Gitta Schmidt, Louise Quick [Kit-Kat Dancers]

Musical Program: [0:02] Willkommen (sung by Joel Grey and Kit-Kat Girls, played by Kit-Kat Girls Orchestra, danced by Kit-Kat Girls); [0:12] Mein Herr (performed by Liza Minnelli and Kit-Kat Girls); [0:47] Maybe This Time (sung by Liza Minnelli); [0:51] Cabaret (excerpt played by Orchestra); [0:58] Money, Money (performed by Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli); [1:06] Two Ladies (performed by Joel Grey and two Kit-Kat Girls); [1:19] Tomorrow Belongs to Me (sung by Young Nazis, joined by crowd); [1:30] Tiller Girls (performed by Joel Grey and Kit-Kat Girls); [1:35] Heiraten (Married) (sung by Greta Keller on phonograph); [1:42] If You Could See Her (performed by Joel Grey and someone in a gorilla costume); [1:57] Cabaret (performed by Liza Minnelli); [2:01] Finale (Joel Grey and Kit-Kat Girls)

Cabin in the Sky
MGM, 1943, B/W, 98 minutes, ***½
Released April, 1943

Vincente Minnelli's first assignment as a director at MGM produced a classic. Little Joe (Eddie Anderson in one of his best performances) struggles with himself and Satan to break his gambling habit and to remain faithful to his wife, Petunia (Ethel Waters), though he is constantly tempted by the beautiful Georgia Brown (Lena Horne). The film features some wonderful acting by the principle cast and some classic musical numbers, including Ethel Waters' "Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe" and "Taking a Chance on Love." Lena Horne is positively flawless in her portrayal of the temptress, Georgia Brown. And the production number, "Shine," is a real show-stopper. You definitely don't want to miss this one!

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Albert Lewis
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Screen Play by: Joseph Schrank
Based Upon the Musical Play: Book by Lynn Root, Lyrics by John Latouche and Music by Vernon Duke; Produced on the Stage by Albert Lewis in Association with Vinton Freedley
"Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe," "Life's Full O' Consequence," "Li'l Black Sheep" Lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, Music by Harold Arlen
"Going Up" Duke Ellington
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Orchestration: George Bassman
Choral Arrangements: Hal Johnson
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Leonid Vasian
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Hugh Hunt
Costume Supervision: Irene
Associate: Shoup
Men's Costumes: Gile Steele
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Sidney Wagner
Film Editor: Harold F. Kress

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("Happiness is a Thing Called Joe")

Cast: Ethel Waters [Petunia Jackson], Eddie "Rochester" Anderson [Little Joe Jackson], Lena Horne [Georgia Brown], Louis Armstrong [The Trumpeter], Rex Ingram [Lucius / Lucifer, Jr.], Kenneth Spencer [Rev. Green / The General], "Bubbles" (John W. Sublett [Domino Johnson], Oscar Polk [The Deacon / Fleetfoot], Mantan Moreland [First Idea Man], Willie Best [Second Idea Man], Moke (Fletcher Rivers) [Third Idea Man], Poke (Leon James) [Fourth Idea Man], Bill Bailey [Bill], "Buck" (Ford L. Washington) [Messenger Boy], Butterfly McQueen [Lily], Ruby Dandridge [Mrs. Kelso], Nicodemus [Dude], Ernest Whitman [Jim Henry], Duke Ellington and His Orchestra [Themselves], The Hall Johnson Choir [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:06] Li'l Black Sheep (sung by Ethel Waters, Children and Chorus at Church); [0:18] Old Ship of Zion (sung by Church Congregation and Chorus); [0:25] Happiness is a Thing Called Joe (sung by Ethel Waters); [0:34] Cabin in the Sky (sung by Rochester, Ethel Waters and Chorus); [0:47] Taking a Chance on Love (sung by Ethel Waters, danced by one of the delivery men then danced by Rochester); [1:00] Life's Full O' Consequence (sung by Rochester and Lena Horne); [1:06] Happiness is a Thing Called Joe (reprised by Ethel Waters); [1:08] Things Ain't The Way They Used To Be / Going Up / Down At John Henry's (played by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, danced by Chorus at Jim Henry's Paradise Club); [1:14] S-H-I-N-E (played by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, sung by Bubbles and Chorus, danced by Bubbles) [1:18] Honey in the Honeycomb (sung by Lena Horne); [1:23] Honey in the Honeycomb (sung by Ethel Waters, danced by Ethel Waters and Bubbles); [1:25] unidentified instrumental (played by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, danced by patrons at Jim Henry's Paradise Club); [1:34] Hallelujah (sung by the Hall Johnson Choir); [1:38] Taking a Chance on Love (short reprisal by Ethel Waters); Ain't It de Truth (cut from final print, sung by Lena Horne)

Cairo
MGM, 1942, B/W, 101 minutes, ***½
Released August, 1942

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But when in World War II-era Cairo, do as the spies do! Into that teeming viper's nest stumbles affable American Homer Smith, a reporter who aims to get the story, get it right and, above all, get it first!

Trouble is, some folks are out to get Homer first!

Cairo is the movie - and the place - for songs, cloak-and-dagger fun and great movie in-jokes. Jeanette MacDonald and Robert Young (as Homer) each suspect the other of being a spy, but then join forces to uncover the real agents. Ethel Waters plays MacDonald's savvy maid who belts out a knockout version of "Buds Won't Bud." And MacDonald, of course, lets her famed bright soprano ring out, while demonstrating what a fine comedienne she is.

Perhaps because of the war-torn times, this 1942 film was little noticed during its release. But now its cover is blown. This spy-movie spoof is a joy to discover, a "Road Move"-like comedy where all roads lead to Cairo.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

A fun-filled film teaming of Robert Young with the legendary Jeanette MacDonald in one of her best comic roles. In spite of the fact that they are helplessly attracted to one another, Young thinks MacDonald is a Nazi spy, and MacDonald thinks Young is an American spy. Sparks fly as love blossoms, and some wonderful comic scenes keep the film rolling. Ethel Waters sings "Buds Won't Bud" and Jeanette sings plenty of wonderful numbers including a medley of popular songs nearly ten minutes in length. Great fun! Highly recommended. [JJ]

The film begins with the statement: "To the authors of spy dramas -- those unsung heroes of the pen without whose inspiration international spies could not possibly be as clever as they are -- this picture is irreverently dedicated..."

Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Directed by: Maj. W. S. Van Dyke II
Screen Play by: John McClain
Based Upon an Idea by: Ladislas Fodor
Songs by: Arthur Schwartz, E. Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen
Musical Score: Herbert Stothart
Musical Conductor: Georgie Stoll
Dance Direction: Sammy Lee
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Lyle Wheeler
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Richard Pefferle
Gowns by: Kalloch
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Ray June
Film Editor: James E. Newcom

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Marcia Warren], Robert Young [Homer Smith], Ethel Waters [Cleona Jones], Reginald Owen [Philo Cobson], Grant Mitchell [O. H. P. Boggs], Lionel Atwill [Teutonic Gentleman], Edward Ciannelli [Ahmed Ben Hassan], Mitchell Lewis [Ludwig], Dooley Wilson [Hector], Larry Nunn [Bernie], Dennis Hoey [Colonel Woodhue], Mona Barrie [Mrs. Morrison], Rhys Williams [Strange Man], Cecil Cunningham [Mme. Laruga], Harry Worth [Bartender], Frank Richards [Alfred]
The King's Men [Vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Les Filles de Cadiz (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:19] The Waltz Is Over (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:23] A Heart That's Free (comic rendition with special lyric sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Ethel Waters); [0:41] We Did It Before and We Can Do It Again (sung by Mens Chorus); [0:43] Medley: To a Wild Rose (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and The King's Men) / From the Land of the Sky Blue Waters (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and The King's Men) / Beautiful Ohio (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and The King's Men) / Waiting for the Robert E. Lee (sung by Ethel Waters, then sung by Jeanette MacDonald and The King's Men and shuffled and danced by Jeanette MacDonald) / Avalon (sung by Jeanette MacDonald, The King's Men and Robert Young) / Home Sweet Home (sung by Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Young and The King's Men) / Keep the Light Burning Bright (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and The King's Men); [1:15] Buds Won't Bud (sung by Ethel Waters in a Cairo nightclub); [1:20] Buds Won't Bud (reprised by Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson); [1:21] Cairo (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [1:41] Finale: Keep the Light Burning Bright (short excerpt sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus)

Calamity Jane
Warner Bros., 1953, Color, 101 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1953

The Deadwood Stage is comin' to town, bringing Doris Day and Howard Keel to fuss, feud and fall in love as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok in this mother lode of entertainment from the golden age of movie musicals.

At first curvaceous Calamity is too durned busy fighting Indians and cracking a bullwhip to pay much mind to such girlie what-alls as dresses and perfume. And Wild Bill is too danged busy wooing a dainty chanteuse (Allyn McLerie) to give a hoot about a hot-headed tomboy. But things change in a rootin', tootin' big way when each becomes love's target.

There are wide-open Technicolor Western spaces, lots of high-stepping terpsichory and a hummable humdinger of a score by Academy Award-winning songwriters Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster, who came up with another Oscar for the classic ballad (and '50s megahit) "Secret Love"!  [from back of VHS sleeve]

My favorite Doris Day film! Doris Day and Allyn McLerie are positively wonderful together in this delightful musical comedy. McLerie is a big-city music hall star who is transported to the wild-west town of Deadwood to provide entertainment for the local cowboys. She and Calamity become close friends, and McLerie helps to tame the wild Calamity Jane. Though Howard Keel's character never really gets off the ground, Day and McLerie shine! High points include Day and McLerie's rendition of "A Woman's Touch," McLerie's "Keep It Under Your Hat" and Day's moving rendition of the Academy Award winning "Secret Love." [JJ]

The Doris Day Collection, Vol. 1 DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Jumbo, The Glass Bottom Boat, Love Me or Leave Me, Lullaby of Broadway, The Pajama Game, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, Young Man with a Horn.

Produced by: William Jacobs
Directed by: David Butler
Assistant Director: Phil Quinn
Written by: James O'Hanlon
Musical Direction by: Ray Heindorf
Original Songs: Music by: Sammy Fain, Lyrics by: Paul Francis Webster
Orchestrations: Frank Comstock
Vocal Arrangements: Norman Luboff
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: Jack Donohue
Dialogue Director: Emory Hoerger
Art Director: John Beckman
Set Decorator: G. W. Berntsen
Wardrobe by: Howard Shoup
Makeup Artist: Gordon Bau
Sound by: Stanley Jones and David Forrest
Color by Technicolor
Director of Photography: Wilfrid M. Cline
Technicolor Color Consultant: Mitchell G. Kovaleski
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Awards: Won Best Song Academy Award ("Secret Love"); Academy Award nominations for Best Score - Musical (Ray Heindorf) and Best Sound Recording

Cast: Doris Day [Calamity Jane ("Calam")], Howard Keel [Wild Bill Hickok], Allyn McLerie [Katie Brown], Philip Carey [Lt. Danny Gilmartin], Dick Wesson [Francis Fryer], Paul Harvey [Henry Miller], Francis McDonald [Hank], Chubby Johnson [Rattlesnake], Gale Robbins [Adelaide Adams], Additional Cast: Billy Bletcher, Lane Chandler [Prospectors], Emmett Lynn [Artist painting Katie's portrait], Bess Flowers [Officer's Wife], Stanley Blystone [Saloon Patron]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!)" (played by Orchestra and sung by Mens Chorus behind titles); [0:01] The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!) (sung by Doris Day and Mens Chorus); [0:04] Introducing Henry Miller (sung by Doris Day); [0:16] Hive Full of Honey (sung by Dick Wesson in drag); [0:22] I Can Do Without You (sung by Doris Day and Howard Keel); [0:26] It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry (sung by Gale Robbins and Girls Chorus); [0:30] It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry (sung by Allyn McLerie); [0:39] Just Blew in from the Windy City (sung and danced by Doris Day); [0:45] Keep It Under Your Hat (tentatively sung by Allyn McLerie); [0:49] Keep It Under Your Hat (sung and danced by Allyn McLerie); [0:54] Higher Than a Hawk (Deeper Than a Well) (sung by Howard Keel); [0:59] A Woman's Touch (sung by Doris Day and Allyn McLerie); [1:13] The Black Hills of Dakota (sung by Howard Keel, Doris Day, Allyn McLerie, Philip Carey and Chorus); [1:15] The Black Hills of Dakota (instrumental arrangement danced by party guests); [1:22] It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry (sung by Allyn McLerie, danced by Allyn McLerie and Dick Wesson); [1:29] Secret Love (sung by Doris Day); [1:38] Finale: Secret Love (reprised by Doris Day) / Just Blew in from the Windy City (reprised by Allyn McLerie) / Higher Than a Hawk (Deeper Than a Well) (reprised by Howard Keel) / The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!) (reprised by Howard Keel, Doris Day and Chorus)

Calendar Girl
Republic, 1947, B/W, 86 minutes, **½
Released June, 1947

At the beginning of the 20th century at Miss Rich's boarding house, many young artists and performers have a temporary home while they try to achieve stardom in New York. Patricia O'Neil (Jane Frazee) becomes involved in a romantic triangle after the wealthy artist next door Steve (James Ellison) asks her to be his next model, which doesn't sit well with Patricia's current boyfriend, Johnny (William Marshall), an aspiring composer. The stories of the other fascinating residents of the boarding house are included as interesting sub-plots, along with several wonderful musical numbers. A much better than average low budget musical.

Associated Producer and Director: Alan Dwan
Screen Play: Mary Loos, Richard Sale and Lee Loeb
Original Story by Lee Loeb
Songs by: James McHugh, Harold Adamson
Musical Director: Cy Feuer
Orchestrations: Leo Arnaud
Dance Direction: Fanchon
Art Direction: Hilyard Brown
Set Decorations: John McCarthy, Jr. and George Milo
Calendar Girl Artist: Zoe Mozert
Costume Supervision: Adele Palmer
Makeup Supervision: Bob Mark
Hair Stylist: Peggy Gray
Sound: Victor Appel
Photography: Reggie Lanning
Special Effects: Howard and Theodore Lydecker
Film Editor: Fred Allen

Cast: Jane Frazee [Patricia O'Neill], William Marshall [Johnny Bennett], Gail Patrick [Olivia Radford], Kenny Baker [Byron Jones], Victor McLaglen [Matthew O'Neill], Irene Rich [Lulu Varden], James Ellison [Steve Adams], Janet Martin [Tessie], Franklin Pangborn [Dilly Dillingsworth], Gus Schilling [Ed Gaskin], Charles Arnt [Capt. Olsen], Lou Nova [Clancy], Emory Parnell [The Mayor], Additional Cast; Ethelreda Leopold [Rosie O'Grady], Edward Keane [Battalion Chief], Victor Potel [Fireman], Gino Corrado [Cook], Jack Shea [Tug-of-War Man], Spec O'Donnell [Tough Guy]

Musical Program: [0:00] Calendar Girl (sung by Kenny Baker and Chorus); [0:08] A Lovely Night To Go Dancing (sung by Kenny Baker, danced by Jane Frazee); [0:19] At the Fireman's Ball (sung and danced by Kenny Baker, Janet Martin, William Marshall, Jane Frazee and Ensemble); [0:24] New York is a Nice Place to Visit (sung and danced by William Marshall, Jane Frazee, Kenny Baker, Janet Martin and Ensemble); [0:37] Let's Have Some Pretzels and Beer (sung by guests at beer garden); [0:40] (Have I Told You Lately) I'm Telling You Now (sung by Kenny Baker, Janet Martin, William Marshall); [0:55] A Lovely Night To Go Dancing (reprised by William Marshall); [1:17] Calendar Girl (sung by Kenny Baker, danced by Jane Frazee); [1:18] (Have I Told You Lately) I'm Telling You Now (reprised by William Marshall, then by Kenny Baker)

Call Me Madam
(aka "Irving Berlin's Call Me Madam)
20th Century-Fox, 1953, Color, 114 minutes, ***½
Premiere release March, 1953
General release April, 1953

Brassy, belt-it-out Broadway legend Ethel Merman (There's No Business Like Show Business) delivers a singularly show-stopping performance in this beloved big-screen version of Irving Berlin's last big musical comedy success. It's the story of a Washingtong D.C. socialite who becomes a U.S. Ambassador, and finds romance along the way. Filled with colorfully tuneful Berlin favorites like "The Hostess with the Mostest" and "You're Just in Love," and unforgettable dance sequences by Donald O'Connor (Singin' in the Rain) and lovely Vera-Ellen (White Christmas), Call Me Madam is Hollywood musical magic.  [from back of DVD case]

Loosely based on the life of socialite / ambassador Perle Mesta, this lively film version of the Lindsay / Crouse musical features Ethel Merman reprising her Broadway role as Washington hostess Sally Adams, who becomes the outspoken ambassador to the postage-stamp European country of Lichtenburg. Donald O'Connor, George Sanders and Vera-Ellen co-star; the Irving Berlin score includes "It's a Lovely Day Today," "You're Just in Love," and "The Ocarina."

Great story, great cast. Dance numbers, of which there are many, are beautifully staged and executed. Sets are very colorful and rich. Simply a great musical by some of the best musical stars!

Produced by: Sol C. Siegel
Directed by: Walter Lang
Assistant Director: Hal Klein
Screenplay: Arthur Sheekman
Based on the Musical Comedy "Call Me Madam," book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, produced on the stage by Leland Hayward
Music and Lyrics by: Irving Berlin
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Orchestration: Herbert Spencer, Earle Hagen
Vocal Direction: Ken Darby
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Robert Alton
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, John De Cuir
Set Decorations: Walter M. Scott
Costumes Designed by: Irene Sharaff
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Sound: Bernard Freericks, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Special Photographic Effects: Ray Kellogg
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Leonard Doss
Film Editor: Robert Simpson

Awards: Won Academy Award for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture (Alfred Newman); nominated for Best Costume Design, Color (Irene Sharaff)

Cast: Ethel Merman [Sally Adams], Donald O'Connor [Kenneth], Vera-Ellen [Princess Maria], George Sanders [Cosmo Constantine], Billy De Wolfe [Pemberton Maxwell], Helmut Dantine [Prince Hugo], Walter Slezak [August Tantinnin], Steven Geray [Sebastian], Ludwig Stossel [Grand Duke], Lilia Skala [Grand Duchess], Charles Dingle [Senator Brockway], Emory Parnell [Senator Charlie Gallagher], Percy Helton [Senator Wilkins], Additional Cast: Leon Belasco [Leader], Oscar Beregi, Sr. [Chamberlain], Johnny Downs [Cameraman], Nestor Paiva [Miccoli], Sid Marion [Beer Garden Proprietor], Torben Meyer [Dignitary], Richard Garrick [Supreme Court Justice], Walter Woolf King [Secretary of State], Olan Soule [Clerk], John Wengraf [Ronchin], Fritz Feld [Hat clerk], Ernö Verebes [Music clerk], Hannelore Axman [Telephone Switchboard Operator], Lal Chand Mehra [Minister from Magrador], Bess Flowers [Carnival Guest in Box], Carole Richards [singing voice of Vera-Ellen]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Washington Square Dance (excerpt sung by Chorus); [0:04] The Hostess with the Mostes' On the Ball (sung and danced by Ethel Merman); [0:10] Lichtenburg (sung by Chorus offscreen); [0:21] Can You Use Any Money Today (sung by Ethel Merman); [0:26] Marrying for Love (sung by George Sanders); [0:31] It's a Lovely Day Today (sung by Donald O'Connor and Carole Richards dubbing for Vera-Ellen); [0:35] It's a Lovely Day Today (played by Orchestra, danced by party guests); [0:46] That International Rag (sung by Ethel Merman, then danced by party guests); [0:48] It's a Lovely Day Today (danced by Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen); [0:56] You're Just in Love (sung by Donald O'Connor and Ethel Merman); [0:59] (Dance to the Music of) The Ocarina (production number sung and danced by Vera-Ellen and Chorus, Carole Richards dubbing for Vera-Ellen; beautifully staged and executed!); [1:11] What Chance Have I with Love? (sung and Danced by Donald O'Connor); [1:12] Something to Dance About (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen, Carole Richards dubbing for Vera-Ellen); [1:30] The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me) (sung by Ethel Merman and George Sanders); [1:45] You're Just in Love (reprised by Ethel Merman and Donald O'Connor); [1:48] Mrs. Sally Adams (sung by Telephone Operators); [1:52] Finale: "You're Just in Love" / "Something to Dance About" (sung by George Sanders, Ethel Merman, Donald O'Connor, Carole Richards dubbing for Vera-Ellen, and Chorus)


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Camelot
Warner Bros., 1967, Color, 180 minutes, ***½
Released October, 1967

Richard Harris stars as King Arthur in this lavish, Academy Award-winning film adaptation of Lerner and Loewe's musical take on the legend of the Knights of the Round Table, with Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero as doomed lovers Guenevere and Lancelot. Among the memorable tunes are "Camelot," "If Ever I Would Leave You," "What Do the Simple Folk Do?"

Not only is this one of the best musicals ever made, it is also the best recounting of the legendary story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur forms the Round Table in order to unite all of England, but soon finds himself embroiled in a situation where he must decide between putting his beloved Guenevere to death or compromising his life-long dream of a united and law-abiding England. This version of the musical is practically perfect in ever way. The only problem with it is in the way the camera treats Vanessa Redgrave. Sometimes the film feels like a showcase for Miss Redgrave's beauty, and she looks like she stepped right out of the 1960s, rather than a queen of Arthurian England. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful film.

One of my all-time favorite stories. King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, Merlin... they're all here! Richard Harris simply is King Arthur - in every version of the play. But the best version I've ever seen was the 1982 HBO film of the revival production (see below).

Produced by: Jack L. Warner
Directed by: Joshua Logan
Assistant Director: Arthur Jacobson
Musical Staging Associate: Buddy Schwab
Based on the Play: "Camelot", Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe, Directed by Moss Hart, Produced on the stage by Jenny Productions, From the "Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Music Supervised and Conducted by: Alfred Newman
Associate: Ken Darby
Music by: Frederick Loewe
Screenplay and Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
Orchestrations: Leo Shuken, Jack Hayes, Pete King
Song Score: Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe
Costumes, Scenery and Production Designed by: John Truscott
Sets and Art Direction: Edward Carrere
Set Decoratior: John W. Brown
Costume Design: John Truscott
Makeup Supervisor: Gordon Bau
Supervising Hair Stylist: John Burt Reilly
Sound by: M. A. Merrick, Dan Wallin
Director of Photography: Richard H. Kline
Filmed in Panavision and Technicolor
Film Editor: Folmar Blangsted

Awards: Academy Award for Best Adapted Score (Alfred Newman and Ken Darby), Best Art Direction - Set Decoration and Best Costume Design. Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography (Richard H. Kline) and Best Sound

Cast: Richard Harris [King Arthur], Vanessa Redgrave [Guenevere], Franco Nero [Lancelot du Lac], David Hemmings [Mordred], Lionel Jeffries [King Pellinore], Laurence Naismith [Merlyn], Pierre Olaf [Dap], Estelle Winwood [Lady Clarinda], Gary Marshall [Sir Lionel], Anthony Rogers [Sir Dinadan], Peter Bromilow [Sir Sagramore], Sue Casey [Lady Sybil], Garry Marsh [Tom of Warwick], Nicolas Beauvy [King Arthur as a Boy]

Musical Program: [0:00] Prelude and Overture (played by Orchestra); [0:08] I Wonder What The King Is Doing Tonight (sung by Richard Harris); [0:11] The Simple Joys of Maidenhood (sung by Vanessa Redgrave); [0:19] Camelot (sung by Richard Harris); [0:27] Camelot (reprised by Vanessa Redgrave and Chorus); [0:35] Camelot (reprised by Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave); [0:35] Camelot / C'est Moi (sung by Franco Nero); [0:48] The Lusty Month of May (sung and danced by Vanessa Redgrave and Ensemble); [1:01] Then You May Take Me to the Fair (sung by Vanessa Redgrave, Gary Marshal, Anthony Rogers and Peter Bromilow); [1:12] How to Handle a Woman (sung by Richard Harris); [1:40] Intermission: "If Ever I Would Leave You" (played by Orchestra); [1:47] If Ever I Would Leave You (Love Montage) (sung by Franco Nero); [2:09] What Do the Simple Folk Do? (sung by Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave); [2:16] Follow Me (sung by Chorus); [2:29] I Loved You Once in Silence (sung by Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero); [2:36] Guenevere (sung by Chorus); [2:53] Camelot (special lyric sung by Richard Harris); [2:57] Camelot (sung by Chorus behind end credits); Exit Music: "If Ever I Would Leave You" (played by Orchestra)

Experience Camelot's "one brief, shining moment" as Lerner and Loewe envisioned it - live on a Broadway Stage. Working at the top of his talent, Richard Harris heads an all-star cast in one of Broadway's wittiest, most literate musicals, filled with memorable tunes. Recorded at New York's historic Winter Garden Theater in 1982, this production captures all the immediacy and intimacy of a live performance viewed from the best seat in the house.

Idealistic King Arthur longs to create a perfectly principled kingdom, but sees his dream undone by a tragic love triangle involving Queen Guenevere (Meg Bussert) and his best friend Lancelot (Richard Muenz). In this thoroughly engaging Tony-nominated production, the medieval monarch's vision - a place where "violence is not strength, and compassion is not weakness" - speaks to our time and for all time. [from DVD case]

DVD special features include insert with production notes by Meg Bussert, original Broadway playbill (DVD ROM), and bios of Lerner & Loewe and Richard Harris. Color, stereo, 4:3 full screen

I like this version of Camelot better than the movie version (above). As Meg Bussert (Guenevere) puts it in her production notes included with the DVD, "... Arthur, Guenevere, and Lancelot form an unusual love triangle in that each one of them cares deeply for the other two. As their relationships deepen, the characters face not only personal betrayal but also treason. Marty [Callner] wanted to share these complicated emotions with the audience even more intimately than they could be shared on stage..." I think it is largely due to Meg Brussert's Guenevere that this emotion is transmitted as well as it is. All three of the main characters are equally strong in this production, and between the three of them there is an emotion that is much more than just that of three combined. Meg Bussert is very beautiful, a great singer, and so much more multi-dimensional than Vanessa Redgrave was in the film. She is a true gem!

Most of the songs in this version are sung as solos, allowing each artist complete emotional range unencumbered by accompanist or Chorus. This seems to have the affect of making each song a bit more intimate and personal. This is a beautifully produced stage version of the Lerner & Loewe classic, and comes across so powerfully that it stands as one of the best of all the classic musicals! Don't miss it!

Presented by: Home Box Office
Presented at: Winter Garden Theatre, NYC
Produced by: Mike Merrick and Don Gregory
Executive Producer: Michael Fuchs
Coordinating Producer: Cathleen Fitzpatrick
Associate Producer: Patricia Fili
Production Associate: Jan Collison
Production Manager: Patricia Morinelli
Production Coordinators: Sharon Blackwell, Angela Mancuso
Production Assistants: Kathy Faul, Susan Sands
Staged and Directed by: Marty Callner
Associate Director: Molly Miles
Assistant Directors: Patrick Aumont, Damian Harris
Musical Director: Terry James
Book and Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
Music by: Frederick Loewe
Choreographer: Buddy Schwab
Assistant Choreographer: Sally Ann Swarm
Lighting Designer: Greg Brunton
Assistant Lighting Director: Jeff Goodman
Art Director: Bill Groom
Assistant Art Director: Charles McCarry
Videotape Editor: Andy Zall
Assistant Videotape Editor: Kevin Fernan
Audio: Blake Norton, Mike Moran
Re-Recording Mixers: Ed Greene, Doug Nelson
Assistant Re-Recording Mixers: Marti Humphrey, David Glover
Technical Director: Terry Donohue
Video: Mark Sanford
Cameramen: Joe Epperson, Bob Keys, Hector Ramirez, Ron Sheldon, Ken Tamburri
Continuity: Peter Mullet
Stage Managers: Alan Hall, Steve Adler
Make-up: Fran Kolar, Romania Ford, Edward Jackson
Hair: Vincent Prestia, Steve D'Amico, Annette Prestia
Theatrical Technical Consultant: Arthur Siccardi
For the Stage Production:
Directed by: Frank Dunlop
Original New York Production Staged by: Moss Hart
Based on "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Awards: Cable ACE Award Nominations: Best Actor (Richard Harris), Best Actress (Meg Bussert)

Cast: Richard Harris [King Arthur], Andy McAvin [Sir Sagramore], James Valentine [Merlyn], Meg Bussert [Guenevere], William Parry [Sir Dinidan], Jeanne Caryl [Nimue], Richard Muenz [Lancelot Du Lac], Richard Backus [Mordred], Robert Molnar [Dap], Vincent Prestia [Friar], Sally Williams [Lady Anne], Patrice Pickering [Lady Sybil], William James [Sir Lionel], Barrie Ingham [King Pellinore], Daisy [Horrid] Steve Osborne [Squire], Randy Morgan [Squire], Craig Mason [Squire], Ken Henley [Knight], Bruce Sherman [Knight], Jack Starkey [Knight], Ron Stratton [Knight], Thor Fields [Tom]

Musical Program: Opening Credits (played by Orchestra); Guenevere (excerpt sung by Chorus); I Wonder What The King Is Doing Tonight (sung by Richard Harris); The Simple Joys of Maidenhood (sung by Meg Bussert); Camelot (sung by Richard Harris); Camelot (reprised by Meg Bussert); Follow Me (sung by Jeanne Caryl); C'est Moi (sung by Richard Muenz); The Lusty Month of May (sung and danced by Meg Bussert and Ensemble); How to Handle a Woman (sung by Richard Harris); The Jousts (sung by Chorus); Before I Gaze at You Again (sung by Meg Bussert); This I Know Will E'er Be So (??) (short folk song sung in French and English by Richard Muenz and Ensemble); If Ever I Would Leave You (sung by Richard Muenz); The Seven Deadly Virtues (sung by Richard Backus); What Do the Simple Folk Do? (sung by Meg Bussert and Richard Harris); I Loved You Once in Silence (sung by Meg Bussert); Guenevere (reprise, sung by Chorus); Camelot (reprise, sung by Richard Harris, then taken up by Chorus and Orchestra)


Meg Bussert as Guenevere

Can-Can
(aka "Cole Porter's Can-Can")
20th Century-Fox, 1960, Color, 131 minutes, ***½
Released March, 1960

Any musical denounced by Nikita Khrushchev as being "immoral" can't be all bad! Shirley MacLaine is the Gay Paree nightclub owner charged with indecency, and Frank Sinatra is the lawyer who defends and falls in love with her. Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan co-star. Lively Cole Porter score includes "I Love Paris," "Let's Do It," "C'est Magnifique."

Great story, great music, great cast. Fine entertainment. The only thing I have a problem with is that it doesn't feel like a period piece - it's set in 1896, but it feels a lot like 1960 or thereabouts. I think it's largely the dialogue and the dance numbers (not including the Can-Can). Speaking of the Can-Can, it's great -- once they get to it! Highly entertaining film!

The story begins at Montmartre, 1896

Producer: Jack Cummings
Associate Producer: Saul Chaplin
Directed by: Walter Lang
Assistant Director: Joseph E. Rickards
Screenplay by: Dorothy Kingsley and Charles Lederer
Based on the Musical Comedy by Abe Burrows
Produced on the stage by Feuer and Martin
Songs by: Cole Porter
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Nelson Riddle
Vocal Supervision by" Bobby Tucker
Dances Staged by: Hermes Pan
Art Direction: Lyle R. Wheeler, Jack Martin Smith
Set Decorations: Walter M. Scott, Paul S. Fox
Costumes Designed by: Irene Sharaff
Makeup by: Ben Nye
Hair Styles by: Myrl Stoltz
Sound Recording Supervised by: Fred Hynes
Sound: W. D. Flick
Director of Photography: William H. Daniels
Produced in TODD-AO, Color by Deluxe
Color Consultant: Leonard Doss
Film Editor: Robert Simpson

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score - Musical (Nelson Riddle), Best Costume Design - Color (Irene Sharaff)

Cast: Frank Sinatra [Francois Durnais], Shirley MacLaine [Simone Pistache], Maurice Chevalier [Paul Barriere], Louis Jourdan [Philipe Forrestier], Juliet Prowse [Claudine], Marcel Dalio [Andre, the Headwaiter], Leon Belasco [Arturo, the Orchestra Leader], Nestor Paiva [Bailiff], John A. Neris [Photographer], Jean Del Val [Judge Merceaux], Ann Codee [League President], Additional Cast: Genevieve Aumont [Secretary], Eugene Borden [Chevrolet], Carole Bryan [Gigi], Charles Carmen [Knife Thrower], Barbara Carter [Camille], Peter Coe [Dupont, Policeman], Marcel De la Brosse [Plainclothesman], Jane Earl [Renee], Ruth Earl [Julie], Laura Fraser [Germaine], Renee Godfrey [Dowager], Jonathan Kidd [Recorder], Edward Le Veque [Judge], Vera Lee [Gabrielle], Ambrogio Malerba [Apache Dancer], Maurice Marsac [Bailiff], Alphonse Martell [Butler], Lisa Mitchell [Fifi], Wanda Shannon [Maxine], Wilda Taylor [Lili], Darlene Tittle [Giselle], Lili Valenty [Dowager], Marc Wilder [Adam]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (includes Choral vocal of "I Love Paris") (played by Orchestra, sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] Montmartre (sung by Frank Sinatra, Maurice Chevalier and Chorus); [0:04] Maidens Typical of France (sung and danced by Juliet Prowse and Girls Chorus); [0:09] Can Can (danced by Shirley MacLaine, Juliet Prowse and Girls Chorus); [0:17] C'est Magnifique (sung by Frank Sinatra); [0:24] Quadrille (?) (danced by Shirley MacLaine and Ensemble); [0:35] C'est Magnifique (sung by Shirley MacLain); [0:38] Can Can (danced by Shirley MacLaine and Girls Chorus); [0:45] Live and Let Live (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jourdan); [0:53] You Do Something to Me (sung by Louis Jourdan); [0:58] Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love) (sung by Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine); [1:14] It's All Right with Me (sung by Frank Sinatra); [1:20] Live and Let Live (reprised by Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jourdan); [1:29] Come Along with Me (sung by Shirley MacLaine); [1:37] Just One of Those Things (sung by Maurice Chevalier); [1:43] Adam and Eve (instrumental arrangement of "I Love Paris" danced by Shirley MacLaine, Marc Wilder and Chorus); [1:55] It's All Right with Me (reprised by Louis Jourdan); [2:05] Can Can (danced by Juliet Prowse, Shirley MacLaine and Girls Chorus); [2:10] I Love Paris (short excerpt sung by Chorus at end of film)

Can't Help Singing
Universal, 1944, Color, 90 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1944

This just may be my favorite Deanna Durbin film (it's hard to pick one!). She's positively delightful as Caroline Frost, daughter of Senator Frost (Ray Collins), who runs away to marry her true love (David Bruce), stationed at a Cavalry post in the wild-west. Along the way she encounters Johnny Lawlor (Robert Paige) and falls in love with him.

Hunted by the law (her father wants her found!), Deanna joins a wagon train and makes her way to California with Paige. Kinskey and Tamiroff play a pair of bumbling immigrants who tag along in hopes of finding an opportunity to grab some gold. Comic scenes abound, and the Harburg / Kern song score is wonderful. Highlights include "Can't Help Singing" (performed by Durbin and Paige in an outdoor bath-house), Deanna's "Any Moment Now" and "More and More," and the production number, "Californ-i-ay." If you want to see Deanna at her best, this is the film.

The Deanna Durbin Sweetheart Pack DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Three Smart Girls, Something in the Wind, First Love, It Started with Eve, Lady on a Train.

Produced by: Felix Jackson
Associate Producer: Frank Shaw
Directed by: Frank Ryan
Assistant Director: William Holland
Screenplay by: Lewis R. Foster and Frank Ryan
Story by: John Klorer, Leo Townsend
Based on: "Girl of the Overland Trail" by Samuel J. & Curtis B. Warshawsky
Music by: Jerome Kern
Lyrics by: E.Y. Harburg
Musical Score and Direction: H. J. Salter
Musical Director for Miss Durbin: Edgar Fairchild
Orchestrations by: Frank Skinner
Vocal Coach: André de Segurola
Art Direction: John B. Goodman, Robert Clatworthy
Set Decorations: Russell A. Gausman, Edward R. Robinson
Costumes: Walter Plunkett
Make-Up Director: Jack Pierce
Director of Sound: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Joe Lapis
Directors of Photography: Woody Bredell, W. Howard Greene
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: William Fritzsche
Film Editor: Ted J. Kent

Awards: Academy Award Nominations for Best Score - Musical (Jerome Kern and Hans J. Salter) and for Best Song ("More and More")

Cast: Deanna Durbin [Caroline Frost], Robert Paige [Johnny Lawlor], Akim Tamiroff [Prince Gregory], David Bruce [Lt. Robert Latham], Leonid Kinskey [Koppa], June Vincent [Frances MacLean], Ray Collins [Senator Frost], Andrew Tombes [Sam Archer, "Sad Sam"], Thomas Gomez [Jake Carstairs], Clara Blandick [Aunt Cissy], Olin Howlin [Bigelow], George Cleveland [Marshal], Additional Cast: Edward Earle [President Polk], Almira Sessions [Old Woman], Chester Conklin [Old Man]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra); [0:02] March (played by military band at Presidential reception); [0:04] Can't Help Singing (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:24] Elbow Room (sung by Wagon Train Ensemble); [0:30] Can't Help Singing (sung by Deanna Durbin, Robert Paige and Chorus at bath house); [0:36] Honky-Tonk (instrumental in bar scene); [0:56] Any Moment Now (sung by Deanna Durbin and Chorus); [1:05] Swing Your Sweetheart (sung by Olin Howlin and Chorus, danced by wagon train travelers); [1:10] More and More (sung by Deanna Durbin); [1:14] Californ-i-ay (sung by Robert Paige, Deanna Durbin and Ensemble; danced by Chorus); [1:26] Finale: Californ-i-ay (reprised by Robert Paige, Deanna Durbin and Ensemble) / More and More (sung by Deanna Durbin, Robert Paige and Chorus) / Can't Help Singing (sung by Deanna Durbin, Robert Paige and Chorus)

Captain January
20th Century-Fox, 1936, B/W, 78 minutes, ***
Released April, 1936

One of Shirley's better early vehicles. She is an orphan (what else?) washed ashore after a ship wreck and rescued by local lighthouse keeper and ex-sea-captain, Captain January (Guy Kibbee), who unofficially adopts her. They live happily together in the light house until busy-body truant officer Agatha Morgan (Sara Haden) catches wind of the situation and insists Star must attend school.

In the meantime, the government decides to automate the lighthouse, and January finds himself without a job. This brings to question the issue of custody of Star, and a search is begun for any living relatives. In an emotionally disturbing scene, Star is taken from January and deposited in the arms of her loving aunt and uncle. Shirley is heartbroken, but her relatives find a way to solve her problems.

Musical highlights of the film include Shirley, Kibbee and Summerville's comical rendition of The Sextette (from the opera "Lucia di Lammermoor") and Shirley and Buddy Ebsen singing and dancing "At the Codfish Ball."

Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: B. G. De Sylva
Directed by: David Butler
Assistant Director: Ad Schaumer
Screen Play: Sam Hellman, Gladys Lehman and Harry Tugend
Based on a Story by: Laura E. Richards
Music and Lyrics: "Early Bird," "At the Cofish Ball" by Lew Pollack and Sidney D. Mitchell; "The Right Somebody to Love" by Jack Yellen and Lew Pollack
Musical Director: Louis Silvers
Dances Staged by: Jack Donohue
Art Direction: William Darling
Settings by: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: Arthur Von Kirbach, Roger Heman
Photography: John Seitz
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Cast: Shirley Temple [Star], Guy Kibbee [Captain January], Slim Summerville [Captain Nazro], Buddy Ebsen [Paul Roberts], Sara Haden [Agatha Morgan], Jane Darwell [Eliza Croft], June Lang [Mary Marshali], Jerry Tucker [Cyril Morgan], Nella Walker [Mrs. John Mason], George Irving [John Mason], James Farley [Deputy Sheriff], Si Jenks [Old Sailor]

Musical Program: [0:01] Early Bird (sung and danced by Shirley Temple as she arises and dresses); [0:06] Sailor's Hornpipe (short excerpt danced by Buddy Ebsen); [0:07] At the Codfish Ball (sung and danced by Shirley Temple and Buddy Ebsen); [0:46] Chi mi frena ("The Sextet" from the opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, sung by Shirley Temple, Slim Summerville, Guy Kibbee); [0:53] The Right Somebody to Love (sung by Shirley Temple, then sung by Chorus); [1:12] The Right Somebody to Love (reprised by Shirley Temple); [1:15] At the Codfish Ball (short reprisal sung by Shirley Temple, Slim Summerville, Guy Kibbee and Buddy Ebsen)

Career Girl
PRC Pictures, 1944, B/W, 69 minutes, ***
Released January, 1944

The petite and talented Miss Langford stars as an aspiring actress from Kansas City who heads off to New York to try and fulfill her dreams. Tenacious and determined even after suffering a few "showbiz-world reality checks," she believes stardom is within her grasp when she finally lands a lead role in a Broadway musical revue. Directed by Wallace Fox, starring Frances Langford, Edward Norris, Iris Adrian, Craig Woods, Linda Brent, and Alec Craig.  [from back of DVD case]

Fun film with a slightly different plot for a basic Broadway hopeful story. Frances Langford, radio star, was a great singer, and her talents are not wasted in this effort!

Produced by: Jack Schwarz
Associate Producer: Harry D. Edwards
Directed by: Wallace W. Fox
Assistant Director: Edward Davis
Screenplay by: Sam Neuman
Original Story by: Dave Silverstein and Stanley Rauh
Songs: "That's How the Rhumba Began," "Someday" by Morey Amsterdam, Tony Romano; "Blue in Love Again," "A Dream Came True" by Sam Neuman, Michael Breen
Musical Director: Rudy Schrager
Musical Supervision: David Chudnow
Art Director: Frank Sylos
Set Dresser: Harry Reif
Master of Properties: George Bahr
Sound Engineer: Tom Lambert
Director of Photography: Gus Peterson
Special Effects: Ray Mercer
Film Editor: Robert Crandall

Cast: Frances Langford [Joan], Edward Norris [Steve], Iris Adrian [Glenda], Craig Woods [James], Lorraine Krueger [Ann], Alec Craig [Pop], Gladys Blake [Janie], Linda Brent [Thelma], Ariel Heath [Sue], Charles Judels [Felix Black], Charles Williams [Louis Horton], Irene White [Polly], Marion McGuire [Louise], Additional Cast: Eddie Kane [Mr. Draper], Larry Steers [Mr. Bronson], Bess Flowers [Miss Cunningham, Mr. Dexter's Secretary], Jack Chefe [Headwaiter], Horace B. Carpenter [Stage Doorman]

Musical Program: [0:17] Blue in Love Again (excerpt sung by Frances Langford on record); [0:20] Someday (sung by Frances Langford); [0:27] "Buck Dance" (?) (danced by Lorraine Krueger - impression of Bill Robinson); [0:29] Blue in Love Again (sung by Frances Langford); [0:53] A Dream Came True (sung by Frances Langford); [1:02] That's How the Rhumba Began (sung by Frances Langford, danced by Chorus Girls)

Carefree
RKO, 1938, B/W, 83 minutes, ***½
Released September, 1938

Chalk up another success for psychiatrist Tony Flagg (Fred Astaire). Amanda Cooper (Ginger Rogers), his weddingphobic patient, is now crazy to get married... as long as the groom is Tony!

With its antic comedy (Ginger, zombied out on psychotherapy and love, heaves a nightstick through a glazier's glass) and its thumping of psychiatric funnybones, Carefree is "Fred and Ginger's most romantic outing, wacky and offbeat" (Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide). The score's romantic classic is Irving Berlin's "Change Partners." The duo also shares the slow-motion dreamscape of "I Used to Be Color Blind" and jives through "The Yam." And Fred tees off on "Since They Turned Loch Lomond into Swing," a sequence that took two weeks and 600 golf balls to film. In dance, as on the links, practice makes perfect.  [from back of DVD case]

The Astaire and Rogers Collection, Vol. 2 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Flying Down to Rio, The Gay Divorcee, Roberta and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle.

Producer: Pandro S. Berman
Director: Mark Sandrich
Assistant Director: Argyle Nelson
Screen Play by: Allan Scott and Ernest Pagano
Story and Adaptation by: Dudley Nichols and Hagar Wilde
Based on an original idea by: Marian Ainslee and Guy Endore
Lyrics and Music by: Irving Berlin
Musical Director: Victor Baravalle
Ensembles Staged by: Hermes Pan
Art Director: Van Nest Polglase
Associate: Carroll Clark
Set Dressing by: Darrell Silvera
Miss Rogers' Gowns by: Howard Greer
Wardrobe by: Edward Stevenson
Special Effects: Vernon L. Walker
Recorded by: Hugh McDowell, Jr.
Photographed by: Robert de Grasse
Edited by: William Hamilton

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score (Victor Baravalle), Best Song ("Change Partners") and Best Interior Decoration

Cast: Fred Astaire [Tony Flagg], Ginger Rogers [Amanda Cooper], Ralph Bellamy [Stephen Arden], Luella Gear [Aunt Cora], Jack Carson [Connors], Clarence Kolb [Judge Travers], Franklin Pangborn [Roland Hunter], Walter Kingsford [Dr. Powers], Kay Sutton [Miss Adams], Tom Tully [Policeman], Hattie McDaniel [Maid], Robert B. Mitchell and His St. Brendan's Boys

Musical Program: [0:12] Since They Turned "Loch Lomond" into Swing (danced by Fred Astaire while playing harmonica and while driving golf balls); [0:24] I Used To Be Color Blind (Amanda's dream sequence: Fred Astaire sings and dances with Ginger Rogers; features beautiful staging and slow-motion photography); [0:48] The Yam (sung by Ginger Rogers, danced by Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire with Ensemble); [1:12] Change Partners (sung by Fred Astaire, then danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers)

Carmen Jones
Otto Preminger Productions / 20th Century-Fox, 1954, Color, 105 minutes, ***½
Released October, 1954

Oscar Hammerstein's all-black revision of Bizet's "Carmen," brought to the screen by Otto Preminger, showcases Harry Belafonte as a handsome soldier whose love for sexy, conniving Dorothy Dandridge leads him to murder. Pearl Bailey, Olga James and Diahann Carroll also star.

Carmen Jones is a magnificent mid-century American interpretation of the opera CARMEN. It is full of color, fire and energy, and follows Bizet's opera quite closely, thanks to the brilliant interpretation of Oscar Hammerstein II. Each song in the film matches the music of one of the major arias in Carmen, with new lyrics by Hammerstein.

Dorothy Dandridge walked away with the movie and received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her flawless interpretation of Carmen. All of the principals were popular singers, but they were dubbed by opera singers since none of them had the range and power for opera arias. But they were singers, so the lip-syncing, expressions and body movements are all perfectly natural. All in all, it's a truly wonderful movie - not to be missed!

Produced and Directed by: Otto Preminger
Production Manager: Herman E. Webber
Production Assistant: Maximilian Slater
Assistant Director: David Silver
Book and Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II
Music Director: Herschel Burke Gilbert
Music by: Georges Bizet (from the opera CARMEN), adapted lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on Billy Rose's Broadway Production of the Musical Play "Carmen Jones"
Screenplay by: Harry Kleiner
Musical Direction: Herschel Burke Gilbert
Associate: Ted Dale
Music Recording: Vinton Vernon, Murray Spivack
Art Direction by: Edward L. Ilou
Set Decoration by: Claude E. Carpenter
Costumes Designed by: Mary Ann Nyberg
Sound: Roger Heman and Arthur L. Kirbach
Director of Photography: Sam Leavitt
Photographed in Cinemascope, Color by DeLuxe Laboratories
Film Editor: Louis R. Loeffler

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Actress (Dorothy Dandridge) and Best Score - Musical (Herschel Burke Gilbert)

Cast: Dorothy Dandridge [Carmen Jones], Harry Belafonte [Joe], Olga James [Cindy Lou], Pearl Bailey [Frankie], Diahann Carroll [Myrt], Roy E. Glenn Sr. [Rum], Nick Stewart [Dink], Joe Adams [Husky Miller], Brock Peters [Sgt. Brown], Sandy Lewis [T-Bone], Mauri Lynn [Sally], DeForest Covan [Trainer], LeVern Hutcherson [Singing Voice of Joe], Marilynn Horne [Singing Voice of Carmen], Marvin Hayes [Singing Voice of Husky]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: Torreador Song (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Send Along Anudder Load (sung by Mens Chorus); [0:04] Lift 'Em Up an' Put 'Em Down (sung by Boys Chorus); [0:06] Dat's Love (Habañera) (sung by Carmen and Chorus); [0:11] You Talk Jus' Like My Ma (sung by Cindy Lou and Joe); [0:15] Carmen Jones Is Goin' to Jail (sung by Chorus); [0:17] Dere's a Cafe on de Corner (Seguedille) (sung by Carmen); [0:35] Dis Flower (Flower Song) (sung by Joe); [0:39] Beat Out Dat Rhythm on a Drum (Gypsy Song) (sung by Frankie and Chorus, danced by Ensemble -- great number!); [0:55] Stan' Up an' Fight (Torreador Song) (sung by Husky Miller and Chorus); [0:52] Whizzin' Away Along de Track (Quintet) (sung by Carmen, Dink, Myrt, Rum and Frankie); [0:19] Card Song (Card song from Act III) (sung by Carmen, Frankie and Chorus); [1:24] My Joe (Michaela's Song) (sung by Cindy Lou); [1:29] He Got Hisself Another Woman (sung by Cindy Lou); [1:38] Torreador Song (sung by Chorus); [1:39] Final Duet (Duet and final chorus) (sung by Joe and Carmen); [1:43] String Me High on a Tree (sung by Joe)