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Index to all films on Class Act

Index to films on this page


Fabulous Dorseys, The top of page
The Fabulous Dorseys
United Artists, 1947, B/W, 89 minutes
Released February, 1947

The musical lives of Big Band leaders Tommy and Jimmy, as they fight their way to the top while fighting with each other, trombone and clarinet at the ready.

The boys portray themselves in this biographical film that's strong on song. Among the many musical highlights are "Green Eyes," "Running Wild," and "Marie." Outstanding personalities guest starring Art Tatum, Charlie Barnet, Ziggy Elman, Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell.

A superb showcase of the Big Band Era.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

This film is apparently in the public domain, so all VHS tapes and DVDs are print-mastered. The quality of at least some of these is not very good, but the one I have (Front Row Entertainment) is watchable. A must-see for Big Band fans!

Producer: John W. Rogers
Director: Alfred E. Green
Screenplay: Art Arthur, Richard English and Curtis Kenyon
Music Director: Louis Forbes
Song Score: various
Choreography: Charles Baron
Art Direction: Duncan Cramer
Set Decoration: Robert Priestley
Gowns: Maria P. Donovan
Men's Wardrobe: Morrie Friedman
Special Effects: Alfred Schmid
Cinematography: James Van Trees
Film Editing: George Arthur

Cast: Tommy Dorsey [Himself], Jimmy Dorsey [Himself], Janet Blair [Jane Howard], Paul Whiteman [Himself], William Lundigan [Bob Burton], James Flavin [Gorman], William Bakewell [Eddie], Dave Willock [Foggy], Sara Allgood [Mrs. Dorsey], Arthur Shields [Mr.Dorsey], Bobby Warde [Tommy as a Boy], Buz Buckley [Jimmy as a Boy], Ann Carter [Jane as a Girl], Jackie Searl [Joe], James Taggart [Phil], Hal K. Dawson [Artie], Andrew Tombes [De Witt], Sherry Sherwood [Herself], Tom Dugan [Waiter], Edward Clark [Hotel Clerk], Jack Roper [Radio Station Attendant], Bess Flowers [Lady in Concert Audience], Charlie Barnet, Ziggy Elman, Bob Eberly, Mike Pingatore, Helen O'Connell, Henry Busse, Art Tatum, Ray Bauduc, Stuart Foster, Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra, Jimmy Dorsey's Orchestra [Themselves]

Musical Program: Green Eyes (Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra with vocals by Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly); Marie (Stuart Foster and Janet Blair with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra); I'll Never Say "Never Again" Again (The Dorsey Brothers); I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra); Art's Blues; At Sundown; Dorsey Concerto; Everybody's Doing It; The Object of My Affection; Running Wild; To Me; When You and I Were Young, Maggie; Waitin' at the Gate for Katy (background instrumentals)




Fancy Pants top of page
Fancy Pants
Paramount, 1950, Color, 92 minutes, **½
Released July, 1950

Well, fancy that! Bob Hope and Lucille Ball join forces in a Technicolor remake of Ruggles of Red Gap and let loose a stampede of laughs

Wise-cracking Bob is a teddibly, teddibly British valet brought to the Old West to teach Old World charms to a certain redheaded tomboy. Of course, Bob's not really a valet. He's an out-of-work actor who's stumbled across the role of his life. It's tea at 4:00 p.m. and don't fan your soup with your hat, but will proper etiquette protect Bob from Lucy's jilted beau?  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Lots of slapstick, and pretty silly overall. But there are some good laughs, and "Home Cookin'" is a great number. Good entertainment. [JJ]

Produced by: Robert L. Welch
Directed by: George Marshall
Assistant Director: Oscar Rudolph
Screenplay by: Edmund Hartmann and Robert O'Brien
Based on a story by Harry Leon Wilson ("Ruggles of Red Gap")
Music Score: Van Cleave
Songs by: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Specialty Number Staged by: Billy Daniels
Art Direction: Hans Dreier and Earl Hedrick
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Emile Kuri
Women's Costumes: Mary Kay Dodson
Men's Costumes: Gile Steele
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Gene Merritt and Don Johnson
Director of Photography: Charles B. Lang, Jr.
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Francis Cugat
Edited by: Archie Marshek

Cast: Bob Hope [Humphrey], Lucille Ball [Agatha Floud], Bruce Cabot [Carl Belknap], Jack Kirkwood [Mike Floud], Lea Penman [Effie Floud], Hugh French [George VanBasingwell], Eric Blore [Sir Wimbley], Joseph Vitale [Wampum], John Alexander [Teddy Roosevelt], Norma Varden [Lady Maude], Virginia Kelly [Rosalind], Colin Keith-Johnston [Twombley], Joe Wong [Wong], Additional Cast: Robin Hughes [Cyril], Percy Helton [Major Fogarty], Hope Sanberry [Millie], Grace Albertson [Dolly], Oliver Blake [Mr. Andrews], Edgar Dearing [Mr. Jones], Alva Lacy [Daisy], Ida Moore [Betsy], Almira Sessions [Belle], Ethel Wales [Mrs. Wilkins], Jean Ruth [Miss Wilkins], Chester Conklin [Guest], Jimmie Dundee, Bob Kortman [Henchmen], Major Sam Harris [Umpire], Gilchrist Stuart [Wicket Keeper], Olaf Hytten [Stage Manager], Alex Frazer [Stagehand], Charles Cooley [Man], Howard Petrie, Ray Bennett [Secret Service Men], Harry Martin [Englishman], Gilbert Alonzo, David Alvarado, Robert Dominguez, Vincent Garcia, Henry Mirelez, Alfred Nunez [Indian Boys], Hank Bell [Barfly], Annette Warren [singing voice of Lucille Ball]

Musical Program: [0:10] Yes M'Lord (sung by Bob Hope); [0:49] The Old Chisolm Trail (sung by Lucille Ball and saloon patrons); [0:51] Fancy Pants (sung by Annette Warren dubbing for Lucille Ball in saloon); [1:02] Home Cookin' (production number performed by Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Jack Kirkwood, Lea Penman, Joseph Vitale and Joe Wong; Annette Warren dubbing for Lucille Ball)




Fantasia top of page
Fantasia
Disney, 1942, Color, 125 minutes (cut version 80 minutes)
General release January, 1942

Disney animators set pictures to classical music as Leopold Stokowski conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" features Mickey Mouse as an aspiring magician who oversteps his limits. "The Rite of Spring" tells the story of evolution, from single-celled animals to the death of the dinosaurs. "Dance of the Hours" is a comic ballet performed by ostriches, hippos, elephants and alligators. "Night on Bald Mountain" and "Ave Maria" set the forces of darkness and light against each other as a devilish revel is interrupted by the coming of a new day. [David Thiel, Amazon]

Produced by: Walt Disney
Directed by: James Algar ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice"; Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield ("Rite of Spring"); T. Hee ("Dance of the Hours"); Wilfred Jackson ("Night on Bald Mountain" / "Ave Maria"); Samuel Armstrong ("Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" / "The Nutcracker Suite"); Ford Beebe, Hamilton Luske ("The Pastoral Symphony")
Written by: Elmer Plummer, Phil Dike, Lee Blair ("Toccata and Fugue in D Minor"); Sylvia Moberly-Holland, Norman Wright, Albert Heath, Bianca Majolie, Graham Heid ("The Nutcracker Suite"); Carl Fallberg, Perce Pearce ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice"); William Martin, Leo Thiele, Robert Sterner, John McLeish ("Rite of Spring"); Webb Smith, Joseph Sabo, Otto Englander, George Stallings, Erdman Penner, Bill Peet ("The Pastoral Symphony"); Phil Dike, Campbell Grant, Arthur Heinemann ("Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria")
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach ("Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565"); Modeste Mussorgsky ("A Night on Bald Mountain"); Franz Schubert ("Ave Maria"); Igor Stravinsky ("The Rite of Spring"); Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky ("Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a"); Ludwig van Beethoven ("6th symphony in F, Op.68 'Pastorale'")
Art Direction: Kenneth Anderson, J. Gordon Legg, Lance Nolley, Herbert Ryman, Yale Gracey, Hugh Hennesy ("The Pastoral Symphony"); Curtiss D. Perkins, Al Zinnen, Robert Cormack, Arthur Byram, Bruce Bushman ("The Nutcracker Suite"); Tom Codrick, Charles Philippi, Zack Schwartz ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice"); Robert Cormack ("Toccata and Fugue in D Minor"); Harold Doughty, Ernest Nordli, Kendall O'Connor ("Dance of the Hours"); John Hubley, Dick Kelsey, McLaren Stewart ("Rite of Spring"); Kay Nielsen, Charles Payzant, Thor Putnam, Terrell Stapp ("Night on Bald Mountain" / "Ave Maria")
Sound: William E. Garity, J. N. A. Hawkins, C. O. Slyfield
Choreography: Jules Engel
Movement Model: Marge Champion
Musical Director: Edward H. Plumb
Choral Director: Charles Henderson ("Night on Bald Mountain" / "Ave Maria")
Soloist: Julietta Novis ("Ave Maria")
Narrator: Deems Taylor

Musical Program:
"Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565" (Johann Sebastian Bach)
"A Night on Bald Mountain" (Modeste Mussorgsky)
"Ave Maria" (Franz Schubert)
"The Rite of Spring" (Igor Stravinsky)
"Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a" (Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)
"6th symphony in F, Op.68 'Pastorale'" (Ludwig van Beethoven)




Farmer Takes a Wife, The top of page
The Farmer Takes a Wife
20th Century-Fox, 1953, Color, 81 minutes
General release July, 1953

The setting is the Erie Canal, New York, 1850. Molly Larkins, cook on Jotham Klore's canal boat, has a love-hate relationship with her boss. She hires handsome newcomer haul-horse driver Dan Harrow and the inevitable triangle develops (complicated by Dan's desire to farm and Molly's to boat) against a background of the canalmen's fight against the encroaching railroad.

Producer: Frank P. Rosenberg
Director: Henry Levin
Screenplay: Sally Benson, Walter Bullock, Joseph Field
Adapted from the play by Marc Connelly and Frank B. Elser
Based on the novel by Walter D. Edmonds
Background Score: Cyril J. Mockridge
Original Music: Harold Arlen and Dorothy Fields
Costume Design: Travilla
Special Effects: Fred Sersen
Cinematography: Arthur E. Arling
Film Editing: Louis R. Loeffler

Cast: Betty Grable [Molly Larkin], Thelma Ritter [Lucy Cashdollar], Eddie Foy, Jr. [Fortune Friendly], Kathleen Crowley [Susanna], May Wynn [Eva Gooch], Mel Pogue [Abner Green], Gene Roth [Ethan McCarthy], Lee Turnbull [Andy], Dale Robertson [Daniel Harrow], John Carroll [Jotham Klore], Charlotte Austin [Pearl Dodd], Merry Anders [Hannah], Juanita Evers [Miss Kranz], Ruth Hall [Abbie], Donald Kerr [Jacob], Noreen Michaels [Amy], Mort Mills [Floyd], William Pullen [John], Ralph Sanford [Quack], Gwen Verdon [Abigail], Howard Negley [Governor Fish], Jack Harris [Militia Officer], Gordon Nelson [Race Official], Don Garrett [Cab Driver], Lee Phelps [Bartender], John Butler [Drunk], Martin Deane, Brad Morrow [Boys], Tony Taylor [Little Boy], Kermit Maynard, Ted Jordan [Drivers], Max Wagner, Ed Hinton, Fred Aldrich, John Close, Paul Kruger, Ralph Montgomery [Boaters], Joanne Jordan [Boatwife], Frank Mills, Zon Murray, Robert Williams [Townsmen]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title (played by Orchestra); [0:01] The Erie Canal (sung by Ensemble and Chorus); [0:03] Today, I Love Everybody (sung by Betty Grable and Chorus, joined by Children); [0:14] We're Doin' It for the Natives in Jamaica (sung by Eddy Foy, Jr., Thelma Ritter and Men's Chorus); [0:15] Can You Spell Schenectady? (Sung and danced by Eddie Foy, Jr.); [0:21] Somethin' Real Special (sung by Betty Grable and Dale Robertson); [0:27] ? (instrumental number danced by guests at graduation party); [0:29] We're Doin' It for the Natives in Jamaica (excerpt sung by John Carroll and drunken companions as they crash the graduation party); [0:32] The Erie Canal (Production number sung by Ensemble and Chorus); [0:43] With the Sun Warm Upon Me (sung by Dale Robertson, joined by Betty Grable for last few bars); [0:52] We're in Business (Sung by Betty Grable, Dale Robertson, Gwen Verdon and Chorus; danced with pie pans by Betty Grable and Gwen Verdon); [0:59] Somethin' Real Special (short reprisal by Betty Grable); [1:18] Today, I Love Everybody (reprised by Betty Grable and Children); [1:19] Finale (I Could Cook and short reprisals of main songs by principals, danced by Chorus);




Fashions of 1934 top of page
Fashions of 1934
(aka Fashions)
First National, 1934, B/W, 78 minutes
Released February, 1934

Con artist William Powell and dress designer Bette Davis cavort around the Parisian world of fashion. Busby Berkeley's classic "Spin a Little Web of Dreams" production number is a standout; songs include "Broken Melody." Reginald Owen, Frank McHugh co-star.

Producer: Henry Blanke
Director: William Dieterle
Screenplay: Carl Erickson, Gene Markey, Kathryn Scola and F. Hugh Herbert
(adapted from a story by Harry Collins and Warren Duff)
Music Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Musical Numbers Staged By: Busby Berkeley
Song Score: Irving Kahal and Sammy Fain
Art Direction: Jack Okey, Willy Pogany
Gowns: Orry-Kelly
Cinematography: William Rees
Film Editing: Jack Killifer

Cast: William Powell [Sherwood Nash], Bette Davis [Lynn Mason], Frank McHugh [Snap], Verree Teasdale [Grand Duchess Alix / Mabel McGuire], Reginald Owen [Oscar Baroque], Henry O'Neill [Duryea], Philip Reed [Jimmy], Hugh Herbert [Joe Ward], Gordon Westcott [Harry Brent], Dorothy Burgess [Glenda], Etienne Girardot [Glass], William Burress [Feldman], George Humbert [Caponelli], Hobart Cavanaugh [M. Gautier], Nella Walker [Mrs. Van Tyle], Spencer Charters [Telephone Man], Frank Darien [Jules], Harry Beresford [Bookseller], Helen Freeman [Mme. Margot], Sam McDaniel [Cleaning Man], Lee Phelps [Desk Clerk], Arthur Treacher [Butler], Martin Kosleck [Dance Director], Jane Darwell [Dowager], Georges Renavent [Fashion Salon Owner], Eric Wilton [2nd Butler], Laura Treadwell [Woman], Juliet Ware [Girl]

Musical Program: Fashions of 1934; Spin a Little Web of Dreams (Veree Teasdale); Broken Melody; Enough of You (instrumental); Pardon the Expression (instrumental); We Shouldn't Have Done It (instrumental)




Fiddler on the Roof top of page
Fiddler on the Roof
United Artists, 1971, Color, 180 minutes, ****
Released November 1971
Class Act
Class Act Must-See!
Must See!

"An outstanding accomplishment in every category" (Boxoffice), this lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye (Topol), a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the [20th] century czarist Russia.

Nomindated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director and featuring such classic songs as "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker" and "Sunrise, Sunset," Fiddler on the Roof is a universal story of hope, love and acceptance - "a stunning, joyful and jubilant" (New York Daily News) musical masterpiece.
[from back of DVD case]

Though the story concentrates on the plight of Jewish people in a small Russian village, it has overtones of the struggle all of us face trying to understand the meaning of life and to cope with a world that begins to pass us by as we grow older. Beautiful cinemetography, wonderful acting and beautiful music. Musical highlights include Topol's "If I Were a Rich Man," Frey's "Miracle of Miracles," and the fabulous "Sunrise, Sunset." Not to be missed!

Filmed in Yugoslavia and London, England. "Our thanks to the people of the villages of Lekenik and Mala Gorica and the city of Zagreb, Yugoslavia."

MGM Classic Musicals Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Produced and Directed by: Norman Jewison
Associate Producer: Patrick Palmer
Screenplay by: Joseph Stein
Based on the Stageplay "Fiddler on the Roof" Adapted from Sholem Aleichem stories by special agreement with Arnold Perl
Stageplay by Joseph Stein
Music for the Stageplay by Jerry Bock
Lyrics for the Stageplay by Sheldon Harnick
Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince
Entire Stage Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins
Soloist: Isaac Stern
Music Director: John Williams
Music by: Jerry Bock
Lyrics by: Sheldon Harnick
Music Adapted and Conducted by: John Williams
Orchestrations by: John Williams, Alexander Courage
Original Choreography by: Jerome Robbins
Adapted for the Screen by: Tom Abbott
Assistant Choreographer: Sammy Bayes
Production Designer: Robert Boyle
Art Director: Michael Stringer
Set Decorator: Peter Lamont
Costumes Designed by: Elizabeth Haffenden and Joan Bridge
Makeup: Del Armstrong, Wally Schneiderman
Hairdresser: Gordon Bond
Sound: Gordon K. McCallum, David Hildyard
Director of Photography Oswald Morris
Filmed in Panavision, Colour by Technicolor
Film Editors: Antony Gibbs and Robert Lawrence

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Cinematography (Oswald Morris), Best Song Score (John Williams) and Best Sound (Gordon K. McCallum and David Hildyard). Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Topol), Best Supporting Actor (Leonard Frey), Best Director (Norman Jewison), Best Art Direction / Set Decoration (Robert F. Boyle, Michael Stringer, Peter Lamont)

Cast: Topol [Tevye], Norma Crane [Golde], Leonard Frey [Motel], Molly Picon [Yente], Paul Mann [Lazar Wolf], Rosalind Harris [Tzeitel], Michele Marsh [Hodel], Neva Small [Chava], Michael Glaser [Perchik], Raymond Lovelock [Fyedka], Elaine Edwards [Shprintze], Candy Bonstein [Bielke], Shimen Ruskin [Mordcha], Zvee Scooler [Rabbi], Louis Zorich [Constable], Alfie Scopp [Avram], Howard Goorney [Nachum], Barry Dennen [Mendel], Vernon Dobtcheff [Russian Official], Ruth Madoc [Fruma Sarah], Patience Collier [Grandma Tzeitel], Tutte Lemkow [Fiddler], Stella Courtney [Shandel], Jacob Kalich [Yankel], Brian Coburn [Berl], George Little [Hone], Stanley Fleet [Farcel], Arnold Diamond [Moishe], Marika Rivera [Rifka], Mark Malicz [Ezekial], Aharon Ipale [Sheftel], Roger Lloyd Pack [Sexton], Vladimir Medar [Priest], Sammy Bayes, Larry Bianco, Walter Cartier, Peter Johnston, Guy Lutman, Donald MacLennan, Rene Sartoris [Russian Dancers], Roy Durbin, Ken Robson, Bob Stevenson, Lou Zamprogna [Bottle Dancers], Additional Cast: Alfred Maron [Previous Rabbi], Otto Diamant [Yussel], Hazel Wright [Rebecca], Carl Jaffe [Isaac], Miki Iveria [Bess], Hilda Kriseman [Zelda], Sarah Cohen [Bashe], Susan Sloman [Nechama], Cyril Bass, A. Haverstock, Leo Wright, C. C. Bilham, M. Winter, H. Krein [Village Band Members], Ivan Baptie, Michael Ingleton, Jody Hall, Barry Lines, Adam Scott, Albin Pahernik [Jewish Male Dancers], Ina Claire, Karen Trent, Tanya Bayona, Petra Siniawski [Jewish Female Dancers]

Musical Program: [0:01] Tradition (spoken by Topol, sung by Topol and Chorus); [0:09] Main Title: Fiddler on the Roof (played by Isaac Stern and Orchestra); [0:18] Matchmaker, Matchmaker (performed by Rosalind Harris, Michele Marsh and Neva Small); [0:24] If I Were a Rich Man (performed by Topol); [0:39] Sabbath Prayer (sung by Topol, Norma Crane and Chorus); [0:49] To Life (sung and danced by Topol, Paul Mann and Mens Chorus; turns into big dance number with Villagers and Russians); [1:11] Tradition (continued by Topol); [1:15] Miracle of Miracles (sung by Leonard Frey); [1:22] Tevya's Dream (performed by Topol, Norma Crane, Ruth Madoc, Patience Collier and Chorus); [1:32] Sunrise Sunset (sung by Topol, Norma Crane, Paul Michael Glaser, Michele Marsh and Chorus); [1:36] Wedding Dance (danced by The Company); [1:51] Entr'acte; [1:53] Tradition (reprised by Chorus); [2:01] Tradition (continued by Topol); [2:06] Do You Love Me? (sung by Topol and Norma Crane); [2:14] Far From the Home I Love (sung by Michele Marsh and Topol); [2:30] Chava Ballet (sung by Topol, danced by Norma Crane, Neva Small and Raymond Lovelock); [2:40] Anatevka (sung by Topol, Norma Crane, Paul Mann, Molly Picon, Barry Dennen, Shimen Ruskin and Chorus); [2:57] Anatevka (hummed by Chorus); [2:58] Fiddler on the Roof (played by Isaac Stern and Orchestra); [2:59] Exit Music (played by Orchestra behind end credits)




This web site is revised daily. Please check back often!



Fiesta top of page
Fiesta
MGM, 1947, Color, 104 minutes, **½
Released June, 1947

Ricardo Montalban wants to be a professional musician, and he has the talent for it. But his father wants him to follow in the family tradition and become a bull-fighter. Ricardo is quite talented at that, too, and continues to follow his father's wishes - up to a point. Father and son cannot see eye-to-eye on this issue, but sister Esther Williams has a bright idea...

This was Ricardo Montalban's first film at MGM. Filmed on location in Mexico.

Caution: There are two films entitled "Fiesta." The recent triple-feature DVD release entitled "Great Musical Classics (Royal Wedding / Till Clouds Roll By / Fiesta) (1951)" shown to the right is NOT this film! I have this film on tape (taped off TCM), and a commercial VHS does exist but is long out of print, and it has not been released on DVD as of 03/01/08.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Richard Thorpe
Original Screen Play by: George Bruce and Lester Cole
Musical Score: Johnny Green
"El Salon Mexico" by Aaron Copland
Adapted and Orchestrated for the screen as "Fantasia Mexicana" by Johnny Green
Additional Orchestration by: Ted Duncan
Dances Staged by: Eugene Loring
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons and William Ferrari
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Thomas Theuerkauf
Costume Supervision: Irene
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Directors of Photography: Sidney Wagner, Charles Rosher, Wilfrid M. Cline
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Awards: Nominated for Best Score Academy Award (Johnny Green)

Cast: Esther Williams [Maria Morales], Akim Tamiroff [Chato Vasquez], Ricardo Montalban [Mario Morales], John Carroll [Jose "Pepe" Ortega], Mary Astor [Señora Morales], Cyd Charisse [Conchita], Fortunio Bonanova [Antonio Morales], Hugo Haas [Maximino Contreras], Jean Van [Maria Morales as a Child], Joey Preston [Mario Morales as a Child], Frank Puglia [Doctor], Los Bocheros [The Basque Singers], Alan Napier [Tourist], Additional Cast: Alex Montoya [Vaquero], Rosa Rey [Housekeeper], Nacho Galindo [Proprietor], Robert Emmett O'Connor [Bus Driver], Soledad Jiminez [Nurse], Rudy Rama [Photographer], Jose Portugal [Reporter], Ben Welden, Dewey Robinson [Cops]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:30] unidentified Hat Dance (played by Los Bocheros, danced by Chorus); [0:31] La Bamba (played and sung by Los Bocheros, danced by Ricardo Montalban, Cyd Charisse and Chorus); [0:34] Fantasia Mexicana (excerpt played by Ricardo Montalban at the piano [onscreen] with Orchestra); [0:44] La Luna Enamorada (played and sung by Los Bocheros); [0:46] Romeria Vasca (?) (played and sung by Los Bocheros, danced Flamenco style by Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse); [0:50] title? (sung by Chorus at party); [1:13] title? (sung and played by Los Bocheros on bus); [1:16] Fantasia Mexicana (played by orchestra on radio, accompanied by Ricardo Montalban at the piano [onscreen] at cafe -- a beautiful piece!); [1:36] title? (played by Los Bocheros); [1:39] title? (played by Los Bocheros); [1:41] same as [0:30]

still working on this one...




Finian's Rainbow top of page
Finian's Rainbow
Warner Bros. / Seven Arts, 1968, Color, 145 minutes, ****
Released October, 1968
Class Act
Class Act Must-See!
Must See!

Originally a stage production in 1947, this story's anit-racism theme was so far ahead of its time that it was more than twenty years before it came to the screen. Irishman Finian (Fred Astaire) and his daughter Sharon (Petula Clark) come to the United States with a pot of gold "borrowed" from one of the "little people" - a leprechaun played by Tommy Steele. Finian believes burying the pot in the rich American soil will cause it to grow, and then he can return the original amount of gold to the leprechaun.

Finian and Sharon, after wandering the country, settle in the small southern community of Rainbow Valley, which unbeknownst to Finian, is directly in the path of a proposed river dam project. Woody (Don Francks) and Howard (Al Freeman, Jr.) have been working to develop a strain of mentholated tobacco so that the small community will have a better means of support. But, the local Senator (Keenan Wynn) is determined to take the land away from the people who live there in order to complete his dam project, from which he stands to profit personally.

Because it is leprechaun gold, those who make a wish in the vicinity of the pot of gold will be granted their wish. But the pot can only fulfill three wishes before its gold is turned to dross. When the Senator visits the village to try to force the people out of their homes by condemning the land, his plans are foiled by Woody and Finian. The Senator loses his temper and reveals his racial prejudice - many of the people who live in the village are black. Outraged, Sharon wishes she could turn the senator black so he could understand first-hand how he has hurt the black people of the village. Not realizing that she is close to the pot of gold, which Finian has hidden in the area - presto! - the senator becomes a black man! Humiliated, he rushes off into the woods to hide. When the senator is missed by his associates, the local law officials investigate and soon bring counts of witchcraft against Sharon. They lock her in a barn, which they plan to burn unless Sharon turns the Senator white again before morning.

Meanwhile the Senator, after wandering around the forest for a day or so, meets a quartet of black musicians (Avon Long, Jester Hairston and Roy Glenn). They have just lost one of their number, so the Senator joins the group as the new fourth man and has a great time. By the time he returns to the village, he has become best of friends with the members of the singing group and he has seen the errors in his ways. Now Finian must use the last wish in the pot to turn the Senator white again in order to save the life of his daughter. After a close-call, all ends happily and Woody and Sharon are married. Having fulfilled his mission, Finian - ever the wanderer - sets off for greener pastures, dancing out of the village and over the hill as the townspeople sing farewell. This scene is especially poignant in retrospect, since it was to be the last time Fred Astaire would ever dance in a movie musical.

Finian's Rainbow is generally dismissed as trivial by the critics, but it's one of my favorite films. Fred Astaire and Petula Clark are two of my favorite entertainers, and the film is lots of fun - lighthearted and at times quite comical, as well as deftly delivering a message in a delicate manner. The music by Arlen and Harburg is wonderful! Highlights include "Look to the Rainbow," "How Are Things in Glocca Morra," "If This Isn't Love," "That Old Devil Moon" and "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love." In spite of Fred's age (he was nearly 70), he dances a wonderful number on top of shipping crates in the production number, "When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich." It's a great film! Required watching for any musical fan!!

The Broadway to Hollywood Classic Musicals Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Easter Parade, The Band Wagon, Bells Are Ringing and Brigadoon.

Produced by: Joseph Landon
Associate Producer: Joel Freeman
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Assistant Directors: Fred Gammon, Howard Kazanjian
Screenplay by: E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy
From the Broadway Play, Book by E. Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy,
Lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, Music by Burton Lane
Music Supervised and Conducted by: Ray Heindorf
Associate Music Supervisor: Ken Darby
Musical Score: Burton Lane
Choreography by: Hermes Pan
Production Design by: Hilyard M. Brown
Set Decorators: William L. Kuehl, Philip Abramson
Costumes Designed by: Dorothy Jeakins
Makeup Supervisor: Gordon Bau
Supervising Hair Stylist: Jean Burt Reilly
Sound by: M. A. Merrick, Dan Wallin
Director of Photography: Philip Lathrop
Filmed in Panavision and Technicolor
Film Editor: Melvin Shapiro

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score (Musical) and Best Sound

Cast: Fred Astaire [Finian McLonergan], Petula Clark [Sharon McLonergan], Tommy Steele [Og], Don Francks [Woody Mahoney], Keenan Wynn [Senator Billboard Rawkins], Barbara Hancock [Susan the Silent], Al Freeman Jr. [Howard], Ronald Colby [Buzz Collins], Dolph Sweet [Sheriff], Wright King [District Attorney], Louil Silas [Henry], Avon Long, Jester Hairston, Roy Glenn [Trio], Ken Darby Singers [Vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "If This Isn't Love" / "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love" (played by Orchestra); [0:02] Main Title: Look to the Rainbow (sung by Petula Clark behind titles); [0:08] This Time of the Year (sung and danced by the Rainbow Valley Citizens [dubbed by the Ken Darby Singers]); [0:13] How Are Things in Glocca Morra? (sung by Petula Clark); [0:16] This Time of the Year (continued) (sung and danced by the Rainbow Valley Citizens [dubbed by the Ken Darby Singers]); [0:22] Look to the Rainbow (sung by Fred Astaire and Petula Clark with a little help from Don Francks; danced by Fred Astaire and Petula Clark joined by the Rainbow Valley Citizens); [0:42] Old Devil Moon (sung by Don Francks and Petula Clark); [1:03] Something Sort of Grandish (sung and danced by Tommy Steele and Petula Clark); [1:08] If This Isn't Love (sung and danced by Don Francks, Petula Clark, Fred Astaire and the Rainbow Valley Citizens [dubbed by the Ken Darby Singers]); [1:17] Something Sort of Grandish (differnt lyrics, sung by Tommy Steele); [1:25] That Great Come-and-Get-It Day (sung by Don Francks, Petula Clark and the Rainbow Valley Citizens [dubbed by the Ken Darby Singers]); [1:29] Entr'acte: Look to the Rainbow (sung by Petula Clark); [1:30] When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich (sung by Fred Astaire, Petula Clark and the Rainbow Valley Citizens [dubbed by the Ken Darby Singers]; danced by Fred Astaire on shipping crates); [1:40] Old Devil Moon (reprised by Petula Clark and Don Francks); [1:42] Rain Dance Ballet (instrumental arrangement of "Old Devil Moon" danced in the rain by Barbara Hancock); [1:52] The Begat (sung by Avon Long, Jester Hairston, Roy Glenn and Keenan Wynn); [1:56] Look to the Rainbow (sung by Don Francks, Petula Clark and the Ken Darby Singers during the interrupted wedding ceremony); [2:02] When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love (sung by Tommy Steele, danced by Barbara Hancock and Tommy Steele); [2:18] Look to the Rainbow (sung by Don Francks, Fred Astaire, Petula Clark and the Ken Darby Singers during wedding ceremony); [2:20] Finale: Fred Astaire dances his last steps in a feature film to How Are Things in Glocca Morra? (sung by Petula Clark, Don Francks, Tommy Steele, Barbara Hancock and the Ken Darby Singers); [2:23] Exit Music: "If This Isn't Love" / "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love" (played by Orchestra)

Finian buries his gold




Firefly, The top of page
The Firefly
MGM, 1937, B/W, 130 minutes, ***½
General release November, 1937

Three movies. Three tremendous successes. Naughty Marietta, Rose-Marie, and Maytime had transformed Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald into America's singing sweethearts. But would the public go for a movie with only one singing sweetheart? In the case of this sumptuous romantic operetta, the answer was a vibrant yes! The Firefly was one of the fifteen top-grossing films of 1937-1938.

Jeanette MacDonald portrays Nina Maria, who sings, dances and spies for Spain during the Napoleonic Wars. Early in the story, Nina is eager to discourage an amorous French officer, so she feigns interest in Don Diego (Allan Jones). Now, she has a bigger problem - discouraging Don Diego, who is actually a French counterspy. His mission: shadow Nina Maria!

Rudolf Friml's 1912 work provides the basis for this memorable musical that keeps some original songs (including "Giannina Mia"), revises others and introduces a now-classic charmer: "The Donkey Serenade" (engagingly set to the clip-clop of a mule-drawn coach), which became Jones' signature song throughout his career.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

A wonderful film! Great performance by Jeanette MacDonald - one of her best. The only thing wrong with it is the little "and they lived happily ever after" scene tacked on to the end of the film, probably as a result of preview feedback. Just stop your VCR or try to pretend you didn't see that... [JJ]

Produced by: Hunt Stromberg
Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard
Screen Play by: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Based Upon the Book and Lyrics by Otto A. Harbach
Adaptation by: Ogden Nash
Technical Advisor: George Richelavie
Music by: Rudolf Friml
Musical Direction by: Herbert Stothart
Additional Lyrics by: Gus Kahn
Special Lyrics by: Bob Albright and Chet Forrest
Dances by: Albertina Rasch
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Paul Groesse, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Oliver T. Marsh
Montage Effects by: Slavko Vorkapich
Film Editor: Robert J. Kern

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Nina Maria Azara], Allan Jones [Don Diego], Warren William [Major de Rougemont], Billy Gilbert [Innkeeper], Douglas Dumbrille [Marquis de Melito], Leonard Penn [Etienne], Tom Rutherford [King Ferdinand], Belle Mitchell [Lola], George Zucco [Secret Service Chief], Corbet Morris [Duval], Matthew Boulton [Duke of Wellington], Additional Cast: Henry Daniell [General Savary], Ian Wolfe [Izquierdo], Manuel Alvarez Maciste [Coach Driver], Robert Spindola [Coach Driver's Son], Zeni Vatori [Waiter in Cafe], Frank Puglia [Pablo], John Picorri [Cafe Proprietor], James B. Carson [Smiling Waiter], Milton Watson [French Officer], Peter DuRey [Officer], Maurice Black [Pigeon Vendor], Maurice Cass [Strawberry Vendor], Sam Appel [Fruit Vendor], Rolfe Sedan [Hat Vendor], Mabel Colcord [Vendor], Inez Palange [Flower Vendor], Theodore von Eltz [Captain Pierlot], Pedro de Cordoba [Spanish General], Monya Andre [Civilian Wife], Frank Campeau [Beggar], Stanley Price [Napoleon], Guy D'Ennery [Spanish General], Robert Wilbur [Dying Soldier], Sidney Bracey [Secretary], Roy Harris (aka Riley Hill) [Lieutenant], Eugene Borden [Captain], Jean Perry [Major], Ralph Byrd [French Lieutenant], Eddie Phillips [Captain], Bentley Hewlett [Major], Paul Sutton [Spanish Civilian], Fernando Garcia [Napoleonic Officer], Robert Z. Leonard [Bayonne Cafe Extra], Albertina Rasch [Bayonne Cafe Extra], Dennis O'Keefe, Ray Bennett [Soldiers in Bayonne Cafe], Karl Hackett [Bit Spaniard], Boyd Gilbert [Aide], Russ Powell [Stablehand], Lane Chandler [Captain of Guards], Agostino Borgato [Peasant], Joe North, Colin Kenny, Brandon Hurst, Pat Somerset [English Generals], Edward Keane [Chief of Staff], Victor Adams [Jail Guard], Harry Worth [Secret Service Adjutant], Lew Harvey [Officer], Jason Robards Sr. [Spanish Patriot], David Tihmar [Madrid Cafe Dancer], Hooper Atchley, William Crowell, Alan Curtis, Drew Demarest, Lester Dorr, Roger Drake, Ramsey Hill, Jacques Lory, Fred MacKaye, John Merton, Anthony Pawley, Donald Reed, Harry Semels, Charles Townsend, Frank Yaconelli [French Officers and Soldiers]

Musical Program: [0:00] Giannina Mia (instrumental arrangement danced by the Albertina Rasch Dancers across credits); [0:02] English March (played by Orchestra, sung by Chorus as King Ferdinand's troupe parades); [0:06] Festival (sung by Chorus, danced by Ensemble at celebration); [0:10] Love Is Like a Firefly (Jeanette MacDonald); [0:14] A Woman's Kiss (sung by Allan Jones and Chorus); [0:25] The Donkey Serenade (excerpt played on flute by young boy [Robert Spindola] leading mules); [0:29] The Donkey Serenade (sung by Allan Jones serenading Jeanette traveling in coach, accompanied by coach driver on guitar, coach driver's son on flute); [0:39] Para Salud (short ditty sung by Allan Jones and Troubadors as he serves Jeanette an omelet); [0:40] Ojos Rojos (excerpt sung by troubador at inn); [0:45] Giannina Mia (sung by Allan Jones); [0:50] He Who Loves and Runs Away (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Mens Chorus); [1:10] Sympathy (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Allan Jones); [1:18] When a Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:43] Danse Jeanette (Capriccio Espagñole) (danced by Jeanette and the Albertina Rasch Dancers in the Gypsy camp); [2:03] Giannina Mia (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald); [2:05] Happy Subjects (?) (sung by Chorus); [2:07] Finale: The Donkey Serenade / Giannina Mia (sung by Allan Jones and Jeanette MacDonald)




First Love top of page
First Love
Universal, 1939, B/W, 85 minutes, ***
General release November, 1939

A Cinderella story about an orphan girl (Durbin) who, after graduating from finishing school, goes to live with her wealthy uncle and his family. She is ignored by her uncle (Pallette) and snubbed by her class-conscious aunt (Leatrice Joy) and beautiful cousin (Helen Parrish). She falls in love with Ted Drake (Robert Stack), but considers herself too far below him socially to truly believe that he could be interested in her. She attends a formal ball, but is too intimidated by the socialites to remain. Upon leaving the ball, she loses one of her slippers. Frustrated, she returns to the finishing school and takes up work as a teacher. In an emotionally-charged finale, she is singing Puccini's "Un bel di" for the faculty and students at the finishing school. Robert Stack shows up, bringing her lost slipper, and she rushes down the aisle into his arms... and they lived happily everafter.

The Deanna Durbin Sweetheart Pack DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Three Smart Girls, Something in the Wind, It Started with Eve, Can't Help Singing, Lady on a Train.

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Henry Koster
Assistant Director: Frank Shaw
Screen Play by: Bruce Manning, Lionel Houser
Musical Director: Charles Previn
Vocal Instructor: Andres de Segurola
"Spring in My Heart" from Johann Strauss Waltzes
Adaptation: H. G. Salter
Lyrics: Ralph Freed
Orchestrations: Frank Skinner
Art Director: Jack Otterson
Associate: Martin Obzina
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Supervisor: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Joseph Lapis
Director of Photography: Joseph Valentine
Film Editor: Bernard W. Burton

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Black and White Cinematography (Joseph Valentine), Best Score (Charles Previn) and Best Interior Decoration (Jack Otterson and Martin Obzina)

Cast: Deanna Durbin [Constance Harding], Robert Stack [Ted Drake], Eugene Pallette [James Clinton], Helen Parrish [Barbara Clinton], Lewis Howard [Walter Clinton], Leatrice Joy [Mrs. Grace Clinton], June Storey [Wilma van Everett], Frank Jenks [Mike, the Cop], Kathleen Howard [Miss Wiggins], Thurston Hall [Mr. Drake], Marcia Mae Jones [Marcia Parker], Samuel S. Hinds [Mr. Parker], Doris Lloyd [Mrs. Parker], Charles Coleman [George, the Butler], Jack Mulhall [Terry, the Chauffeur], Mary Treen [Agnes, Barbara's Maid], Dorothy Vaughan [Mrs. Clinton's Maid], Lucille Ward [Cook], Additional Cast: Jesse Royce Landis [Brunette Spinster], Bess Flowers [Bit]

Musical Program: [0:10] Home Sweet Home (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:23] Amapola (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:58] Spring in My Heart (sung by Deanna Durbin); [1:24] Puccini's Un bel di (One Fine Day) from MADAME BUTTERFLY (sung in English by Deanna Durbin)




Fisherman's Wharf top of page
Fisherman's Wharf
Principal Productions / RKO, 1939, B/W, 72 minutes, **½
Released February, 1939

A boy (Bobby Breen) adopted by a San Francisco fisherman decides to leave his home when the fisherman's sister-in-law moves in with her annoying son. Efforts are on to find Breen... but first, some musical numbers, including "Blue Italian Waters" and "Sell Your Cares for a Song." Leo Carrillo, Lee Patrick and Slicker the Seal also star.

Produced by: Sol Lesser
Directed by: Bernard Vorhaus
Assistant Director: John Sherwood
Screenplay by: Bernard Schubert, Ian Hunter and H. Clyde Lewis
Musical Supervision: Abe Meyer
Musical Direction: Victor Young
Vocal Arrangements: Max Terr
Songs: "Sell Your Cares for a Song" by Victor Young and Charles Newman; "Songs of Italy" by Frank Churchill and Paul F. Webster, "Fisherman's Chanty" by Farlan Meyers and William Howe
Backgrounds Directed by: Al Raboch
Background Photography: William Dietz
Art Director: Lewis J. Rachmil
Wardrobe: Maurice Friedman
Original Song Score: William Howe, Farian I. Myers, Charles Newman, Victor Young Italian Medleys Arranged by: Paul Francis Webster
Wardrobe: Morrie Friedman
Photography: Charles Schoenbaum
Sound Technician: Earl A. Wolcott
Film Editor: Arthur Hilton

Cast: Bobby Breen [Tony Roma], Leo Carrillo [Carlo Roma], Henry Armetta [Beppo], Lee Patrick [Stella], Rosina Galli [Angelina], Tommy Bupp [Rudolph], Leon Belasco [Luigi], George Humbert [Pietro], Slicker, the seal [Julius], Dorr's St. Luke's Choristers, Additional Cast: Neal Dodd [Minister], Leonard Kibrick, Pua Lani, Milo Marchetti, Jr., Ronald Paige, Jackie Salling [Tony's Gang Members]

Musical Program: [0:01] Torna a Surriento (sung by Bobby Breen and Chorus); [0:07] Sell Your Cares for a Song (sung by Bobby Breen and Chorus); [0:20] Fisherman's Chanty (chanted by Chorus dubbing for Carlo, family and friends, joined by Bobby Breen); [0:26] Songs of Italy medley: Ah! Marie / Santa Lucia / Funiculi Funicula (sung by Bobby Breen and his "Gang"); [0:49] Ombra mai fù (from the opera SERSE) (sung by Bobby Breen and Boys Choir); [1:08] Torna a Surriento (sung by Bobby Breen and Chorus)




Five Pennies, The top of page
The Five Pennies
Paramount, 1959, Color, 117 minutes, ***½
General release August, 1959

Danny Kaye stars as jazz great Red Nichols in this biopic that chronicles the stormy life of the '20s cornet wizard, including Nichols' domestic problems and musical triumphs. Barbara Bel Geddes, Tuesday Weld, Louis Armstrong, Bob Crosby co-star; tunes include "Good Night, Sleep Tight," "The Music Goes Round and Round," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Producer: Jack Rose
Associate Producer: Sylvia Fine
Executive Producer: Danny Kaye
Director: Melville Shavelson
Screenplay: Jack Rose and Melville Shavelson
(based on the life and career of Loring "Red" Nichols)
Musical Score: Leith Stevens
Music: Original music by Sylvia Fine
Art Direction: Hal Pereira, Tambi Larsen
Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Grace Gregory
Costume Design: Edith Head
Special Effects: John P. Fulton
Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp
Film Editing: Frank P. Keller

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Color Cinematography (Daniel L. Fapp), Best Costume Design, Color (Edith Head), Best Score, Musical (Leith Stevens) and Best Song ("The Five Pennies")

Cast: Danny Kaye [Loring "Red" Nichols], Barbara Bel Geddes [Bobbie Meredith], Louis Armstrong [Himself], Bob Crosby [Wil Paradise], Harry Guardino [Tony Valani], Susan Gordon [Dorothy Nichols, age 6-8], Tuesday Weld [Dorothy Nichols, age 12-14], Valerie Allen [Tommye Eden], Ray Anthony [Jimmy Dorsey], Shelly Manne [Dave Tough], Bobby Troup [Arthur Schutt], Ray Daly [Glenn Miller], Bob Hope [Himself, in cameo], Eileen Wilson [singing voice of Barbara Bel Geddes]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (medley of tunes from the film played by Orchestra); [0:03] My Blue Heaven (sung by Bob Crosby); [0:08] Ja-Da (instrumental in Harlem nightclub, danced by Danny Kaye and Barbara Bel Geddes); [0:10] unidentified instrumental (Louis Armstrong and His Band); [0:12] Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home (sung by Louis Armstrong, joined by Danny Kaye in audience); [0:16] unidentified instrumental (Louis Armstrong and His Band); [0:18] Battle Hymn of the Republic (sung by Louis Armstrong, played by Red Nichols for Danny Kaye with Louis Armstrong and His Band); [0:22] Carnival of Venice ("sung" by Danny Kaye imitating trumpet); [0:25] unidentified number (sung by Bob Crosby); [0:32] (Back Home Again In) Indiana (Radio show sequence sung by Danny Kaye with various singing groups); [0:40] Back Home Again in Indiana ("sung" by Danny Kaye and the Five Pennies imitating musical instruments); [0:42] Follow the Leader (sung by Danny Kaye, Eileen Wilson dubbing for Barbara Bel Geddes and Harry Guardino; danced by Danny Kaye and Barbara Bel Geddes at prom dance); [0:49] Lullaby in Ragtime (sung by Danny Kaye with the Five Pennies, joined by Barbara Bel Geddes); [0:52] The Music Goes 'Round and Around (sung by Danny Kaye with the Five Pennies); [0:57] The Five Pennies (sung by Danny Kaye to Dorothy); [1:04] Good Night Sleep Tight (sung by Louis Armstrong with his band); Good Night Sleep Tight / The Five Pennies (sung in counterpoint by Louis Armstrong, Danny Kaye and Susan Gordon); [1:07] When the Saints Go Marching In (sung and played by Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye - great!); [1:16] unidentified instrumental (traveling montage); [1:18] Jingle Bells (sung by Danny Kaye); [1:20] Barber of Seville (sung by Barber and Danny Kaye); [1:31] Schnitzelbank (sung by Danny Kaye and Children in hospital ward); [1:39] Back Home Again in Indiana (instrumental played by "Glenn Miller and His Orchestra"); [1:52] Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home (sung by Louis Armstrong with his band); [1:55] The Five Pennies (sung by Barbara Bel Geddes, danced by Danny Kaye and Tuesday Weld); [1:56] Battle Hymn of the Republic (played by Red Nichols for Danny Kaye with Louis Armstrong and His Band)




This web site is revised daily. Please check back often!



Flaming Star top of page
Flaming Star
20th Century-Fox, 1960, Color, 87 minutes, ***
Released December, 1960

West Texas in the years after the Civil War is an uneasy meeting ground of two cultures, one white the other native American. Elvis portrays Pacer Burton, the son of a white rancher (John McIntire) and his beautiful Kiowa Indian wife (Dolores Del Rio). When fighting breaks out between the settlers and natives, Pacer tries to act as a peace maker, but the "flaming star of death" pulls him irrevocably into the deadly violence.

Co-starring Barbara Eden, the soundtrack features Elvis's haunting performance of the title song. Considered by many critics as Elvis's best screen performance, this moving portrayal of a man caught between two cultures makes Flaming Star a monumental Presley classic!   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: David Weisbart
Directed by: Don Siegel
Assistant Director: Joseph E. Richards
Screenplay by: Clair Huffaker and Nunnally Johnson
Based on a novel by: Clair Huffaker
Technical Adviser: Colonel Tom Parker
Music: Cyril J. Mockridge
Conducted by: Lionel Newman
Orchestration: Edward B. Powell
Songs: "Flaming Star" by Sherman Edwards and Sid Wayne, "A Cane and a High Starched Collar" Sid Tepper and Roy Bennett
Vocal Accompaniment to Elvis Presley's Songs by: The Jordanaires
Dances Staged by: Josephine Earl
Art Direction: Duncan Cramer, Walter M. Simonds
Set Decorations: Walter M. Scott, Gustav Berntsen
Costumes Designed by: Adele Balkan
Makeup by: Ben Nye
Hair Styles by: Helen Turpin
Sound: E. Clayton Ward, Warren B. Delaplain
Director of Photography: Charles G. Clarke
Color by De Luxe
Film Editor: Hugh S. Fowler

Cast: Elvis Presley [Pacer Burton], Steve Forrest [Clint Burton], Barbara Eden [Roslyn Pierce], Dolores Del Rio [Neddy Burton], John McIntire [Pa Burton], Rudolph Acosta [Buffalo Horn], Karl Swenson [Dred Pierce], Ford Rainey [Doc Phillips], Richard Jaeckel [Angus Pierce], Anne Benton [Dorothy Howard], L. Q. Jones [Tom Howard], Douglas Dick [Will Howard], Tom Reese [Jute], Marian Goldina [Ph'sha Knay], Additonal Cast: Monte Burkhart [Ben Ford], Ted Jacques [Hornsby], Rodd Redwing [Indian Brave], Perry Lopez [Two Moons], Sharon Bercutt [Bird's Wing], Ray Beltram [Indian], Barbara Beaird [Dottie Phillips], Virginia Christine [Mrs. Phillips], Griswold Green, Tom Allen, Guy Way, Joe Brooks, William Herrin [Men at Crossing], The Jordanaires [Vocal Accompaniment]

Musical Program: [0:00] Flaming Star (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires behind titles); [0:04] A Cane and a High Starch Collar (sung and danced by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires and Ensemble)




Flashdance top of page
Flashdance
Polygram / Paramount, 1983, Color, 96 minutes, ***
Released April, 1983

A hit movie that became a cultural sensation, Flashdance delivers an electrifying mix of music, drama and dance that dazzles the senses as it touches the heart. Jennifer Beals stars as Alex Owens, a fiercely determined 18-year-old with one all-consuming dream: to study at the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance. Working during the day as a welder and at night as an exotic dancer, Alex bravely pursues her dream, undertaking an unforgettable journey that reveals the power of her convictions and teaches her the meaning of love. Directed by Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction, 9½ Weeks) and featuring the Oscar-winning song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," Flashdance is sparkling entertainment.   [from back of DVD case]

Most musicals on this web site have singing and dancing onscreen - that's one of my primary requirements for selection. However, the singing in this film is all offscreen, mostly from hit music (of the "punk rock" genre) popular at the time. I have included it because it was a major hit of the 1980s, and is typical of the form that most movie musicals took during that decade. [JJ]

Caution: may not make suitable family fare... contains some language, violence and nudity.

Produced by: Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer
Associate Producers: Tom Jacobson, Lynda Rosen Obst
Executive Producers: Peter Guber and Jon Peters
Directed by: Adrian Lyne
First Assistant Director: Albert Shapiro
Screenplay by: Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas
Story by: Tom Hedley
Original Music by: Giorgio Moroder
Arranged and Conducted by: Sylvestor Levay
Music Supervised by: Phil Ramone
Choreography: Jeffrey Hornaday
Production Designed by: Charles Rosen
Set Decorator: Marvin March
Costume Designer: Michael Kaplan
Make-Up Artist: Rick Sharp
Hair Stylist: Robert L. Stevenson
Director of Photography: Don Peterman
Color by Movielab
Film Editors: Bud Smith, Walt Mulconery

Awards: Academy Award for Academy Award Best Song ("Flashdance ... What a Feeling"); Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography (Don Peterman), Best Film Editing (Bud Smith and Walt Mulconery) and Best Song ("Maniac")

Cast: Jennifer Beals [Alex Owens], Michael Nouri [Nick Hurley], Lilia Skala [Hanna Long], Sunny Johnson [Jeanie Szabo], Kyle T. Heffner [Richie], Lee Ving [Johnny C.], Ron Karabatsos [Jake Mawby], Belinda Bauer [Katie Hurley], Malcolm Danare [Cecil], Phil Bruns [Frank Szabo], Micole Mercurio [Rosemary Szabo], Lucy Lee Flippin [Secretary], Don Brockett [Pete], The Flashdancers: Cynthia Rhodes [Tina Tech], Durga McBroom [Heels], Stacey Pickren [Margo], Liz Sagal [Sunny], The Rocksteady Crew: Norman Scott [Normski], Marc Lemberger [Mr. Freeze], Wayne Frost [Frosty Freeze], Kenneth Gabbert [Prince Ken Swift], Richard Colon [Crazy Legs], Mawby's Regulars: Robert Wuhl, Steve Price, Matt Landers, Darren Roy, Frank Pesce, Larry John Meyers [Welder #1], David Dimanna [Welder #2], Helen Dexter [Dancer at Repertory #1], Mark Anthony Moschello [Dancer at Repertory #2], Debra Gordon [Dancer at Repertory #3], Erika Leslie [Blonde Skater], Jim McCardle [Ice Rink Official #1], Ernie Tate [Ice Rink Official #2], Bettina Birnbaum [Stripper #1], Deidre L. Cowden [Stripper #2], Colin Hamilton [Maitre D'], Tony DeSantis [Waiter #2], Marjean Dennis [Woman at Restaurant], Bob Harks [Priest], Ann Muffly [Woman at Hanna Long's], Hank Crowell [Racquetball Player], Frank Tomasello [Harry], Victor Paul, George Robotham, John Robotham, Ted Grossman, George Fisher, Louie Elias [Stunts], Jumbo Red [Grunt], Marine Jahan [stand-in dancer for Jennifer Beals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Flashdance - What a Feeling (sung offscreen behind titles by Irene Cara); [0:04] He's A Dream (sung by Shandi offscreen, danced by Flashdancer onscreen); [0:13] Maniac (sung by Michael Sembello offscren, danced by Flashdancer onscreen); [0:26] Montage / Medley: I Love Rock 'n Roll (Gym number, sung by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts offscreen) / It's Just Begun (sung and played by Jimmy Castor and The Jimmy Castor Bunch offscreen, breakdancing by The Rocksteady Crew onscreen) / Traffic Cop number; [0:33] Manhunt (sung by Karen Kamon offscreen, danced by Flashdancer onscreen); [0:39] Figure Skating Competition: first performance by Erika Leslie / Gloria