Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Paramount, 1971, Color, 100 minutes, ***
Released June, 1971
The one-and-only Willy Wonka "makes the world taste good" for a whole new
generation in this magical family classic sparkling with brilliantly restored picture and
sound! Also included is the all-new documentary "Pure Imagination," featuring interviews
with Gene Wilder and the Wonka Kids and revealing production secrets from the movie!
When they find prized Golden Tickets inside their Wonka candy bars, five lucky children win
a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the legendary candy factory run by the mysterious Willy Wonka
(Gene Wilder). Now, on a whirlwind tour of Willy's incredible, edible realm of milk
chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized sugar-coated creations,
one very special boy will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart.
[from back of VHS sleeve]
Based on a Roald Dahl book, this music-filled fantasy includes the song "The Candy Man."
Actually, I don't care for this movie at all, but I give it 3 stars for its production values
and story. I think a lot of people do like it, but for some reason it just kinda gives me the
willies, ha ha. [JJ]
Producers: Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper
Director: Mel Stuart
Screenplay: Roald Dahl
(based on his book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory )
Music Director: Walter Scharf
Musical Score: Walter Scharf
Song Score: Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Choreography: Howard Jeffrey
Art Direction: Harper Goff
Costume Design: Helen Colvig
Sound: Karsten Ullrich
Special Effects: Logan Frazee
Cinematography: Arthur Ibbetson
Film Editing: David Saxon
Cast:
Gene Wilder [Willy Wonka],
Jack Albertson [Grandpa Joe],
Peter Ostrum [Charlie Bucket],
Michael Bollner [Augustus Gloop],
Ursula Reit [Mrs. Gloop],
Denise Nickerson [Violet Beauregarde],
Leonard Stone [Mr. Beauregarde],
Julie Dawn Cole [Veruca Salt],
Roy Kinnear [Mr. Salt],
Paris Themmen [Mike Teevee],
Dodo Denney [Mrs. Teevee],
Diana Sowle [Mrs. Bucket],
Aubrey Woods [Mr. Bill],
David Battley [Mr. Turkentine],
Gunter Meisner [Mr. Slugworth],
Peter Capell [Tinker],
Werner J. Heyking [Jopeck],
Ernest Ziegler [Grandpa George],
Dora Altmann [Grandma Georgina],
Franziska Liebing [Grandma Josephine]
Musical Program:
The Candy Man (sung by Aubrey Woods);
Cheer Up, Charlie (sung by Diana Sowle);
I've Got a Golden Ticket (sung by Jack Alberstson and Peter Ostrum);
Pure Imagination (sung by Gene Wilder; music score theme);
Oompa-loompa-doompa-dee-doo (sung by the Oompa Loompas);
I Want It Now (performed by Julie Dawn Cole)
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Wintertime
20th Century-Fox, 1943, B/W, 82min, ***
Released September, 1943
Cornel Wilde and Jack Oakie run the Chateau Promenade, a hotel that is
nearly bankrupt. When Oakie hears that the wealthy Mr. Ostgaard is arriving in the area and
plans to stay at another hotel, he arranges to have them picked up at the train station and
brought to the Chateau Promenade. They have heard a rumor that when staying at some other
hotel, one of the bell boys made Ostgaard angry, and he bought a majority interest in the
hotel just to fire the bell boy. So, they set out to make Ostgaard angry so that he will
invest in the Chateau Promenade. Fun film with Oakie, Romero and Sakall providing the laughs.
And, of course, Sonja does some fine skating!
Produced by: William Le Baron
Directed by: John Brahm
Screen Play by: E. Edwin Moran and Jack Jevne and Lynn Starling
Story by: Arthur Kober
Lyrics and Music: Leo Robin and Nacio Herb Brown
Musical Sequences:
Supervised by: Fanchon
Staged by: Kenny Williams
Stage Settings by: Joseph Wright
Photography: Glen MacWilliams
Musical Direction: Emil Newman, Charles Henderson
Art Direction: James Basevi, Maurice Ransford
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Associate: Walter M. Scott
Costumes: Rene Hubert
Makeup Artist: Guy Pearce
Sound: Jesse Bastian, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Joe MacDonald
Special Photographic Effects: Fred Sersen
Film Editor: Louis Loeffler
Cast:
Sonja Henie [Nora Ostgaard],
Jack Oakie [Skip Hutton],
Cesar Romero [Brad Barton],
Carole Landis [Marion Daly],
S. Z. Sakall [Uncle Ostgaard],
Cornel Wilde [Freddy Austin],
Woody Herman and His Orchestra [Themselves],
Helene Reynolds [Flossie],
Don Douglas [Jay Rogers],
Geary Steffen [Jimmy, the Skating Partner],
Georges Renavent [Bodreau],
Matt Briggs [Russell Carter],
Jean Del Val [Constable],
Arthur Loft [Advertising Man],
Charles Irwin [Drunk],
Eugene Borden [Working Man],
Muni Seroff [Working Man],
Kay Linaker [Wife],
Dick Elliott [Husband],
Charles Trowbridge [Mr. Prentice],
Nella Walker [Mrs. Prentice],
Claire Whitney,
Betty Roadman,
Leila McIntyre,
Kate Harrington [Bridge Players]
Musical Program:
[0:00] Overture: "Wintertime" (played by Woody Herman and His Orchestra behind titles);
[0:03] I Like It Here (sung by Cesar Romero and Helene Reynolds with Woody Herman and His Orchestra);
]0:08] Jingle Bells (jazzy instrumental arrangement played by Woody Herman and His Orchestra);
[0:13] Wintertime (sung and played by Woody Herman and His Orchestra);
[0:35] We Always Get Our Girl (vocal intro, instrumental arrangement skated by Sonja Henie and Geary Steffen);
[0:37] Dancing in the Dawn (sung by Chorus with Woody Herman and His Orchestra);
[0:41] Dancing in the Dawn (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra, skated by Sonja Henie);
[0:46] Waltz of the Flowers (from The Nutcracker) (skated by Sonja Henie and two male partners);
[0:50] Chattanooga Choo Choo and several other songs (played by Woody Herman and His Orchestra in background, danced by guests of the Chateau Promenande);
[1:02] Later Tonight (sung by Woody Herman with His Orchestra, beautifully danced by Sonja Henie and Cesar Romero);
[1:18] Wintertime (finale, part instrumental, part sung by chorus, Skated by Sonja Henie, Geary Steffen and Skating Chorus)
For more information see:
 Sonja Henie Snapshot Visit this Class Act Sister Site!
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With a Song in My Heart
(The Jane Froman Story)
20th Century-Fox, 1952, Color, 116min, ****
Released April, 1952
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Class Act

Must See!
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"Susan Hayward is absolutely sensational" (L.A. Examiner) in this
"enchanting" (Citizen-News) musical retelling of the extraordinary life of 1940s
songstress Jane Froman. Packed with unforgettable tunes and an incredible cast, this
heartwarming story of personal tragedy and triumphant recovery isn't just "vibrant, exciting
and enormously entertaining" (The Hollywood Reporter), it's "a soul-stirring
experience" (Citizen News)! Known for a voice with the power to move millions and a
heart to match, Jane Froman (Hayward) is one of America's most beloved singers. But when an
overseas flight crashes off the coast of Lisbon, Portugal, she barely survives the wreck.
Ripped from the spotlight into a series of life-threatening operations, hope seems a distant
memory for Froman as she sets out on a journey of recovery that's more than heroic; it's
what music is made of! [from back of DVD case]
Jane Froman prerecorded all the songs for this film, and Susan Hayward studied Froman's style
of delivery and movements, then learned the songs in order to be able to lip-sync to the
prerecorings and perform much as Froman would. She did such an incredible job, that she
simply becomes Froman on the screen! A truly incredible performance! No musical fan
should miss this one! [JJ]
Producer: Lamar Trotti
Director: Walter Lang
Screenplay: Lamar Trotti
Technical Advisor: Jane Froman
Music Director: Alfred Newman
Song Score: various
Choreography: Billy Daniel
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, Joseph Wright
Set Decoration: Thomas Little, Walter M. Scott
Costume Design: Charles Le Maire
Sound: Roger Heman, Arthur L. Kirbach
Special Effects: Ray Kellogg, Fred Sersen
Cinematography: Leon Shamroy
Film Editing: J. Watson Webb, Jr.
Awards: Academy Award for Best Score (Musical);
Academy Award Nominations for Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume Design (Color), Best Sound Recording
Cast:
Susan Hayward [Jane Froman],
Jane Froman [Singing voice of Jane Froman],
Rory Calhoun [John Burns],
David Wayne [Don Ross],
Thelma Ritter [Clancy],
Robert Wagner [G.I. Paratrooper],
Helen Westcott [Jennifer March],
Una Merkel [Sister Marie],
Richard Allan [Dancer],
Max Showalter [Guild],
Lyle Talbot [Radio Director],
Leif Erickson [General],
Stanley Logan [Diplomat],
Frank Sully [Texas],
George Offerman, Jr. [Muleface],
Ernest Newton [Specialty],
Bill Baldwin [Announcer],
Carlos Molina [Doctor],
Nestor Paiva [Doctor],
Emmett Vogan [Doctor],
Maude Wallace [Sister Margaret],
Dick Ryan [Officer],
Douglas Evans [Colonel],
Beverly Thompson [USO Girl],
Eddie Firestone [USO Man],
Jane Froman [singing voice of Susan Hayward]
Musical Program:
[0:03] With a Song in My Heart (excerpt, Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[0:04] Hoe That Corn (Max Showalter and David Wayne);
[0:08] That Old Feeling (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[0:14] Jim's Toasty Peanuts (commercial jingle, unidentified trio and Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[0:14] I'm Through with Love (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[0:15] Get Happy (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[0:21] Blue Moon (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Tony Morello and His Orchestra);
[0:30] On the Gay White Way (sung and danced by Susan Hayward with The Kings Men (?), Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[0:33] The Right Kind (sung by Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward, danced by Susan Hayward and Richard Allan);
[0:43] With a Song in My Heart (complete, sung by Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward, unidentified male vocalist and Chorus, danced by Susan Hayward, unidentified male partner and Chorus);
[0:52] Home on the Range (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with airline passengers);
[1:14] Montparnasse (David Wayne assisted by Una Merkel and Thelma Ritter);
[1:16] Montparnasse (reprised by Chorus);
[1:24] Embraceable You (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Robert Wagner);
[1:28] Tea for Two (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Robert Wagner);
[1:34] It's a Good Day (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[1:36] They're Either Too Young Or Too Old (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with unidentified small band);
[1:40] I'll Walk Alone (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward singing to Robert Wagner);
[1:47] Finale Medley:
America the Beautiful (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Chorus) /
Wonderful Home Sweet Home (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward) /
Give My Regards to Broadway (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward) /
Chicago (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with the Modernaires (?) /
California, Here I Come (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Mens Chorus) /
Carry Me Back to Old Virginny (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward) /
(Maine) Stein Song (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward) /
(Back Home Again In) Indiana (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward) /
Alabamy Bound (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with the Modernaires (?) /
Deep in the Heart of Texas (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Soldiers and Thelma Ritter) /
Dixie (Jane Froman with Susan Hayward and Chorus) /
America the Beautiful (Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward);
[1:55] With a Song in My Heart (reprise, Jane Froman dubbing for Susan Hayward with Chorus)
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The Wiz
Motown / Universal, 1978, Color, 133 minutes, ***
Released October, 1978
The fabulous land of Oz rocks and dazzles in this glittering film version of the Broadway hit, a modernized, urban rendition of the Hollywood classic, with Diana Ross as a Manhattan
schoolteacher easin' on down the road with the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tinman (Nipsey Russell) and the Lion (Ted Ross). With Mabel King, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor as the Wiz.
Many people have asked "What is the point of this film?" I have to wonder, myself. Of course a film doesn't have to have any point at all to be entertaining, and this film definitely is that! It's an
all-black cast sorta funky and humorous version of "The Wizard of Oz". It's quite stylish, colorful (no pun intended), and enjoyable, but leaves one wondering just why it was made. Is this the way ordinary
Black folks would interpret the story? I don't really think so. Is it a spoof? It doesn't seem to be. But, here it is. It's fun, it sparkles... so just watch it and try not to analyze it too much. Think
of it as sort of a Motown Gavotte.
Seen today, it is even more fun than it was when it first came out. It's fun to see these super-talented people again! [JJ]
Producer: Rob Cohen
Associate Producer: Burtt Harris
Executive Producer: Ken Harper
Director: Sidney Lumet
Screenplay: Joel Schumacher (based on the stage musical by William F. Brown and Charlie Smalls, based on "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum)
Musical Score: Quincy Jones
Song Score: Quincy Jones, Ashford and Simpson, Charlie Smalls,
Luther Vandross
Choreography: Louis Johnson
Production Design: Tony Walton
Art Direction: Philip Rosenberg
Set Decoration: Robert Drumheller, Edward Stewart
Costume Design: Tony Walton, Miles White
Special Effects: Albert Whitlock, Al Griswold and Stan Winston
Cinematography: Oswald Morris
Film Editing: Dede Allen
Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Song Score, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design
Cast:
Diana Ross [Dorothy],
Michael Jackson [Scarecrow],
Nipsey Russell [Tinman],
Ted Ross [Lion],
Richard Pryor [The Wiz],
Lena Horne [Glinda the Good],
Mabel King [Evilene],
Thelma Carpenter [Miss One],
Theresa Merritt [Aunt Em],
Stanley Greene [Uncle Henry],
Clyde Barrett [Subway Peddler],
Carlton Johnson [Head Winkie],
Harry Madsen [Cheetah],
Glory Van Scott [Rolls Royce Lady],
Vicki Baltimore [Green Lady],
Derrick Bell,
Roderick Spencer Sibert,
Kashka Banjoko,
Ronald Smokey Stevens [Crows],
Tony Brealond,
Joe Lynn [Gold Footmen],
Clinton Jackson,
Charles Rodriguez [Green Footmen]
Musical Numbers:
Main Title (Overture, Part One);
Overture (Part Two);
The Feeling That We Have (Theresa Merritt and Family Choir);
Can I Go On? (Diana Ross);
Glinda's Theme (Snow Babies);
He's the Wizard (Thelma Carpenter and The Munchkins);
Soon as I Get Home / Home (Diana Ross and Toots Thielemans on harmonica);
You Can't Win (Michael Jackson and Crows);
Ease on Down the Road #1 (Michael Jackson and Diana Ross);
What Would I Do If I Could Feel? (Nipsey Russell and Carousel Girls);
Slide Some Oil to Me (Nipsey Russell and The Dixieland Band);
Ease on Down the Road #2 (Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross);
(I'm A) Mean Ole Lion (Ted Ross);
Ease on Down the Road #3 (Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross);
Poppy Girls (Anthony Jackson, Bass);
Be a Lion (Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson);
End of the Yellow Brick Road (Toots Thielemans on harmonica);
Emerald City Sequence (Richard Tee on piano, Emerald City Citizens, Richard Pryor);
So You Wanted to See the Wizard (dialogue by Richard Pryor);
Is This What Feeling Gets (Dorothy's Theme) (Diana Ross);
Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News (Mabel King and The Winkies);
A Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice) (Cast);
Believe in Yourself (Dorothy) (Diana Ross);
The Good Witch Glinda (dialogue by Richard Pryor and Lena Horne);
Believe in Yourself (Glinda) (Lena Horne);
Home (Diana Ross)
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The Wizard of Oz
MGM, 1939, BW / Color, 100 minutes, ****
Released August, 1939
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Class Act

Must See!
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Follow Dorothy over the rainbow and down the Yellow Brick Road, along with the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion and Toto, too, for fun and adventure in the Emerald City.
Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton and Frank Morgan star in one of the most beloved films of all time. The Harold Arlen-E. Y. "Yip" Harburg score includes "We're
Off to See the Wizard," "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" and more. Special edition DVD includes the documentary "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Making of a Movie Classic," hosted by Angela Lansbury
and featuring rare outtakes, and the original theatrical trailer.
This film has been "restored" over and over again, to the point where it looks absolutely hideous - the colors are much too saturated, and all wrong for the era. But I guess each restoration makes
everyone rush out and buy the film again so they can have the latest and greatest version. Enough already! I recommend some of the older releases if you want to see the film as it was orignially
intended. If you like current-day eye-candy, then the latest version should suit you well -- until the next one comes out. Personally, I think the "Ultimate Oz" was restored well enough, and all
"restorations" (colorizations) beyond that point are over the top and distracting. [JJ]
Producer: Mervyn LeRoy
Director: Victor Fleming
Screenplay: Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf (based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum , published in 1900)
Musical Score: Herbert Stothart
Song Score: Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Choreography: Bobby Connolly
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Costume Design: Adrian
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie
Cinematography: Harold Rosson
Film Editing: Blanche Sewell
Awards:  Won Academy Awards for Best Original Score (Herbert Stothart) and Best Song ("Over the Rainbow");
Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Color Cinematography, Best Interior Decoration and Best Special Effects
Cast:
Judy Garland [Dorothy Gale],
Frank Morgan [Professor Marvel, Doorman, Cabby, Guard, The Wizard of Oz],
Ray Bolger [Hunk, Scarecrow],
Bert Lahr [Zeke, Cowardly Lion],
Jack Haley [Hickory, Tin Man],
Margaret Hamilton [Miss Almira Gulch, Wicked Witch of the West],
Billie Burke [Glinda, the Good Witch of the North],
Charley Grapewin [Uncle Henry],
Clara Blandick [Auntie Em],
Pat Walshe [Nikko],
The Singer Midgets [The Munchkins],
Jerry Maren [Lollipop Guild Leader],
Terry [Toto],
Adriana Caselotti [Voice of Juliet, uncredited]
Musical Program:
Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland);
Munchkinland Musical Sequence:
Come Out, Come Out... (Billie Burke and The Munchkins);
It Really Was No Miracle (Judy Garland, Billy Bletcher and The Munchkins);
We Thank You Very Sweetly (Jospeh Koziel[?] and Frank Cucksey);
Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead (The Munchkins);
As Mayor of the Munchkin City (Billy Bletcher, Pinto Colveg and J. D. Jewkes);
As Coroner, I Must Aver (Harry Stanton);
Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead (reprise, The Munchkins);
The Lullaby League (Lorraine Bridges, Betty Rome and Carol Tevis);
The Lollipop Guild (Billy Bletcher, Pinto Colveg and Harry Stanton);
We Welcome You to Munchkinland (The Munchkins);
Follow the Yellow Brick Road / You're Off to See the Wizard (Judy Garland and The Munchkins)};
end of Munchkinland Sequence
If I Only Had a Brain (sung and danced by Ray Bolger and Judy Garland);
We're off to See the Wizard (Judy Garland and Ray Bolger);
If I Only Had a Heart (Jack Haley with Adriana Caselotti as Juliet);
We're off to See the Wizard (Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Buddy Ebsen);
If I Only Had the Nerve (Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley and Judy Garland);
We're off to See the Wizard (Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Buddy Ebsen and Bert Lahr);
Optimistic Voices (MGM Studio Chorus, The Debutantes, and The Rhythmettes);
The Merry Old Land of Oz (Frank Morgan, Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Tyler Brook, Ralph Sudam, Bobby Watson, Oliver Smith, Charles Irwin, Lois January, Elivda Rizzo, Lorraine Bridges and the MGM Studio Chorus);
If I Were King of the Forest (Bert Lahr, Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Buddy Ebsen)
Much more info on my Judy Garland website: The Wizard of Oz
 Sister Site Featured Film
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