Sally
Warner Bros. / First National, 1929, Color, 103 minutes, ***
Released December, 1929

Rare treat of a musical with legendary Marilyn Miller reprising her role in the original stage production. Features some of Jerome Kern's greatest work, though some of his songs were replaced with new tunes by Al Dubin and Joe Burke. Critics generally find fault with the film, saying it was a "tired" story and that it was not true to the original stage play. But, those of us who weren't around in the 1920s may find it a fascinating chance to see one of the legendary stars of the stage singing the music of Jerome Kern from one of his bigger hits. The only problem is, it is hard to find! Watch for it on TCM.

Producer: none credited
Director: John Francis Dillon
Screenplay: Waldemar Young (based on the stage musical by Guy Bolton and Jerome Kern)
Choreography: Larry Ceballos
Music Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Song Score: Jerome Kern; Al Dubin and Joe Burke
Art Director: Jack Okey
Costume Design: Edward Stevenson
Cinematography: Dev Jenninngs, C. Edgar Schoenbaum
Film Editing: LeRoy Stone

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Interior Decoration

Cast: Marilyn Miller [Sally], Alexander Gray [Blair Farrell], Joe E. Brown [Connie], T. Roy Barnes [Otis Hooper], Pert Kelton [Rosie], Ford Sterling ["Pops" Shendorff], Maude Turner Gordon [Mrs. Ten Brock], E. J. Ratcliffe [John Farquar], Jack Duffy [The Old Roue], Nora Lane [Marcia], Albertina Rasch Ballet

Musical Program: [0:11] unidentified instrumental (danced by Chorus Girls); [0:21] Look for the Silver Lining (Alexander Gray and Marilyn Miller); [0:27] Sally (Alexander Gray and Mens Chorus); [0:31] Look for the Silver Lining (sung and danced by Marilyn Miller and Joe E. Brown); [0:37] If I'm Dreaming, Don't Wake Me Up Too Soon (Alexander Gray and Marilyn Miller); [0:44] unidentified instrumental (danced by unidentified "rubber-legged" male dancer); [0:53] All I Want to Do Do Do Is Dance (sung and danced by Marilyn Miller); [1:03] Wild Rose (sung and danced by Marilyn Miller and Mens Chorus in color segment); [1:11] If I'm Dreaming, Don't Wake Me Up Too Soon (reprised by Alexander Gray and Marilyn Miller); [1:18] Walking Off Those Balkan Blues (instrumental number danced by Marilyn Miller); [1:25] Ziegfeld Girls parade (production number: Marilyn Miller dances, Chorus sings unidentified song)

Sally, Irene and Mary
20th Century-Fox, 1938, B/W, 86 minutes
Released March, 1938

Sally, Irene and Mary (Alice Faye, Joan Davis and Marjorie Weaver) are Broadway hopefuls that work as manicurists in Oscar's (Barnett Parker) shop. After climbing their way up via nightclubs, they finally get the money to put together their own show on a boat that has been converted to a floating restaurant. Of course, love complicates everything along the way...

Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Gene Markey
Director: William A. Seiter
Screenplay: Harry Tugend and Jack Yellen
(from a play by Edward Dowling and Cyrus Wood)
Musical Director: Arthur Lange
Song Score: Walter Bullock and Harold Spina
Choreography: Nick Castle, Geneva Sawyer
Art Direction: Bernard Herzbrun, Rudolph Sternad
Set Decoration: Thomas Little
Costume Design: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: Roger Heman Sr., Arthur von Kirbach
Cinematography: J. Peverell Marley
Film Editing: Walter Thompson

Cast: Alice Faye [Sally Day], Tony Martin [Tommy Randall], Fred Allen [Gabriel (Gabby) Green], Jimmy Durante [Jefferson Twitchell], Joan Davis [Irene Keene], Gregory Ratoff [Baron Zorka], Marjorie Weaver [Mary Stevens], Louise Hovick (aka Gypsy Rose Lee) [Joyce Taylor], Barnett Parker [Oscar], Mary Treen [Miss Barkow], J. Edward Bromberg [Pawnbroker], Eddie Collins [Captain], Andrew Tombes [Judge], Charles Wilson [Cafe Manager], The Brian Sisters [Themselves], Raymond Scott Quintet [Themselves]

Musical Program: Got My Mind on Music (Alice Faye); Sweet as a Song (Tony Martin); Minuet in Jazz (danced by Alice Faye with the Raymond Scott Quintet) [Alice's dance portion cut in recent prints]; Half Moon on the Hudson (Alice Faye and Tony Martin) [cut in more recent prints]; I Could Use a Dream (Tony Martin); This Is Where I Came In (Alice Faye); Who Stole the Jam? (Alice Faye, Joan Davis and the Brian Sisters); Help Wanted: Male (Joan Davis); Hot Potata (Jimmy Durante); Think Twice (Alice Fay) [outtake]

Romantic drama combines with humor, starpower combines with lavish spectacle and the walls come tumbling down! This Academy Award winning extravaganza's street-splitting, brick-cascading, fire-raging recreation of the cataclysmic earthquake remains "one of the greatest action sequences in the history of the cinema, rivalling the chariot race in both Ben Hurs" (Adrian Turner, Time Out Film Guide).

Clark Gable plays rakish Barbary Coast kingpin Blackie Norton. Jeanette MacDonald portrays a singer torn by her love for Blackie and her need to succeed among the operagoing elite. Earning the first of nine career Best Actor Oscar nominations, Spencer Tracy is a priest who supplements spiritual advice with a mean right hook. He urges Blackie to change. But if love and religion can't reform Blackie, Mother Natur will.   [from back of DVD case]

This is one of those rare musicals that is loaded with music from one end to the other and has a good story to go along with it. It's the story of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake (as portrayed by MGM, which means it's mostly fiction). Technically, it's not a musical, but it sure has a lot of music in it! Jeanette MacDonald is at her best, and this legendary film should not be missed by anyone who enjoys classic films - musical or otherwise. I mean, what a cast! Gable, Tracy and MacDonald! The spectacular earthquake scene rivals special effects of today.

It's interesting to note that MGM made a point of hiring many down-and-out actors and crew who had not been able to make the transition from silent films to "talkies," and many of them can be seen in the film here and there. Also, famed director D. W. Griffith helped direct the film.

The film begins with the statement: "San Francisco - guardian of the Golden Gate - stands today a queen among sea-ports - industrious, mature, respectable. But perhaps she dreams of the queen and city she was -- splendid and sensuous, vulgar and magnificent - that perished suddenly with a cry still heard in the hearts of those who knew her, at exactly Five-thirteen A. M. April 18, 1906." The Story begins in San Francisco on New Years Eve: December 31, 1905.

Produced by: John Emerson and Bernard H. Hyman
Director: W.S. Van Dyke II and D. W. Griffith
Screen Play by: Anita Loos
From the Story by: Robert E. Hopkins
Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart
Song: "San Franciso" by Gus Kahn, Bronislau Kaper, Walter Jurmann
Song: "Would You" by Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed
Musical Score: Edward Ward
Dances Staged by: Val Raset
Opreatic Sequences Staged by: William von Wymetal
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Arnold Gillespie, Harry McAfee, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Special Effects: James Basevi and A. Arnold Gillespie
Photographed by: Oliver T. Marsh
Montage Sequences: John Hoffman
Film Editor: Tom Held

Awards: Academy Award for Best Sound Recording; Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Spencer Tracy), Best Director, Best Original Story, Best Assistant Director (Joseph Newman)

Cast: Clark Gable [Blackie Norton], Jeanette MacDonald [Mary Blake], Spencer Tracy [Father Tim Mullin], Jack Holt [Jack Burley], Jessie Ralph [Mrs. Maisie Burley], Ted Healy [Mat], Shirley Ross [Trixie], Margaret Irving [Della Bailey], Harold Huber ["Babe"], Edgar Kennedy [Sheriff], Al Shean [Professor], Kenneth Harlan ["Chick"], Roger Imhof ["Alaska"], Charles Judels [Tony], Russell Simpson ["Red" Kelly], Bert Roach [Freddy Duane], Warren B. Hymer [Hazeltine], Additional Cast: William Ricciardi [Baldini], Frank Mayo [Dealer], Tandy MacKenzie [Faust], Tudor Williams [Mephistopheles], Spec O'Donnell [Man Praying], Bob McKenzie [Messenger], Adrienne d'Ambricourt [Mme. Albani], Nigel de Brulier [Old Man], Mae Digges, Nyas Berry [Dancers], John Kelly [Kelly], James Farley [Charlie], Pat O'Malley, Otho Wright [Firemen], Gertrude Astor [Drunk's Girl], Tom Dugan [Drunk], Vince Barnett [Drunk], Belle Mitchell [Mary's Maid], Fred M. Fagan [Waiter], W. J. O'Brien [Waiter], James Brewster, Samuel Glasser, John Pearson [Stooges], Jason Robards Sr. [Father], William "Billy" Newell [Man in Breadline], James Macklin [Young Man], Tom McGuire [Bartender], Wilbur Mack [Bartender], Harry Myers [Reveler], Edward Hearn [Parishioner], Henry Roquemore [Drinker], G. Pat Collins [Bartender], Harry Strang [Soldier], Vernon Dent [Fat Man], Irving Bacon [Picnicker], Orrin Burke [Pompous Man], David Thursby [Man], John "Skins" Miller [Man on Stretcher], Helen Shipman [Bit], George Guhl [Bit Man], Edward Earle [Bit Man], Maude Allen [Elderly Woman], Jack Baxley [Kinko], Carl Stockdale [Salvation Army Man], Anthony Jowitt [Society Man], Jane Barnes [Girl], Richard Carle, Oscar Apfel, Frank Sheridan, Ralph Lewis [Members of Founders' Club], Chester Gan [Jowl Lee], Jack Kennedy [Mike], Cy Kendall [Headwaiter], Don Rowan [Coast Type], Sherry Hall [Well-Wisher], Ben Taggart [Cop], Dennis O'Keefe [New Year's Celebrant], Charles Sullivan [Fire Spectator], Beatrice Roberts [Forrestal Guest], Bruce Mitchell [Heckler], Sidney Bracey [Burley's Butler], Tommy Bupp [Bill], Sam Ash [Orchestra Leader], Bud Geary [Man Restraining Blackie after Quake], George Magrill [Marine]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: includes "San Francisco;" [0:03] Auld Lang Syne / (There'll Be) A Hot Time in the Old Town (Tonight) / Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here (played in background by Orchestra, wild partying in the streets); [0:06] Happy New Year (excerpt sung and danced by Shirley Ross and Chorus Girls); [0:07] Noontime (?) (excerpt sung by Ted Healy, interrupted by flying tomatoes); [0:09] After the Ball (part of background score); [0:10] Love Me and the World Is Mine (a few bars sung by Jeannette MacDonald, demonstrating her singing ability for Blackie); [0:18] San Francisco (ballad version sung by Jeanette MacDonald; Blackie wants her to rag it, so she speeds up the tempo a bit); [0:22] A Heart That's Free (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:29] The Holy City (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Boys Choir); [0:25] San Francisco (sung by Shirley Ross, Jeanette McDonald and Chorus at political rally); [0:39] Would You (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra, danced by Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald); [0:42] Would You (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:56] opera excerpt^* (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:00] montage of opera sequences^* (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and accompanists); [1:07] Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-Der-E (played by Orchestra at The Paradise); [1:21] Sempre Libera (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:23] Would You (played by Orchestra in background during dialogue); [1:24] At a Georgia Camp Meeting (played by Orchestra, danced by Minstrels at the Chickens Ball); [1:27] The Philippine Dance (sung by The Golden Gate Trio at the Chickens Ball); [1:29] San Francisco (belted by Jeanette MacDonald and Audience at the Chickens Ball - rousing number!); [1:34] The Earthquake begins [1:50] Nearer My God To Thee (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus at a camp set up on a hill safely away from the burning city); [1:54] Battle Hymn of the Republic (Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus as the survivors march back to town after the fire burns itself out)

^*Opera Segments include: Jewel Song (and other excerpts from the opera FAUST); Sempre Libera (from the opera LA TRAVIATA); Me voilà toute seule; Air des bijoux (The Jewel Song); Soldiers' Chorus"; Il se fait tard; Anges Purs

Saturday Night Fever
Paramount, 1977, Color, 118 minutes, ***
Released December, 1977

Tony is an uneducated Brooklyn teenager. The highlight of his week is going to the local disco, where he is the king of the dancefloor. Tony meets Stephanie at the disco and they agree to dance together in a competition. Stephanie resists Tony's attempts to romance her, as she aspires to greater things; she is moving across the river to Manhattan. Gradually, Tony also becomes disillusioned with the life he is leading and he and Stephanie decide to help one another to start afresh.

Producer: Robert Stigwood
Associate Producer: Milt Felsen
Executive Producer: Kevin McCormick
Directed by: John Badham
Screenplay: Norman Wexler
Original Music by: Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb (Bee Gees)
Dance Numbers Designed and Staged by: Lester Wilson
Production Design by: Charles Bailey
Set Decoration by: George Detitta
Costume Design by: Patrizia Von Brandenstein
Makeup Artist: Henriquez
Hair Designer: Joe Tubens
Sound: John Caper Jr., Michael Colgan
Cinematography: Ralf D. Bode
Film Editing by: David Rawlins

Cast: John Travolta [Tony Manero], Karen Lynn Gorney [Stephanie Mangano], Barry Miller [Bobby C.], Joseph Cali [Joey], Paul Pape [Double J.], Donna Pescow [Annette], Bruce Ornstein [Gus], Julie Bovasso [Flo Manero], Martin Shakar [Frank Manero, Jr.], Sam J. Coppola [Dan Fusco], Nina Hansen [Grandmother], Lisa Peluso [Linda Manero], Denny Dillon [Doreen], Bert Michaels [Pete], Robert Costanza [Paint Store Customer], Robert Weil [Becker], Shelly Batt [Girl in Disco], Fran Drescher [Connie], Donald Gantry [Jay Langhart], Murray Moston [Haberdashery Salesman], William Andrews [Detective], Ann Travolta [Pizza Girl], Helen Travolta [Lady in Paint Store], Ellen March [Bartender], Monti Rock III [The Deejay], Val Bisoglio [Frank Manero, Sr.]

Musical Program: "Stayin' Alive" (performed by Bee Gees); "Night Fever" (performed by Bee Gees); "A Fifth of Beethoven" (adaptation of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony) (Walter Murphy); "Disco Inferno" (performed by The Trammps); "Salsation" (performed by David Shire); "If I Can't Have You" (performed by Yvonne Elliman); "Boogie Shoes" (performed by KC and The Sunshine Band); "Manhattan Skyline" (performed by David Shire); "More Than a Woman" (performed by Tavares, later performed by Bee Gees); "You Should Be Dancing" (performed by Bee Gees); "Night on Disco Mountain" (based on "Night On Bald Mountain" written by Modest Mussorgsky, performed by David Shire); "Open Sesame" (performed by Kool and The Gang); "K-Jee" (performed by M. F. S. B.); "How Deep Is Your Love" (performed by Bee Gees); "Dr. Disco" (performed by Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots); "Disco Duck" (performed by Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots); "Barracuda Hangout" (performed by David Shire); "Calypso Breakdown" (performed by Ralph MacDonald); "Jive Talkin'" (performed by Bee Gees); "Lowdown" (performed by Toto)

Say It with Songs
Warner Bros. / Vitaphone, 1929, B/W, 95 minutes
Released August, 1929

Behind bars... but still belting out a song! In Say It with Songs (1929), fate rolls snake eyes for dice-playing family man Joe Lane (Jolson). He does time for manslaughter, then returns home where new heartaches await. Through them all, Joe relies on his gift of song to express his pain and ultimate triumph.

Produced by: Darryl Francis Zanuck
Directed by: Lloyd Bacon
Screen Play by: Harvey Gates
Dialogue by: Joseph Jackson
Based on a story by Darryl F. Zanuck
Vitaphone Orchestra Conducted by: Louis Silvers
Sound: George Groves
Photography: Lee Garmes
Film Editing: Owen Marks

Cast: Al Jolson [Joe Lane], Davey Lee [Little Pal], Marian Nixon [Katherine], Holmes Herbert [Dr. Robert Merrill], Kenneth Thompson [Arthur Phillips], Fred Kohler [Fred, Joe's Cellmate], Frank Campeau [Officer], John Bowers [Dr. Byrnes], Additional Cast: Ernest Hilliard [Radio Station Employee], Arthur Hoyt [Mr. Jones], Claude Payton [Judge]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture [0:00] Interesting clips of shows on an early radio station, including a number for short excerpts of various songs; [0:27] Used to You (sung and whistled by Al Jolson); [0:32] Little Pal (sung by Al Jolson); [0:35] I'm in Seventh Heaven (sung by Al Jolson); [0:43] Why Can't You (sung by Al Jolson); [0:47] Why Can't You (reprised by Al Jolson); [0:56] Mem'ries of One Sweet Kiss (sung by Al Jolson); [1:00] Little Pal (sung by Al Jolson); [1:19] Little Pal (sung by Al Jolson on record player); [1:23] I'm in Seventh Heaven (sung by Al Jolson); Some sources indicate the following songs are in this film. They are not in the print used to make the laserdisk: Back in Your Own Backyard (sung by Al Jolson); I'm Ka-razy for You (sung by Al Jolson);

Scared Stiff
Paramount, 1953, B/W, 108 minutes
Released April, 1953

Bob Hope had done it before in the 1940's The Ghost Breakers. But in 1953, it was Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis' turn to make a spooktacle of themselves. They were scared silly in Scared Stiff, the sixth screen version of a Broadway hit originally penned by Paul Dickey and Charles W. Goddard. Of course, what mattered most to audiences was not the time-honored storyline but the all-new spin it was given by the stars' special blend of songs and comic mayhem. Laugh-happy moviegoers made Scared Stiff one of the year's top box-office hits.

Film noir queen Lizabeth Scott costars, portraying the heiress who leads the lads to her Caribbean castle. And, in her last film, Carmen Miranda joins the fun for several musical numbers.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis
Directed by: George Marshall
Assistant Director: C. C. Coleman, Jr.
Screenplay by: Herbert Baker and Walter DeLeon
Additional Dialogue by: Ed Simmons and Norman Lear
Based on a Play by: Paul Dickey and Charles W. Goddard ("Ghost Breakers")
Music Direction: Joseph J. Lilley
Music Score: Leith Stevens
New Songs by: Mack David and Jerry Livingston
Musical Numbers Staged by: Billy Daniel
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Franz Bachelin
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Ross Dowd
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Hugo Grenzbach and Walter Oberst
Director of Photography: Ernest Laszlo
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings and Paul Lerpae
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Editorial Supervision: Warren Low

Cast: Dean Martin [Larry Todd], Jerry Lewis [Myron Myron Mertz], Lizabeth Scott [Mary Carroll], Carmen Miranda [Carmelita Castina], George Dolenz [Mr. Cortega], Dorothy Malone [Rosie], William Ching [Tony Warren], Paul Marion [Carriso Twins dual role], Jack Lambert [Zombie], Tom Powers [Police Lieutenant], Tony Barr [Trigger], Leonard Strong [Shorty], Henry Brandon [Pierre], Hugh Sanders [Cop on Pier], Frank Fontaine [Drunk], Chester Conklin [Spaghetti Victim], Percy Helton [Hotel Guest at murder site], Bess Flowers [Nightclub Extra], Bob Hope [Himself], Bing Crosby [Himself]

Musical Program: [0:04] I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine (sung by Dean Martin, sung and danced by Chorus Girls); [0:07] You Hit the Spot (sung by Dean Martin); [0:12] What Have You Done for Me Lately? (sung by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis); [0:53] San Domingo (sung by Carmen Miranda and Band); [0:55] The Bongo Bingo (sung and danced by Carmen Miranda, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis); [1:00] When Someone Wonderful Thinks You're Wonderful (sung by Dean Martin); [1:12] Mama, Yo Quiero (sung by Jerry Lewis impersonating Carmen Miranda); [1:14] The Enchilada Man (production number sung and danced by Dorothy Malone, Dean Martin, Carmen Miranda, Jerry Lewis and Chorus)

Scrooge
Waterbury Films / National General (UK), 1970, Color, 118 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1970

The spirit of Christmas becomes a musical celebration of life in this rousing adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved family classic, "A Christmas Carol."

Mean-spirited and stingy, Ebeneezer Scrooge (Albert Finney) has a sour face and "humbug" for anyone who crosses his path. But on this Christmas Eve, he will learn the horrible fate that awaits him if he continues his miserly ways. One by one, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future take the startled Ebeneezer on an incredible journey through time - showing him in one magical night what takes most people a lifetime to learn.

Filled with eleven joyous songs and a supporting cast that includes Sir Alec Guinness, Dame Edith Evans and Kenneth More, this delightful tale is sure to enrich the lives of young and old alike for many more generations.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Robert H. Solo
Associate Producer: David W. Orton
Executive Producer: Leslie Bricusse
Production Manager: Ed Harper
Directed by: Ronald Neame
Assistant Director: Ted Sturgis
Screenplay by: Leslie Bricusse
Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Production Design: Terry Marsh
Music Conducted and Supervised by: Ian Fraser
Associate Musical Supervisor: Herbert W. Spencer
Music and Lyrics by: Leslie Bricusse
Musical Sequences Staged by: Paddy Stone
Production Design: Terry Marsh
Art Director: Bob Cartwright
Set Dresser: Pamela Cornell
Costume Designer: Margaret Furse
Makeup: George Frost
Hair Stylist: Bobbie Smith
Sound Supervisor: John Cox
Director of Photography: Oswald Morris
Special Effects: Wally Veevers
Special Effects Cameraman: Jack Mills
Filmed in Panavision, Colour by Humphries London
Prints by Technicolor
Film Editor: Peter Weatherley

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song Score, Best Song ("Thank You Very Much"), Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Best Costume Design

Cast: Albert Finney [Ebenezer Scrooge], Alec Guinness [Jacob Marley's Ghost], Edith Evans [Ghost of Christmas Past], Kenneth More [Ghost of Christmas Present], Paddy Stone [Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come], Laurence Naismith [Fezziwig], Michael Medwin [Nephew], David Collings [Bob Cratchit], Anton Rodgers [Tom Jenkins], Suzanne Neve [Isabel], Frances Cuka [Mrs. Cratchit], Derek Francis, Roy Kinnear [Portly Gentlemen], Mary Peach [Nephew's Wife], Kay Walsh [Mrs. Fezziwig], Gordon Jackson [Nephew's Friend], Richard Beaumont [Tiny Tim], Karen Scargill [Kathy Cratchit], Geoffrey Bayldon [Toyshop Owner], Molly Weir, Helena Gloag [Women Debtors], Reg Lever [Punch and Judy Man], Keith Marsh [Well Wisher], Marianne Stone [Party Guest]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra); [0:04] A Christmas Carol (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:06] Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (excerpts sung by Urchin Carolers); [0:15] Christmas Children (sung by David Collings, Richard Beaumont and Karen Scargill); [0:21] I Hate People (sung by Albert Finney); [0:25] Farver Chris'mas (sung by Urchins); [0:38] See the Phantoms (sung by Alec Guiness with Choir); [0:44] A Christmas Carol (sung by Children); [0:48] December the 25th (sung and danced by Laurence Naismith and Ensemble); [0:52] You...You... (sung by Albert Finney); [0:53] Happiness (sung by Suzanne Neve); [0:56] You...You... (continued by Albert Finney); [0:59] You...You... (continued by Albert Finney); [1:05] I Like Life (sung by Kenneth More); [1:13] The Beautiful Day (sung by Richard Beaumont); [1:18] The Minister's Cat (parlor game sung and danced by party guests); [1:21] Happiness (sung by Albert Finney, sung by Suzanne Neve in background); [1:26] For He's a Jolly Good Fellow (sung by Crowd); [1:27] Thank You Very Much (sung by Anton Rogers, Albert Finney and Chorus); [1:31] The Beautiful Day (reprised by Richard Beaumont in background); [1:40] I'll Begin Again (sung by Albert Finney); [1:45] I Like Life (sung by Albert Finney); [1:48] Farver Chris'mas (reprised by Albert Finney and Urchins); [1:51] Thank You Very Much (sung and danced by Anton Rogers, Albert Finney and Chorus); [1:56] A Christmas Carol (reprised by Chorus at end of film); [1:56] Exit Music

Second Chorus
Paramount, 1940, B/W, 84 minutes, ***
Premiere release December, 1940
General release January, 1941

Trumpet-playing college students Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith vie for a place in Artie Shaw's band and the attentions of Paulette Goddard in this breezy musical that features such tunes as "Would You Like to Be the Love of My Life?," "Poor Mr. Chisholm" and "I'm Yours."

NOTE: This film is apparently in the public domain. All VHS and DVDs available are mastered from prints; no studio-mastered VHS or DVD has been issued (to my knowledge).

Produced by: Boris Morros
Associate Producer: Robert Stillman
Production Manager: Joe Nadel
Directed by: H. C. Potter
Assistant Director: Edward Montagne
Associate Director: Frank Cavett
Screen Play by: Elaine Ryan and Ian McLellan Hunter
Contribution to Screen Play by: Johnny Mercer
Original Story by: Frank Cavett
Music by: Artie Shaw
Lyrics: Johnny Mercer
Associate Musical Director: Eddie Paul
Songs: "Would You Like to Be the Love of My Life" (by) Artie Shaw; "Poor Mr. Chisholm" (by) Bernard Hanighen; "Dig It" (by) Hal Borne
Dance Director: Hermes Pan
Art Director: Boris Levin
Set Dresser: Howard Bristol
Wardrobe: Helen Taylor
Sound Recorder: William Wilmarth
Director of Photography: Theodor Sparkuhl
Film Editor: Jack Dennis
Assistant: Fred Feitshans

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score (Artie Shaw) and Best Song ("Love of My Life", Johnny Mercer and Artie Shaw)

Cast: Fred Astaire [Danny O'Neill], Paulette Goddard [Ellen Miller], Artie Shaw [Artie Shaw], Charles Butterworth [Mr. Chisholm], Burgess Meredith [Hank Taylor], Frank Melton [Stu], Jimmy Conlin [Mr. Dunn], Don Brodie [Clerk], Marjorie Kane [Secretary], Joan Barclay [Receptionist], Willa Pearl Curtis [Scrubwoman], Additional Cast: Adia Kuznetzoff [Boris], Michael Visaroff [Sergai], Joseph Marievsky [Ivan], Billy Benedict [Ticket Taker], Ben Hall [Western Union Boy], Artie Shaw and His Band [Themselves]

Muscial Program: [0:00] unidentified instrumental number (played by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Sugar (instrumental by Danny O'Neill's Perennials, Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith on Trumpet [onscreen]); [0:11] Everything's Jumping (instrumental played by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra); [0:14] Dig It (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Paulette Goddard); [0:22] Sweet Sue (instrumental played by Danny O'Neill's Perennials, Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith on Trumpet [onscreen]); [0:33] Love of My Life (sung by Fred Astaire accompanied by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra offscreen); [0:39] I'm Yours (instrumental played by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra, Fred Astaire [onscreen] playing bad notes scribbled in by Burgess Meredith); [0:41] Double Mellow (instrumental by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra, Burgess Meredith on trumpet [onscreen]); [0:45] The New Moon Is Shining (played by Russian band with Fred Astaire [onscreen], danced by Fred Astaire); [0:47] Love of My Life (played by Russian band, sung by Fred Astaire partially with non-sensical lyrics); [0:50] Beautiful Dreamer (sung by Charles Butterworth, Paulette Goddard on piano [onscreen], Charles Butterworth on mandolin [onscreen]); [0:57] Poor Mr. Chisholm (sung by Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith, Fred Astaire at the piano [onscreen]); [1:02] Hoe Down the Bayou (played by Fred Astaire on piano [onscreen], with commentary by Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith); [1:06] Poor Mr. Chisholm (reprised by Fred Astaire); [1:09] Concerto for Clarinet (instrumental played by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra); [1:18] Hoe Down the Bayou (played by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra conducted by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire); [1:23] Love of My Life (reprised by Fred Astaire, instrumental reprise under end-credits)

Second Fiddle
(aka Irving Berlin's Second Fiddle)
20th Century-Fox, 1939, B/W, 86 minutes, ***½
Released June, 1939

Minnesota schoolteacher Sonja Henie is tapped for Hollywood stardom by studio press agent Tyrone Power. Power creates a staged romance between Henie and co-star Rudy Vallee, but when she learns the love letters she's been receiving are fake, she heads back home with true admirer Power following her. The Irving Berlin score includes "Back to Back" and "I Poured My Heart Into Song.

This is a great film. Sonja gets some wonderful skating scenes, and it's a fun story spoofing the trouble MGM had in finding the female lead for "Gone with the Wind." In this case, the lead goes to Sonja, who is a school marm from a small town in Minnesota - you know, a real hick. But she learns Hollywood politics as fast as she learns her lines and soon becomes someone to reckon with! Lots of fun with Sonja, Ty Power, Rudey Vallee and the incomparable Edna May Oliver!

Produced by: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Gene Markey
Directed by: Sidney Lanfield
Screen Play by: Harry Tugend
Based on a Story by: George Bradshaw
Lyrics and Music by: Irving Berlin
Musical Director: Louis Silvers
Skating Ensembles Staged by: Harry Losee
Art Direction: Richard Day, Hans Peters
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Costumes: Royer
Sound: W. D. Flick, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Film Editor: Robert L. Simpson

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("I Poured My Heart Into a Song")

Cast: Sonja Henie [Trudi Hovland], Tyrone Power [Jimmy Sutton], Rudy Vallee [Roger Maxwell], Edna May Oliver [Aunt Phoebe], Mary Healy [Jean Varick], Lyle Talbot [Willie Hogger], Alan Dinehart [George "Whit" Whitney], Minna Gombell [Jenny], Stewart Reburn [Skating Partner], Spencer Charters [Joe Clayton], Charles Lane [Voice of Chief], The Brian Sisters [Specialty], John Hiestand [Announcer], George Chandler [Taxi Driver], Irving Bacon [Justice of the Peace], Maurice Cass [Justice of the Peace], The King Sisters [Specialty]

Musical Program: [0:05] An Old Fashioned Tune Always Is New (sung by Rudy Vallee and Girls Chorus); [0:11] The Song of the Metronome (sung by the Brian Sisters and Childrens Chorus); [0:18] The Song of the Metronome (instrumental arrangement skated by Sonja Henie and Children); [0:33] Back to Back (sung by Mary Healy, danced by mixed Chorus and nightclub patrons, including Rudy Vallee with Sonja Henie and Ty Power with Edna May Oliver); [0:49] When Winter Comes (instrumental portion skated by Sonja Henie and Stewart Reburn on a beautiful black-and-white set; final chorus sung by Rudy Vallee); [0:54] I Poured My Heart Into a Song (sung by Tyrone Power as he composes the song); [0:57] I Poured My Heart Into a Song (instrumental arrangement danced by Rudy Valle and Sonja Henie, then sung by Rudy Vallee); [1:03] I'm Sorry for Myself (sung by Mary Healy, unidentified male quintet, the King Sisters and Chorus); [1:13] I Poured My Heart Into a Song (instrumental arrangement skated by Sonja Henie)

For more information see:


Sonja Henie Snapshot
Visit this Class Act Sister Site!

Walter Mitty, a daydreaming accountant with an overprotective mother, likes to imagine himself as a hero experiencing great adventures. His dream becomes true when he accidently meets a mysterious woman who hands him a little black book. According to her it contains the locations of the Dutch crown jewels hidden since World War II. Soon Mitty finds himself in the middle of a confusing conspiracy and has to admit that being a hero in real life isn't that easy.

Produced by: Samuel Goldwyn
Directed by: Norman Z. McLeod
Screen Play by: Ken Englund and Everett Freeman
From a story by James Thurber
Words and Music for "Symphony for Unstrung Tongue" and "Anatole of Paris" by Sylvia Fine
Music: David Raksin
Musical Direction: Emil Newman
Art Direction: George Jenkins, Perry Ferguson
Set Decorations: Casey Roberts
Costume Designer: Sharaff
Makeup: Robert Stephanoff
Hair Stylist: Marie Clark
Sound Recorder: Fred Lau
Director of Photography: Lee Garmes
Special Effects: John Tulton
In Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Mitchell Kovaleski
Film Editor: Monica Collingwood

Cast: Danny Kaye [Walter Mitty], Virginia Mayo [Rosalind van Hoorn], Boris Karloff [Dr. Hollingshead], Fay Bainter [Mrs. Mitty], Ann Rutherford [Gertrude Griswald], Thurston Hall [Bruce Pierce], Gordon Jones [Tubby Wadsworth], Florence Bates [Mrs. Griswald], Konstantin Shayne [Peter van Hoorn], Reginald Denny [Colonel], Henry Corden [Hendrick], Doris Lloyd [Mrs. Follinsbee], Fritz Feld [Anatole], Frank Reicher [Maasdam], Milton Parsons [Butler], The Goldwyn Girls [Models], Additional Cast: Mary Forbes [Mrs. Pierce], Helen Jerome Eddy [Lingerie Saleswoman], Bess Flowers [Illustrator]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:21] Symphony for Unstrung Tongue (The Little Fiddle) (performed by Danny Kaye and Orchestra); [1:11] Anatole of Paris (performed by Danny Kaye); "Beautiful Dreamer" is a theme in the background score.

Sensations
(aka "Sensations of 1945"; title reel reads "Sensations")
Astor Pictures / United Artists, 1944, B/W, 86 minutes, **½
Released June, 1944

Campy musical stars Eleanor Powell, Dennis O'Keefe, C. Aubrey Smith, W. C. Fields, Cab Calloway, Sophie Tucker and Eugene Pallette. Loaded with specialty numbers; contains the now-famous number where Eleanor tap-dances her way inside a giant pinball machine.

Eleanor Powell dreams up a publicity stunt for her nightclub act and ends up a partner in a publicity firm that specializes in sensationalistic publicity stunts. The film is a revue tied together with a light-weight plot, similar to Golddiggers, Broadway Melody and other of their ilk.

The circus acts are fun - especially the tightwire walker. And the music is GREAT! But other than that there isn't really much of interest in this last feature for Eleanor Powell. She made a guest appearance in Duchess of Idaho (1950), but this was her last starring role. She did keep busy with nightclub work, however, for many years.

This one is driving me crazy... trying to identify all the musical numbers and performers!

Produced and Directed by: Andrew Stone
Associate Producer: James Nasser
Production Manager: Carley Harriman
Assistant Director: Henry Kesler
Screen Play: Dorothy Bennett
Original Story: Frederick Jackson
Musical Direction: Mahlon Merrick
Ten Original Songs: Music by Al Sherman, Lyrics by Harry Tobias
Dances and Choreography: David Lichine
Associate Choreographer: Charles O'Curran
Art Direction: Charles Odds
Interior Decorator: Maurice Yates
Costume Design: Eleanor Behm
Make-up: Ted Larsen
Hairdresser: Scotty Rackin
Sound Technician: William Lynch
Directors of Photography: Peverell Marley, John Mescall
Film Editor: James E. Smith

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score (Musical)

Cast: Eleanor Powell [Ginny Walker], Dennis O'Keefe [Junior Crane], C. Aubrey Smith [Dan Lindsay], Eugene Pallette [Gus Crane], Mimi Forsythe [Julia Westcott], Lyle Talbot [Randall], Hubert Castle [The Great Gustafson], Richard Hageman [Pendergast], Marie Blake [Miss Grear], Stanley Andrews [Mr. Collins], Joe Devlin [Silas Hawkins], George Humbert [Martinelli], Anthony Warde [Moroni], Ruth Lee [Mrs. Gustafson], Louise Currie [English Girl], Betty Wells [Girl in Penny Arcade], Bert Roach [Photographer], Grandon Rhodes [Doctor], Earle Hodgins [Detective], Constance Purdy [Mme. Angostina], W. C. Fields, Sophie Tucker, Dorothy Donegan, The Christianis, The Pallenberg Bears [Novelty Act], Cab Calloway and His Band, Woody Herman and His Orchestra, David Lichine, Wendell Niles, Gene Rodgers, The Les Paul Three, The Flying Copelands, Mel Hall, The Johnson Brothers, Willie Pratt [Guests]

Program: [0:00] Overture [0:02] unidentified instrumental (danced by Eleanor Powell and unidientified male dancer); [0:16] unidentified instrumental (played by Woody Herman and His Orchestra); [0:19] Circus in the Sky (sung and danced by Chorus Girls with gymnastics, juggling and other acts... a complete miniature circus); [0:30] The Great Gustafson walks a tight wire across the Royal Gorge in Colorado -- great F/X!; [0:38] Cab Calloway segment: We the Cats Shall Hep You (performed by Cab Calloway and His Band); [0:41] Mister Hepster's Dictionary (Cab Calloway and His Band); [0:44] Blanche Calloway (?) lady playing piano joined by a man... classical music seguing into swing - part of the Cab Calloway segment; jitterbuggers blocking traffic in Times Square cuz show is being broadcast on the big screen; it's great music!; [0:51] Penny Arcade Segment: No, Never (sung by Betty Wells and Les Paul); [0:56] Spin Little Pin Ball (sung by Woody Herman with His Orchestra, danced by Eleanor Powell as a pin ball in a giant pinball machine); [1:02] W. C. Fields skit with Louise Currie (a rather sad performance for his final film appearance before his death in 1946); [1:06] You Can't Sew a Button on a Heart (performed by Sophie Tucher); [1:11] Mammy o' Mine (sung by Sophie Tucker); [1:15] Divine Lady (instrumental played by Woody Herman and His Orchestra; danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus; loads of girls doing cartwheels and splits; Eleanor Powell dances with a horse); [1:24] Sensations (sung by Chorus, danced by Eleanor Powell)

Serenade
Warner Bros., 1956, Color, 121 minutes
Released March, 1956

"Don't let anything sidetrack you," the impresario (Vincent Price) tells his new discovery. The young tenor (Mario Lanza) doesn't know it but he's already careening off the tracks. He's fallen for a socialite (Joan Fontaine) who uses men like pawns in her game of love.

A rising opera star's life is as turbulent as the on-stage roles he plays in this emotion-swept musical drama based on a James M. Cain novel and filmed almost entirely in Mexico. As the young vocalist who emerges from the obscurity of the vineyards, Lanza impressively hoists the lead role onto his wide shoulders. In a dazzling display of the power that made him a sensation of the musical screen, the renowned tenor sings "Ave Maria," excerpts from "La Bohéme," "Don Giovanni," "Otello" and "Il Trovatore," plus other selections from a long songlist, including "Serenade" and "My Destiny," written for the film by Nicholas Brodszky and Sammy Cahn. Bravo, Mario!   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Producer: Henry Blanke
Director: Anthony Mann
Screenplay: Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts and John Twist
(based on the novel by James M. Cain)
Song Score: Nicholas Brodszky and Sammy Cahn
Art Direction: Edward Carrere
Set Decoration: William Wallace
Costume Design: Howard Shoup
Cinematography: J. Peverell Marley
Film Editing: William H. Ziegler

Cast: Mario Lanza [Damon Vincenti], Joan Fontaine [Kendall Hale], Sarita Montiel [Juana Montes], Vincent Price [Charles Winthrop], Joseph Calleia [Maestro Marcatello], Harry Bellaver [Monte], Vince Edwards [Marco Roselli], Silvio Minciotti [Lardelli], Frank Puglia [Manuel], Edward Platt [Carter], Frank Yaconelli [Giuseppe], Mario Siletti [Sanroma], Maria Serrano [Rosa], Eduardo Noriega [Felipe], Jean Fenn [Soprano], Joseph Vitale [Baritone], Victor Romito [Bass], Norma Zimmer [Mimi in "La Bohème"], Licia Albanese [Desdemona in "Otello"], Francis Barnes [Iago in "Otello"], Lillian Molieri [Tosca in "Tosca"], Laura Mason [Fedora in "Fedora"], Richard Cable [Shepherd Boy in "L'Arlesiana"], Richard Lert [Conductor in "L'Arlesiana"], Jose Govea [Paco], Antonio Triana [Man in the Bull], Nick Mora [Luigi the Waiter], Joe DeAngelo, William Fox, Jack Santoro [Busboys], Mickey Golden [Cabdriver], Elizabeth Flournoy [Elevator Operator], Creighton Hale [Assistant Stage Manager], Martha Acker [American Woman], Jose Torvay [Mariachi Leader], Don Turner [Bus Driver], Johnstone White [Hughes, the Butler], Ralph Volkie [Cop], Vincent Padula [Pagnil], Stephen Bekassy [Hanson], Leo Mostovoy [Chief], Martin Garralaga [Romero], Perk Lazello, April Stride, Diane Gump [Party Guests]

Musical Program: Serenade (Mario Lanza); My Destiny (Mario Lanza); Torna a Sorrento (Mario Lanza); Nessun dorma (from the opera TURANDOT, sung by Mario Lanza); Ave Maria (Mario Lanza); Italian Tenor Aria (from the opera DER ROSENKAVALIER, sung by Mario Lanza); Lamento di Federico (from the opera L'ARLESIANA, sung by Mario Lanza); Amor ti vieta (from the opera FEDORA, sung by Mario Lanza); Il mio tesoro (from the opera DON GIOVANNI, sung by Mario Lanza); La Danza (Mario Lanza); Di quella pira (from the opera IL TROVATORE, sung by Mario Lanza); O Paradiso, sorti de l'onde (from the opera L'AFRICAINE, sung by Mario Lanza); O soave fanciulla (from the opera LA BOHÉME, sung by Mario Lanza and Jean Fenn); Dio ti giocondi (from the opera OTELLO, sung by Mario Lanza and Licia Albanese)

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
(aka Sergeant Pepper's)
Geria / Universal, 1978, Color, 111 minutes, ***
Released July, 1978

Legend has it that during World War I, enemies would lay down their arms each time Sgt. Pepper and His Lonely Hearts Club Band played. It was later discovered that Sgt. Pepper's musical instruments had the power to make dreams come true.

Twenty years later, Sgt. Pepper's grandson carries on the tradition of the Lonely Hearts Club Band. But as the band gains fame, they also gain enemies.

Patricia Birch choreographed and Michael Schultz directed this musical wonder that features several rock groups and many surprise stars such as Donald Pleasence, Steve Martin and George Burns along with a super score consisting of many magical Beatles' hits by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Robert Stigwood
Associate Producer: Bill Oakes
Executive Producer: Dee Anthony
Executive in Charge of Production: Roger M. Rothstein
Directed by: Michael Schultz
Assistant Director: L. Andrew Stone
Written by: Henry Edwards
Music and Lyrics by: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
"Here Comes the Sun" Music and Lyric by George Harrison
Stage Production Conceived and Adapted by: Robin Wagner and Tom O'Horgan
Music Arranged and Directored by: George Martin
Production Designer: Brian Eatwell
Choreography by: Patricia Birch
Associate Choreographer: Harry Naughton
Set Decorator: Marvin March
Costume Design: May Routh
Make-up Artist: Ben Nye II
Hair Stylist: Kathy Blondell
Director of Photography: Owen Roizman
Special Effects: Phil Cory
Filmed in Panavision, Color by Technicolor
Edited by: Christopher Holmes

Cast: Peter Frampton [Billy Shears], Barry Gibb [Mark Henderson], Robin Gibb [Dave Henderson], Maurice Gibb [Bob Henderson], Frankie Howerd [Mean Mr. Mustard], Paul Nicholas [Dougie Shears], Donald Pleasence [B. D. Brockhurst], Introducing Sandy Farina [Strawberry Fields], Dianne Steinberg [Lucy], Steve Martin [Dr. Maxwell Edison], Aerosmith [Future Villain], Alice Cooper [Father Sun], Earth, Wind and Fire [Benefit Performers], Billy Preston [Sgt. Pepper], Stargard [The Diamonds], George Burns [Mr. Kite / Narrator], Carel Struycken [The Brute], Patti Jerome [Saralinda Shears], Max Showalter [Ernest Shears], John Wheeler [Mr. Fields], Jay W. MacIntosh [Mrs. Fields], Eleanor Zee [Mrs. Henderson], Scott Manners [Young Sgt. Pepper], Stanley Coles, Stanley Sheldon, Bob Mayo [Young Lonely Hearts Club Band], Woodrow Chambliss [Old Sgt. Pepper], Hank Worden, Morgan Farley, Delos V. Smith [Old Lonely Hearts Club Band], Pat Cranshaw [Western Union Messenger], Teri Lynn Wood [Bonnie], Tracy Justrich [Tippy], Anna Rodzianko, Rose Aragon [The Computerettes], Peter Allen, Keith Allison, George Benson, Elvin Bishop, Stephen Bishop, Jack Bruce, Keith Carradine, Carol Channing, Charlotte, Sharon and Ula, Jim Dandy, Sarah Dash, Rick Derringer, Barbara Dickson, Donovan, Randy Edelman, Yvonne Elliman, Jose Feliciano, Leif Garrett, Geraldine Granger, Adrian Gurvitz, Billy Harper, Eddie Harris, Heart, Nona Hendryx, Barry Humphries, Etta James, Dr. John, Bruce Johnston, Joe Lala, D. C. LaRue, Joe Leb, Marcy Levy, Mark Lindsay, Nils Lofgren, Jackie Lomax, John Mayall, Curtis Mayfield, Cousin Bruce Morrow, Peter Noone, Alan O'Day, Lee Oskar, The Paley Brothers, Robert Palmer, Wilson Pickett, Anita Pointer, Bonnie Raitt, Helen Reddy, Minnie Riperton, Chita Rivera, Johnny Rivers, Monte Rock III, Danielle Rowe, Sha-Na-Na, Del Shannon, Joe Simon, Seals & Croft, Connie Stevens, Al Stewart, John Stewart, Tina Turner, Frankie Valli, Gwen Verdon, Diane Vincent, Grover Washington, Jr., Hank Williams, Jr., Johnny Winter, Wolfman Jack, Bobby Womack, Alan White, Lenny White, Margaret Whiting, Gary Wright [Our Guests at Heartland]

Musical Program: [0:00] Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (played by Marching Band); [0:05] Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (sung by Bee Gees and Paul Nicholas); [0:07] With a Little Help from My Friends (sung by Peter Frampton and Bee Gees); [0:10] Fixing a Hole (sung by George Burns); [0:12] Getting Better (sung by Peter Frampton and Bee Gees); [0:16] Here Comes the Sun (sung by Sandy Farina); [0:20] I Want You (She's So Heavy) (sung by Bee Gees, Dianne Steinberg, Paul Nicholas, Donald Pleasance and Stargard); [0:30] Good Morning, Good Morning (sung by Paul Nicholas, Peter Frampton and Bee Gees); [0:32] Nowhere Man (sung by Bee Gees); [0:34] Polythene Pam (sung by Bee Gees); [0:35] She Came in through the Bathroom Window (sung by Peter Frampton and Bee Gees); [0:37] Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (reprise) (sung by Peter Frampton and Bee Gees); [0:39] Mean Mr. Mustard (sung by Frankie Howerd); [0:43] She's Leaving Home (sung by Bee Gees, Jay MacIntosh and John Wheeler); [0:47] Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (sung by Dianne Steinberg and Stargard); [0:51] Oh Darling (sung by Robin Gibb); [0:55] Maxwell's Silver Hammer (sung by Steve Martin); [1:01] Because (sung by Alice Cooper and Bee Gees); [1:05] Strawberry Fields Forever (sung by Sandy Farina); [1:09] Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite (sung by Maurice Gibb, Peter Frampton, Bee Gees and George Burns); [1:13] You Never Give Me Your Money (sung by Paul Nicholas and Dianne Steinberg); [1:16] Got to Get You into My Life (sung by Earth, Wind & Fire); [1:22] When I'm 64 (sung by Frankie Howerd and Sandy Farina); [1:25] Come Together (sung by Aerosmith); [1:30] Golden Slumbers (sung by Peter Frampton); [1:32] Carry That Weight (sung by Bee Gees); [1:34] The Long and Winding Road (sung by Peter Frampton); [1:37] A Day in the Life (sung by Barry Gibb and Bee Gees); [1:41] Get Back (sung and danced by Billy Preston); [1:44] Finale: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (sung by the Guests of Heartland); [1:46] She Came in Through the Bathroom Window, Sgt. Pepper's Heart Club Band [sung by The Beatles behind end credits]

Jane Powell and Howard Keel are exuberant as the rapturous Oregon frontier newlyweds singing love songs by Johnny Mercer and Gene De Paul from Adolph Deutsch's Academy Award-winning score. The rollicking M-G-M musical, directed by Stanley Donen, garnered four additional Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Screenplay.

When Milly (Powell) discovers that her bridal cottage is also home to Adam's (Keel) six strapping backwoods bachelor brothers, she gives them a crash course in romancing and grooming and dispatches them to town to find wives. The adventure really begins when they court six beautiful girls. Stephen Vincent Benet's wry tale "The Sobbin' Women" inspired the rip-roaring screen version by Albert Hackett & Frances Goodrich and Dorothy Kingsley.

New York City Ballet star Jacques d'Amboise, West Side Story's Russ Tamblyn, and principal dancers from Broadway and Hollywood sparkle in the vigorous choreography of famed Michael Kidd (Guys and Dolls and Broadway's "Can-Can").
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Really fun movie with some fantastic music and dancing! The Barn-raising Ballet is one of the best dance numbers ever filmed! Though it was a "back-lot production," this was MGM's biggest hit of 1954.

The Couples are: Howard Keel and Jane Powell [Adam and Milly], Jeff Richards and Julie Newmeyer [Benjamin and Dorcas], Matt Mattox and Ruta Kilmonis [Caleb and Ruth], Marc Platt and Norma Doggett [Daniel and Martha], Jacques D'Amboise and Virginia Gibson [Ephraim and Liza], Tommy Rall and Betty Carr [Frank and Sarah], Russ Tamblyn and Nancy Kilgas [Gideon and Alice]

Setting: Oregon Territory, 1890.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Stanley Donen
Assistant Director: Ridgeway Callow
Screen Play by: Albert Hackett & Frances Goodrich and Dorothy Kingsley
Based on the Story "The Sobbin' Women" by Stephen Vincent Benet
Musical Direction: Adolph Deutsch
Musical Supervision: Saul Chaplin
Lyrics by: Johnny Mercer
Music by: Gene DePaul
Orchestrations: Alexander Courage, Conrad Salinger and Leo Arnaud
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Michael Kidd
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Urie McCleary
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Hugh Hunt
Costumes Designed by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: George Folsey
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Filmed in CinemaScope, Color by Ansco
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Film Editor: Ralph E. Winters

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score, Musical (Adolph Deutsch and Saul Chaplin). Academy Award Nominations for Best Picture, Best Screenplay (Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, Dorothy Kingsley), Best Color Cinematography (George Folsey) and Best Film Editing (Ralph E. Winters)

Ranked 21 in the AFI's Greatest Movie Musicals

Cast: Howard Keel [Adam Pontipee], Jane Powell [Milly], Jeff Richards [Benjamin Pontipee], Julie Newmeyer [Newmar] [Dorcas], Russ Tamblyn [Gideon Pontipee], Nancy Kilgas [Alice], Tommy Rall [Frank Pontipee], Betty Carr [Sarah], Marc Platt [Daniel Pontipee], Virginia Gibson [Liza], Matt Mattox [Caleb Pontipee], Ruta Kilmonis (aka Ruta Lee) [Ruth], Jacques d'Amboise [Ephraim Pontipee], Norma Doggett [Martha], Ian Wolfe [Rev. Elcott], Howard Petrie [Pete Perkins], Earl Barton [Harry], Dante DiPaolo [Matt], Kelly Brown [Carl], Matt Moore [Ruth's Uncle], Dick Rich [Dorcas' Father], Marjorie Wood [Mrs. Bixby], Russell Simpson [Mr. Bixby], Additional Cast: Anna Q. Nilsson [Mrs. Elcott], Larry Blake [Drunk], Lois Hall [Girl], Jarma Lewis [Lem's Girlfriend], Walter Beaver [Lem], Sheila James [Dorcas' Sister]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] Bless Your Beautiful Hide (sung by Howard Keel); [0:13] Wonderful, Wonderful Day (sung by Jane Powell); [0:26] When You're in Love (sung by Jane Powell); [0:34] Goin' Co'tin' (sung and danced by Jane Powell, Tommy Rall, Russ Tamblyn, Marc Platt, Matt Mattox, Jacques D'Amboise, Jeff Richards, Howard Hudson, Gene Lanham and Robert Wacker); [0:40] Barn Dance (instrumental, danced by principles and ensemble); [0:55] When You're in Love (reprised by Howard Keel); [0:57] Lament (Lonesome Polecat) (sung and danced by Matt Mattox, Tommy Rall, Russ Tamblyn, Marc Platt, Jacques D'Amboise, Jeff Richards and the MGM Studio Chorus); [1:03] Sobbin' Women (sung by Howard Keel, Tommy Rall, Russ Tamblyn, Matt Mattox, Marc Platt, Jeff Richards, Jacques D'Amboise [onscreen] with C. Parlato, Robert Wacker, Gene Lanham and M. Spergel, Alan Davies [offscreen]); [1:23] June Bride (sung and danced by Virginia Gibson, Julie Newmeyer, Nancy Kilgas, Betty Carr, Ruta Kilmonis and Norma Doggett [onscreen], Virginia Gibson, Barbara Ames, Betty Allan, Betty Noyes, Marie Vernon and Norma Zimmer [offscreen]); [1:27] Spring, Spring, Spring (sung by Tommy Rall, Betty Carr, Jeff Richards, Julie Newmeyer, Marc Platt, Norma Doggett, Matt Mattox, Ruta Kilmonis, Jacques D'Amboise, Virginia Gibson, Russ Tamblyn and Nancy Kilgas [onscreen]; Howard Keel, Tommy Rall, Russ Tamblyn, Matt Mattox, Alan Davies, C. Parlato, Robert Wacker, Gene Lanham, M. Spergel, Bill Lee, Virginia Gibson, Barbara Ames, Betty Allan, Betty Noyes, Marie Vernon and Norma Zimmer [offscreen]); [1:41] Bless Your Beautiful Hide (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra at end of movie and behind end credits)

The Seven Hills of Rome
aka Arrivederci Roma
LeCloud / Titanus / MGM, 1958, Color, 104 minutes, ***
Released January, 1958

Sumptuous photography, sensational singing from one of the world's greatest tenors and a sentimental story line make this film a cinematic and musical delight.

Marc Revere (Mario Lanza), a popular American TV singer, is in Rome searching for his jet-setting fiancée Carol (Peggie Castle). He moves in with his cousin Pepe (Renato Rascel), a struggling artist who always has room for another kindred soul. They befriend a beautiful young girl (Marisa Allasio), and soon it's music and dance all night long. Marc starts singing at local clubs and in no time he's drawing huge crowds. But when Carol shows up, complications arise because Rafaella has fallen in love with her handsome American hero, Marc.

Directed by Roy Rowland (Meet Me in Las Vegas), written by Art Cohn and Giorgio Prosperi, and filmed entirely on location in beautiful Rome, this "vocal tour-de-force" (Variety) for Lanza is based on a story by Giuseppe Amato.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Features many wonderful shots of Rome, including a helicopter tour! Mario is in great voice and Rascel is a lot of fun. Lots of great music!

Interesting that the film has several scenes which could almost be right out of the novel The Ugly American by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer, which was originally published the same year. In the movie, a group of American tourists that Mario and Renato meet up with can talk about nothing but wanting to go home, complaining about nearly everything in Rome. Renato makes some comment to the effect that Rome should have a restaurant that serves hamburgers and hotdogs - just for Americans. These scenes must surely refer to the book. If you haven't read this book, you should! [JJ]

Produced by: Lester Welch
Titanus Chief of Production: Silvio Clementelli
Directed by: Roy Rowland
Assistant Director: Mario Russo
Screen Play by: Art Cohn and Giorgio Prosperi
Based on a story by Giuseppe Amato
Music Coordinator: Irving Aaronson
Musical Supervised and Conducted by: George Stoll
Song: "The Seven Hills of Rome" Music by Victor Young, Lyrics by Harold Adamson
"Arrevederci Roma" by Renato Rascel
"Calypso Italiano" by George Stoll
Choreographer: Paul Steffen
Art Direction: Piero Filippone
Set Decoration: Luigi Gervasi
Costumes Designed by: Maria Barony
Make-Up: Otello Fava
Hairdressing: Tina Cossetti
Sound Recordist: Mario Messina
Director of Photography: Tonino Delli Colli
Filmed in Technirama, a Product of Technicolor
Film Editor: Gene Ruggiero
Filmed by Titanus S.p.a. at Titanus Studios in Rome

Cast: Mario Lanza [Marc Revere], Renato Rascel [Pepe Bonelli], Marisa Allasio [Rafaella Marini], Peggie Castle [Carol Ralston], Clelia Matania [Beatrice], Rossella Como [Anita], Amos Davoli [Carlo], Guido Celano [Luiggi], Carlo Rizzo [Director of Ulpia Club], Marco Tulli [Romoletto], Giorgio Gandos [Commissario Rugarello], Carlo Guiffre [Franco Cellis], Adriana Hart [Landlady], Patrick Crean [Mr. Fante], Pennachi [Helicopter Pilot], April Hennessy [Mrs. Stone], Stuart Hart [Miller], Luisa DiMeo [Street Singer]

Musical Program: [0:00] All the Things You Are (excerpt sung by Mario Lanza); [0:18] There's Gonna Be a Party Tonight / Calypso Italiano (sung by Mario Lanza, Renato Rascel, Marisa Allasio and Chorus); [0:23] Come Dance with Me (sung by Mario Lanza and Chorus); [0:26] Goodbye, My Friends, Goodbye (Goodbye to Rome) (excerpt sung by Renato Rascel); [0:27] Venticello di Roma (sung by Renato Rascel); [0:59] Montage of street singers (includes many excerpts of Italian songs sung by various people as Mario walks through the streets of Rome); [0:46] Arrivederci Roma (sung by Mario Lanza and Luisa DiMeo); [0:52] Questa o quella (from the opera RIGOLETTO, sung by Mario Lanza); [0:56] unidentified Italian song or aria (sung by Mario Lanza); [1:03] unidentified Italian song (sung by Renato Rascel); [1:06] M'appari tutt' amor (from the opera MARTHA, sung by Mario Lanza); [1:08] Sequence of Mario Lanza imitating other singers: Perry Como singing Temptation, Frankie Laine singing Jezebel, Dean Martin singing Memories Are Made of This, and Louis Armstrong singing When the Saints Go Marching In; [1:16] Ay, Ay, Ay (sung by Mario Lanza); [1:38] The Loveliest Night of the Year (sung by Mario Lanza); [1:39] The Seven Hills of Rome (sung by Mario Lanza); There are many more short excerpts of instrumental dance numbers throughout the film.

The Seven Little Foys
Hope Enterprises / Scribe Productions / Paramount, 1955, Color, 93 minutes, ***
Released May, 1955

After the costume comedy Casanova's Big Night, Bob Hope decided to tackle a more serious role in Paramount's 1955 film The Seven Little Foys. Hope plays real-life vaudeville star Eddie Foy, who had always performed as a "single" on stage. But when his wife passes away, Foy must incorportate his seven children into the act in order to keep custody. Now, not only is he no longer a solo performer, but his adorable children are stealing the limelight. The film's real highlight comes during a Friar's roast as Foy's friend George M. Cohan joins him for some impromptu comedy and a show-stopping dance number. James Cagney reprises his Oscar-winning role as Cohan from Yankee Doodle Dandy. The film offered longtime collaborators Melville Shavelson and Jack Rose their direcing and producing debuts. Previously, the two collaborated on such Bob Hope screenplays as Sorrowful Jones, The Princess and the Pirate and My Favorite Brunette. Shavelson and Rose also received an Oscar nomination for their Foys screenplay.
[from back of DVD case]

Produced by: Jack Rose
Production Associate: Hal C. Kern
Directed by: Melville Shavelson
Assistant Directors: Michael D. Moore and James Rosenberger
Written for the Screen by: Melville Shavelson and Jack Rose
Technical Advisor: Charley Foy
Music Scored and Conducted by: Joseph J. Lilley
Featuring the songs sung by Eddie Foy
Choreography by: Nick Castle
Narration by: Charley Foy
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and John Goodman
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Frank McKelvy
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Harry Lindgren and John Cope
Director of Photography: John F. Warren
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Filmed in VistaVision, Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Monroe W. Burbank
Edited by: Ellsworth Hoagland

Awards: Nominated for Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay (Melville Shavelson and Jack Rose)

Cast: Bob Hope [Eddie Foy], Milly Vitale [Madeleine Morando], George Tobias [Barney Green], Angela Clarke [Clara], Herbert Heyes [Judge], Richard Shannon [Stage Manager], The Seven Little Foys: Billy Gray [Brynie Foy], Lee Erickson [Charley Foy], Paul De Rolf [Richard Foy], Lydia Reed [Mary Foy], Linda Bennett [Madeleine Foy], Jimmy Baird [Eddie Foy], Tommy Duran [Irving Foy], James Cagney [George M. Cohan], Additional Cast: Lester Matthews [Father O'Casey], Joe Evans, George Boyce [Elephant Act], Oliver Blake [Santa Claus], Milton Frome [Driscoll], King Donovan [Harrison], Jimmy Conlin [Stage Doorman], Marian Carr [Soubrette], Harry Cheshire [Stage Doorman at Iroquois], Renata Vanni [Italian Ballerina Mistress], Betty Uitti [Dance Specialty Double], Noel Drayton [Priest], Joe Flynn [2nd Priest], Jack Pepper [Theater Manager], Dabbs Greer [Tutor], Billy Nelson [Customs Inspector], Jerry Mathers [Brynie at Age 5], Lewis Martin [Presbyterian Minister], Charley Foy [Narrator]

Musical Program: [0:00] I'm the Greatest Father of Them All (short vocal by Bob Hope, danced by Bob Hope and the Foy Children behind titles); [0:09] Comic ballet sequence (danced by Milly Vitale with Bob Hope clowning onstage); [0:17] Nobody (sung by Bob Hope with Milly Vitale); [0:32] I'm Tired (sung by Bob Hope); [0:47] Cagney / Hope Dance Sequence: danced on table at Friar's club meeting by James Cagney and Bob Hope - Cagney first dances to Yankee Doodle Boy (with piano accompaniment), then Hope dances to unidentified number (with piano accompaniment), then both "soft shoe" together to Mary's a Grand Old Name (with piano accompaniment); [1:00] Smiles (sung off-key by Lydia Reed and Linda Bennett); [1:06] Row, Row, Row (sung and danced by Bob Hope and the Children); [1:11] Chinatown My Chinatown (musical skit, vocals by Bob Hope and the Children); [1:12] I'm the Greatest Father of Them All (sung and danced by Bob Hope and the Children)

Seven Sweethearts
MGM, 1942, B/W, 98 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1942

Van Heflin is a New York reporter on assignment in a small town in Michigan to cover the annual tulip festival. He rooms in a hotel owned by an old dutchman (Sakall) with seven daughters. Sakall follows the traditions of the old country, one of which is that all daughters must marry in order by age. When Heflin falls in love with Kathryn Grayson, they cannot get the old man's approval for marriage until older sister Marsha Hunt is married - and she's such a brat nobody wants her. Cute story with some nice music courtesy of Kathryn Grayson.

The film begins with the statement:

"To This Great Land of Jive and Juleps
The Dutch once came to plant their tulips
They Grit their teeth, pulled in their belts,
produced New York and the Roosevelts...
Enriched this best of melting pots
with their traditions of towns and tots
Behold! In Michigan today
there's still a Holland - U.S.A.
A town that flaunts its windmill touch,
to prove you just can't beat the Dutch!"

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Frank Borzage
Original Screen Play by: Walter Reisch and Leo Townsend
Musical Score: Franz Waxman
Dance Direction: Ernst Matray
Songs: "Little Tingle Tangle Toes," "You and the Waltz and I" (by) Walter Jurmann and Paul Francis Webster; "Tulip Time" (by) Burton Lane and Ralph Freed
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Paul Groesse
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Jack Moore
Gowns by: Shoup
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: George Folsey
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: The Seven Sweethearts: Kathryn Grayson [Billie Van Maaster], Marsha Hunt [Regina], Cecilia Parker [Victor], Peggy Moran [Albert], Dorothy Morris [Peter], Frances Rafferty [George], Frances Raeburn [Cornelius], The Seven Sweethearts' Boy Friend: Van Heflin [Henry Taggart], The Seven Sweethearts' Other Boy Friends: Carl Esmond [Carl], Michael Butler [Bernard], Cliff Danielson [Martin], William Roberts [Anthony], James Warren [Theodore], Dick Simmons [Paul], The Seven Sweethearts' Father: S. Z. Sakall [Mr. Van Maaster], In the Cast: Diana Lewis [Mrs. Nugent], Lewis Howard [Mr. Nugent], Isobel Elsom [Miss Robbins], Donald Meek [Minister], Louise Beavers [Petunia]

Musical Program: [0:00] Tulip Time (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:12] Mozart's Cradle Song (sung by Kathryn Grayson at the piano); [0:29] You and the Waltz and I (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:39] Little Tingle Tangle Toes (sung and played on various musical instruments by Kathryn Grayson and her sisters); [0:51] We Gather Together (To Ask the Lord's Blessing) (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Church Choir); [1:00] Tulip Time (sung by Mens Chorus, danced by townspeople); [1:17] Je suis Titania (from the opera MIGNON, sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:25] Je suis Titania (conclusion, sung by Kathryn Grayson)

1776 is a delightful musical celebration of the founding of the United States of America based on the award-winning Broadway production. The story centers around the familiar historical characters as they organize a movement for independence from Mother England: the tough unyielding John Adams (William Daniels); the charming and pragmatic Benjamin Franklin (Howard Da Silva); the brilliant young Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard), who is chosen to write the Declaration of Independence even as he longs for the company of his new bride Martha (Blythe Danner); and the rest of the Continental Congress. All events lead up to that most significant date July 4, 1776 when the Declaration was signed. Wonderful songs combined with history make this excellent family viewing.
[from back of DVD case]

A wonderfully entertaining film! The entire cast is magnificent. The number "He Plays the Violin" is a charming musical highpoint of the movie!

Produced by: Jack L. Warner
Directed by: Peter H. Hunt
Assistant Director: Sheldon Schrager
Screenplay by: Peter Stone
Based on the Musical Play "1776" Produced on the New York Stage by Stuart Ostrow
Music and Lyrics by: Sherman Edwards
Book by: Peter Stone
Based on a conception of Sherman Edwards
Music Supervised and Conducted by: Ray Heindorf
Orchestrations: Eddie Sauter
Dance Music Arranged by: Peter Howard
Musical Numbers Choreographed by: Onna White
Art Director: George Jenkins
Set Decorator: George James Hopkins
Costume Designer: Patricia Zipprodt
Men's Costumer: Mickey Sherrard
Makeup: Allan Snyder
Hair Styles: Ernest Adler
Sound: Arthur R. Piantadosi, Al Overton, Jr.
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling, Jr.
Filmed in Panavision
Supervising Film Editor: William Ziegler
Film Editor: Florence Williamson

Cast: William Daniels [John Adams], David Ford [John Hancock], Howard Da Silva [Benjamin Franklin], Donald Madden [John Dickinson], Emory Bass [James Wilson], Ken Howard [Thomas Jefferson], Ronald Holgate [Richard Henry Lee], Rex Robbins [Roger Sherman], Peter Forster [Oliver Wolcott], Frederic Downs [Samuel Huntington], Howard Caine [Lewis Morris], John Myhers [Robert Livingston], Richard McMurray [Francis Lewis], John Cullum [Edward Rutledge], Gordon DeVol [Thomas Lynch, Jr.], William H. Bassett [Thomas Heyward, Jr.], Jonathan Moore [Lyman Hall], William F. Engle [Button Gwinnett], Barry O'Hara [George Walton], William Hansen [Caesar Rodney], Ray Middleton [Thomas McKean], Leo Leyden [George Read], Patrick Hines [Samuel Chase], Heber Jentzsch [Charles Carroll], Andy Albin [William Paca], Charles Rule [Joseph Hewes], Jack De Mave [John Penn], Jordan Rhodes [William Hooper], Roy Poole [Stephen Hopkins], James Noble [John Witherspoon], Richard O'Shea [Francis Hopkinson], Fred Slyter [Richard Stockton], Daniel Keyes [Josiah Bartlett], John Holland [William Whipple], Ralston Hill [Secretary Charles Thomson], Stephen Nathan [Courier], William Duell [Custodian Andrew McNair], Mark Montgomery [Leather Apron], Blythe Danner [Martha Jefferson], Virginia Vestoff [Abigail Adams]

Musical Program: [0:00] 1776 / Overture (Orchestra, drum and fife); [0:05] Sit Down, John (sung by William Daniels and Cast); [0:07] Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve (sung by William Daniels); [0:08] Till Then (sung by William Daniels and Virginia Vestoff); [0:16] The Lees of Old Virginia (sung by Ronald Holgate, Howard Da Silva and William Daniels); [1:01] But, Mr. Adams (sung by William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Rex Robbins, John Myhers and Ken Howard); [1:14] Yours, Yours, Yours (sung by William Daniels and Virginia Vestoff); [1:20] He Plays the Violin (sung and danced by Blythe Danner, Howard Da Silva, William Daniels - wonderful number!); [1:36] Cool, Cool, Considerate Men (sung by Donald Madden, John Cullum, David Ford and Cast); [1:44] Momma Look Sharp (sung by Stephen Nathan, William Duell, Mark Montgomery); [1:49] The Egg (sung by Howard Da Silva, William Daniels, Ken Howard); [2:04] Molasses to Rum (sung by John Cullum); [2:17] Yours, Yours, Yours (reprised by Virginia Vestoff); [2:20] Is Anybody There? (sung by Ralston Hill, then sung by William Daniels); [omitted from this print] Finale (Ralston Hill and Cast)

Shall We Dance
RKO, 1937, B/W, 109 minutes, ***
Released May, 1937

In their seventh movie, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers croon, swoon and sway to a glorious George and Ira Gershwin score. It's time to "Slap That Bass" when Fred taps to the mechanized rhythms of a luxury liner's sparkling Art Deco engine room. The two lace up roller skates and - in a sequence requiring 150 takes - spin through "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." The title-tune finale, Oscar nominee "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "They All Laughed" and more great numbers spread the melodic wealth, as ballet star Petrov (Astaire) and musical revue sensation Linda (Rogers) decide to wed and publicly divorce to quash persistent rumors of a secret marriage. Once tied, however, perhaps the shouldn't call the whole thing off...
[from back of DVD case]

The Astaire and Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Follow the Fleet, Top Hat, Swing Time and The Barkleys of Broadway.

Producer: Pandro S. Berman
Directed by: Mark Sandrich
Screen Play by: Allan Scott and Ernest Pagano
Adaptation by: P. J. Wolfson
Based on a Story by: Lee Loeb and Harold Buchman ("Watch Your Step")
Musical Director: Nathaniel Shilkret
Music by: George Gershwin
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Ballet Staged by: Hermes Pan and Harry Losee
Art Director: Van Nest Polglase
Associate: Carroll Clark
Set Dressing: Darrell Silvera
Miss Rogers' Gowns by: Irene
Recorded by: Hugh McDowell, Jr.
Photographed by: David Abel
Special Effects by: Vernon Walker
Edited by: William Hamilton

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("They Can't Take That Away from Me")

Cast: Fred Astaire ["Petrov" / Peter P. Peters], Ginger Rogers [Linda Keene], Edward Everett Horton [Jeffrey Baird], Eric Blore [Cecil Flintridge], Jerome Cowan [Arthur Mille, Linda's Manager], Ketti Gallian [Lady Denise Tarrington], William Brisbane [Jim Montgomery], Harriet Hoctor [Herself], Ann Shoemaker [Mrs. Fitzgerald], Ben Alexander [Rooftop Bandleader], Emma Young [Tai, Linda's Maid], Sherwood Bailey [Newsboy], Pete Theodore [Linda's Dancing Partner], Marek Windheim [Ballet Master], Rolfe Sedan [Ballet Master], George Magrill [Room Steward], Charles Coleman [Cop in Central Park], Frank Moran [Charlie the Big Man], William Burress [Justice of the Peace], Leonard Mudie [Ship's Waiter], Helena Grant [Ship Passenger], Sam Wren [Charlie], Sam Hayes [Dispatcher]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:19] Slap That Bass (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Ensemble in engine room); [0:35] (I've Got) Beginner's Luck (sung by Fred Astaire); [0:52] They All Laughed (sung by Ginger Rogers, then danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers); [1:10] Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on roller-skates); [1:20] They Can't Take That Away from Me (sung by Fred Astaire); [1:36] Huge finale with ballet numbers, Harriet Hoctor and much more... Fred Astaire dances with Chorus Girls wearing Ginger Rogers masks... Fred sings Shall We Dance? and dances with Ginger Rogers, then they reprise They All Laughed); Many other excerpts, including ballet numbers, short takes of Fred Astaire dancing and Orchestral numbers

She Done Him Wrong
Paramount, 1933, B/W, 65 minutes, ***
General release February, 1933

Set in the 1890s, Mae West plays a brash barroom entertainer with a soft spot for men in trouble, especially the mission director, young Cary Grant. She unknowingly gets caught up in a murder, as well as a white slavery ring, and sets about clearing things up as only Mae can. In between rescues she manages to perform some of her heated, hip-swinging classics including a steamy belting of "Frankie and Johnny."   [from back of videotape sleeve]

Producer: William Le Baron
Directed by: Lowell Sherman
By Mae West
Screen Play by: Harvey Thew and John Bright
Based on the Play Diamond Lil by Mae West
Music and Lyrics by: Ralph Rainger
Choreography: Harold Hecht
Art Director: Robert Usher
Costumes: Edith Head
Photographed by: Charles Lang
Editor: Al Hall

Awards: Nominated for Best Picture Academy Award

Cast: Mae West [Lady Lou], Cary Grant [Captain Cummings], Owen Moore [Chick Clark], Gilbert Roland [Serge Stanieff], Noah Beery, Sr. [Gus Jordan], David Landau [Dan Flynn], Rafaela Ottiano [Russian Rita], Dewey Robinson [Spider Kane], Rochelle Hudson [Sally Glynn], Tammany Young [Chuck Connors], Fuzzy Knight [Ragtime Kelly], Grace La Rue [Frances], Robert E. Homans [Officer Doheney], Louise Beavers [Pearl], Wade Boteler [Pat], Aggie Herring [Mrs. Flaherty], Tom Kennedy [Big Billy], James Eagles [Pete], Tom McGuire [Mike], Lee Kohlmar [Jacobson], Harry Wallace [Steak McGarry], Al Hill, Arthur Housman [Bar Flies], Mary Gordon [Cleaning Lady], Michael Mark [Janitor], Mike Donlin [Tout], Frank Moran [Framed Convict], Heinie Conklin [Street Cleaner], Jack Carr [Patron], Ernie Adams [Man in Audience]

Musical Program: [0:00] Frankie and Johnny (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:29] Silver Threads Among the Gold (excerpt sung by Lee Phelps and Mens Chorus); [0:34] Lady Lou (?) (introductory number sung and danced by Chorus Girls); [0:35] Easy Rider (sung by Mae West); [0:45] She Is More to Be Pitied Than Censured (sung by Lee Phelps); [0:47] Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-Der-E (short excerpt danced by Chorus Girls); [0:52] A Guy What Takes His Time (sung by Mae West); [0:57] Frankie and Johnny (modified lyric, sung by Mae West)

She Learned About Sailors
20th Century-Fox, 1934, B/W, 76 minutes
Released June, 1934

Jean Legoi (Alice Faye) is a nightclub singer in Shanghai when Sailor Larry Wilson (Lew Ayres) comes to town on shore leave. Larry and Legoi fall for each other, but Larry doesen't feel he makes enough money to support Jean, so when he leaves, he mails Legoi a letter saying that he doesn't think they should see each other anymore. But the letter never arrives. Instead, Jean receives a fake letter from Peanuts (Frank Mitchell) and Eddie (Jack Durant), and she's off to L.A. on the next boat. When Peanuts and Eddie find out what they've done, they must hatch a plan to get the two together. Alice Faye's third film.

Producer: John Stone
Director: George Marshall
Screenplay: William Conselman and Henry Johnson
Music Director: Samuel Kaylin
Music: Richard Whiting and Sidney Clare
Set Decoration: Duncan Cramer
Costume Design: Royer
Cinematography: Harry Jackson

Cast: Lew Ayres [Larry Wilson], Alice Faye [Jean Legoi], Harry Green [Jose Pedro Alesandro Lopez Rubinstein], Frank Mitchell [Peanuts], Jack Durant [Eddie], Wilma Cox [Brunette], Paul McVey [Hotel Clerk], June Vlasek (aka June Lang) [Girl at Dance Hall], Ray McClennan [Recording Man], Pete Rasch [Russian], Ernie Alexander [Drunk], Russ Clark [Marine], Gay Seabrook [Stenographer], Jimmy Conlin [Irate Neighbor], Edward Le Saint [Justice of the Peace], Al Hill [Sailor], Harry Tung [Chinese Head Waiter]

Musical Program: She Learned About Sailors; Here's the Key to My Heart (Alice Faye)

Shine On, Harvest Moon
Warner Bros, 1944, B/W and Color, 111 minutes, ***½
General release April, 1944

Really fun biopic about famed vaudevillians Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth. Stuffed full of vaudeville-era tunes, many of which are very nicely staged. Jack Carson's and Marie Wilson's "So Dumb But So Beautiful" is a show-stopper!

Executive Producer: Jack L. Warner
Produced by: William Jacobs
Directed by: David Butler
Screen Play by: Sam Hellman, Richard Weil, Francis Swann and James Kern
Based on Original Story by Richard Weil
Musical Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Nusical Numbers Staged by: LeRoy Prinz
"Time Waits for No One" by Cliff Friend and Charlie Tobias; "I Go for You" and "So Dumb But So Beautiful" by M. K. Jerome and Kim Gannon
Music Adapted by: H. Roemheld
Orchestral Arrangements: Frank Perkins
Vocal Arrangements by: Dudley Chambers
Art Director: Charles Novi
Set Decorations by: Jack McConaghy
Gowns by: Milo Anderson
Makeup Artist: Perc Westmore
Sound by: Dolph Thomas and David Forrest
Director of Photography: Arthur Edeson
Special Effects by: Edwin A. DuPar
Montages by: James Leicester
Technicolor Sequence by Technicolor
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Cast: Ann Sheridan [Nora Bayes], Dennis Morgan [Jack Norworth], Jack Carson [The Great Georgetti], Irene Manning [Blanche Mallory], S. Z. Sakall [Poppa Karl], Marie Wilson [Margie], Robert Shayne [Dan Costello], Bob Murphy [Police Sergeant], William B. Davidson [Tim Donovan], Will Stanton [Drunk], James Bush [William Fowler], Joseph Crehan [Harry Miller], Betty Bryson [Soubrette], Don Kramer, George Rogers [Dancers], Harry C. Johnson [Juggler], Walter Pietila [Acrobat], Paul Panzer [Doorman], Al Hill [Captain of Waiters], Mike Mazurki, Frank Hagney [Bouncers], Jack Norton, Bert Roach [Drunks], Nestor Paiva [Romero, the Chef], Charles Marsh, Tom Quinn, Jack Boyle, Duke Johnson, Billy Bletcher, Peggy Carson, Anita Pike, Doria Caron [Vaudevillians], Gino Corrado [Cook], Brandon Hurst [Watchman], John Berkes, Billy Young [Tramp Ambassadors], Jack Daley, Mike Pat Donovan, Frank McCarroll, Charles McAvoy, Kernan Cripps, Thomas Murray, George McDonald, Bob Reeves, Bill O'Leary, Charles McMurphy, Allen D. Sewell [Policemen], The Four Step Brothers [Dance Specialty]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "Shine On, Harvest Moon" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Shine On, Harvest Moon / Daisy / In My Merry Oldsmobile (sung by Chorus [off-screen] in openinng scene); [0:01] San Antonio (sung and danced by Irene Manning); [0:03] Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee (sung by Irene Manning billed as "Blanche Mallory, Seductive Songstress"); [0:10] My Own United States (sung by Ann Sheridan and Chorus, danced by Chorus at The Golden Horseshoe); [0:12] Hello Ma Baby (instrumental arrangement played in background); [0:16] Time Waits for No One (sung by Ann Sheridan); [0:25] It Looks Like a Big Night Tonight (sung by Jack Carson, Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan and Policemen); [0:39] Time Waits for No One (sung by Ann Sheridan); [0:43] We're Doing Our Best / Don't Let the Rainy Days Get You (sung and danced by Ann Sheridan and Irene Manning as "Mallory and Bayes, The Personality Girls"); [0:46] How Can They Tell That I'm Irish (sung and danced by Ann Sheridan); [0:51] Pretty Baby (excerpt played in background); [0:53] Shine On, Harvest Moon (short excerpt sung by Dennis Morgan and Ann Sheridan as they dabble with composing a song); [0:55] Montage: When It's Apple Blossom Time in Normandy / Take Me Out to the Ball Game / I've Got a Garden in Sweden / Breezin' Along with the Breeze / Who's Your Honey Lamb (excerpts sung by Ann Sheridan and Dennis Morgan as Bayes and Norworth); [1:00] Pretty Baby (excerpt played in background); [1:02] So Dumb But So Beautiful (sung by Jack Carson and Marie Wilson -- cute number!); [1:05] So Dumb But So Beautiful (instrumental arrangement danced by cafe owner's children); [1:11] Take Me Out to the Ball Game (played by Organ Grinder in park); [1:12] Montage: Mister Dooley / He's Me Pal / What's the Matter with Father / Oh You Beautiful Doll (sung by song pluggers at Jerome H. Remick & Co.); [1:13] Shine On, Harvest Moon (excerpt sung by Dennis Morgan); [1:14] Thank You for the Dance (sung and danced by Irene Manning and Mens Chorus); [1:17] Every Little Movement (Has a Meaning of Its Own) (sung by Irene Manning); [1:23] I Go for You (sung by Dennis Morgan and Ann Sheridan); [1:35] Just Like a Gypsy (sung by Ann Sheridan in music store); [1:42] Finale (in Technicolor): Shine On, Harvest Moon (sung by Dennis Morgan and Ann Sheridan) / Time Waits for No One (sung by Dennis Morgan and Chorus) / So Dumb But So Beautiful (sung by Jack Carson and Marie Wilson) / Shine On, Harvest Moon (jazzy arrangement sung by Chorus and danced by The Four Step Brothers) / Shine On, Harvest Moon (sung by Dennis Morgan, Ann Sheridan and Chorus)

Ship Ahoy
MGM, 1942, B/W, 96 minutes, ***
Released May, 1942

The spirit of World War II shines through this patriotic cavalcade, which features the magnificent dancing of Eleanor Powell, the romantic buffoonery of Red Skelton, and the Tommy Dorsey band's snazzy swing, including a very early film performance by an up-and-coming crooner: Frank Sinatra.

Powell is Tallulah Winters, a leggy lead dancer on a cruise ship who is asked to transport a mine to Puerto Rico. Eager to aid the war effort, she agrees, but neither she or her pulp-fiction author beau (Skelton) knows she's actually working for the spies - who got the idea from one of his potboiler novels!

With support from "Cowardly Lion" Bert Lahr and Virginia O'Brien (Till the Clouds Roll By), Ship Ahoy showcases some amazing talent - and swings to the Big Band beat of its time.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Edward Buzzell
Screen Play by: Harry Clork
Based on a Story by: Matt Brooks, Bradford Ropes and Bert Kalmar
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Vocals and Orchestrations: Sy Oliver, Odd Stordahl, Leo Arnaud, George Bassman, Conrad Salinger
Dance Direction: Bobby Connolly
Musical Program: Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra;
(original songs) Burton Lane and E. Y. Harburg;
"Last Call for Love" by Burton Lane, Margery Cummings, E. Y. Harburg;
"Cape Dance" and "Tampico" by Walter Ruick
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Harry McAfee
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Kalloch
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Leonard Smith, Robert H. Planck
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Eleanor Powell [Tallulah Winters], Red Skelton [Merton K. Kibble], Bert Lahr ["Skip" Owens], Virginia O'Brien [Fran Evans], William Post Jr. [H. U. Bennett], James Cross [Stump, dancer], Eddie Hartman [Stumpy, dancer], Stuart Crawford [Art Higgins], John Emery [Dr. Farno], Bernard Nedell [Pietro Polesi], Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra [Themselves], Additional Cast: Moroni Olsen [Inspector Davis], Ralph Dunn [Grimes], William Tannen [Flammer], Mary Treen [Nurse], Russell Hicks [Capt. C. V. O'Brien], Philip Ahn [Koro Sumo], Nestor Paiva [Felix], Bobby Larson [Waldo], Mariska Aldrich [Waldo's Mother], John Dilson [Dr. Loring], Barbara Bedford [Mrs. Loring], Carol Hughes [Secretary], Gladys Blake [Secretary], Mary Currier [Secretary], Addison Richards [Agent in Puerto Rico], Grandon Rhodes [Lt. Cmdr. Thurston], Grant Withers [Waiter], Otto Reichow [Waiter], Hillary Brooke [Girl], Natalie Thompson [Girl], Buddy Rich [Drums], Ziggy Elman [Trumpet], Frank Sinatra [Himself], Connie Haines [Herself], The Pied Pipers [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Ha-Hai) (hot swing instrumental arrangement played by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Buddy Rich on drums, danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus Girls); [0:27] The Last Call for Love (sung by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra); [0:31] I'll Take Tallulah (sung by Red Skelton, Bert Lahr, Eleanor Powell and Tommy Dorsey with the Tommy Dorsey Orhcestra, danced by Eleanor Powell with Chorus Girls and male dancer; contains bit with Eleanor Powell and Buddy Rich doing some fancy stuff with drumsticks); [0:37] How About You (instrumental arrangement played by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, danced by ship passengers at costume ball); [0:39] Poor You (sung by Frank Sinatra, then sung by Red Skelton as he dances with Eleanor Powell, then sung by Virginia O'Brien to Bert Lahr, then danced by Stump & Stumpy, all accompanied by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra); [1:01] Cape Dance / Tampico (instrumental arrangement played by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus Girls); [1:27] (On) Moonlight Bay (sung by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus; Eleanor taps out a message in Morse code); [1:33] Ship Ahoy (finale medley sung by Tommy Dorsey, Red Skelton, Eleanor Powell and Company)

The Shocking Miss Pilgrim
20th Century-Fox, 1947, Color, 87 minutes, ***
Released January, 1947

Betty Grable does some fine acting and singing in this period piece set in 1874. As Cynthia Pilgrim, she is one of the students of the first graduating class in "type-writing" at the Packard school of business in New York. She moves to Boston, where she gets a position as a "typewriter" in an office managed by Gene Lockhart and owned by the Pritchard family, John Pritchard (Dick Haymes) and family matron Alice Pritchard (Anne Revere).

Once installed in her new position, Cynthia predictably falls in love with John, but not before Aunt Alice gets her involved in the suffragette movement. And, of course, once they are engaged to be married, John wants Cynthia to quit her job and stay at home. Tempers soar as conflicts arise from Cynthia's fervent beliefs in womens' rights. Fun film with some fine songs by the Gershwins, several of which became popular standards.

Produced by: William Perlberg
Directed by: George Seaton
Written for the Screen by: George Seaton
From a Story by Ernest and Frederica Maas
Music: George Gershwin
Lyrics: Ira Gershwin
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Musical Supervision: David Raksin
Associate Musical Director: Charles Henderson
Orchestral Arrangements: Herbert Spencer, Edward Powell
Musical Assistant to Ira Gershwin: Miss Kay Swift
Dances Staged by: Hermes Pan
Art Direction: James Basevi, Boris Leven
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Associate: Al Orenbach
Costumes: Orry-Kelly
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Sound: Alfred Bruzlin, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Special Photographic Effects: Fred Sersen
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Leonard Doss
Film Editor: Robert Simpson

Cast: Betty Grable [Cynthia Pilgrim], Dick Haymes [John Pritchard], Anne Revere [Alice Pritchard, John's Aunt], Elisabeth Risdon [Mrs. Pritchard, John's Mother], Gene Lockhart [Saxon], Allyn Joslyn [Leander Woolsey], Elizabeth Patterson [Catherine Dennison], Arthur Shields [Michael Michael], Charles Kemper [Herbert Jothan], Roy Roberts [Mr. Foster], Tom Moore [Office Clerk], Stanley Prager [Lookout in Office], Eddie Laughton [Quincy], Hal K. Dawson [Peabody], Lillian Bronson [Viola Simmons], Raymond Largay [Mr. Packard], Constance Purdy [Sarah Glidden], Mildred Stone [Miss Nixon], Pierre Watkin [Wendell Paige], Junius Matthews [Mr. Carter], Mary Field, Kay Riley [Teachers], John Sheehan [Vendor], Victor Potel [Speaker], Frank Dawson [Waiter]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Sweet Packard (sung by graduation class of Packard Business College); [0:25] Changing My Tune (sung by Betty Grable); [0:34] Sweet Packard (short reprisal by Betty Grable); [0:40] Stand Up and Fight (sung by Suffragettes); [0:46] Aren't You Kind of Glad We Did (sung by Dick Haymes and Betty Grable); [0:50] Changing My Tune (reprised by Betty Grable); [0:53] The Back Bay Polka (But Not in Boston) (sung by Betty Grable and the Boarders); [1:01] One, Two, Three (sung by Chorus, sung by Dick Haymes while dancing with Betty Grable); [1:07] Stand Up and Fight (reprised by Suffragettes); [1:09] For You, For Me, For Evermore (sung by Dick Haymes and Betty Grable); [1:16] For You, For Me, For Evermore (reprised by Dick Haymes); [1:24] Aren't You Kind of Glad We Did (reprised by Dick Haymes and Betty Grable); [Not Used] Demon Rum (sung by Prohibitionists)

"Matuschek's" is the gift shop around the corner. Among the staff is Alfred Kralik, a likeable young man who's in love with a woman he has never met and whose name he doesn't even know (their "romance" has been conducted through a post office box). When Klara Novak comes to work as a clerk in the shop, the sparks begin to fly - she and Alfred can't stand each other. Of course, what neither knows is that Klara is the woman Alfred has been romancing through the mail!

This is the film that inspired the 1949 film In the Good Old Summertime -- in fact, some of the dialogue is identical. It has also been remade in a number of different guises in more recent years (such as You've Got Mail). It is a true classic... one of the great stories of filmdom.

Produced and Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
Screen Play by: Samson Raphaelson
Based on a Play by Nikolaus Laszlo ("Parfumerie")
Musical Score: Werner R. Heymann
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Wade B. Rubottom
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Hair Styles for Miss Sullavan by: Sydney Guilaroff
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: William Daniels
Film Editor: Gene Ruggiero

Cast: Margaret Sullavan [Klara Novak], James Stewart [Alfred Kralik], Frank Morgan [Hugo Matuschek], Joseph Schildkraut [Ferencz Vadas], Sara Haden [Flora Kaczek], Felix Bressart [Pirovitch], William Tracy [Pepi Katona], Inez Courtney [Ilona Novotny], Sarah Edwards [Woman Customer], Edwin Maxwell [Doctor], Charles Halton [Detective], Charles Smith [Rudy the Delivery Boy], Additional Cast: Charles Arnt [Policeman], Mabel Colcord [Aunt Anna], Mary Carr [Grandmother], William Edmunds [Waiter], Mira McKinney, Gertrude Simpson, Ruth Warren, Renie Riano, Claire Du Brey, Joan Blair [Customers], Grace Hayle [Plump Woman]

Musical Program: None

Charles Winninger (Andy), Helen Morgan (Julie), Sammy White (Frank) and Francis X. Mahoney (Rubberface) recreated their roles from the original Broadway production. Irene Dunne had replaced Norma Terris as Magnolia in the post-Broadway Tour. Allan Jones played Ravenal in St. Louis in 1934. Paul Robeson had played in the London production in 1928. Hattie McDaniel played Queenie in the West Coast production in 1933. Of the principal cast, only Helen Westley and Queenie Smith had not played in previous stage productions of Show Boat. This film is as close to the original 1927 stage production as any ever put on film. Universal, in money trouble, sold the production to MGM in 1938, which is why this production is often mistakenly referred to as an MGM production.

It's inevitable that this movie is often compared to the 1951 version (see below) by critics and fans. People say this one follows the original story almost scene for scene. I'm not old enough to have seen the original stage play in 1927, but I believe that this film is quite true to that portrayal. It is certainly a better screen play than that of the 1951 version. But I love both versions of the film.

One thing I like about this version is that the staging, props and costumes are more authentic for the period portrayed than those in the 1951 production. Though the 1951 version is in color and the sets and costumes are dazzling, they are less true to the turn-of-the-century setting. In fact, the sets and costumes in this 1936 production are so real looking, that it feels as though the film were actually made around the turn of the century. The musical arrangements, though certainly wonderful, are performed at a very fast tempo (the popular musical style of the time), which I find a bit distracting. I think that the faster tempo may be more true to the times - both that of the setting and that of the stage play. But I find the vocal arrangements in the 1951 version much more emotionally charged than in this version.

So each production offers a different vantage point and unique properties that make it special. Which one is best? As far as I'm concerned, they are both equal. If one wishes to see more of the story, the 1936 production is better, if one wants to see magnificent and dazzling settings and costumes and hear music more suited to the contemporary ear, the 1951 production is better. If you like the story, you should definitely see both versions! Both are top-notch entertainment and of historical interest.

One parting thought - the parts of Joe and Queenie were nearly eliminated in the 1951 version of the story. They are portrayed in the 1936 production by Paul Robeson and Hattie McDaniel. I find these two characters highly entertaining, and I think they enhance the story considerably.

Produced by: Carl Laemmle, Jr.
Directed by: James Whale
Assistant Director: Joseph A. McDonough
Technical Director: Leighton Brill
Stage Play, Screen Play and Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II (based on the stage musical by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern and the novel by Edna Ferber)
Music by: Jerome Kern
Lyircs for "Bill" by: Oscar Hammerstein II and P. G. Wodehouse
Musical Director: Victor Baravalle
Dance Numbers Staged by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Director: Charles D. Hall
Costumes Designed by: Doris Zinkeisen
Costumes Executed by: Vera West
Sound Supervisor: Gilbert Kurland
Cinematograper: John J. Mescall
Special Cinematographer: John P. Fulton
Film Editors: Ted Kent, Bernard Burton

Ranked 24 in the AFI's Greatest Movie Musicals

Cast: Irene Dunne [Magnolia Hawks], Allan Jones [Gaylord Ravenal], Charles Winninger [Cap'n Andy Hawks], Paul Robeson [Joe], Helen Morgan [Julie], Helen Westley [Parthy Hawks], Queenie Smith [Ellie], Sammy White [Frank Schultz], Donald Cook [Steve], Hattie McDaniel [Queenie, Joe's Wife], Marilyn Knowlden [Kim as a Child], Sunnie O'Dea [Kim as Adult], Arthur Hohl [Pete], Charles Middleton [Sheriff Vallone], J. Farrell MacDonald [Windy], Clarence Muse [Sam the Janitor], Additional Cast: Francis X. Mahoney [Rubberface], Charles Wilson [Jim Green], Patricia Barry [Kim as a Baby], Dorothy Granger, Barbara Pepper, Renee Whitney [Chorus Girls], Harry Barris [Jake], Stanley Fields [Jeb], Stanley J. "Tiny" Sandford [Backwoodsman], May Beatty [Landlady], Bobby "Bobs" Watson [Lost Child], Jane Keckley [Mrs. Ewing], E. E. Clive [Englishman], Helen Jerome Eddy [Reporter], Donald Briggs [Press Agent], LeRoy Prinz [Dance Director], Eddie "Rochester" Anderson [Trocadero Doorman], Patti Patterson [Banjo Player], Theodore Lorch [Simon Legree], Flora Finch [Woman], Helen Hayward [Mrs. Brencenbridge], Arthur Housman [Drunk], Elspeth Dudgeon [Mother Superior], Monte Montague [Old Man], Lois Verner [Small Girl], Grace Cunard [Mother], Marilyn Harris [Little Girl], Jimmy Jackson [Young Man], Harry Barris [Jake], Eddy Chandler, Lee Phelps, Frank Mayo, Edward Peil, Sr., Edmund Cobb, Al Ferguson [Gamblers], Maude Allen [Fat Woman], Artye Folz, Barbara Bletcher [Fat Girls], Forrest Stanley [Theater Manager], Jack Latham [Juvenile], George H. Reed [Old Black Man], Georgia O'Dell [School Teacher], Selmer Jackson [Hotel Clerk], George Hackathorne [YMCA Worker], Ernest Hilliard, Jack Mulhall, Brooks Benedict [Race Fans]

Musical Program: [0:00] Cotton Blossom (sung by Chorus behind titles and into opening scene); [0:04] Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo (played by Marching Band during parade and spoken by Charles Winninger, dance demo by Frank and Ellie); [0:09] Where's the Mate for Me? (sung by Allan Jones); [0:11] Make Believe (sung by Allan Jones and Irene Dunne); [0:16] Ol' Man River (sung by Paul Robeson and Chorus); [0:21] Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (sung by Helen Morgan, Irene Dunne, Hattie McDaniel, Paul Robeson and Chorus; "shuffled" by Irene Dunne and danced by Chorus); [0:37] Life Upon the Wicked Stage (instrumental arrangement played in background as the show is playing in the Show Boat); [0:41] I Have the Room Above (sung by Allan Jones and Irene Dunne); [0:49] The Play onboard the Cotton Blossom (when a man in the audience shoots at the villain, Cap'n Andy rings down the curtain and completes the play as a one-man show!); [0:58] Gallivantin' Around (sung and danced by Irene Dunne and Chorus); [1:02] You Are Love (sung by Allan Jones and Irene Dunne); [1:04] Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo Cakewalk (the melody from Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo dance demo used as a cakewalk, played on banjos, danced by Chorus at Magnolia and Ravenal's wedding); [1:05] Ol' Man River (short reprise by Paul Robeson); [1:06] I Still Suits Me (sung by Paul Robeson and Hattie McDaniel); [1:23] Make Believe (reprised by Allan Jones singing to Marilyn Knowlden); [1:25] Sousa March played on piano as Chorus Girls rehearse; [1:26] Bill (sung by Helen Morgan); [1:31] Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (ballad version sung by Irene Dunne auditioning at Trocadero, ragtime version sung by Irene Dunne and danced by Sammy White); [1:37] Good-bye My Lady Love (sung and danced by Queenie Smith and Sammy White at the Trocadero); [1:40] After the Ball (sung by Irene Dunne and audience at Trocadero); [1:44] Make Believe (short reprise sung by Allan Jones as he thumbs through scrapbook); [1:47] Gallivantin' Aroundhummed by Chorus, danced by Sunnie O'Dea and Chorus); [1:52] You Are Love (finale, sung by Irene Dunne and Allan Jones); [1:53] Ol' Man River (short reprise sung by Paul Robeson); There are many fragments of other songs played instrumentally and integrated into the background score.

If I had to pick the all-time greatest musical, "Show Boat" would probably be my choice. It has become an American institution. From it's first presentation in 1927, the play has been staged all over the country by professional and amateur theater groups. It has been in production by as many as 1200 companies each year! Few (if any) Americans are not familiar with the song "Ol' Man River." A total of three major feature films were made. Though this version is the least true to the original story, it is by far the most beautifully staged and filmed. Anyone who hasn't seen this film certainly should. I challenge any American to watch this film without feeling something!

Ava Gardner (as Julie) turns in one of the best performances of her career in this film. She pre-recorded "Bill" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," but MGM decided that it would be a slight to Helen Morgan - the original Julie - to have Ava sing it in the movie because she was not known as a singer. So they had Annette Warren dub her singing for the screen. The soundtrack CD shown here has Ava's original recordings, and they are wonderful!

This cast is perfect. Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel are two of the greatest singers MGM ever had, and both were at the peak of their careers when this film was made. William Warfield's rendition of "Old Man River" is flawless, and probably the best-know, second only to Paul Robeson's original. Ava Gardner as Julie is positively magnificent. Marge and Gower Champion - the country's best-loved song and dance team at the time - provide some light and beautiful moments. Joe E. Brown and Agnes Moorehead are excellent as Cap'n Andy and wife Parthy, the owners of the showboat "Cotton Blossom." The boat was built on the backlot at MGM from original plans for an authentic 19th century river boat that spent its life on the Mississippi. Jerome Kern's song score is one of the most moving and best-known ever. Everything here is Americana at its best!

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Ben Feiner, Jr.
Directed by: George Sidney
Screen Play by: John Lee Mahin
Based on the Immortal Musical Play "Show Boat" by:
Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, II
from Edna Ferber's Novel
Musical Direction: Adolph Deutsch
Orchestrations: Conrad Salinger
Vocal Arrangements: Robert Tucker
Music: Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyircs for "Bill" by: Oscar Hammerstein II and P. G. Wodehouse
Additional Orchestrations by: Alexander Courage
Dances by: Robert Alton
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Jack Martin Smith
Special Effects: Peter Ballbusch and Warren Newcombe
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Richard A. Pefferle
Costumes by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Montage Sequences by: Peter Ballbusch
Director of Photography: Charles Rosher
Technicolor Color Consutlants: Hanri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: John Dunning

Awards: Academy Award Nominations for Best Color Cinematography (Charles Rosher) and Best Score, Musical (Adolph Deutsch and Conrad Salinger)

Cast: Kathryn Grayson [Magnolia Hawks], Howard Keel [Gaylord Ravenal], Ava Gardner [Julie LaVerne], Joe E. Brown [Captain Andy Hawks], Marge Champion [Ellie May Shipley], Gower Champion [Frank Schultz], Robert Sterling [Stephen Baker], Agnes Moorehead [Parthy Hawks], Adele Jergens [Cameo McQueen], William Warfield [Joe], Leif Erickson [Pete], Owen McGiveney [Windy McClain], Frances Williams [Queenie], Regis Toomey [Sheriff Ike Vallon], Frank Wilcox [Mark Hallson], Chick Chandler [Herman], Emory Parnell [Jake Green], Sheila Clark [Kim Ravenal], Ian MacDonald [Drunken Sport], Fuzzy Knight [Trocadero Piano Player], Norman Leavitt [George the Calliope Player], Anne Dore, Christian Lind, Lyn Wilde, Marietta Elliott, Joyce Jameson, Bette Arlen, Helen Kimball, Tac Porchon, Mitzie Uehlein, Judy Landon, Nova Dale, Mary Jane French, Marilyn Kinsley, Alice Markham [Showboat Cast Girls], Michael Dugan, Robert Fortier, George Ford, Cass Jaeger, Boyd Ackerman, Roy Damron, Joseph Roach [Show Boat Cast Boys], George Lynn [Dealer], Louis Mercier [Dabney], Lisa Ferraday [Renee], Anna Q. Nilsson [Seamstress], Ida Moore [Little Old Lady], Alphonse Martell [Headwaiter], Edward Keane [Hotel Manager], Tom Irish [Bellboy], Jim Pierce [Doorman], William Tannen [Man with Julie], Bert Roach [Drunk], Earle Hodgins [Bartender]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title (performed by the MGM Studio Orchestra and Chorus behind titles); [0:01] Cap'n Andy's Calliope (played by MGM Studio Orchestra with Roger Edens on Calliope) / Natchez (Orchestra) / Cap'n Andy's Presentation (Cotton Blossom sung by MGM Studio Chorus) / Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo (played by Orchestra, danced by Marge and Gower Champion) / Encore on Dock (Orchestra); [0:12] Where's the Mate for Me? (sung by Howard Keel); [0:16] Make Believe (sung by Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson); [0:24] Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (sung by Annette Warren dubbing for Ava Gardner); [0:28] Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (reprised by Kathryn Grayson and Annette Warren dubbing for Ava Gardner, "shuffled" by Ava Gardner and Kathryn Grayson); [0:29] I Might Fall Back on You (sung and danced by Marge and Gower Champion); [0:39] Ol' Man River (sung by William Warfield); [0:43] Ol' Man River (reprised by William Warfield and the MGM Studio Chorus); [0:49] Make Believe (reprised by Chorus); [0:51] You Are Love (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel); [0:58] Why Do I Love You? (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel); [1:09] Bill (sung by Annette Warren dubbing for Ava Gardner); [1:14] Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:19] Life Upon the Wicked Stage (sung and danced by Marge and Gower Champion); [1:25] After the Ball (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Audience at Trocadero); [1:32] Joe E. Brown and Sheila Clark dance; [1:53] Make Believe (reprised by Howard Keel singing to Kim]; [1:54] Ol' Man River (reprised by William Warfield and the MGM Studio Chorus]

Show Business
RKO, 1944, B/W, 92 minutes, ***
Released May, 1944

A sort-of biopic of Eddie Cantor, though it's more fun than fact. Cantor plays himself, and George Murphy, Joan Davis, Connie Moore and Nancy Kelly round out the principle cast. Musical highlights include the cleverly staged "I Want a Girl," Cantor, Murphy, Davis and Moore's comic rendition of The Sextet (from "Lucia di Lammermoor"), and of course, "Makin' Whoopee."

Produced by: Eddie Cantor
Directed by: Edwin L. Marin
Assistant Director: Clem Beauchamp
Screen Play by: Joseph Quillan and Dorothy Bennett
Additional Dialogue by: Irving Elinson
Story by: Bert Granet
Musical Director: C. Bakaleinikoff
Vocal Directors: Ken Darby, George Duning
Orchestra Arrangements: Gene Rose
Musical Numbers Created and Staged by: Nick Castle
Song: "You May Not Remember" by George Jessel and Ben Oakland
Art Directors: Albert S. D'Agostino, Jack Okey
Set Decorations: Darrell Silvera, Al Fields
Gowns by: Edward Stevenson
Makeup Artist: Mel Berns
Recorded by: Jean L. Speak
Rerecorded by: James G. Stewart
Director of Photography: Robert de Grasse
Special Effects by: Vernon L. Walker
Montage: Harold Palmer
Edited by: Theron Warth

Cast: Eddie Cantor [Eddie Martin], George Murphy [George Doane], Joan Davis [Joan Mason], Nancy Kelly [Nancy Gaye], Constance Moore [Constance Ford], Don Douglas [Charles Lucas], Bert Gordon [Himself], Gene Sheldon [Himself], Pat Rooney [Himself], Jesse and James [Themselves], George Jessel [Himself], Forbes Murray [Director], Bert Moorhouse [Desk Clerk], Shirley O'Hara, Dorothy Malone, Daun Kennedy, Elaine Riley [Girls], Jerry Maren [Midget], Joseph Vitale [Caesar], Claire Carleton [Nurse], Russ Clark [Army Doctor], Chef Milani [Head Waiter], Ralph Dunn [Taxi Driver], Myrna Dell, Mary Meade, Ruth Valmy, Gloria Anderson, Dorothy Garner, Shelby Payne, Barbara Coleman, Kay Morley, Doris Sheehan, Alice Wallace [Show Girls], Stymie Beard [Harold], Harry Harvey, Jr. [Page Boy], Billy Bester [Call Boy]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "Makin' Whoopee" / "It Had to Be You" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] They're Wearing 'em Higher in Hawaii (sung by George Murphy, danced by George Murphy and Chorus Girls); [0:08] The Curse of an Aching Heart (sung and danced by Eddie Cantor); [0:14] It Had to be You (sung by George Murphy, danced by George Murphy and Connie Moore); [0:27] I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad) (sung and danced by Eddie Cantor, George Murphy, Connie Moore and Joan Davis); [0:30] unidentified instrumental (danced by George Murphy and Connie Moore); [0:39] Chi mi frena ("The Sextet" from the opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, comedy rendition by George Murphy, Eddie Cantor, Connie Moore and Joan Davis, dubbed by record); [0:42] Alabamy Bound (sung by Eddie Cantor, danced by Eddie Cantor, George Murphy and Connie Moore); [0:49] Dinah (sung and danced by Eddie Cantor, George Murphy, Connie Moore, Joan Davis and Chorus Girls); [0:53] You May Not Remember (Nancy Kelly and two unidentified male singers); [0:58] I Don't Want to Get Well (Eddie Cantor and George Murphy); [1:05] You May Not Remember (Nancy Kelly); [1:11] It Had to Be You (sung by Connie Moore and George Murphy in montage of scenes); [1:22] Makin' Whoopee (Eddie Cantor and Chorus Girls); [1:26] It Had to Be You (George Murphy)

Silk Stockings
MGM, 1957, Color, 117 minutes, ***
Released July, 1957

When phenomenal Fred Astaire meets captivating Cyd Charisse in this exuberant song-and-dance remake of Ninotchka, it's a chemical reaction that's pure and sparkling. Silk Stockings is effervescent from start to finish, with two master magicians of movie musicals - composer / lyricist Cole Porter and director Rouben Mamoulian - in peak form.

A stern lady communist (Charisse) comes to Paris to retrieve three wayward comrades (Peter Lorre, Jules Munshin, Joseph Buloff) and a Russian composer (George Tobias). Instead, the cold Ninotchka warms up to capitalist attractions - like champagne, silk stockings and a suave American producer (Astaire) who convinces her they're "Fated to Be Mated." Highlights abound: Astaire's charming "All of You" and nimble "The Ritz Rock and Roll;" Charisse's breezy "Silk Stockings," wherein she trades her drab serge cocoon for petticoats and silks; the contagiously comic "Red Blues;" and the snappy timing and snazzy vocalizing of Janis Paige in "Josephine" and "Stereophonic Sound." Silk Stockings is a cinematic delight.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

The Cole Porter DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film, High Society, Kiss Me Kate, Les Girls, and Broadway Melody of 1940.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Rouben Mamoulian
Assistant Director: Al Jennings
Screen Play by: Leonard Gershe and Leonard Spigelgass
Suggested by: "Ninitchka" by Melchior Lengyel
Book of Original Musical Play by: George S. Kaufman, Leueen McGrath and Abe Burrows, produced on the Stage by Cy Feuer and Ernest H. Martin
Music and Lyrics by: Cole Porter
Music Supervised and Conducted by: André Previn
Orchestral Arrangements by: Conrad Salinger
Vocal Supervision: Robert Tucker
Additional Orchestration: Skip Martin and Al Woodbury
Music Coordinator: Lela Simone
All Dances in which Fred Astaire appears Choreographed by: Hermes Pan
All Other Dances Choreographed by: Eugene Loring
Art Directors: William A. Horning and Randall Duell
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Hugh Hunt
Costumes by: Helen Rose
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Recording Supervisor: Dr. Wesley C. Miller
Color Consultant: Charles K. Hagedon
Director of Photography: Robert Bronner (in Cinemascope and Metrocolor)
Film Editor: Harold F. Kress

Cast: Fred Astaire [Steve Canfield], Cyd Charisse [Ninotchka], Janis Paige [Peggy Dainton], Peter Lorre [Brankov], Jules Munshin [Bibinski], Joseph Buloff [Ivanov], George Tobias [Commissar Vassili Markovich], Wim Sonneveld [Peter Ilyitch Boroff], Belita [Vera, Dancer], Ivan Triesault [Russian Embassy Official], Barrie Chase [Gabrielle, Dancer], Betty Uitti [Suzette, Dancer], Tybee Afra [Fifi, Dancer], Carole Richards [singing voice of Cyd Charisse]

Musical Program: [0:10] Too Bad (sung and danced by Fred Astaire, Peter Lorre, Jules Munshin, Joseph Buloff, Barrie Chase, Tybee Afra, Da Utti); [0:29] Paris Loves Lovers (sung by Fred Astaire and Carole Richards dubbing for Cyd Charisse); [0:36] Stereophonic Sound (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Janis Paige); [0:46] It's a Chemical Reaction (sung by Carole Richards dubbing for Cyd Charisse); [0:47] All of You (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred and Cyd Charisse); [1:02] Satin and Silk (sung and danced by Janis Paige); [1:06] Silk Stockings (instrumental arrangement danced by Cyd Charisse); [1:16] Without Love (sung by Carole Richards dubbing for Cyd Charisse); [1:23[ Fated to Be Mated / All of You (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred and Cyd Charisse); [1:28] Josephine (sung by Janis Paige); [1:33] Siberia (sung and danced by Peter Lorre, Jules Munshin, Joseph Buloff); [1:39] Red Blues (sung and danced by Cyd Charisse, Peter Lorre, Joseph Buloff, Jules Munshin, Wim Sonneveld and Chorus; Carole Richards dubbing for Cyd Charisse); [1:49] The Ritz Roll 'n' Rock (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Chorus)

Sing, Baby, Sing
20th Century-Fox, 1936, B/W, 90 minutes
Released August, 1936

Alice Faye is a singer who wants to make it in New York. She tries making the society singer rounds, but it's just not her cup of tea. Menjoue and Ratoff nearly come to blows over her, but she finally follows her cousin (Montagu Love) to success.

Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck
Director: Sidney Lanfield
Screenplaty: Milton Sperling, Harry Tugend and Jack Yellen
Music Director: Louis Silvers
Song Score: Walter Bullock and Richard A. Whiting
Art Direction: Mark-Lee Kirk
Set Decoration: Thomas Little
Costume Design: Royer
Cinematography: J. Peverell Marley
Film Editing: Barbara McLean

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Song ("When Did You Leave Heaven")

Cast: Alice Faye [Joan Warren], Adolphe Menjou [Bruce Farraday], Gregory Ratoff [Nicky], Ted Healy [Al Craven], Patsy Kelly [Fitz], Michael Whalen [Ted Blake], The Ritz Brothers [Themselves], Montagu Love [Robert Wilson], Dixie Dunbar [Telephone Operator], Douglas Fowley [Mac], Paul Stanton [Brewster], Tony Martin [Tony Renaldo], Virginia Field [Farraday's Nurse], Paul McVey [Doctor], Cully Richards [Joe], Carol Tevis [Tessie], Lynn Bari [Telephone Operator]

Musical Program: Sing, Baby Sing (Alice Faye); You Turned the Tables on Me (Alice Faye); Love Will Tell (Alice Faye); Singing a Vagabond Song (The Ritz Brothers); When Did You Leave Heaven? (Tony Martin); The Music Goes 'Round and Around (The Ritz Brothers); When My Baby Smiles At Me (The Ritz Brothers); Thanks a Million; Short excerpts of many other songs

Sing Your Worries Away
RKO, 1942, B/W, 71 minutes, **½
Released March, 1942

Silly comedy about mobsters trying to get their hands on Lahr's inheritance. Saved by the funny antics of Kelly, Lahr and Ebsen, and by some good music from Alvino Rey and The King Sisters.

Producer: Cliff Reid
Director: A. Edward Sutherland
Screenplay: Monte Brice
Music Director: C. Bakaleinikoff
Song Score: Mort Greene and Harry Revel
Choreography: Val Raset
Art Direction: Albert S. D'Agostino
Gowns: Renie
Cinematography: Frank Redman
Film Editing: Henry Berman

Cast: Bert Lahr [Chow Brewster], June Havoc [Rocksey Rochelle], Buddy Ebsen [Tommy Jones], Patsy Kelly [Bebe], Dorothy Lovett [Carol], Sam Levene [Smiley Clark], Margaret Dumont [Flo Faulkner], Morgan Conway [Chesty Martin], Fortunio Bonanova [Gaston], Don Barclay [Luke Brown], Russ Clark, Sammy Stein [Henchmen], Alvino Rey and His Orchestra [Themselves], The King Sisters [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Sing Your Worries Away (The King Sisters, behind titles); [0:01] Tiger Rag (Alvino Rey and His Orchestra with one verse sung by The King Sisters); [0:20] Cindy Lou McWilliams (sung by June Havoc, Patsy Kelly and the King Sisters; danced by Buddy Ebsen and June Havoc); [0:25] Bert Lahr's audition: includes short excertps from several songs and a longer rendition of "Sally, My Dear Sally" (Bert Lahr); [0:37] Sing Your Worries Away (The King Sisters with Alvino Rey and His Orchestra; danced by Buddy Ebsen and one of the King Sisters); [0:45] How Do You Fall in Love (The King Sisters); [0:49] unidentified instrumental with drum solo (Alvino Rey with "EJ" on drums)

"What a glorious feeling!" An exhilarating and fast-moving musical comedy, Singin' in the Rain is the most popular of all Hollywood musicals. A lavish production directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, it's a gentle parody of Hollywood's frantic transition to the "talkies" during the late '20s. Jean Hagen won high praise for her portrayal of Lina Lamont, a silent movie queen whose unappealing voice nearly forces her producer (Millard Mitchell) to scrap their new film. Lamont's leading man is Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) but he croons the romantic "You Were Meant for Ma" to aspiring singer Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds). Donald O'Connor is in his best comic form in "Make 'Em Laugh." The famous title song is one of Kelly's most inspired routines, and Cyd Charisse's elegant dancing intensifies the excitement of the film's finale. With Kelly at his liveliest, a Comden and Green screenplay, unforgettable music and lavish routines, Singin' in the Rain has "just about everything you could ask for in a musical" (Saturday Review).   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Story and Screen Play by: Adolph Green and Betty Comden
Suggested by the Song "Singin' in the Rain"
Musical Direction: Lennie Hayton
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Musical Score: Lennie Hayton and Nacio Herb Brown
Songs: Lyrics by Arthur Freed, Music by Nacio Herb Brown
Orchestrations by: Conrad Salinger, Wally Heglin and Skip Martin
Vocal Arrangements by: Jeff Alexander
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons, Randall Duell
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Jacque Mapes
Costumes Designed by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Harold Rosson
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe, Irving G. Ries
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress (Jean Hagen) and Best Score - Musical (Lennie Hayton)

Ranked 5 in the AFI's Top 100

Cast: Gene Kelly [Don Lockwood], Donald O'Connor [Cosmo Brown], Debbie Reynolds [Kathy Selden], Jean Hagen [Lina Lamont], Millard Mitchell [R. F. Simpson], Rita Moreno [Zelda Zanders], Douglas Fowley [Roscoe Dexter], Cyd Charisse [Dancer], Madge Blake [Dora Bailey], King Donovan [Rod], Kathleen Freeman [Phoebe Dinsmore], Bobby Watson [Diction Coach], Jimmy Thompson [Male Lead in "Beautiful Girls" Number], Dan Foster [Assistant Director], Margaret Bert [Wardrobe Woman], Mae Clarke [Hairdresser], Judy Landon [Olga Mara], John Dodsworth [Baron de la May de la Toulon], Stuart Holmes [J. C. Spendrill, III], Dennis Ross [Don as a Boy], Bill Lewin [Bert], Richard Emory [Phil], Julius Tannen [Man on Screen], Dawn Addams, Elaine Stewart [Ladies in Waiting], Carl Milletaire [Villain], Jack George [Orchestra Leader], Wilson Wood [Rudy Vallee Impersonator], Dorothy Patrick, William Lester, Charles Evans, Joi Lansing [Audience], David Sharpe, Russ Saunders [Fencers], Patricia Denise, Jeanne Coyne [Girl Dancers], Bill Chatham, Ernest Flatt, Don Hulbert, Robert Dayo [Male Dancing Quartet], David Kasday [Kid]

Musical Program: [0:00] Singin' in the Rain (excerpt sung by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds leading into titles); [0:00] Overture: "You Are My Lucky Star" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:05] Fit as a Fiddle (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly); [0:23] All I Do Is Dream of You (sung and danced by Debbie Reynolds and Girls Chorus); [0:27] Make 'em Laugh (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor); [0:34] Hollywood Montage (I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' / Wedding of the Painted Doll / Should I?) (sung and danced by Chorus); [0:35] Beautiful Girl (Sung by Jimmy Thompson with string of Chorus Girls); [0:42] You Were Meant for Me (sung by Gene Kelly, danced by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds); [0:48] Moses (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor and Gene Kelly); [1:01] Good Morning (sung and danced by Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor); [1:07] Singin' in the Rain (sung and danced by Gene Kelly); [1:13] Would You (Betty Noyes dubbing for Debbie Reynolds making a prerecording for Lina Lamont, a few bars sung by Jean Hagen); [1:15] The Broadway Ballet (sung by Gene Kelly and Chorus; danced by Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse and Chorus); [1:34] Would You (short reprisal by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds); [1:39] Singin' in the Rain (sung by Debbie Reynolds dubbing for Lina Lamont, joined by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor); [1:41] You Are My Lucky Star (sung by Gene Kelly and Betty Noyes dubbing for Debbie Reynolds and Chorus)

The Singing Fool
Warner Bros. / Vitaphone, 1928, B/W, 102 minutes
Released September, 1928

Warner Bros. and Al Jolson followed up their "Jazz Singer" success with this part-talkie, part-silent tearjerker. Songwriting waiter Jolie weds a singer and finds success on Broadway, but falls on hard times after his wife flees to France with their young son. With Betty Bronson, David Lee; songs include "Golden Gate," "I'm Sittin' on Top of The World," "Sonny Boy."

Producer: none credited
Directed by: Lloyd Bacon
Assistant Director: Frank Shaw
Written by: Leslie S. Barrows
Adaptation: C. Graham Baker
Dialogue and Titles: Joseph Jackson
Musical Score and Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra Conducted by: Louis Silvers
Sound: George R. Groves
Technicians: Lewis Geib, Esdras Hartley, F. N. Murphy, Victor Vance
Photography: Byron Haskin
Edited by: Ralph Dawson

Cast: Al Jolson [Al Stone], Betty Bronson [Grace], Josephine Dunn [Molly Winton], Arthur Housman ["Blackie Joe"], Edward Martindel [Louis Marcus], Helen Lynch [Maid], Reed Howes [John Perry], David Lee [Sonny], Robert Emmett O'Connor [Cafe Manager], Additional Cast: Agnes Franey [Balloon Girl]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:14] It All Depends on You (sung by Al Jolson); [0:22] I'm Sittin' on Top of the World (sung by Al Jolson); [0:25] There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder (sung by Al Jolson); [0:30] Golden Gate (introduced and partly sung by Al Jolson, danced by night club patrons); [0:48] Sonny Boy (sung by Al Jolson); [1:12] Keep Smiling at Trouble (sung by Al Jolson); [1:23] Sonny Boy (sung by Al Jolson); [1:37] Sonny Boy (sung by Al Jolson)

The Singing Kid
Warner Bros. / First National, 1936, B/W, 85 minutes, ***
Released April, 1936

Al Jackson (Jolson) is a big star on Broadway, but when he finds out his bookkeeper has disappeared with all his money and then he loses his voice... well it's Goodbye Broadway! He takes some time off in the country to lick his wounds, where he meets Sybil Haines (Jason) and falls for her aunt Ruth (Beverly Roberts). Then it's back to the Great White Way.

Producer: Robert Lord
Directed by: William Keighley
Screen Play by: Warren Duff and Pat C. Flick
Story by: Robert Lord
Music Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Music and Lyrics by: E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen
Numbers Staged by: Bobby Connolly and William Keighley
Orchestral Arrangements by: Ray Heindorf
Vitaphone Orchestra Conducted by: Leo F. Forbstein
Art Director: Carl Weyl
Gowns by: Orry-Kelly
Photography by: George Barnes
Film Editor: Thomas Richards

Cast: Al Jolson [Al Jackson], Sybil Jason [Sybil Haines], Beverly Roberts [Ruth Haines], Edward Everett Horton [Davenport Rogers], Lyle Talbot [Bob Carey], Allen Jenkins [Joe Eddy], Claire Dodd [Dana Lawrence], Jack Durant [Babe], Frank Mitchell [Dope], Winifred Shaw [Singer], Joseph King [Dr. May], William Davidson [Barney Hammond], The Yacht Club Boys [Themselves], Cab Calloway and His Band [Themselves], Edward Keane [Potter], Tom Manning [Doorman], Joseph Crehan [Fulton], Carol Hughes [Mary Lou], Jonathan Hale [Dr. Brown]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: I Love to Singa (played by Vitaphone Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Medley / Montage: My Mammy / Swanee / Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody / California Here I Come / April Showers / About a Quarter to Nine / Sonny Boy (sung by Al Jolson in montage); [0:03] I Love to Singa (sung by Al Jolson and Cab Calloway backed by Cab Calloway's Band); [0:17] My How This Country Has Changed (sung by The Yacht Club Boys); [0:24] Keep That Heigh-De-Ho in Your Soul / The Singinest Swinginest Man in Town / Save Me Sister (production number sung and danced by Cab Calloway, Al Jolson, Winifred Shaw and Chorus); [0:37] Here's Looking at You (sung by Al Jolson, interrupted); [0:59] You're the Cure for What Ails Me (sung by Al Jolson and Sybil Jason, joined by Edward Everett Horton and Allen Jenkins); [1:05] I Love to Singa (with special lyrics) (production number - Al Jolson, The Yacht Club Boys and Chorus -- great number!); [1:22] You're the Cure for What Ails Me (excerpt sung by Cab Calloway with His Band); [1:23] I Love to Singa / The Singinest Swinginest Man in Town (finale - sung and danced by Al Jolson and Cab Calloway)


Allen Jenkins, Al Jolson, Sybil Jason and Edward Everett Horton

The Singing Nun
MGM, 1966, Color, 97 minutes, ***½
General release April, 1966

Academy Award nominee Debbie Reynolds (1964 Best Actress, The Unsinkable Molly Brown) shines in this upbeat drama based on the true story of the singing Belgian nun.

As Sister Ann, Reynolds defies all stereotypes with her delightfully shocking habits. She rides a motor scooter, rarely travels without her guitar, and is at times too quirky for her spiritual calling. When enthusiasm backfires while struggling to help the poor people of the community, her music consoles her. When parish priest Father Clementi (Ricardo Montalban of "Fantasy Island") arranges a recording session and Sister Ann becomes an overnight success, forcing her to choose between the convent and a music career, she surprises everyone by making the ultimate sacrifice.

Classic melodies such as "Dominique" and "Brother John," and an outstanding cast including Oscar winner Greer Garson (1942 Best Actress for Mrs. Miniver) and Agnes Moorehead ("Bewitched"), make this uplifting film one you won't want to miss! [from back of VHS sleeve]

Remember Soeur Sourire, the "Singing Nun"? She had a phenomenal hit with "Dominique" in 1963 (no. 1 on the charts for 12 weeks). Debbie Reynolds does a wonderful job with the part, and sings many wonderful songs written by Sourire and Randy Sparks.

Produced by: John Beck
Co-Produced by: Hayes Goetz
Associate Producer: Hank Moonjean
Directed by: Henry Koster
Assistant Director: Kevin Donnelly
Screen Play by: Sally Benson and John Furia, Jr.
Story by: John Furia, Jr.
Musical Composer: Harry Sukman
Music Director: Harold Gelman
Music Score: Harry Sukman
Songs: "Dominique" lyrics and music by Soeur Sourire, English lyric by Randy Sparks; "Sister Adele," (Soeur Adele) "It's a Miracle," (Une Fleur) "Beyond the Stars," (Entre Les Etoile) "A Pied Piper's Song," (Petit Pierrot) music by Soeur Sourire, lyrics by Randy Sparks; "Father John," "Lovely" lyrics and music by Randy Sparks; "Raindrops" lyrics and music by Randy Sparks inspired by "Chante Riviere" by Soeur Sourire; "Je Voudrais," "Mets Ton Joli Jupon," "Avec Toi," "Alleluia" lyrics and music by Soeur Sourire
Music Supervisor: Harold Gelman
Choreography by: Robert Sidney
Art Direction: George W. Davis and Urie McCleary
Set Decoration: Henry Grace, Jerry Wunderlich
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton
Director of Photography: Milton Krasner
Filmed in Panavision and Metrocolor
Film Editor: Rita Roland

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Score (Harry Sukman)

Cast: Debbie Reynolds [Sister Ann], Ricardo Montalban [Father Clementi], Greer Garson [Mother Prioress], Agnes Moorehead [Sister Cluny], Chad Everett [Robert Gerarde], Katharine Ross [Nicole Arlien], Juanita Moore [Sister Mary], Ricky Cordell [Dominic Arlien], Michael Pate [Mr. Arlien], Tom Drake [Fitzpatrick], Larry D. Mann [Mr. Duvries], Charles Robinson [Marauder], Monique Montaigne [Sister Michele], Joyce Vanderveen [Sister Elise], Ann Wakefield [Sister Brigitte], Pam Peterson [Sister Gertrude], Marina Koshetz [Sister Marthe], Nancy Walters [Sister Therese], Violet Rensing [Sister Elizabeth], Inez Pedroza [Sister Consuella], Ed Sullivan [Himself]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:16] Brother John (sung by Ricardo Montalban, Debbie Reynolds and Nuns); [0:17] Sister Adele (Soeur Adele) (sung by Debbie Reynolds and Nuns); [0:29] Beyond the Stars (Entre les etoiles) (sung by Debbie Reynolds and Monique Montaigne); [0:30] She's My Baby, Yeah! (sung by The Mexican Marauders); [0:43] With You I Shall Walk (Avec Toi) (excerpt sung in English by Debbie Reynolds); [0:44] Mets ton joli jupon / Avec Toi (excerpts sung in English by Debbie Reynolds); [0:45] Raindrops (sung by Debbie Reynolds); [0:58] It's a Miracle (Une fleur) (sung by Debbie Reynolds); [1:00] Brother John (sung by Debbie Reynolds and Ensemble); [1:09] Dominique (sung by Debbie Reynolds, Monique Montaigne and a third unidentified Nun); [1:16] A Pied Piper's Song (Petit Pierrot) (sung and danced by Debbie Reynolds and Children)

Sister Act
Touchstone, 1992, Color, 100 minutes, ***½
Released May, 1992

Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg stars as a sassy, low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place on Earth anyone would look for her - in a quiet religious convent. There, her irreverent behavior attracts a flock of faithful followers - and before long she turns the nuns' tone-deaf choir into a soulful chorus of swingin', singing sisters. But when the group earns rave reviews, her sudden celebrity jeopardizes her hidden identity. Overflowing with laughs and a hilariously acclaimed cast, treat yourself to the divine comedy that bursts with '60s Motown hits - and delivers habit-forming fun every time you watch it!   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Though it's a relatively new film, this is just about the best live-action musical comedy to surface in the past couple decades. It hasn't yet stood the test of time, but I predict it will become a classic. Whoopi Goldberg steals the entire show, but she is supported by a fine cast, and the music is great!

The sequel is fun, too!

Producer: Teri Schwartz
Co-Producer: Mario Iscovich
Associate Producer: Cindy Gilmore
Executive Producer: Scott Rudin
Director: Emile Ardolino
Screenplay: Eleanor Bergstein, Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr., Carrie Fisher, Robert Harling, Nancy Meyers, Paul Rudnick
Music: various
Production Design: Jackson DeGovia
Art Direction: Eve Cauley
Set Decoration: Thomas L. Roysden
Costume Design: Molly Maginnis
Special Effects: Rocky Gehr
Cinematography: Adam Greenberg
Film Editing: Colleen Halsey, Richard Halsey

Cast: Whoopi Goldberg [Deloris], Maggie Smith [Mother Superior], Kathy Najimy [Sister Mary Patrick], Wendy Makkena [Sister Mary Robert], Mary Wickes [Sister Mary Lazarus], Harvey Keitel [Vince LaRocca], Bill Nunn [Eddie Souther], Robert Miranda [Joey], Richard Portnow [Willy], Ellen Albertini, Carmen Zapata, Pat Crawford Brown, Prudence Wright Holmes, Georgia Creighton, Susan Johnson, Ruth Kobart, Susan Browning, Darlene Koldenhoven, Sheri Izzard, Edith Diaz, Beth Fowler [Choir Nuns], Rose Parenti [Sister Alma], Joseph Maher [Bishop O'Hara], Jim Beaver [Clarkson], Jenifer Lewis [Michelle], Charlotte Crossley [Tina], A. J. Johnson [Lewanda], Desreta Jackson [1st Teenage Girl], Zatella Beatty [2nd Teenage Girl], Skye Bassett [3rd Teenage Girl], Lois DeBanzie [Immaculata], Isis Carmen Jones [Little Deloris], Max Grodenchik [Ernie], Joseph G. Medalis [Henry Parker], Michael Durrell [Larry Merrick], Robert Jimenez [News Reporter], Toni Kalem [Connie LaRocca], Kevin Bourland [Pilot], David Boyce [Croupier], Timothy J. Pedegana [Gambler], Terry Wills [Salesman], David M. Parker [Bartender], Nicky Katt [Waiter], Mike Jolly [1st Biker], Jeremy Roberts [2nd Biker], Eugene Greytak [Pope], C&C Music Factory [Vocals], Andrea Robinson [singing voice of Wendy Makkena]

Musical Program: The Lounge Medley: Heat Wave / My Guy / I Will Follow Him (Whoopi Goldberg and The Ronelles); Rescue Me (Fontella Bass); Hail Holy Queen (Whoopi Goldberg and The Sisters); Roll with Me Henry (Etta James); Gravy (Dee Dee Sharp); My Guy (My God) (Whoopi Goldberg and the Sisters); Just a Touch of Love (Everyday) (C&C Music Factory); Finale: I will Follow Him ("Chariot") (Whoopi Goldberg and the Sisters); Shout (Whoopi Goldberg, the Sisters and The Ronelles); If My Sister's in Trouble (Lady Soul)

Ski Party
American International Pictures (AIP), 1965, Color, 90 minutes, **½
Released June, 1965

On a college ski weekend, Todd (Frankie Avalon) and Craig (Dwayne Hickman) dress up in drag and pass themselves off as Jane and Nora, a pair of English girls. Why? To join in with the girls' ski lessons so they can meet girls! Along the way, Lesley Gore shows up on the bus to sing "Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows," and James Brown and the Famous Flames appear at the ski lodge to sing "I Feel Good."

This is one of the very few film appearances of Lesley Gore. Overall it's a very light-weight musical comedy, practically identical to any of the Beach films except that there is skiing instead of surfing. But it's fun, and it's cool to see Lesley Gore and James Brown on screen!

See also: Muscle Beach Party (included on the double-feaure DVD shown here)

Produced by: Gene Corman
Executive Producers: James H. Nicholson and Samuel Z. Arkoff
Production Manager: Jack Bohrer
Directed by: Alan Rafkin
Assistant Director: Dale Hutchinson
Written by:: Robert Kaufman
Script Supervisor: John Dutton
Musical Score by: Gary Usher
Art Director: Howard Campbell
Set Decorator: George Nelson
Costume Supervisor: Richard Bruno
Make-Up: Ted Cooley
Sound: Bob Post
Director of Photography: Arthur E. Arling
Filmed in Panavision and Pathecolor
Film Editor: Morton Tubor

Cast: Frankie Avalon [Todd Armstrong], Dwayne Hickman [Craig Gamble], Deborah Walley [Linda Hughes], Yvonne Craig [Barbara Norris], Robert Q. Lewis [Mr. Pevney], Bobbi Shaw [Nita Elksberg], Aron Kincaid [Freddie Carter], Steve Rogers [Gene], Patti Chandler [Janet], Mike Nader [Bobby], Salli Sachse [Indian], John Boyer [John], Mikki Jamison [Mikki], Mickey Dora [Mickey], Mary Hughes [Mary], Bill Sampson [Arthur], Luree Holmes [Luree], James Brown [Himself] (with The Famous Flames), Lesley Gore [Herself]; The Hondells [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Ski Party (sung by Frankie Avalon behind titles); [0:11] Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows (sung by Lesley Gore and kids onboard the bus to the ski lodge); [0:17] Lots Lots More (sung by Frankie Avalon onscreen with The Hondells offscren, danced by the kids); [0:31] Paintin' the Town (sung by Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Dwayne Hickman and Yvonne Craig); [0:37] We'll Never Change Them (sung by Deborah Walley and the Girls); [0:53] I Got You (I Feel Good) (sung and danced by James Brown and The Famous Flames); [1:20] The Gasser (played by The Hondells onscreen, danced by the kids); [1:25] Ski Party (sung by The Hondells at end of film through end credits); The Hondells can be heard in portions of the background score.

My favorite Esther Williams film! Loads of fun with the most loveable threesome of lovely ladies, Esther, Vivian and Joan. They are WAVE enlistees trying to get through boot camp. Each of them has a completely different personality and background, but they become best of friends. And each of them finds a way to cope with the challenges of Navy life and with the men in their lives. Great fun, and great performances by all three. Musical standouts are "What Good Is a Gal Without a Guy" and "The Navy Waltz" (a really great number). Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van make a special appearance, along with a rare appearance by the DeMarco Sisters.

Yes, the critics are right - the plot is predictable, routine and paper-thin. But that's not all there is to this film. Esther, Joan and Vivian are splendid actresses, and it's not every day you can see the three of them together. Vivian's character is bright and boisterous - she's really fun. Joan is the shy girl-next-door type, and she carries it off splendidly. She's sweet and very lovable! And Esther is, well... Esther. She's a great actress and comedienne (not to mention her swimming). Her swimming numbers in this film are nothing to write home about, but they're fun.

The film is interesting, too, in that the Navy actually participated with a Precision ("Monkey Drill") Drill Team, The Navy Chorus and Marching Bands, and shots of graduation reviews at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. Perhaps because I was once a monkey drill team member, I enjoy watching that. Anyway, this is one of my favorite films - I never seem to get tired of seeing it. It makes me happy, and that's the most a movie can ever do for you!

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Sidney Lanfield
Written by: Isobel Lennart
Technical Adviser: Lt. Comdr. Eleanor Sowers
Music by: Harry Warren
Lyrics by: Ralph Blane
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Orchestrations by: Pete Rugolo
Vocal Arrangements by: Jeff Alexander
Musical Numbers Created and Staged by: Nick Castle
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Daniel B. Cathcart
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Alfred E. Spencer
Esther Williams' and Vivian Blaine's Costumes Designed by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Montage Sequence by: Peter Ballbusch
Director of Photography: William Mellor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Cotton Warburton

Cast: Esther Williams [Whitney Young], Joan Evans [Mary Kate Yarbrough], Vivian Blaine [Una Yancy], Barry Sullivan [Lt. Comdr. Paul Elcott], Keefe Brasselle [Dick Hallson], Billy Eckstine [Himself], Dean Miller [Archie O'Conovan], Margalo Gillmore [Lt. Comdr. Stauton], The De Marco Sisters [The Williams Sisters: Ann, Alma, Abby, Aileen, Alice], Jeff Donnell [Lt. Giff], Thurston Hall [Thatcher Kinston], Russell "Bubba" Tongay [Little Boy Swimmer], Kathy Tongay [Little Girl Swimmer], Roy Roberts [Capt. Graymont], Emmett Lynn ["Pop", the Plumber], Hayden Rorke [Doctor], Additional Cast: Keenan Wynn [Himself], Debbie Reynolds [Herself], Bobby Van [Himself], Paul Harvey [Old Naval Officer], Ruth Lee [Mrs. Yarbrough], Whit Bissell [Mr. Yarbrough], Rudy Lee [Randy], Madge Blake [Mrs. Vance], Mae Clarke [Miss LaValle], Kathleen Freeman [Seamstress], Byron Foulger [Tearoom Manager], Juanita Moore, Millie Bruce, Suzette Harbin [Black Drill Team Members], Henny Backus [Nurse], Robert Board [Young Sailor], Mary Foran [Fat Girl], William Haade [Bosun's Mate], Marimba Merrymakers [Themselves], Joan Elmes [singing voice of Joan Evans?]

Musical Program: [0:00] Skirts Ahoy (sung by Chorus under titles); [0:08] Anchors Aweigh [played by Navy Marching Band]; [0:16] Glad to Have You Aboard (sung by Vivian Blaine and the Girls); [0:20] What Makes a WAVE? (sung, mopped and drenched by Esther Williams and The DeMarco Sisters); [0:39] What Good Is a Gal (Without a Guy) (sung by Vivian Blaine, Esther Williams and Joan Elmes dubbing for Joan Evans); [0:48] Hold Me Close to You (sung by Billy Eckstine with the Marimba Merrymakers at the nightclub); [1:00] Ring Around the Rosy / London Bridge (Is Falling Down) (sung and swimmed by Esther Williams with little Russell "Bubba" Tongay and Kathy Tongay); [1:06] The Navy Waltz (played during WAVES monkey drill performed by a real WAVES special drill team); [1:09] Alone Together on an Island Under a Tropical Moon with You (Oh, By Jingo) (sung and danced by Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van, introduced by Keenan Wynn); [1:12] I Get a Funny Feeling (played by dance orchestra and sung by Dean Miller with Chorus as WAVES dance at ball); [1:16] What Good Is a Gal (Without a Guy) (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra at WAVES ball); [1:18] The Navy Waltz (sung by real Navy Chorus Mixed Chorus and The DeMarco Sisters, also danced by Esther Williams and Emmett Lynn in a very touching moment); [1:28] What Good Is a Gal (Without a Guy) (sung and danced by The DeMarco Sisters); [1:35] The Navy Waltz (instrumental arrangement which include a Tango strain played as Esther Williams swims with a inflatable pool toy that looks like a Sailor); [1:39] Anchors Aweigh (played by Navy Band at Graduation Review, U. S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois); [1:47] Anchors Aweigh / Skirts Ahoy (played in background by Marching Band and sung by Women's Chorus at train station as everyone says goodbye to their loved ones)

The Sky's the Limit
RKO, 1943, B/W, 89 minutes, ***
Released July, 1943

Fred Astaire finds a new dance partner in Joan Leslie in this delightful wartime musical. Fred portrays an ace with the highly regarded Flying Tigers squad. On leave in New York City on an eight-day furlough, Fred decides to forego any possible hero worship because of his uniform and dons civilian clothes. It so happens he meets and falls for Joan, a magazine photographer, and sets out to win her heart at all costs. The twist is that Joan is dedicated to the war effort and considers Fred - who is keeping his military role a secret - a ne'er-do-well for not displaying any interest. But the pair are interested in each other, and manage to set New York awhirl with some great dance numbers before Fred must return to the wartorn skies.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: David Hempstead
Associate Producer: Sherman Todd
Directed by: Edward H. Griffith
Assistant Director: Ruby Rosenberg
Original Screen Play by: Frank Fenton and Lynn Root
Musical Director: Leigh Harline
Lyrics by: Johnny Mercer
Music by: and Harold Arlen
Dances Created and Staged by: Fred Astaire
Art Directors: Albert S. D'Agostino, Carroll Clark
Set Decoration: Darrell Silvera, Claude Carpenter
Gowns by: Renié
Recorded by: Richard Van Hessen
Rerecorded by: James G. Stewart
Special Effects: Vernon L. Walker
Director of Photography: Russell Metty
Edited by: Roland Gross

Awards: Academy Award Nominations for Best Score - Musical (Leigh Harline)
and Best Song ("My Shining Hour")

Cast: Fred Astaire [Fred Atwell (Burton)], Joan Leslie [Joan Manion], Robert Benchley [Phil Harriman], Robert Ryan [Reg Fenton], Elizabeth Patterson [Mrs. Fisher], Marjorie Gateson [Canteen Hostess], Richard Davies [Lt. Dick Merlin], Clarence Kolb [Harvey J. Sloan], Freddie Slack and His Orchestra [Themselves], Eric Blore [Jackson], Henri DeSoto [Headwaiter], Dorothy Kelly [Harriman's Secretary], Norma Drury [Mrs. Roskowski], Jerry Mandy [Italian Waiter], Clarence Muse [Doorman], Ida Shoemaker [Flower Woman], Paul Hurst [Stevedore Foreman], Amelita Ward [San Francisco Girl], Rhoda Reese [Powers Model], Neil Hamilton [Naval Commander], Dick Rush [Railway Conductor], Georgia Caine [Charwoman], Ann Summers, Rita Maritt [Bits], Buck Bucko, Roy Bucko, Clint Sharp [Cowboys], Edward McNamara [Barman], Joe Bernard [Bartender], Al Murphy [Bartender], Jack Carr [Customer], Ferris Taylor [Keifer, the Chef], Peter Lawford [USAF Officer], Olin Howlin [4-F Man], Victor Potel [Joe, the Bartender], Ella Mae Morse [Singer]

Musical Program: [0:12] Three Little Words (instrumental arrangement played by Freddie Slack and His Orchestra); [0:15] My Shining Hour (sung by Joan Leslie with Freddie Slack and His Orchestra; instrumental reprise danced by Fred Astaire and Joan Leslie); [0:21] My Shining Hour (reprised by Fred Astaire and Joan Leslie); [0:36] I've Got a Lot in Common with You (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Joan Leslie); [0:42] Fred Astaire does a "snake dance" on a table in the canteen; [1:03] My Shining Hour (instrumental arrangement danced by Fred Astaire and Joan Leslie); [1:08] Robert Benchley makes one of his mind-twisting babble talks (a Benchley specialty); [1:22] One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) (sung and danced by Fred Astaire as he breaks all the glass in the nightclub)

Heralded by audiences and critics alike, Sleeping Beauty was the final fairy tale to be produced by Walt Disney himself. Now Fully restored with revolutionary digital technology, its dazzling colors, rich backgrounds and Academy Award nominated orchestrations shine brighter than ever.

When an enchanted kingdom and the most fair princess in the land fall prey to the ultimate mistress of evil, the fate of the empire rests in the hands of three small fairies and a courageous prince's magic kiss. Their quest is fraught with peril as the spirited group must battle the evil witch and a fire-breathing dragon if they are to set the beauty free.

From spectacular action to the breathtaking pageantry of the princess and her kingdom, Sleeping Beauty has something to charm every member of your family.
[from back of DVD case]

Produced by: Walt Disney
Production Supervisor: Ken Peterson
Supervising Director: Clyde Geronimi
Sequence Directors: Eric Larson, Wolfgang Reitherman, Les Clark
Story Adaptation: Erdman Penner
From the Charles Perrault version of Sleeping Beauty
Additional Story: Joe Rinaldi, Winston Hibler, Bill Peet, Ted Sears, Ralph Wright, Milt Banta
Music Adaptation: George Bruns
Adapted from Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty Ballet"
Songs: George Bruns, Erdman Penner, Tom Adair, Sammy Fain, Winston Hibler, Jack Lawrence, Ted Sears
Choral Arrangements: John Rarig
Production Design: Don Da Gradi, Ken Anderson
Color Styling: Eyvind Earle
Character Styling: Tom Oreb
Directing Animators: Milt Kahl, Frank Thomas, Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery
Sound Supervisor: Robert O. Cook
Music Editor: Evelyn Kennedy
Special Processes: Ub Iwerks, Eustace Lycett
Filmed in Technirama and Technicolor
Film Editors: Roy M. Brewer, Jr., Donald Halliday

Cast: Mary Costa [voice of Princess Aurora], Bill Shirley [voice of Prince Phillip], Eleanor Audley [voice of Maleficent], Verna Felton [voice of Flora], Barbara Luddy [voice of Merryweather], Barbara Jo Allen [voice of Fauna], Taylor Holmes [voice of Stefan], Bill Thompson [voice of Hubert], Bill Amsbery, Candy Candido, Pinto Colvig [voices of Maleficent's Goons], Dal McKennon [voice of Owl], Marvin Miller [Narrator], Thurl Ravenscroft [Singer], Helene Stanley [Live-Action Reference]

Musical Program: [0:00] Once Upon a Dream (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:03] Hail to the Princess Aurora (sung by Chorus); [0:25] I Wonder (sung by Mary Costa); [0:30] Once Upon a Dream (sung by Mary Costa, Bill Shirley and Chorus); [0:38] Once Upon a Dream (reprised by Mary Costa); [0:40] Skumps (Drinking Song) (sung by Taylor Holmes and Bill Thompson); [0:54] Sleeping Beauty (sung by Chorus); [1:13] Once Upon a Dream (instrumental danced by Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora, then sung by Chorus); There are other short song snippets and background pieces, but the songs above are the main songs of the movie.

Sleeping Beauty
(aka Cannon Movie Tales: Sleeping Beauty)
Golan-Globus / Cannon, 1987, Color, 90 minutes, ***
USA release June, 1987

See list of all Cannon Movie Tales

Beautiful Morgan Fairchild (Pee Wee's Big Adventure) stars with Oscar nominee Tahnee Welch in this heartwarming children's favorite, based on the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault.

When the unsuspecting queen (Fairchild) angers an evil fairy, the Princess Rosebud (Welch) is put under a spell. Pricking her finger on a magic spindle, the poor Princess falls into an enchanted sleep. The only way to rescue her is to find a handsome prince bold enough to brave the fairy's wrath; one kiss from him and the spell will be broken!

With exquisite period costumes and an outstanding cast, Sleeping Beauty is a wonderfully entertaining film that the whole family can enjoy!   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Producers: Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus
Associate Producer: Patricia Ruben
Executive Producer: Itzik Kol
Directed by: David Irving
Screenplay by: Michael Berz
Based on the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault
Production Designer: Marek Dobrowolski
Songs and Lyrics by: Michael Berz
Music Score by: Joe Glassman
Choreography: Yacov Kalusky
Art Direction: Charlie Leon
Set Decoration: Albert Segal
Costume Designer: Debbie Leon
Make-up Supervision and Design: Marie Helene Yatchenkoff
Hair Stylist: Lina Talmor Director of Photography: David Gurfinkel
Special Effects: Carlo De Marchis
Editor: Tova Neeman

Cast: Tahnee Welch [Rosebud], Kenny Baker [Elf], Morgan Fairchild [Queen], David Holliday [King], Nicholas Clay [Prince], Sylvia Miles [Red Fairy], Shai K. Ophir [Master Elf], Jane Wiedlin [White Fairy], Orna Porat [Nana], Julian Chagrin [Advisor], Yankele Ben Sira [1st Counsellor], Danny Segev [2nd Counsellor], Joseph Bee [3rd Counsellor], Igor Borisov [Cook], Johnny Phillips [Count], Yehuda Efroni [Duke], Michael Schneider [1st Guard], Bob Levitt [2nd Guard], Susan Berlin [1st Spinning Woman], Bettine LeBeau [2nd Spinning Woman], Shone Anstey [Kitchen Boy], Rolanda Chagrin [1st Courtier], Shula Revach [2nd Courtier], Yael Uz Ely [Sprite], Marjolein Rooduyn [Blue Fairy], Daniella Slavik [Green Fairy], Esty Tsadok [Yellow Fairy], Sharon Eyal [Pink Fairy], Amit Avigdor [Orange Fairy], Leeora Grossman [Gold Fairy], Bruria Brackman [Purple Fairy], Anat Ben-Yehoshua [singing voice of Morgan Fairchild], Nick Curtis [singing voice of Nicholas Clay], Linda Lopresti [singing voice of Tahnee Welch]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Spin, Spin, Spin (sung and danced by Susan Berlin and Seamstress Ensemble); [0:06] Queen's Lament (sung by Anat Ben Yehoshua dubbing for Morgan Fairchild); [0:28] How Good It Is (sung by David Holliday and Ensemble); [0:30] Sleeping Beauty Waltz (danced by the Fairies); [0:40] Life Looks Rosier Today (sung by Linda Lopresti dubbing for Tahnee Welch); [0:45] Tattered Clothes Song (sung and danced by Julian Chagrin and Chorus); [0:57] Dare Me (sung by Linda Lopresti dubbing for Tahnee Welch); [0:59] Spinning Song (just a few bars sung by Sylvia Miles); [1:11] Quickly, Now, Quickly / All to Sleep (sung by Jane Wiedlin); [1:21] Slumber (sung by Nick Curtis dubbing for Nicholas Clay); [1:27] How Good It Is (sung by David Holliday and Chorus, continued by Chorus behind end credits)

The Slipper and the Rose is a grand musical adventure in the tradition of The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. This lavish production features Richard Chamberlain in a spirited re-telling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale. The Academy Award-nominated music score is provided by the Sherman brothers, the Oscar-winning song-writing duo (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). The Slipper and the Rose is a brilliant mix of fantasy and realism that will enchant viewers of all ages.

No musical collection would be complete without this romantically delightful film.
[from back of DVD case]

Beautifully produced Cinderella with a twist. Great visuals, beautiful music, humor, fun and entertaining. Highly recommended! [JJ]

Produced by: Stuart Lyons
Executive Producer: David Frost
Directed by: Bryan Forbes
Assistant Director: Jack Causey
Screenplay: Bryan Forbes and Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Angela Morely
Music and Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Choreographer: Marc Breaux
Production Designer: Raymond Simm
Art Director: Bert Davey
Set Dresser: Jack Stephens
Costume Designer: Julie Harris
Chief Hairdresser: Barbara Ritchie
Chief Make-up: Basil Newall
Sound Recordist: Bill Daniels
Special Effects: Ray Caple
Director of Photography: Tony Imi
Filmed in Panavision, Colour by Technicolor
Made at Pinewood Studios, London, England
and on location in Austria
Editor: Timothy Gee

Producers Thanks to:
The Count Moy, Anif Castle, Salzburg
The Authorities and People of the City of Salzburg
The Provost of Southwark Cathedral, London
The Administrator of the Royal Ballet, London

Awards: Academy Award nominations (1978) for Best Original Score (Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman and Angela Morley), Best Original Song: "The Slipper and the Rose Waltz (He Danced With Me / She Danced With Me)"

Cast: Richard Chamberlain [Prince Edward], Gemma Craven [Cinderella], Annette Crosbie [Fairy Godmother], Edith Evans [Dowager Queen], Christopher Gable [John], Michael Hordern [King], Margaret Lockwood [Stepmother], Kenneth More [Lord Chamberlain], Julian Orchard [Montague], Lally Bowers [Queen], Rosalind Ayres [Isobella], Sherrie Hewson [Palatine], John Turner [Major Domo], Keith Skinner [Willoughby], Polly Williams [Lady Caroline], Fred [The Dog], Norman Bird [Dress Shop Proprietor], Roy Barraclough [Tailor], Elizabeth Mansfield [Lady in Waiting to the Queen], Peter Graves [General], Gerald Sim [First Lord of the Navy], Geoffrey Bayldon [Archbishop], Valentine Dyall [2nd Major Domo], Tim Barrett [Minister], Vivienne McKee [Bride], Andre Morell [Bride's Father], Myrtle Reed [Bride's Mother], Ludmilla Nova [2nd Lady in Waiting to the Queen], Peter Leeming [Singing Guard], Marianne Broome, Tessa Dahl, Lea Dregorn, Eva Reuber-Staier, Ann Rutherford, Suzette St. Clair [Princesses], Jenny Lee Wright [Milk Maid], Patrick Jordan, Rocky Taylor [Prince's Guards], Paul Schmitzburger [Cowherd], Robert Arditti, Adrian Barnes, Wendy Barry, Tomy Bateman, Nicky Benton, Michael Buchanan, Reg Bundy, Susan Claire, Ina Clare, Rosalind Cole, Michael Coleman, Lesley Collier, Anna Delaney, Bill Drysdale, Stanley Fleet, Neil Fitzwilliam, Joyce Graham, Johnny Heawood, Deanne Horsham, Jerry Hunt, Sheila Humphreys, Jamie Kells, Lorna Kelner, Jimmy Land, Maurice Lane, William Lawford, Adrian Lepeltier, Susan Lockwood, Vince Logan, Connel Miles, Thorey Mountain, Connie Paull, Terry Rendle, Stuart Saunders, David Shelmerdine, Petra Siniawski, Wayne Sleep, Arthur Sweet, Jessica Swift, Hilary Tickner, Jacquie Toye, Domini Winter [Dancers]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:07] Why Can't I Be Two People? (sung by Richard Chamberlain); [0:15] What Has Love Got to Do with Getting Married? (sung by Michael Hordern, Lally Bowers, Edith Evans and Julian Orchard); [0:24] Once I Was Loved (sung by Gemma Craven); [0:27] What a Comforting Thing to Know (sung and danced by Richard Chamberlain and Christopher Gable); [0:36] Protocoligorically Correct (sung and danced by Michael Hordern, Kenneth More and Court Advisors); [0:46] A Bride Finding Ball (sung by Richard Chamberlain and Julian Orchard); [1:07] Suddenly It Happens (sung by Annette Crosbie); [1:09] Suddenly It Happens (sung by Chorus, danced by Mice); [1:11] Suddenly It Happens (sung by Gemma Craven); [1:17] The Slipper and the Rose Waltz (instrumental danced by Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven and Guests at the Bride Finding Ball; used as theme throughout the score); [1:23] Secret Kingdom (sung by Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven); [1:28] He Danced with Me / She Danced with Me (sung by Gemma Craven, then by Richard Chamberlain); [1:39] Position and Positioning (sung by Christopher Gable, then sung and danced by Servant Staff); [1:59] Tell Him Anything (But Not That I Loved Him) (sung by Gemma Craven); [2:07] I Can't Forget the Melody (sung by Gemma Craven); [2:18] Secret Kingdom (reprised by Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven), [2:21] Protocoligorically Correct (sung by Mens Chorus behind end credits)

Small Town Girl
MGM, 1953, Color, 94 minutes, ***
Released April, 1953

Jane Powell and Farley Granger play cat-and-mouse in this charming musical, highlighted by some of Busby Berkelely's snazziest song and dance routines.

When rich and handsome big city boy Rick Livingston (Granger) tries to buy his way out of a speeding ticket in Duck Creek (population 4,516), country Judge Gordon Kimbell sentences him to 30 days in jail. Wishing he were back in New York for his show girl fiancee's (Ann Miller) birthday, he stages a hunger strike. Sympathetic, the judge's pretty daughter Cindy (Jane Powell) sneaks him away, thinking it's his mother's birthday. She learns the truth upon arriving in the Big Apple, but love has blossomed between the two, and Rick may end up with a life sentence.

The stellar cast includes Fay Wray in her first role in eleven years as Mrs. Kimbell; singer and dancer extraordinaire Bobby Van as an aspiring Broadway musical star and Cindy's rejected suitor; S. Z. Sakall as his befuddled father; and a special appearance by Nat King Cole. With exceptional singing and dancing, Small Town Girl is big time fun for all.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Fun film features Bobby Van's famous "pogo" dance, Ann Miller's "I've Got to Hear That Beat" with the orchestra instruments protruding through the floor, and some wonderful singing by Jane Powell. Also features an early guest appearance by Nat "King" Cole. [JJ]

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Leslie Kardos
Assistant Director: Bert Glazer
Screen Play by: Dorothy Cooper and Dorothy Kingsley
Story by: Dorothy Cooper
Songs: Music by Nicholas Brodszky, Lyrics by Leo Robin
Musical Direction: André Previn
Musical Numbers Staged by: Busby Berkeley
Vocal Supervision: Jeff Alexander
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Hans Peters
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Emile Kuri
Costumes Designed by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Montage Sequence by: Peter Ballbusch
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, Robert Brower
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("My Flaming Heart")

Cast: Jane Powell [Cindy Kimbell], Farley Granger [Rick Belrow Livingston], Ann Miller [Lisa Bellmount], S. Z. Sakall [Eric Schlemmer], Robert Keith [Judge Gordon Kimbell], Bobby Van [Ludwig Schlemmer], Billie Burke [Mrs. Livingston], Fay Wray [Mrs. Gordon Kimbell], Nat "King" Cole [Himself], Dean Miller [Mac], William Campbell [Ted], Philip Tonge [Hemmingway], Jonathan Cott [Jim the Cop], Bobby Hyatt [Dennis], Rudy Lee [Jimmy], Beverly Wills [Deidre], Gloria Noble [Patsy], Jane Liddell [Betty], Nancy Valentine [Mary], Janet Stewart [Sandra], Pegi McIntire [Susie], Virginia Hall [Girl Friend], Additional Cast: Chill Wills [Happy], Marie Blake [Girl], Bess Flowers [Guest at Mrs. Livingston's party]

Muscial Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] Lullaby of the Lord (sung by Jane Powell and Choir in Church); [0:13] Fine, Fine, Fine (sung by Jane Powell, Bobby Van and Chorus, danced by Bobby Van and Jane Powell); [0:22] Small Towns Are Smile Towns (sung by Jane Powell); [0:39] Take Me to Broadway (sung and danced by Bobby Van in his father's store); [0:46] Farfel's Birthday Song (one verse sung a capella by Farley Granger, two verses sung a capella by Jane Powell to Chill Wills); [0:52] Short excerpt of chamber music at Mrs. Livingston's home; [0:54] The Fellow I'd Follow (sung by Jane Powell at Mrs. Livingston's party); [0:58] I've Gotta Hear That Beat (sung and danced by Ann Miller dancing on a set with hands playing musical instruments); [1:03] Farley's Birthday Song (short excerpt reprised by Farley Granger and Ann Miller); [1:06] My Flaming Heart (sung by Nat "King" Cole at the piano in a nightclub visited by Jane Powell and Farley Granger); [1:09] My Flaming Heart (jazzy instrumental arrangement danced by Jane Powell with Farley Granger and other guests at night club); [1:15] My Flaming Heart (sung by Nat "King" Cole on record player in Jane's bedroom); [1:16] Pogo Dance music is part of the background score (Bobby Van's "pogo" dance - sans pogo stick -- astounding! I count only 4 film splices in 3 minutes of hopping); [1:27] My Gaucho (sung and danced by Ann Miller and Mens Chorus); [1:31] Hallelujah Chorus (sung by Jane Powell and Choir)

Smilin' Through
MGM, 1941, Color, 100 minutes, ***
Released October, 1941

Jeanette MacDonald and real-life husband Gene Raymond both play dual roles in this romatic tale. Kathleen Claire (Jeanette MacDonald) is attracted to Kenneth Wayne (Gene Raymond), a young American who has come to England during World War I to join the British army. But Claire's guardian, Sir John Cateret (Brian Aherne), forbids her to see the soldier. Flashback - Years before, during the wedding of Sir John and Claire's Aunt Moonyean (also played by MacDonald), jilted suitor Jeremy Wayne, Kenneth's father (also played by Raymond), attempts to shoot Sir John. He misses and kills Moonyean instead.

After hearing Sir John's story, Claire agrees to abide by his wishes. Kenneth goes off to war, but returns wounded and, not wishing to be a burden, refuses to see Claire. But it isn't long before the two lovers are in each other's arms again, and Aunt Moonyean's ghost, still haunting Sir John after all these years, finally convinces Sir John to allow the two lovers to be together.

Produced by: Victor Saville
Directed by: Frank Borzage
Screen Play by: Donald Ogden Stewart and John Balderston
Based on the Play by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfin
Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Daniel B. Cathcart
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Leonard Smith
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Montage Effects: Peter Ballbusch
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Frank Sullivan

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Kathleen Clare / Moonyean Clare], Brian Aherne [Sir John Carteret], Gene Raymond [Kenneth Wayne / Jeremy Wayne], Ian Hunter [Reverend Owen Harding], Frances Robinson [Ellen], Patrick O'Moore [Willie], Eric Lonsdale [Charles], Jackie Horner [Kathleen as a Child], David Clyde [Sexton], Frances Carson [Dowager], Ruth Rickaby [Woman], Wyndham Standing [Doctor], Emily West [Chorus Singer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Recessional (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus offscreen); [0:10] The Kerry Dance (sung by Jackie Horner at piano, then fades to Jeanette MacDonald singing offscreen with Children dancing onscreen, then fades to Jeanette MacDonald singing at piano); [0:26] Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:32] A Little Love, a Little Kiss (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:40] Ouvre ton coeur (played by Orchestra, danced by party guests); [0:42] Ouvre ton coeur (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:48] Smilin' Through (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:59] There's a Long, Long Trail (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Mens Chorus); [1:15] Land of Hope and Glory (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [1:38] Smilin' Through (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald at end of film)

The Smiling Lieutenant
Paramount, 1931, B/W, 89 minutes, ***½
Premiere release July, 1931
General release August, 1931

Maurice Chevalier's randy Viennese lieutenant is enamored of Claudette Colbert's freethinking. But complications ensue when the sexually repressed princess of the fictional kingdom of Flausenthurm, played by newcomer Miriam Hopkins, sets her sights on him. The Smiling Lieutenant is a delightful showcase for its rising female stars, who are never more charming than when Colbert tunefully instructs Hopkins to "Jazz Up Your Lingerie."  [from back of DVD case]

A true gem of a movie! Miriam Hopkins and Claudette Colbert are so cute and charming they nearly steal the show from Chevalier (which is not an easy thing to do!). All of the cast is superb, and the story is lots of fun. Beautiful restoration! Don't miss this one!

The DVD box set (shown right) contains this film and The Love Parade, One Hour with You and Monte Carlo. The sound and picture quality of each of the four DVDs is absolutely stunning!

Produced and Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
By: Ernest Vajda, Samson Raphaelson
Based upon "The Waltz Dream" by Leopold Jacobson and Feliz Dörman and the novel "Nux Der Prinzgemahl" by Hans Müller
Music by: Oscar Straus
Lyrics by: Clifford Grey
Photographed by: George Folsey

Cast: Maurice Chevalier [Niki], Claudette Colbert [Franzi], Miriam Hopkins [Princess Anna], Charlie Ruggles [Max], George Barbier [King Adolf XV], Hugh O'Connell [Orderly], Additional Cast: Janet Reade [Lily], Werner Saxtorph [Joseph], Lon MacSunday [Emperor], Robert Strange [Col. Rockoff], Charles Wagenheim [Arresting Officer], Harry C. Bradley [Count Von Halden], Elizabeth Patterson [Baroness von Schwedel], Maude Allen [Woman Attendant], Granville Bates [Bill Collector], Karl Stall [Master of Ceremonies]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] Toujours l'Amour in the Army (sung by Maurice Chevalier); [0:08] ? (played by The Viennese Swallows - Claudette Colbert and her all-girl band at the beer garden); [0:14] While Hearts Are Singing (played by Maurice Chevalier at the piano and Claudette Colbert on violin, segment sung by Claudette Colbert); [0:18] Breakfast Table Love (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert while having breakfast); [0:38] One More Hour of Love (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Cladette Colbert while dancing); [1:04] ? (played by The Viennese Swallows); [1:11] ? (played by Miriam Hopkins at the piano); [1:17] Jazz Up Your Lingerie (sung by Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins); [1:28] Toujours l'Amour in the Army (reprised by Maurice Chevalier); "Live for Today" (not used); "What Can They Expect of Me (not used)


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Snow White
(aka Cannon Movie Tales: Snow White)
Golan-Globus / Cannon, 1987, Color, 85 minutes, ***

See list of all Cannon Movie Tales

A prince, seeking the greatest treasure, stumbles upon seven little men guarding a coffin. They tell him the story of Snow White, a beautiful princess who was forced to run away from home after her jealous stepmother tried to have her killed. When she realizes that the girl is still alive and living with the dwarfs, she sets out to destroy her only rival once and for all.

Producers: Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus
Associate Producer: Patricia Ruben
Executive Producer: Itzik Kol
Directed by: Michael Berz
Screenplay: Michael Berz
Based on the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm
Music by: Arik Rudich
Music Supervisor: Stephen Lawrence
Choreographer: Yaacov Kalusky
Production Designer: Marek Dobrowolski
Art Director: Eytan Levi
Set Decorator: Ram Baruch
Costume Designer: Rakefet Levy
Make-up Artists: Tali Ben-Nun, Maskit Koren
Hair Stylist: Dalhia Eliazaroff
Director of Photography: Amnon Salomon
Special Effects Supervisor: Terry Glass
Editors: Moshe Avni, John S. Smith

Cast: Diana Rigg [Evil Queen], Billy Barty [Iddy], Sarah Patterson [Snow White], Nicola Stapleton [Snow White as a Child], Mike Edmunds [Biddy], Ricardo Gil [Kiddy], Malcolm Dixon [Diddy], Gary Friedkin [Fiddy], Arturo Gil [Giddy], Tony Cooper [Liddy], Tony Sheldon [The King], Dorit Adi [Good Queen], Ian James Wright [Prince], Chana Eden [1st Lady in Waiting], Angela Levinson [2nd Lady in Waiting], Linda Kaye [3rd Lady in Waiting], Julian Joy Chagrin [Magic Mirror Head], Azaria Rapoport [Prince's Father], Amnon Meskin [Hunter], Michael Schneider [Dressmaker], Jeff Guerner [Prince's Guard], Additional Cast: Caroline Langford [Lady in Waiting]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Where Am I Going (sung by Simon Green dubbing for James Ian Wright); [0:05] Let It Snow (sung by Dorit Adi, Douglas Sheldon and Ladies in Waiting); [0:11] Daddy's Knee (sung and danced by Nicola Stapleton and Douglas Sheldon); [0:24] More Beautiful Than Me (?) (sung by Diana Rigg and Amnon Meskin); [0:33] Bed Song (sung by Nicola Stapleton); [0:43] Iddy, Biddy Names (sung by Billy Barty, David Baron, Leslie Bismo, Bill Parry, Rick Stoneback, Nicola Stapleton, Neil Benari and Bob Spillman); [0:46] Every Day (sung by Dwarfs and Jan Harvash dubbing for Sarah Patterson); [0:56] Lovely Hair (sung by Diana Rigg)

Disney's first full-length animated feature based on the classic fairytale is as perfectly charming today as it was in 1937. In fact, I find the quietly charming story and beautiful hand-drawn animation a welcome change of pace from today's high-speed, frenetic, computer-generated animation. Features some classic songs, including "I'm Wishing," "One Song," "Heigh-Ho" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come." Disney films are on and off "moratorium" all the time, so you may find this to be out of print. If so, buy it used or just wait a few years and maybe Disney will release it again. [JJ]

Producer: Walt Disney
Supervising Director: David Hand
Sequence Directors: Perce Pearce, William Cottrell, Larry Morey, Wilfred Jackson, Ben Sharpsteen
Supervising Animators: Hamilton Luske, Fred Moore, Vladimir Tytla, Norman Ferguson
Adapted from Grimms' Fairy Tales
Story Adaptation: Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander, Dick Rickard, Earl Hurd, Merrill DeMaris, Dorothy Ann Blank, Webb Smith
Character Designers: Albert Hurter, Joe Grant
Music: Frank Churchill, Leigh Harline, Paul Smith
In Technicolor

Voices: Adriana Caselotti [Snow White], Harry Stockwell [Prince Charming], Lucille La Verne [The Queen], Moroni Olsen [Magic Mirror], Billy Gilbert [Sneezy], Pinto Colvig [Sleepy / Grumpy], Otis Harlan [Happy], Scotty Mattraw [Bashful], Roy Atwell [Doc], Stuart Buchanan [Humbert], Marian Darlington [Bird Sounds and Warbling], Jim Macdonald [Yodeling], Marge Champion [Movement Model for Snow White]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "One Song" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] I'm Wishing (sung by Snow White, joined by Prince Charming); [0:05] One Song (sung by Prince Charming); [0:08] One Song (reprised by Snow White); [0:12] With a Smile and a Song (sung by Snow White); [0:18] Whistle While You Work (sung by Snow White as she cleans up the Dwarfs' house); [0:21] Heigh-Ho (sung by Dwarfs); [0:43] Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum (The Dwarf's Washing Song) (sung by Dwarfs); [0:52] The Dwarf's Yodel Song (The Silly Song) (sung by Dwarfs); [0:57] Some Day My Prince Will Come (sung by Snow White); [1:07] Heigh-Ho (reprised by Dwarfs); [1:09] Some Day My Prince Will Come (reprised by Snow White); [1:19] One Song (sung by Prince Charming and Chorus); [1:22] Some Day My Prince Will Come (reprised by Chorus); Music in Your Soup [outtake] (sung by Dwarfs); You're Never Too Old to Be Young [outtake] (sung by Dwarfs)

So Dear to My Heart
Walt Disney Productions / RKO, 1949, Color, 82 minutes, ****
Premiere release November, 1948
General release January, 1949

One of Walt Disney's most precious film classics, So Dear to My Heart combines live action and animation to tell the heartwarming story of a young boy with big dreams and an even bigger imagination.

Jeremiah is the determined country boy who adopts a rejected and mischievous black lamb named Danny. While drawing a picture of Danny in his scrapbook, Jeremiah daydreams of winning a blue ribbon at the county fair. Then, from the pages of the scrapbook, Danny and other animal pictures magically come to life and convince Jeremiah to enter the real-life Danny - a pet without a pedigree - into the upcoming county fair. But the road to the fair is filled with tough challenges for Jeremiah, who must learn the importance of dedication, love and responsibility.

Featuring the Academy Award-nominated "Lavender Blue" (performed by Burl Ives), and a host of enjoyable songs for children and adults, So Dear to My Heart is high-spirited, sentimental fun for everyone.   [from back of VHS cover]

Setting: Fulton Corners, Pike County, Indiana, 1903. Filmed on location in the mountains of northern California.

Produced by: Walt Disney
Associate Producer: Perce Pearce
Directed by: Harold Schuster
Cartoon Director: Hamilton Luske
Screen Play by: John Tucker Battle
Adaptation by: Maurice Rapf, Ted Sears
From the Story by: Sterling North (Midnight and Jeremiah)
With thanks to Department of Conservation - State of Indiana and Department of Animal Husbandry - California State Polytechnic College
Musical Score: Paul Smith
Vocal Direction: Ken Darby
Orchestration: Ed Plumb
Music Editor: Al Teeter
Songs by: Larry Morey, Eliot Daniel, Don Raye, Gene DePaul, Irving Taylor, Ticker Freeman, Bob Wells, Mel Torme
Technical Director: Larry Lansburgh
Cartoon Story Treatment: Marc Davis, Ken Anderson, William Peed
Cartoon Art Treatment: John Hench, Mary Blair, Dick Kelsey
Photoplay Art Director: John Ewing
Photoplay Set Decorator: Mac Alper
Makeup: Ted Larsen
Hair Stylist: Vera Peterson
Sound Director: C. O. Slyfield
Sound Recording: Max Hutchinson, Robert O. Cook
Special Process: Ub Iwerks
Director of Photography: Winton C. Hoch
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Morgan Padelford
Film Editors: Thomas Scott, Lloyd L. Richardson

Cast: Burl Ives [Uncle Hiram], Beulah Bondi [Granny Kincaid], Harry Carey [Head Judge at Fair], Luana Patten [Tildy], Bobby Driscoll [Jeremiah "Jerry" Kincaid], Raymond Bond [Storekeeper], Daniel Haight [Storekeeper's Son], Walter Soderling [Villager], Matt Willis [Horse Trainer], Spelman B. Collins [Judge at Fair], Voices in animated sequences: John Beal [also Narrator, as adult Jeremiah Kincaid], Ken Carson [Owl], Bob Stanton, The Rhythmaires (background vocals)

Musical Program: [0:00] So Dear to My Heart (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra with a few bars sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] So Dear to My Heart (sung by John Beal?); [0:08] Ole Dan Patch (excerpt sung by Burl Ives); [0:19] It's Whatcha Do with Whatcha Got (animated sequence sung by owl and various barnyard animals, voiced by John Beal, Ken Carson, Bob Stanton, and The Rhythmaires); [0:28] Bah, Bah Black Sheep (excerpt sung by Burl Ives); [0:34] Lavender Blue (Dilly-Dilly) (sung by Burl Ives); [0:36] Billy Boy (sung by Beulah Bondi and Burl Ives); [0:40] Cricket on a Frying Pan (played on the Edison [introduced as by The Kentucky Quintet], danced by Beulah Bondi, Burl Ives, Bobby Driscoll and Luana Patten); [0:44] Stick-To-It-Ivity (animated sequence sung by owl and other animals, voiced by John Beal, Ken Carson, Bob Stanton, and The Rhythmaires); [0:56] Jerry Kincaid Followed a Bee (to the tune of "Ole Dan Tucker," sung by Burl Ives); [1:10] The County Fair (animated sequence sung by John Beal, Ken Carson, Bob Stanton, and The Rhythmaires); [1:21] So Dear to My Heart (short reprisal by Chorus at end of film); There are also a number of very short snippets of songs sung by Burl Ives as improptu songs

So This Is Love
(aka The Grace Moore Story)
Warner Bros. - First National, 1953, Color, 101 minutes, ***½
Released July, 1953

Forget her string of Broadway successes. Forget even the flowers-and-candlelight ardor of handsome bachelors. There's only one great passion in Grace Moore's life: to star at New York's Metropolitan Opera House.

Flowing with songs popularized by Moore and excerpts from three classic operas, So This Is Love is a polished gem about how the stage and screen star (a Best Actress Oscar nominee for 1934's One Night of Love) sang her dream into reality. It's a perfect match of star and role: Kathryn Grayson (Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate), who also had an enduring ambition to perform on the operatic stage, portrays Moore. A colorful supporting cast plays the Who's Who roles of other show-biz greats ("You tell him George Gershwin sent you," a young man at the ivories tells Moore when providing a job lead.). Among the co-stars, in only his second big-screen role, is an entertainer who'd later score big on the home screen: Merv Griffin.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Kathryn Grayson turns in a wonderful performance, and her climactic performance of Mimi in an excerpt from "La Bohème" is extraordinary. "Brava!" for the incomparable Kathryn Grayson in one of her finest films!! [JJ]

Produced by: Henry Blanke
Directed by: Gordon Douglas
Assistant Director: Oren Haglund
Screen Play by: John Monks, Jr.
Based on Grace Moore's autobiography You're Only Human Once
Musical Direction: Ray Heindorf
Music Adapted by: Max Steiner
Vocal Arrangements: Charles Henderson
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Director: Edward Carrere
Set Decorator: George James Hopkins
Wardrobe by: Leah Rhodes
Makeup Artist: Gordon Bau
Costume Design: Leah Rhodes
Sound by: Oliver S. Garretson, David Forrest
Director of Photography: Robert Burks
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Mitchell O. Kovaleski
Film Editor: Folmar Blangsted

Cast: Kathryn Grayson [Grace Moore], Merv Griffin [Buddy Nash], Joan Weldon [Ruth Obre], Walter Abel [Col. Moore], Rosemary DeCamp [Aunt Laura Stokley], Jeff Donnell [Henrietta Van Dyke], Douglas Dick [Bryan Curtis], Ann Doran [Mrs. Moore], Margaret Field [Edna Wallace], Mabel Albertson [Mary Garden], Fortunio Bonanova [Dr. Marafioti], Marie Windsor [Marilyn Montgomery], Noreen Corcoran [Grace Moore at age 8], The Szonys [Dance Specialty], Lillian Bronson [Mrs. Wilson Green], Ray Kellogg [John McCormack], Roy Gordon [Otto Kahn], Moroni Olsen [Arnold Reuben], Mario Siletti [Gatti Casazza], Charles Meredith [Arthur Bodansky], Bill Boyett [George Gershwin]

Musical Program: [0:00] So This Is Love (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:05] In Dat Great Gittin' Up Morning (sung by Noreen Corcoran and Church Congregation); [0:06] Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Church Congregation); [0:15] Je veux vivre (Juliet's Waltz Song from the opera ROMEO ET JULIETTE, short excerpt sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:20] Ciribiribin (sung by Kathryn Grayson, interrupted by crowd cheering and singing Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag -- WWI Armistice); [0:26] Ev'rybody Ought to Know How to Do the Tickle Toe (excerpt sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:32] I'm Just Wild About Harry (sung by amateur singer at nightclub); [0:34] The Kiss Waltz (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:38] I Kiss Your Hand Madame (sung by Merv Griffin); [0:57] Voi Che Sapete (from the Opera THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:58] I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (sung and danced by Kathryn Grayson); [1:07] Oh Me! Oh My! (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Chorus); [1:13] Time on My Hands (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Chorus, extended instrumental bridge danced by The Szonys); [1:21] Remember (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:27] Jewel Song ("Ah! je ris de me voir si belle" from the opera FAUST, sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:34] Si, mi chiamo Mimi (Mimi's Aria) (from LA BOHÈME, sung by Kathryn Grayson)

A very funny movie! Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are two musicians who witness a mob hit, then escape by disguising themselves as women and joining an all-female band. You'll roar with delight at the twosome's antics, and savor Curtis' attempts to woo the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe. Billy Wilder's classic co-stars George Raft, Pat O'Brien and Joe E. Brown.

Produced and Directed by: Billy Wilder
Associate Producers: Doane Harrison, I. A. L. Diamond
Assistant Director: Sam Nelson
Screenplay by: Billy Wilder and I. A. L. Diamond
Suggested by a story by R. Thoeren and M. Logan
Background Score: Adolph Deutsch
Songs Supervised by: Matty Malneck
Art Director: Ted Haworth
Set Decorator: Edward G. Boyle
Miss Monroe's Gowns: Orry-Kelly
Makeup Artist: Emile LaVigne
Hair Styles: Alice Monte, Agnes Flanagan
Sound: Fred Lau
Director of Photography: Charles Lang, Jr.
Special Effects: Milt Rice
Film Editor: Arthur P. Schmidt

Cast: Marilyn Monroe [Sugar Kane Kowalczyk], Tony Curtis [Joe, "Josephine" / "Junior"], Jack Lemmon [Jerry, "Daphne"], George Raft [Spats Colombo], Pat O'Brien [Detective Mulligan], Joe E. Brown [Osgood Fielding III], Nehemiah Persoff [Little Bonaparte], Joan Shawlee [Sweet Sue], Billy Gray [Sig Poliakoff], George E. Stone [Toothpick Charlie], Dave Barry [Beinstock], Mike Mazurki, Harry Wilson [Spats' Henchmen], Beverly Wills [Dolores], Barbara Drew [Nellie], Edward G. Robinson, Jr. [Johnny Paradise]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:05] Sweet Georgia Brown (played by Orchestra, Tony Curtis on Sax, Jack Lemmon on Bass, danced by Chorus Girls in the speakeasy); [0:31] Runnin' Wild (sung by Marilyn Monroe); [0:48] Down Among the Sheltering Palms (excerpt sung by the Girls Band); [1:08] I Wanna Be Loved by You (sung by Marilyn Monroe); [1:52] For He's a Jolly Good Fellow (sung by Gangsters); [1:55] I'm Through with Love (sung by Marilyn Monroe)



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