Babes in Arms
MGM, 1939, B/W, 91 minutes, ***
Released October, 1939

Vaudeville is dying; moving pictures are taking over. Mickey must put on a show to raise money for the vaudeville families so the kids won't be sent to the state work school. The only trouble is, he doesn't have the money to mount the production, so he has to get an "angel." Baby Rosalie to the rescue! A former child star being groomed for a comeback, Baby Rosalie offers to fund the production so long as she can play the lead - the part that Mickey has written specially for Patsy!

Babes in Arms was the first of four Mickey / Judy "backyard musicals" directed by the legendary Busby Berkeley. June Preisser made her MGM debut in this film as Baby Rosalie - a bit of a spoof of Shirley Temple. She refers to two of her films, "The Baby General" (Shirley's The Little Colonel) and "The Queen's Little Daughter" (Shirley's The Little Princess).

Mickey has dinner with Baby Rosalie to discuss the production with hilarious results - probably the funniest scene in the movie. Judy sings "I Cried for You" with a tongue-in-cheek monologue written by Roger Edens. Judy also sings "Figaro" and "Good Morning" (with Mickey Rooney) - a song that would turn up again in the 1952 production of Singin' in the Rain. Babes in Arms was on the exhibitor's top ten list for 1939, and Mickey Rooney was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award. The film was based on the Rodgers and Hart stage play of the same name, but bore very little resemblance to the play.

The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film, Girl Crazy, Babes on Broadway and Strike Up the Band.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan and Kay Van Riper
Based on the Play by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Musical Program: "Babes in Arms," "Where or When," (by) Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart; "Good Morning" (by) Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed; "God's Country" (by) Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Director: George Stoll
Orchestral Arrangements: Leo Arnaud and George Bassman
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Merrill Pye
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Wardrobe by: Dolly Tree
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Ray June
Film Editor: Frank Sullivan

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Mickey Rooney) and Best Score (Roger Edens and George Stoll)

Cast: Mickey Rooney [Mickey Moran], Judy Garland [Patsy Barton], Charles Winninger [Joe Moran], Guy Kibbee [Judge Black], June Preisser [Rosalie Essex], Grace Hayes [Florrie Moran], Betty Jaynes [Molly Moran], Douglas McPhail [Don Brice], Rand Brooks [Jeff Steele], Leni Lynn [Dody Martini], John Sheffield [Bobs], Henry Hull [Madox], Barnett Parker [William], Ann Shoemaker [Mrs. Barton], Margaret Hamilton [Martha Steele], Joseph Crehan [Mr. Essex], George McKay [Brice], Henry Roquemore [Shaw], Lelah Tyler [Mrs. Brice], Additional Cast: Sidney Miller [Sid], Lon McCallister [Boy], Charles Smith [Boy], Crinoline Choir [vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Ja-Da (excerpt played on trombone by Charles Winninger); [0:07] Good Morning (sung by Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney); [0:15] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 1 (sung by Judy Garland and Betty Jaynes); [0:17] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 2: You Are My Lucky Star (operatic arrangement sung by Betty Jaynes); [0:18] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 3: Figaro ("hot" arrangement sung by Judy Garland); [0:20] Opera vs. Jazz, Part 4: Broadway Rhythm (sung by Judy Garland and Betty Jaynes); [0:23] Babes in Arms (sung and marched by Doug McPhail, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and Ensemble); [0:37] Where or When (sung by Doug McPhail and Betty Jaynes with a little help from Judy Garland); [1:00] I Cried for You (sung by Judy Garland with spoken interlude); [1:10] Minstrel Show, Part 1: My Daddy Was a Minstrel Man (sung by Judy Garland); [1:11] De Camptown Races / Old Folks at Home / Oh! Susannah (medley / montage sung and danced by Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and the Crinoline Choir); [1:13] Minstrel Show, Part 2: Mr. Tambo and Mr. Bones (sung by Doug McPhail, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and The Crinoline Choir); [1:15] Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider / (On) Moonlight Bay (sung by Mickey Rooney and the Crinoline Choir, danced by Mickey Rooney); [1:16] I'm Just Wild About Harry (sung and danced by Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, The Crinoline Choir and the MGM Studio Chorus); [1:28] God's Country (sung by Principals, Ensemble and Chorus)

See the Babes in Arms page on JGDB for more information.


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Babes in Toyland
Walt Disney / Buena Vista, 1961, Color, 105 minutes, ***
Released December, 1961

Grand Disney adaptation of the holiday musical favorite "March of the Wooden Soldiers" stars Tommy Sands and Annette Funicello as Mother Goose Land lovers Tom Piper and Mary Contrary, Ray Bolger as wicked Mr. Barnaby, and Ed Wynn as the addlebrained Toymaker.

A number of movie adaptations of this 1903 Victor Herbert / Glen MacDonough operetta have appeared over the past century, but this is by far the best one, in my opinion. It is a charming and delightful adaptation; Annette Funicello and Ann Jillian are precious! Lots of fun for the whole family!

Producer: Walt Disney
Assistant to the Producer: Lou Debney
Directed by: Jack Donohue
Assistant Director: Austen Jewell
Screenplay by: Ward Kimball & Joe Rinaldi and Lowell S. Hawley
Based on the Operetta by Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough [1903]
Music Adapted and Conducted by: George Bruns
Lyrics and Introductory Material: Mel Leven
Orchestration: Franklyn Marks
Choral Arrangements: Jud Conlon
Music Editor: Evelyn Kennedy
Choreograper: Tom Mahoney
Art Direction: Carroll Clark, Marvin Aubrey Davis
Set Decoration: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costumes Designed by: Bill Thomas
Costumers: Chuch Keehne, Gertrude Casey
Make-up: Pat McNalley
Hair Stylist: Ruth Sandifer
Sound Supervisor: Robert O. Cook
Special Effects: Eustace Lycett, Robert A. Mattey
Toy Sequence: Bill Justice, Xavier Atencio
Animation Effects: Joshua Meador
Matte Artist: Jim Fetherolf
Director of Photography: Edward Colman
Filmed in Technicolor
Film Editor: Robert Stafford

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design (Color) and Best Score - Musical (George Bruns)

Cast: Ray Bolger [Barnaby], Tommy Sands [Tom Piper], Annette Funicello [Mary Contrary], Ed Wynn [Toymaker], Tommy Kirk [Grumio], Kevin Corcoran [Boy Blue], Henry Calvin [Gonzorgo], Gene Sheldon [Roderigo], Mary McCarty [Mother Goose], Ann Jillian [Bo Peep], Brian Corcoran [Willie Winkie], Marilee Arnold, Melanie Arnold [Twins], Jerry Glenn [Simple Simon], John Perri [Jack-Be-Nimble], David Pinson [Bobby Shaftoe], Bryan Russell [The Little Boy], James Martin [Jack], Lana Dowding [Jill]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:03] The Mother Goose Village Square / Lemonade (also contains short excerpts of "Jack Be Nimble" and "Simple Simon". Sung and danced by Cast and Chorus with special dance number by Tommy Sands and Annette Funicello); [0:12] We Won't Be Happy Till We Get It (sung and danced by Ray Bolger, Henry Calvin and silent Gene Sheldon); [0:14] Mary, Mary Quite Contrary (short intro sung by Chorus); [0:16] Just a Whisper Away (Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands); [0:21] We Won't Be Happy Till We Get It (reprised by Henry Calvin with silent Gene Sheldon); [0:25] Slowly, He Sank to the Bottom of the Sea (sung by Henry Calvin, danced by Gene Sheldon); [0:30] Castle in Spain (sung by Ray Bolger, danced by Bolger and Annette Funicello, solo dance performed by Ray Bolger); [0:35] Never Mind, Bo Peep (sung by Ann Jillian with assistance from Cast and Chorus); [0:39] I Can't Do the Sum (Annette Funicello and Chorus); [0:45] Gypsies (sung and danced by Chorus); [0:48] Floretta (sung and danced by Tommy Sands disguised as old crone and Chorus); [0:55] Forest of No Return (Mens Chorus costumed as trees); [0:58] Go to Sleep (Annette Funicello, Tommy Sands and Children); [1:01] Toyland March (Annette Funicello, Tommy Sands, Children and Chorus); [1:14] The Workshop Song (Children, Ed Wynn, Tommy Sands, Annette Funicello, Ann Jillian); [1:18] Just a Toy (Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands); [1:32] March of the Wooden Soldiers (Orchestra); [1:44] Tom and Mary (short number sung by Chorus during finale)

Babes on Broadway
MGM, 1941, B/W, 121 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1941

According to Variety in 1942, Babes on Broadway had it all... "youthful zest, heart-tug, infectious rhythm, constant amusement and excitement, stirring performances, substantial story interest, captivating music and lavish production."

The public agreed. In the first five days alone, nearly 133,000 people flocked to Radio City Music Hall to see Oscar winners Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney star as Broadway hopefuls struggling for their break on the Great White Way.

Babes on Broadway still has it all, with 16 song and dance numbers that run the gamut from "Yankee Doodle Dandy" to "Hoe Down" to the Oscar nominated "How About You." And Mickey's impression of Carmen Miranda is not to be missed!

Then, of course, there's Busby Berkeley, master of the high-energy dance number (and inventive camera direction to match). Together with Garland and Rooney, he gives us a unique and exciting version of old Broadway.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Babes on Broadway is the third of four Mickey / Judy "backyard musicals" directed by legendary Busby Berkeley. In this one, Mickey and Judy play two Broadway hopefuls who meet in a drugstore on Broadway. They fall in love, and together they put on a show to raise money to take a group of orphan kids to the country. Mickey and Judy sing and dance "How About You?" (nominated for Best Song Academy Award) and "Hoe Down." Judy sings "Chin Up! Cheerio! Carry On!" and "F.D.R. Jones." Mickey does a Carmen Miranda impression singing "Mama, Yo Quiero." Mickey and Judy do some really swell impressions of legendary vaudevillians in the "Ghost Theater" sequence.

The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film, Girl Crazy, Babes in Arms, and Strike Up the Band.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Screen Play by: Fred Finklehoffe and Elaine Ryan
Original Story by: Fred Finklehoffe
Songs by: E. Y. Harburg, Burton Lane, Ralph Freed, Roger Edens, Harold J. Rome
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Vocals and Orchestrations: Leo Arnaud, George Bassman, Conrad Salinger
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Malcolm Brown
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Gowns by: Kalloch
Men's Wardrobe by: Gile Steele
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Lester White
Film Editor: Fredrick Y. Smith

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("How About You?")

Cast: Mickey Rooney [Tommy Williams], Judy Garland [Penny Morris], Fay Bainter [Miss Jonesy], Virginia Weidler [Barbara Jo], Ray McDonald [Ray Lambert], Richard Quine [Morton Hammond], Donald Meek [Mr. Stone], Alexander Woollcott [Himself], Luis Alberni [Nick], James Gleason [Thornton Reed], Emma Dunn [Mrs. Williams], Frederick Burton [Mr. Morris], Cliff Clark [Inspector Moriarity], William Post, Jr. [Announcer], Additional Cast: Anne Rooney [third girl, opposite Hammy, uncredited], Richard Hall [Little Boy Pianist], Donna Reed [debut, Jonesy's Secretary], Joe Yule [Mason, Reed's Aid], Margaret O'Brien [debut, Child Auditioner], Carl Stockdale [Man], Dick Baron [Butch], Will Lee [Waiter], Stop, Look and Listen Trio [Themselves], Tom Hanlon [Radio Man], Renee Austin [Elinor], Roger Steele [Boy], Bryant Washburn [Director], Charles Wagenheim [Composer], Arthur Hoyt [Little Man Customer], Jack Lipson [Fat Man Customer], Dorothy Morris [Pit Astor Girl], Maxine Flores [Pit Astor Girl], Sidney Miller [Pianist], King Baggott [Man in Audience], Barbara Bedford [Matron], Shimen Ruskin [Excited Russian], Jean Porter ["Hoe Down" Dancer], Leslie Brooks [Actress-Committee Extra], Roger Moore [Bit, unconfirmed], Ava Gardner [Bit, unconfirmed], Six Hits and a Miss [vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Babes on Broadway (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] Anything Can Happen in New York (sung and danced by Mickey Rooney, Ray McDonald and Richard Quine); [0:23] How About You? (sung and danced by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland); [0:32] Margaret O'Brien Audition (her first screen appearance); [0:44] Little boy playing piano (Richard Hall); [0:45] Hoe Down (sung and danced by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Ray McDonald, Virigina Weidler, Richard Quine, Anne Rooney, Six Hits and a Miss, The Five Musical Maids and the MGM Studio Chorus; solo dance by Ray McDonald); [1:00] Chin Up, Cheerio, Carry On (sung by Judy Garland, St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers and the MGM Studio Chorus); [1:18] Ghost Theater Sequence: "Cyrano de Bergerac" (performed by Mickey Rooney) / Mary's a Grand Old Name (performed by Judy Garland as Fay Templeton with off-screen Chorus) / She Is Ma Daisy (performed by Mickey Rooney as Sir Harry Lauder) / I've Got Rings on My Fingers (performed by Judy Garland as Blanche Ring with off-screen Chorus) / La Marseillaise (performed by Judy Garland as Sarah Bernhardt) / The Yankee Doodle Boy (performed by Mickey Rooney [as George M. Cohan] with Judy Garland and off-screen Chorus); [1:32] Bombshell from Brazil (sung by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Richard Quine, Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler, Annie Rooney, Robert Bradford and Chorus); [1:33] Mama, Yo Quiero (performed by Mickey Rooney impersonating Carmen Miranda); [1:42] Finale: Blackout over Broadway (performed by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler, Richard Quine and Annie Rooney; instrumental segment performed by Minstrel Chorus in traditional minstrel show style) / By the Light of the Silvery Moon (sung by The Uptowners, The Dick Davis Quartet and the MGM Studio Chorus, danced by Ray McDonald) / F. D. R. Jones (performed by Judy Garland) / Old Folks at Home (played by Mickey Rooney on banjo [on-screen], dubbed by Eddie Peabody) / Alabamy Bound (played by Mickey Rooney on banjo [on-screen], dubbed by Eddie Peabody) / Waiting for the Robert E. Lee (sung and danced by Virginia Weidler, Anne Rooney, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Richard Quine, Ray McDonald and Chorus) / Babes on Broadway (performed by Ray McDonald, Virginia Weidler, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Richard Quine, Anne Rooney and Chorus)

See the Babes on Broadway page on JGDB for more details.


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Baby Take a Bow
20th Century-Fox, 1934, B/W, 73 minutes, ***
Released June, 1934

One of Shirley's earliest vehicles at 20th Century-Fox. James Dunn plays an ex-con who's having a hard time staying out of trouble on the outside, even though he's gone straight. Claire Trevor plays his wife, and Shirley Temple plays his daughter. Trouble begins when an old acquaintance steals a pearl necklace from Dunn's employer and gives it to Shirley to hide. Of course, if the cops find the necklace in Dunn's possession, it'll be back to the big house! Shirley and Dunn do a cute number on the tenement roof: "On Accounta I Love You."

Producer: John Stone
Directed by: Harry Lachman
Screen Play: Philip Klein and E. E. Paramore, Jr.
Based on a play by James P. Judge
Musical Director: Samuel Kaylin
Music and Lyrics: Bud Green and Sam H. Stept
Dance Direction: Sammy Lee
Settings: Duncan Cramer
Gowns: Royer
Sound: George Leverett
Photography: L. W. O'Connell

Cast: Shirley Temple [Shirley], James Dunn [Eddie Ellison], Claire Trevor [Kay Ellison], Alan Dinehart [Welch], Ray Walker [Larry Scott], Dorothy Libaire [Jane], Ralf Harolde [Trigger Stone], James Flavin [Flannigan], Richard Tucker [Mr. Carson], Olive Tell [Mrs. Carson], Additional Cast: John Alexander [Rag Picker], Mary Gordon [Mrs. O'Brien], Lillian Stuart [Anna], Howard C. Hickman [Blair], Paul McVey [Daniels], Guy Usher [Detective Captain McLean], Eddie Hart [Detective sergeant], Bud Geary [Police Detective], Samuel S. Hinds [Warden]

Musical Program: [0:17] Rock-a-Bye Baby (sung by James Dunn to Shirley Temple)
[0:34] Happy Birthday to You (sung by guests at Shirley's birthday party); [0:36] On Accounta I Love You (sung and danced by Shirley Temple and James Dunn)

Balalaika
MGM, 1939, B/W, 102 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1939

Prince Karagin (Nelson Eddy) is a Cossack in Csarist Russia just before World War I. He meets and falls in love with Lydia Marakova (Ilona Massey), an aspiring opera singer currently working as a cafe singer in a small town in Russia.

Lydia's family is anti-csarist, and actively involved in an assassination plot. Coincidentally, Karagin doesn't reveal his full identity to her for fear that she won't be romantically interested in a prince. Through his contact at the Russian Opera (Frank Morgan), he manages to get Lydia appointed to the opera company, and she begins a career as an opera singer.

Later, she finds out who Karagin really is, and won't have any more to do with him. Meanwhile, The Great War breaks out, and Karagin is sent to the front lines. After the war, Lydia and Karagin meet again in Paris, where many of the Russian exhiles have fled, and take up their romance where they had left off.

Highly entertaining film, good performances by all. Eddy's "Stille Nacht," sung to the accompaniment of the enemy Austrian encampment in the distance on Christmas Eve, is one of the highlights of the film - a very moving number.

Produced by: Lawrence Weingarten
Directed by: Reinhold Schunzel
Screen Play by: Leon Gordon, Charles Bennett and Jacques Deval
Based Upon the Play "Balalaika," Book and Lyrics by Eric Maschwitz, Music by George Posford and Bernard Grün
Musical Adaptation and Score: Herbert Stothart
Conductor: Dr. William Axt
Additional Lyrics: Gus Kahn, Bob Wright, Chet Forrest
Orchestration: Murray Cutter, Paul Marquardt, Wally Heglin
"Russian Cossack Choir," Anatol Frikin, Director
Opera (Based on "Scheherezade") (by) Rimsky-Korsakov
Choreography: Ernst Matray
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Eddie Imazu
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Directors of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg, Karl Freund
Film Editor: George Boemler

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Sound (Douglas Shearer)

Cast: Nelson Eddy [Prince Peter Karagin], Ilona Massey [Lydia Pavlovna Marakova], Charlie Ruggles [Private Nicki Popoff], Frank Morgan [Ivan Danchenoff], Lionel Atwill [Professor Marakov], C. Aubrey Smith [General Karagin], Joyce Compton [Masha, Lydia's Maid], Dalies Frantz [Dimitri Marakov], Walter Woolf King [Captain Sibirsky], Phillip Terry [Lieutenant Smirnoff], Frederic Worlock [Dr. Ramensky], Abner Biberman [Leo], Arthur W. Cernitz [Captain Pavloff], Roland Varno [Lieutenant Nikitin], George Tobias [Slaski, the Counterman], Paul Sutton [Anton], Willy Costello [Captain Testoff], Paul Irving [Prince Morodin], Mildred Shay [Jeanette Sibirsky], Alma Kruger [Mrs. Danchenoff], Zeffie Tilbury [Princess Morodin], Russian Cossack Choir directed by Anatol Frikin

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Ride Cossack Ride (sung by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus); [0:06] Tanya (sung by Ilona Massey); [0:13] At the Balalaika (sung by Ilona Massey and Mens Chorus); [0:31] The Volga Boatmen Song (sung by Nelson Eddy); [0:42] Excerpts from the opera CARMEN (sung by Ilona Massey and Nelson Eddy); [1:05] Shadows on the Sand (from "Scheherezade," sung by Ilona Massey and Chorus); [1:09] Russian National Anthem (God Save the Noble Czar) (sung by Nelson Eddy, Ilona Massey and Chorus dubbing for audience at Imperial Opera); [1:15] At the Balalaika (reprised by Mens Chorus dubbing for soldiers at the front); [1:17] Stille Nacht (Silent Night) (sung in German by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus dubbing for Austrian Soldiers); [1:23] Otchi Tchorniya (excerpt sung by Ilona Massey); [1:27] At the Balalaika (sung by Nelson Eddy); [1:34] Flow, Flow, White Wine (excerpt sung by mens Chorus with solo by Frank Morgan); [1:37] Flow, Flow, White Wine (excerpt sung by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus); [1:38] Wishing Episode: "Mirror, Mirror" (excerpt sung by Nelson Eddy and various party guests); [1:41] Finale: Magic of Your Love (excerpt sung by Nelson Eddy, Ilona Massey and Chorus)

The Band Wagon
MGM, 1953, Color, 112 minutes, ***½
Released August, 1953

Originally a Broadway play.

Lestor and Lily Marton (Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabray emulating Comden and Green themselves, I assume) have written a musical. They want the hottest producer in town, Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan), to produce it. He agrees, and "washed up" song and dance man Tony Hunter (Fred Astaire) agrees to play the lead. But Cordova sees the play as a modern version of "Faust" and takes off with the production in a very wrong direction without listening to the opinions of anyone involved.

When the play lays an egg on opening night, the company decides they want to rework the play with the original script and take it on the road. And Tony Hunter sells his rare paintings collection to fund the effort. Hunter falls in love with Gaby Berard (Cyd Charisse), but they fight like cats and dogs, nearly halting the production. But in the end they do take the play on the road, and of course it's a big success. Musical highlights include "That's Entertainment" and "Triplets" (Buchanan, Levant, Fabray and Astaire), "Louisiana Hayride" (Fabray and Company), and Fred and Cyd "Dancing in the Dark".

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

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: Jerry Thorpe
Story and Screen Play: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Songs by: Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Michael Kidd
Music Direction: Adolph Deutsch
Musical Numbers Designed by: Olvier Smith
Orchestrations: Conrad Salinger, Skip Martin and Alexander Courage
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Harry Jackson
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, Robert Brower
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Keogh Gleason
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Costumes by: Mary Ann Nyberg
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Story / Screenplay (Betty Comden and Adolph Green); Best Score - Musical (Adolph Deutsch) and Best Costume Design - Color (Mary Ann Nyberg)

Cast: Fred Astaire [Tony Hunter], Cyd Charisse [Gaby Berard], Oscar Levant [Lester Marton], Nanette Fabray [Lily Marton], Jack Buchanan [Jeffrey Cordova], James Mitchell [Paul Byrd], Robert Gist [Hal Benton], Thurston Hall [Colonel Tripp], Ava Gardner [The Movie Star], LeRoy Daniels [Shoe Shine Boy], Jack Tesler [Ivan], Dee Turnell, Elynne Ray, Peggy Murray, Judy Landon [Girls in Troupe], Jimmie Thompson, Bert May [Boys in Troupe], John Lupton [Jack, the Prompter], Owen McGiveney [Prop Man], Sam Hearn [Agent], Herb Vigran, Emory Parnell [Men on Train], Ernest Anderson [Porter], Frank Scannell, Stu Wilson, Roy Engel [Reporters], Al Hill [Shooting Gallery Operator], Paul Bradley [Dancer in Park - Waiter], Bobby Watson [Bobby, the Dresser], Lotte Stein [Chambermaid], Smoki Whitfield [Chauffeur], Dick Alexander, Al Ferguson [Stagehands], Betty Farrington [Fitter], Bess Flowers [Lady leaving Train / Extra in "Girl Hunter" Number]

Musical Program: [0:07] By Myself (sung by Fred Astaire); [0:14] A Shine on Your Shoes (sung and danced by Fred Astaire with LeRoy Daniels); [0:19] Oedipus Bridge (Jack Buchanan and the MGM Studio Chorus); [0:28] That's Entertainment (sung and danced by Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant and Fred Astaire); [0:36] The Beggars Waltz (danced by Cyd Charisse, James Mitchell and Ballet Ensemble); [1:00] Dancing in the Dark (instrumental danced by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse); [1:09] You and the Night and the Music (sung by MGM Studio Chorus, danced by Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire); [1:13] The Egg (short excerpt sung by MGM Studio Chous); [1:17] I Love Louisa (sung and danced by Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant and Company); [1:24] New Sun in the Sky (sung by India Adams dubbing for Cyd Charisse and Chorus, danced by Cyd Charisse and Chorus); [1:25] I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Jack Buchanan); [1:27] Louisiana Hayride (sung and danced by Nanette Fabray and Chorus); [1:32] Triplets (sung by Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray and Jack Buchanan dressed as babies in highchairs); [1:36] "Girl Hunt" A Murder Mystery in Jazz (performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse); [1:51] Finale: That's Entertainment (sung by Fred Astaire, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant, Jack Buchanan, India Adams dubbing for Cyd Charisse, Company and Chorus); Sweet Music (outtake, Nanette Fabray and Jack Buchanan); Got a Bran' New Suit (outtake, Nanette Fabray and Fred Astaire, Oscar Levant on piano); Two-Faced Woman (outtake, India Adams with Oscar Levant on Piano)

The Barkleys of Broadway
MGM, 1949, Color, 109 minutes, ***½
Released May, 1949

After 10 years apart, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers reteam in their final film pairing, cleverly written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and smoothly directed by Charles Walters. The story, per many sources, mirrors real-life creative tensions the two shared. Astaire plays driven hoofer Josh Barkley. Rogers is his wife Dinah, who longs to forsake the clackety-clap tapping of "Bouncin' the Blues" for stage dramas. She parts, Josh vies to win her back and the routines leading to a happy resolution include Fred's "Shoes with Wings On" and a rhapsodic reprise of a George and Ira Gershwin number from Shall We Dance: "They Can't Take That Away from Me." All of which proves they can't take away the Astaire / Rogers magic either.
[from back of DVD case]

The Barkleys of Broadway was originally planned as a follow-up film to Easter Parade, pairing Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. But when Judy became ill, Ginger came out of retirement to play the part.

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

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Charles Walters
Original Screen Play by: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Music by: Harry Warren
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Musical Direction: Lennie Hayton
Orchestration: Conrad Salinger
Vocal Arrangements: Robert Tucker
Song: "They Can't Take That Away from Me"
Music by George Gershwin, Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Musical Numbers Stagged and Directed by: Robert Alton
Dance Number: "Shoes with Wings On"
Directed by: Hermes Pan
Dancing Shoes Effects: Irving G. Ries
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Edward Carfagno
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Arthur Krams
Miss Rogers' Costumes by: Irene
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Color Cinematography (Harry Stradling)

Cast: Fred Astaire [Josh Barkley], Ginger Rogers [Dinah Barkley], Oscar Levant [Ezra Miller], Billie Burke [Mrs. Livingston Belney], Gale Robbins [Shirlene May], Jacques Francois [Jacques Pierre Barredout], George Zucco [The Judge], Clinton Sundberg [Bert Felsher], Inez Cooper [Pamela Driscoll], Carol Brewster [Gloria Amboy], Wilson Wood [Larry], Additional Cast: Jean Andren, Laura Treadwell [Women], Margaret Bert [Mary, the Maid], Allen Wood [Taxi Driver], Forbes Murray, Bess Flowers, Lois Austin, Betty Blythe [Guests in Theatre Lobby], Bill Tannen [Doorman at Theatre], Mahlon Hamilton [Apartment Doorman], Hans Conried [Ladislaus Ladi], Sherry Hall [Chauffeur], Reginald Simpson [Husband], Esther Somers [Sarah's Mother], Helen Eby-Rock [Sarah's Aunt], Mary Jo Ellis [Clementine], Joyce Matthews [Genevieve], Joe Granby [Duke de Morny]

Musical Program: [0:00] Swing Trot (sung by Chorus, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers behind titles); [0:12] Sabre Dance (piano solo by Oscar Levant); [0:18] You'd Be Hard to Replace (sung by Fred Astaire to Ginger Rogers); [0:25] Bouncin' the Blues (instrumental number danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers); [0:31] My One and Only Highland Fling (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers); [0:39] A Weekend in the Country (sung by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Oscar Levant); [0:54] Shoes with Wings On (sung and danced by Fred Astaire with magic shoes); [1:13] Excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 (played by Ochestra, Oscar Levant at the piano, at the Mercy Hospital Benefit); [1:21] They Can't Take That Away from Me (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, at the Mercy Hospital Benefir); [1:32] La Marseillaise (French National Anthem) recited by Ginger Rogers; [1:45] Manhattan Downbeat (finale number sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with Chorus)

Bathing Beauty
MGM, 1944, Color, 101 minutes, ***½
Premiere release June, 1944
General release July, 1944

While on honeymoon in California, Esther Williams discovers reason to believe that new hubby Skelton has been unfaithful, so she leaves him and returns home where she works at all-girl Victoria College. Skelton later follows and, due to a technicality in the college's charter, manages to enroll in Victoria College in order to be near his new bride. Esther is still angry and does her best to get him kicked out, but eventually she ends up defending him. In the meantime, there are many comical situations and antics by Skelton. The big musical number, "I'll Take the High Note," is a definite show-stopper!

This is a movie I never seem to grow tired of. Skelton is at his funniest, and that's pretty funny! He pretty much steals the film, but Esther provides good support, as does the rest of the talented cast. Don't miss it!

The Esther Williams, Vol. 1 DVD box set (shown right) contains this film and Easy to Wed, On an Island with You, and Neptune's Daughter, and Dangerous When Wet

Producer: Jack Cummings
Director: George Sidney
Screenplay: Dorothy Kingsley, Allen Boretz and Frank Waldman; adaptation by Joseph Schrank; based upon an original story by Kenneth Earl, M. M. Musselman and Curtis Kenyon
Musical Supervision and Direction: Johnny Green
Orchestrations: Ted Duncan, Calvin Jackson, Johnny Thompson
Dance Direction: Jack Donohue, Robert Alton
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Stephen Goosson, Merrill Pye
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis, McLean Nisbet
Costume Supervision: Irene, Kay Dean
Water Ballet Costumes Designed by: Sharaff
Water Ballet: John Murray Anderson
Assistant Technical Director: Merwin Daynes
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Red Skelton [Steve Elliott], Esther Williams [Caroline Brooks], Basil Rathbone [George Adams], Bill Goodwin [Willis Evans], Jean Porter [Jean Allenwood], Nana Bryant [Dean Clinton], Carlos Ramirez [Carlos], Donald Meek [Chester Klazenfrantz], Jacqueline Dalya [Maria Dorango], Francis Pierlot [Professor Hendricks], Ann Codee [Mme. Zarka], Margaret Dumont [Mrs. Allenwood], Bunny Waters [Bunny], Janis Paige [Janis], Ethel Smith [Herself], Harry James and His Music Makers with Helen Forrest [Themselves], Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra with Lina Romay [Themselves], Additional Cast: Almira Sessions [Miss Phillips, faculty member], Harry Hayden [Jonathan, the gate keeper], Joe Yule [Bartender], Margaret Adams, Margaret Adden, Karin Booth, Lucille Casey, Linda Deane, Dolores Dey, Bonnie Edwards, Alice Eyland, Dorothy Ford, Mary Ganley, Charmienne Harker, Betty Jaynes, Gloria Lake, Vicky Lane, Ann Lundeen, Peggy Maley, Beryl McCutcheon, Muriel Morris, Helen O'Hara, Mary Perine, Noreen Roth, Naomi Scher, Erin Selwyn, Beverly Tyler, Constance Weiler [Co-Eds]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by MGM Studio Orchestra behind titles); [0:03] Bim, Bam, Bum (sung by Lina Romay with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [0:05] Te Quiero Dijiste (sung in Spanish by Carlos Ramirez with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra; instumental reprise played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra as Esther Williams swims); [0:17] Trumpet Blues and Cantabile (played by Harry James and His Music Makers); [0:31] By the Waters of Minnetonka (played by Ethel Smith at the organ with the MGM Studio Orchestra offscreen); [0:33] Tico Tico (no fubá) (played by Ethel Smith at the organ with the MGM Studio Orchestra offscreen, co-eds on percussion onscreen); [0:38] Red Skelton comedy sketch - "A girl waking up in the morning"; [0:42] Loch Lomond (excerpt sung by Girl's Chorus); [0:44] I'll Take the High Note (sung and danced by Red Skelton, Jean Porter, Janis Paige, Carlos Ramirez, Helen Forrest and Buddy Moreno with Harry James and His Music Makers and Ethel Smith on Organ); [1:00] Alma Llanera (sung by Lina Romay with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:05] Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker Suite (excerpt played in background as girls practice ballet movements in Madame Zarka's Eurhythmics class); [1:06] Red Skelton comedy sketch: ballet practice in Madame Zarka's class, Waltz of the Flowers played during part of this sketch; [1:14] Hora Staccato (played by Harry James on trumpet with His Music Makers); [1:19] I Cried for You (sung by Helen Forrest with Harry James and His Music Makers); [1:33] Finale: instrumental reprisal of most of the song score (played by Harry James and His Orchestra and by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, swimming ballet by Esther Williams and Chorus Girls)

Be Yourself
Art Cinema Corp. / United Artists, 1930, B/W, 65 minutes
Released February, 1930

Music and comedy surround a thin plot about a down-and-out boxer trying to make it big. Some good laughs by Brice (married to Billy Rose) and a great burlesque by her of Dante's Inferno. She sings "Cookin' Breakfast for the One I Love" (Billy Rose, Henry Tobias), the best tune in the film. Other songs include "Kicking a Hole in the Sky," "Sasha, the Passion of the Pasha," (Rose, Ballard MacDonald, Jesse Greer), and "When a Woman Loves a Man" (Rose, Ralph Rainger).

Executive Producer: Joseph M. Schenck
Supervising Producer: John W. Considine, Jr.
Director: Thornton Freeland
Assistant Director: Roger H. Heman
Written by: Thornton Freeland, Max Marcin
(from the story "The Champ" by Joseph Jackson)
Music: Billy Rose
Music Arranger: Hugo Riesenfeld
Choreography: Maurice Kusell
Set Decorator: William Cameron Menzies
Costume Design: Alice O'Neill
Sound Recording Engineer: Harold Witt
Photography: Robert H. Planck, Karl Struss
Film Editor: Robert J. Kern

Cast: Fannie Brice [Fannie Field], Robert Armstrong [Jerry Moore], Harry Green [Harry Field], G. Pat Collins [Mac McCloskey], Gertrude Astor [Lillian], Budd Fine [Step], Marjorie "Babe" Kane [Lola, Chorus Girl], Rita Flynn [Jessica], Anderson Lawler [Patron in Night Club], Jimmy Tolson [Himself]

Musical Program: When a Woman Loves a Man (sung by Fanny Brice and Chorus, reprised by Fanny Brice); Cookin' Breakfast for the One I Love (sung by Fanny Brice and Henry Tobias, reprised by Jimmy Tolson); Is There Something the Matter with Otto Kahn? (opera parody performed by Fanny Brice); Kickin' a Hole in the Sky (sung by Fanny Brice and Chorus); It's Gorgeous to Be Graceful (ballet parody performed by Fanny Brice)

Beach Blanket Bingo
American International Pictures (AIP), 1965, Color, 98 minutes, ***
Released April, 1965

The "Beach Party" gang is back again for laughs, rock and roll, surfing and those sexy two-piece bathing suits. The plot, such as it is, involves a missing singing star, a mermaid, and Eric Von Zipper's gang. With Frankie, Annette, Harvey Lembeck, Linda Evans, Paul Lynde, Don Rickles.

Rumor has it that Walt Disney objected to Annette Funicello - still under contract to Disney - wearing a bikini on film. So, she is the only girl appearing in the film with a one-piece bathing suit.

The "Beach" movies of the early-mid 1960s are not exactly what one might refer to as great movies, but they are often kinda fun, and they usually feature some songs and singers that you don't get to see very often otherwise. Watch them for the performers and the music that has been all but forgotten!

In my opinion, Beach Blanket Bingo is definitely the best of the genre.

"Get ready for the next Beach blast... "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini"

Produced by: James H. Nicholson and Samuel Z. Arkoff
Co-Producer: Anthony Carras
Production Supervisor: Jack Bohrer, Directed by: William Asher
Assistant Director: Dale Hutchinson
Written by: William Asher and Leo Townsend
Musical Supervision: Al Simms
Songs:
Music and Arrangements by: Jerry Styner
Lyrics by: Guy Hemric
Hondells "Cycle Set" by Gary Usher and Roger Christian
Musical Score by: Les Baxter
Choreography by: Jack Baker
Art Direction: Howard Campbell
Set Decorator: Harry Reif
Costuming and Designing by: Marjorie Corso
Make-up: Bob Dawn Hairdresser: Eve Newing
Sound: Bob Post
Director of Photography: Floyd Crosby
Special Effects: Roger George, Joe Zomar
Filmed in Panavision and Pathecolor
Film Editors: Fred Feitshans, Eve Newman

Cast: Frankie Avalon [Frankie], Annette Funicello [Dee Dee], Deborah Walley [Bonnie Graham], Harvey Lembeck [Eric Von Zipper], John Ashley [Steve Gordon], Jody McCrea [Bonehead], Donna Loren [Donna], Marta Kristen [Lorelei], Linda Evans [Sugar Kane], Timothy Carey [South Dakota Slim], Don Rickles [Big Drop], Paul Lynde [Bullets], Donna Michelle [Animal], Mike Nader [Butch], Patti Chandler [Patti], The Hondells [Themselves], Buster Keaton [Himself], Earl Wilson [Himself], Bobbi Shaw [Bobbi], Andy Romano, Allen Fife, Jerry Brutsche, John Macchia, Bob Harvey, Alberta Nelson, Myrna Ross [Rat Pack], Ed Garner, Guy Hemric, Duane Ament, Ray Atkinson, Brian Wilson, Mickey Dora, Ned Wynn, Frank Alesia, Phil Henderson, Johnny Fain, Ronnie Dayton [Beach Boys], Linda Benson, Mary Sturdevant, Mary Hughes, Judy Lescher, Salli Sachse, Pat Bryton, Linda Merrill, Pam Colbert, Luree Holmes, Dessica Giles, Laura Nicholson, Stephanie Nader, Linda Bent, Jo Ann Zerfas, Chris Cranston [Beach Girls]

Musical Program: [0:02] Beach Blanket Bingo (sung by Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon and Chorus, danced by the beach kids, partially behind titles); [0:13] It Only Hurts When I Cry (sung by Donna Loren); [0:27] I Am My Ideal (sung by Harvey Lembeck and the Rats); [0:28] New Love (sung by Linda Evans with The Hondells); [0:36] I Think You Think (sung by Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon while walking along the beach - cute number with some harmony and some counterpoint); [0:43] Don Rickles comedy routine; [0:45] Fly Boy (sung by Linda Evans with The Hondells, danced by the nightclub patrons); [0:49] These Are the Good Times (sung by Frankie Avalon with The Hondells); [1:02] Cycle Set (played and sung by The Hondells); [1:05] These Are the Good Times (instrumental arrangement waltzed by Marta Kristen and Jody McCrea, joined by other night club patrons); [1:33] Beach Blanket Bingo (sung by Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello and Chorus behind end credits)

Beach Party
American International Pictures (AIP), 1963, Color, 98 minutes, **½
Premiere release July, 1963
General release August, 1963

The first entry in AIP's beach comedy series stars Bob Cummings as an anthropologist studying teenage mating habits who picks Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello as his subjects. With Morey Amsterdam, Dorothy Malone, Dick Dale and The Del-Tones, and Harvey Lembeck as Eric Von Zipper.

The "Beach" movies of the early-mid 1960s are not exactly what one might refer to as great movies, but they are often kinda fun, and they usually feature some songs, singers and actors that you don't get to see very often otherwise. Watch them for the performers and the music that has been all but forgotten!

Produced by: James H. Nicholson and Lou Rusoff
Executive Producer: Samuel Z. Arkoff
Associate Producer: Robert Dillon
Production Supervisor: Bartlett A. Carré
Directed by: William Asher
Written by: Lou Rusoff
Music Coordinator: Al Simms
Music Score by: Les Baxter
Songs: "Beach Party," "Swingin' and a-Surfin'," "Secret Surfin' Spot"
by Gary Usher and Roger Christian
"Promise Me Anything (Give Me Love)," "Treat Him Nicely"
by Guy Hemric and Jerry Styner
"Don't Stop Now" by Bob Marcucci and Russ Faith
Art Director: Daniel Haller
Set Decorator: Harry Reif
Costumes: Marjorie Corso
Makeup: Carlie Taylor
Hairdresser: Scotty Rackin
Sound: Don Rush
Photographed by: Kay Norton
Filmed in Panavision and Pathecolor
Film Editor: Homer Powell

Cast: Bob Cummings [Professor Sutwell], Dorothy Malone [Marianne], Frankie Avalon [Frankie], Annette Funicello [Dolores], Morey Amsterdam [Cappy], Harvey Lembeck [Eric Von Zipper], Eva Six [Ava], John Ashley [Ken], Jody McCrea [Deadhead], Dick Dale and the Del Tones [Themselves], Andy Romano (J.D.), Jerry Brutsche, Bob Harvey, John Macchia, Alberta Nelson, Linda Rogers [The Ratz and The Mice], David Landfield [Ed], Valora Noland [Rhonda], Bobby Payne [Tom], Dolores Wells [Sue], Roger Bacon [Tour Guide], Pam Colbert, Meredith MacRae, Lorie Summers, Luree Nicholson (aka Luree Holmes), Donna Russell, Laura Nicholson [Beach Girls], John Fain, Michael Nader, John Beach, Eddie Garner, Mickey Dora [Beach Boys], Vincent Price [Big Daddy], and introducing Candy Johnson ["Miss Perpetual Motion" Dancer], Duane Ament [Big Boy], Yvette Vickers, Sharon Garrett [Yoga Girls]

Musical Program: [0:01] Beach Party (sung by Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon with Dick Dale and The Del Tones offscreen); [0:13] Secret Surfin' Spot (sung by Dick Dale and The Del Tones); [0:19] Swingin' and a-Surfin' (sung by Dick Dale and The Del Tones); [0:26] Don't Stop Now (sung by Frankie Avalon with Dick Dale and The Del-Tones, danced by Frankie Avalon, Candy Johnson, Eva Six and the Beach Girls); [0:56] Treat Him Nicely (sung by Annette Funicello); [1:00] Swingin' and a-Surfin' (reprised by the Beach Girls and the Beach Boys); [1:05] Promise Me Anything (Give Me Love) (sung by Dorothy Malone along with Annette Funicello on record player); [1:33] Don't Stop Now (reprised by Frankie Avalon with Dick Dale and The Del-Tones, danced by Frankie Avalon, Eva Six and the Beach Girls); [1:34] Treat Him Nicely (reprised by Annette Funicello); [1:34] Swingin' and a-Surfin' (reprised by Dick Dale and The Del Tones); [1:35] Beach Party (sung by Frankie Avalon with Dick Dale and The Del Tones offscreen, danced by Candy Johnson onscreen behind end credits)

The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend
20th Century-Fox, 1949, Color, 77 minutes, ***
Released May, 1949

Grable (in a take-off on Annie Oakley) is a markswoman whose boyfriend (Cesar Romero) has been catting around. She takes a shot at him and hits a judge (Porter Hall) by accident ... She flees to another town, where she takes a job as a schoolmarm and convinces everyone that she is the sweet, virginal type. Vallee is the town's richest citizen, mostly because he owns a gold mine, so Grable goes after him and he falls in love with her. Just when all seems to be going swell for Grable there's a gun battle, a kidnaping, and a host of other complications that lead to a trial. In court, Grable winds up grabbing a gun, and sending another bullet in the direction of the judge's rear end.

Written, Directed and Produced by: Preston Sturges
A Screen Play based on a Story by: Earl Felton
Music: Cyril Mockridge
Vocal Direction: Ken Darby
Orchestral Arrangements: Herbert Spencer
Musical Director: Alfred Newman
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, George W. Davis
Set Decorations: Thomas Little, Stuart Reiss
Wardrobe Direction: Charles LaMaire
Costumes Designed by: Rene Hubert
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Hair Styles: Marie Brasselle, Lillian Ugrin, Irene Brooks
Sound: Eugene Grossman, Harry M. Leonard
Director of Photography: Harry Jackson
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Leonard Doss
Special Photographic Effects: Fred Sersen
Film Editor: Robert Fritch

Cast: Betty Grable [Winifred "Freddie" Jones], Cesar Romero [Blackie Jobero], Rudy Vallee [Charles Hingleman], Olga San Juan [Conchita], Porter Hall [Judge O'Toole], Hugh Herbert [Doctor], Alan Bridge [Sheriff Ambrose], El Brendel [Mr. Jorgensen], Sterling Holloway, Danny Jackson [Basserman Boys], Emory Parnell [Mr. Julius Hingleman], Pati Behrs [Roulette], Margaret Hamilton [Elvira O'Toole], Torben Meyer [Doctor Shultz], Richard Kean [Doctor Smidlap], Esther Howard [Mrs. Smidlap], Georgia Caine [Mrs. Hingleman], Richard Hale [Gus Basserman], Marie Windsor [LaBelle Bergere], J. Farrell MacDonald [Sheriff Sweetser], Chris-Pin Martin [Joe], Harry Tyler [Wilbur], Mary Monica MacDonald [Freddie at age 6], Russell Simpson [Grandpa], Robert Adler [Clerk], Chester Conklin [Messenger Boy], Dudley Dickerson [Pullman Porter], Harry Hayden [Train Conductor], Heinie Conklin, Herbert Heywood [Waiters], Kermit Maynard [Poker Game Onlooker], Snub Pollard, Philo McCullough [Hangers-on], Tom McGuire, George Melford [Deputies], Dewey Robinson [Bartender], Rose Marie Iannone [Girl], Max Wagner, Blackie Whiteford, Louis Bacigalupi, Emil Sitka, Ray Spiker, Jack Stoney, Frank Mills, Harry Morgan, George Magrill, Hank Mann, Abdullah Abbas, Eddie Gribbon, Frank Hagney [Hoodlums]

Musical Program: [0:00] The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend (sung offscreen by mens quartet behind titles, excerpts sung offscreen near beginning of film and at end); [0:12] Every Time I Meet You (sung by Betty Grable, joined by mens quartet); [0:36] In the Gloaming (sung by Rudy Vallee and Betty Grable)

Beauty and the Beast
(aka Cannon Movie Tales: Beauty and the Beast)
Golan-Globus / Cannon Films, 1987, Color, 93 minutes, ***½
USA release April, 1987

See list of all Cannon Movie Tales

Rebecca De Mornay (Risky Business, Runaway Train) stars with John Savage (The Deer Hunter) in an enchanting, musical new rendition of this poignant fairy tale classic!

Trading her freedom to save her beloved father, young Beauty (Rebecca De Mornay) enters into a lonely life at the magic-filled castle of the frightful-looking Beast (John Savage). But as the unhappy Beast gradually reveals the secret of his heart to her, Beauty sees beyond his physical form - and her love works a miraculous change!   [from back of VHS sleeve]

An often-overlooked gem... beautifully produced film - wonderful imagery, beautiful costumes and sets. Very nice music, sung by the actors - no dubbing! "See with Your Heart" is a beautiful tune. Definitely the best of the live-action films of this classic tale. [JJ]

Producers: Manahem Golan and Yoram Globus
Associate Producer: Patricia Ruben
Executive Producer: Itzik Kol
Director: Eugene Marner
Screenplay: Carole Lucia Satrina
(based on the classic fairy tale by Madame de Villeneuve)
Music: Lori McKelvey (music and lyrics)
Choreography: Christine Oren
Production Designer: Marek Dobrowolski
Costume Designer: Buki Shiff
Director of Photography: Avi Karpick
Editor: Tova Ascher

Cast: John Savage [Beast / Prince], Rebecca De Mornay [Beauty] (duh!), Yossi Graber [Father], Michael Schneider [Kuppel], Carmela Marner [Bettina], Ruth Harlap [Isabella], Joseph Bee [Oliver], Jack Messinger [Frederick], Tzipi Mor [1st Maid], Firat Kanter [2nd Maid], Yaacov Ben-Sira [Bailiff], Rafi Goldvasser, Eduardo Hobshar, Nitzan Zytzer, Eran Lavy [Acrobats / Jugglers], Deborah Sherph [Innkeeper], Amiram Atias [Statue]

Musical Program: [0:04] What Would You Do Without Us (Rebecca De Mornay, Ruth Harlap, Carmela Marner, Jack Messinger and Nick Curtis dubbing for Joseph Bee); [0:20] This Life Is for Me (George Little dubbing for Yossi Graber); [0:44] (If You) See with Your Heart (Rebecca De Mornay and John Savage); [1:07] Wish for the Moon (sung by Rebecca De Mornay, danced by Statues); [1:21] What Would You Do Without Us (reprised by Chorus); [1:28] See with Your Heart (reprised by Chorus, Rebecca De Mornay and John Savage)

Disney's enchanting animated romance between lovely, book-reading Belle and the ferocious Beast, a former prince who lives in a lonely castle and has been cursed until he recognizes the power of love. With voices provided by Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury and Jerry Orbach; songs include "Be Our Guest" and the Oscar-winning title tune. Special DVD edition includes an all-new musical sequence for the song "Human Again," a "making of" featurette, and a new recording of the title tune by pop group Jump 5.

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful animated film ever made by Disney. Seeing it on the "big" screen is an experience I shall never forget. The song score by Ashman and Menken sets a perfect tone, and the picture is rich in color and texture. The voice acting is perfect. The film inspired a Broadway production, and is still very much alive today through special releases and stage productions. The only animated film ever nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award!

Produced by: Don Hahn
Associate Producer: Sarah McArthur
Executive Producer: Howard Ashman
Directed by: Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Animation Screenplay by: Linda Woolverton
Original Score by: Alan Menken
Songs by: Howard Ashman (words) and Alan Menken (music)
Art Director: Brian McEntee
Edited by: John Carnochan

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Beauty and the Beast"); Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Original Song ("Be Our Guest") and Best Original Song ("Belle")

Voices: Paige O'Hara [Belle], Robby Benson [Beast], Richard White [Gaston], Jerry Orbach [Lumiere], David Ogden Stiers [Cogsworth / Narrator], Angela Lansbury [Mrs. Potts], Bradley Michael Pierce [Chip], Rex Everhart [Maurice], Jesse Corti [Lefou], Hal Smith [Philippe], Jo Anne Worley [Wardrobe], Mary Kay Bergman [Bimbette], Brian Cummings [Stove], Alvin Epstein [Bookseller], Tony Jay [Monsieur D'Arque], Alec Murphy [Baker], Frank Welker [Footstool / Special Vocal Effects], Kimmy Robertson [Featherduster], Kath Soucie [Bimbette]

Musical Program: [0:00] Prologue (naration by David Ogden Stiers); [0:03] Belle (sung by Belle and Townspeople); [0:19] Belle (reprised by Belle); [0:26] Gaston (sung by Lefou, Gaston and Pub Patrons); [0:30] Gaston (reprised by Gaston, Lefou and Pub Patrons); [0:38] Be Our Guest (sung by Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Dishes); [0:54] Something There (sung by Belle, Beast, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere and Cogsworth); [0:57] Human Again (sung by Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Chorus -- in Special Edition only); [1:02] Beauty and the Beast (sung by Mrs. Potts); [1:10] The Mob Song (sung by Gaston and Mob); [1:24] Beauty and the Beast (reprised by Chorus); [1:25] Beauty and the Beast (sung by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson behind end credits)

Because of Him
Universal, 1946, B/W, 88 minutes, ***
Released January, 1946

Deanna Durbin writes her own letter of recommendation and gets stage star Charles Laughton to sign it, thinking he's signing an autograph. Deanna then convinces producer Franchot Tone that she is indeed a great actress, and he casts her in the leading role in a new production... as Laughton's leading lady! Meanwhile Laughton discovers Deanna's conniving and tries to oust her from the production, but he finds that he likes the girl and just can't put his heart into it. He ends up supporting her, though Deanna is forced to pull a number of "tricks" to keep the man from giving her the heave-ho. In the end Deanna plays the part and everyone is more than pleased with her acting ability. Light-weight story line, but how can you lose with Durbin, Laughton and Tone? Great fun. Deanna's performance of "Lover" as a duet with her own recorded voice is wonderful!

Produced by: Felix Jackson
Associate Producer: Howard Christie
Directed by: Richard Wallace
Assistant Director: William Holland
Screenplay: Edmund Beloin (Original Story by Edmund Beloin and Sig Herzig)
Musical Score: Miklos Rozsa
Musical Direction for Miss Durbin: Edgar Fairchild
Vocal Coach: Al Proctor
Art Direction: John B. Goodman, Robert Clatworthy
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman, Oliver Emert
Hair Stylist: Carmen Dirigo
Director of Make-Up: Jack P. Pierce
Costumes: Travis Banton
Director of Photography: Hal Mohr
Director of Sound: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Joe Lapis
Film Editor: Ted J. Kent

Cast: Deanna Durbin [Kim Walker], Franchot Tone [Paul Taylor], Charles Laughton [John Sheridan], Helen Broderick [Nora], Stanley Ridges [Charlie Gilbert], Donald Meek [Martin], Charles Halton [Mr. Dunlap], Regina Wallace [Head Nurse], Douglas Wood [Samuel Hargood], Lynn Whitney [Martha Manners], Bess Flowers [Playgoer in Lobby]

Musical Program: [0:11] Lover ("duet" sung by Deanna Durbin singing with a record of her own voice); [0:53] Danny Boy (sung by Deanna Durbin); [1:13] Goodbye (sung by Deanna Durbin)

Because You're Mine
MGM, 1952, Color, 101 minutes
Released September, 1952

"Mario, my boy," Louis B. Mayer told Mario Lanza, "I'm going to make you a singing Clark Gable." By 1951, perhaps the only thing the renowned tenor needed was a moustache. Lanza's The Great Caruso was one of the year's top box-office smashes.

Lanza portrayed an ex-G.I. turned opera star in his debut film That Midnight Kiss. In this genial musical, which followed The Great Caruso, Lanza plays an opera star drafter into the army. He's singing draftee Renaldo Rossano, who has the good fortune to be placed in a unit where the Sarge (James Whitmore) is an opera buff. Sarge has a sister (Doretta Morrow) who sings... and needs a break. Would Rossano help? Of course! And, of course, complications are sure to follow.

The film's many songs include the Oscar-nominated title tune, an engaging array of popular and operatic selections, and Lanza's moving rendition of "The Lord's Prayer."   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Alexander Hall
Assistant Director: Bert Glazer
Screen Play by: Karl Tunberg and Leonard Spigelgass
Based on a story by Ruth Brooks Flippen and Sy Gomberg
Musical Score: Johnny Green
New Songs: "Because You're Mine" (by) Sammy Cahn and Nicholas Brodszky; "The Song Angels Sing" (by) Brahms - Aaronson - Webster; "Lee-Ah-Loo" (by) John Lehman - Raymond Sinatra
Operatic Numbers Coached by: Wolfgang Martin
Choral Direction: Jeff Alexander
Musical Adviser: Irving Aaronson
Musical Direction: Johnny Green
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and William Ferrari
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Robert P. Fox
Women's Costumes Designed by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Best Song Academy Award nomination ("Because You're Mine")

Cast: Mario Lanza [Renaldo Rossano], Doretta Morrow [Bridget Batterson], James Whitmore [Sgt. Batterson], Dean Miller [Ben Jones], Paula Corday [Francesca Landers], Jeff Donnell [Patty Ware], Spring Byington [Mrs. Montville], Curtis Cooksey [Gen. Montville], Don Porter [Capt. Burton Nordell Loring], Eduard Franz [Albert Parkson Foster], Bobby Van [Artie Pilcer], Ralph Reed [Horsey], Celia Lovsky [Mrs. Rossano], Alexander Steinert [Maestro Paradori]

Musical Program: [0:00] Because You're Mine (played by Orchestra behind titles, excerpt sung by Mario Lanza); [0:06] Addio alla madre (finale from CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA, sung by Mario Lanza, Peggy Bonini and Kathryn Chapman); [0:10] Miserere (from the opera IL TROVATORE; sung by Mario Lanza); [0:15] O Paradiso (from the opera L'AFRICAINE; sung by Mario Lanza); [0:22] Gummy for Your Tummy (commercial jingle sung by Doretta Morrow and Men's quartet); [0:24] The Song Angels Sing (sung by Mario Lanza); [0:29] Casta Diva (from the opera NORMA; short excerpt sung by Mario Lanza and Paula Corday over the phone); [0:32] Gummy for Your Tummy (commercial jingle sung by Doretta Morrow); [0:32] Fluffy Foam (commercial jingle sung by Mario Lanza); [0:34] You Do Something to Me (sung by Doretta Morrow); [0:39] Lee-Ah-Loo (sung by Mario Lanza while dancing with Doretta Morrow); [0:43] The Lord's Prayer (sung by Mario Lanza); [0:52] Because You're Mine (sung by Mario Lanza); [0:59] Be My Love (sung by Doretta Morrow); [1:11] Addio (from the opera RIGOLETTO, excerpt sung by Paula Corday and Mario Lanza); [1:19] Il balen del suo sorriso (from the opera IL TROVATORE; sung by Mario Lanza); [1:26] Garbage Can-Can (played by the boys in the barracks and danced by Bobby Van); [1:37] Granada (sung by Mario Lanza); [1:40] Because You're Mine (sung by Mario Lanza, Doretta Morrow and Chorus)

Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Walt Disney, 1971, Color, 117 minutes, ***
Premiere release (USA) November, 1971
General release December, 1971

An Academy Award winner for Best Visual Effects, Bedknobs and Broomsticks features a spellbinding mix of live action and animation that makes it one of Disney's most delightfully endearing classics.

Screen legend Angela Lansbury gives a bewitching performance as an amateur witch who reluctantly takes in three precocious orphan children. The children soon find themselves swept aboard a flying bed, its magic brass bedknob their ticket to one fantastic adventure after another - including a visit to an enchanted island inhabited by wondrous animated animal characters! The foursome eventually join forces with an amusing professor to track down an ancient incantation that could save the country from hostile invaders!

Now it's your turn to take a ride on Bedknobs and Broomsticks, a fun-filled flight of fantasy, music and Disney magic for all ages!   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Bill Walsh
Directed by: Robert Stevenson
Assistant Director: Christopher Hibler
Screenplay by: Bill Walsh, Don DaGradi
Based on the book by Mary Norton
Music and Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Music Supervised, Arranged and Conducted by: Irwin Kostal
Choreography by: Donald McKayle
Art Directors: John B. Mansbridge and Peter Ellenshaw
Set Decorations: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costumes Designed by: Bill Thomas
Make-Up: Robert J. Schiffer
Hair Stylist: LaRue Matheron
Sound Supervisor: Robert O. Cook
Special Effects: Alan Maley, Eustace Lycett, Danny Lee
Animation Director: Ward Kimball
Director of Photography: Frank Phillips
Color by Technicolor
Film Editor: Cotton Warburton

Awards: Academy Award for Best Special Visual Effects; Academy Award nominations for Best Song Score, Best Song ("The Age of Not Believing"), Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction/Set Decoration

Cast: Angela Lansbury [Miss Eglantine Price], David Tomlinson [Emelius Browne], Roddy McDowall [Mr. Jelk], Sam Jaffe [Bookman], John Ericson [Col. Heller], Bruce Forsyth [Swinburne], Cindy O'Callaghan [Carrie], Roy Snart [Paul], Ian Weighill [Charlie], Tessie O'Shea [Mrs. Hobday], Arthur Gould-Porter [Captain Greer], Ben Wrigley [Portobello Road Workman], Reginald Owen [General Teagler], Cyril Delevanti [Elderly Farmer], Rick Traeger, Manfred Lating [German Sergeants], John Orchard [Vendor], Robert Holt [Voice of Codfish], Lennie Weinrib [Voice of Secretary Bird and Lion], Dal McKennon [voice of Bear]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra, some vocals by Chorus behind titles); [0:05] The Old Home Guard (sung and marched by Mens Chorus); [0:27] The Age of Not Believing (sung by Angela Lansbury); [0:40] Eglantine (sung by David Tomlinson); [0:44] Portabello Road (production number sung and danced by Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roy Smart, Cindy O'Callaghan, Ian Weighall and Ensemble); [1:01] The Beautiful Briny Sea (sung by David Tomlinson, Angela Lansbury and sea creatures in underwater anitmated sequence); [1:24] Substitutiary Locomotion (sung and danced by Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roy Smart, Cindy O'Callaghan and Ian Weighall); [1:36] With a Flair (excerpt sung by Angela Lansbury as apparition); [1:56] The Old Home Guard (sung and marched by Mens Chorus)

The Belle of New York
MGM, 1952, Color, 82 minutes, ***½
Released February, 1952

Fun flight of fancy that features Fred Astaire as a turn-of-the-century playboy set on romancing mission girl Vera-Ellen. Delightful duets through the clouds above remain a highlight. Marjorie Main, Keenan Wynn, Alice Pearce co-star. Songs include "Oops," "I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man" and "Bachelor's Dinner Song."

Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory, Vol. 2 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and The Pirate, Words and Music, That's Dancing, Royal Wedding, That Midnight Kiss, The Toast of New Orleans.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Charles Walters
Screen Play by: Robert O'Brien and Irving Elinson
Adapted for the Screen by: Chester Erskine
From the Play by: Hugh Morton
Songs: Music by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Musical Direction: Adolph Deutsch
Orchestrations by: Conrad Salinger and Maurice DePackh
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: Robert Alton
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Jack Martin Smith
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Richard Pefferle
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe, Irving G. Ries
Women's Costumes Designed by: Helen Rose
Men's Costumes Designed by: Gile Steele
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Robert Planck
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Cast: Fred Astaire [Charlie Hill], Vera-Ellen [Angela Bonfils], Marjorie Main [Mrs. Phineas Hill], Keenan Wynn [Max Ferris], Alice Pearce [Elsie Wilkins], Clinton Sundberg [Gilfred Spivak], Gale Robbins [Dixie McCoy], Lisa Ferraday [Frenchie], Henry Slate [Clancy], Carol Brewster, Meredith Leeds, Lyn Wilde [Frenchie's Girls], Buddy Roosevelt [Cab Driver], Roger Davis [Judkins], Dick Wessel, Percy Helton, Tom Dugan [Bowery Bums], Anita Ellis [singing voice of Vera-Ellen]

Musical Program: [0:00] When You're Out with the Belle of New York (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:07] Who Wants to Kiss the Bridegroom? (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and his girlfriends, one of whom is Lyn Wilde); [0:11] Let a Little Love Come In (sung by Alice Pearce, then sung by Anita Ellis dubbing for Vera-Ellen); [0:15] Seeing's Believing (sung and danced by Fred Astaire walking on air and atop the Washington Arch in Washington Square - great f/x!); [0:26] Baby Doll (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen); [0:33] Oops (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen on trolley - cute number!); [0:42] A Bride's Wedding Day Song (Currier and Ives) (sung by Anita Ellis dubbing for Vera-Ellen, danced by Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen with Ensemble - beautiful number!); [1:02] Naughty But Nice (sung and danced by Vera-Ellen, dubbed by Anita Ellis; then sung and danced by Alice Pearce); [1:08] Baby Doll (reprised by barbershop quartet of waiters, including Fred Astaire as one of the four); [1:12] I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man (sung and danced by Fred Astaire); [1:19] When You're Out with the Belle of New York (reprised by Chorus at end of film)

Bells Are Ringing
MGM, 1960, Color, 126 minutes, ***½
Released June, 1960

The get-up in New York's get-up-and-go comes from the switchboard operators of Susanswerphone. Need a wakeup call? Your appointments? Encouragement from "Mom?" A racetrack bet? It all comes from that dutiful nerve - or noive - center that keeps enterprises enterprising and, maybe, wedding bells ringing.

Judy Holliday reprises her Tony-winning Broadway role of irrepressible switchboard girl Ella in a jubilant adaptation that marked her final movie and the final teaming of movie-musical titans Arthur Freed and Vincente Minnelli. Dean Martin co-stars as a struggling playwright in for a surprise when he learns "Mom's" identity. The sparkling Jule Styne / Betty Comden / Adolph Green score includes Holliday's heartfelt "The Party's Over" and the jolly Holliday / Martin duet "Just in Time." You've dialed the right number, musical fans!   [from back of DVD case]

The Broadway to Hollywood Classic Musicals Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Easter Parade, The Band Wagon, Finian's Rainbow and Brigadoon.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: William McGarry
Screen Play and Lyrics by: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Music by: Jule Styne
Based on the musical play "Bells Are Ringing," Book and Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Music by Jule Styne, as presented on the stage by The Theatre Guild
Music Adapted and Conducted by: André Previn
Orchestrations by: Alexander Courage and Pete King
Choreography: Charles O'Curran
Art Directors: George W. Davis and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Henry Grace, Keogh Gleason
Costumes Designed by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton
Director of Photography: Milton Krasner
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie and Lee LeBlanc
Filmed in CinemaScope and Metrocolor
Color Consultant: Charles K. Hagedon
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score - Musical (André Previn)

Cast: Judy Holliday [Ella Peterson], Dean Martin [Jeffrey Moss], Fred Clark [Larry Hastings], Eddie Foy, Jr. [J. Otto Prantz], Jean Stapleton [Sue, "The Other One"], Ruth Storey [Gwynne], Dort Clark [Inspector Barnes], Frank Gorshin [Blake Barton], Ralph Roberts [Francis], Valerie Allen [Olga], Bernie West [Dr. Joe Kitchell], Steven Peck [Gangster], Gerry Mulligan [Ella's Blind Date], Hal Linden [Singer]

Musical Program: [0:01] Bells Are Ringing (sung by Chorus); [0:15] It's a Perfect Relationship (sung by Judy Holliday); [0:20] Do It Yourself (sung by Dean Martin); [0:32] It's a Simple Little System (sung by Eddie Foy, Jr. and Ensemble); [0:50] It's Better Than a Dream (sung by Judy Holliday and Dean Martin); [0:58] I Met a Girl (sung by Dean Martin and Chorus); [1:00] I Love Your Sunny Teeth / Oh How It Hurts / Hot and Cold (sung by Bernie West); [1:19] Mu Cha Cha (sung and danced by July Holliday, Dorio Avila, and Ruth Storey); [1:23] Just in Time (sung and danced by Dean Martin and Judy Holliday, joined by Chorus); [1:33] Drop That Name (sung by Judy Holliday and Party Ensemble); [1:38] The Party's Over (sung by Judy Holliday); [1:44] The Midas Touch (sung and danced by Hal Linden with Chorus Girls); [1:53] I'm Goin' Back (sung by Judy Holliday); [2:05] Bells Are Ringing (reprised by Chorus)

Bing Crosby reprises his "Going My Way" role of dedicated priest Father O'Malley, who faces a challenge when he's sent to shore up a financially troubled parish and enters a battle of wits with strong-willed nun Ingrid Bergman. With Henry Travers.

Produced and Directed by: Leo McCarey
Screenplay: Dudley Nichols (based on a story by Leo McCarey)
Editor: Harry Marker
Musical Score: Robert Emmett Dolan
Song Score: Johnny Burke and James Van Heusen
Art Director: William Flannery, Al D'Agostino
Set Decoration: Darrell Silvera
Costume Design: Edith Head
Sound Department: James G. Stewart, Richard Van Hessen
Cinematography: George Barnes
Film Editing: Harry Marker

Awards: Academy Award for Best Sound Recording; Academy Award Nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Bing Crosby), Best Actress (Ingrid Bergman), Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Score (Drama or Comedy), Best Song ("Aren't You Glad You're You")

Cast: Bing Crosby [Father Chuck O'Malley], Ingrid Bergman [Sister Benedict], Henry Travers [Mr. Bogardus], Ruth Donnelly [Sister Michael], Joan Carroll [Patsy], Martha Sleeper [Patsy's Mother], William Gargan [Joe Gallagher], Rhys Williams [Dr. McKay], Dick Tyler [Eddie], Una O'Connor [Mrs. Breen], Bobby Frasco [Tommy], Matt McHugh [Clerk], Edna May Wonacott [Delphine], Jimmy Crane [Luther], Minerva Urecal [Landlady], Cora Shannon [Old Lady], Gwen Crawford, Aina Constant, Eva Novak [Sisters]

Musical Program: Aren't You Glad You're You (Bing Crosby); The Bells of St. Mary's (Bing Crosby); In the Land of Beginning Again (Bing Crosby)

The Benny Goodman Story
Universal-International, 1955, Color, 116 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1955

The music of Benny Goodman comes to life in this wonderful musical biography of the famed King of Swing. Featuring all the outstanding songs and instrumentals made famous by the immortal clarinetist, the story follows the innovative musician from his childhood in Chicago to his historic concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938. Steve Allen, Donna Reed and Sammy Davis, Sr. star in this unforgettable tribute to Goodman and his music with performances by the original Benny Goodman Quartet (Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson, Ben Pollack, Edward "Kid" Ory and Lionel Hampton) along with Harry James, Martha Tilton and Ziggy Elman. The priceless soundtrack highlights Goodman himself with classic renditions of "Sing, Sing, Sing," "One O'Clock Jump," "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Moonglow" and "Goody, Goody" and many more.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Aaron Rosenberg
Written and Directed by: Valentine Davies
Assistant Director: Phil Bowles
Music Supervision by: Joseph Gershenson
Musical Score: Harold Brown, Joseph Gershenson, Alan Harding, Henry Mancini and Sol Yaged
Additional Music: Henry Mancini
Art Direction: Alexander Golitzen, Robert Clatworthy
Set Decorations: Russell A. Gausman, Julia Heron
Gowns: Bill Thomas
Hair Stylist: Jean St. Oegger
Make-Up: Bud Westmore
Sound: Leslie I. Carey, Robert Pritchard
Director of Photography: William Daniels
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: William Fritzsche
Film Editor: Russell Schoengarth

Cast: Steve Allen [Benny Goodman], Donna Reed [Alice Hammond], Berta Gersten [Dora Goodman, Benny's Mother], Barry Truex [Benny Goodman at age l6], Herbert Anderson [John Hammond], Robert F. Simon [Dave Goodman, Benny's Father], Hy Averback [William Alexander], Sammy Davis, Sr. [Fletcher Henderson], Dick Winslow [Gil Rodin], Shepard Menken [Harry Goodman], Jack Kruschen [Murph Podolsky], Wilton Graff [Mr. Hammond], Fred Essler [Professor Schoepp], David Kasday [Benny Goodman at age 10], John M. Erman [Harry Goodman at age 15], George Givot [Jake Primo], Lionel Hampton [Himself], Gene Krupa [Himself], Teddy Wilson [Himself], Ben Pollack [Himself], Edward "Kid" Ory [Himself], Urbie Green [Himself], Buck Clayton [Himself], Stan Getz [Himself], Harry James [Himself], Martha Tilton [Herself], Ziggy Elman [Himself], Benny Goodman and His Orchestra: Teddy Wilson [Piano], Hymie Shertzer, Blake Reynolds, Stan Getz, Babe Russin [Saxophones], Urbie Green, Murray McEachern, James Priddy [Trombones], Gene Krupa [Drums], Buck Clayton, Chris Griffin, Conrad Gozzo, Irving Goodman [Trumpets], George Duvivier [Bass], Allan Reuss [Guitar], and Clarinet played by Benny Goodman

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:09] By the Beautiful Sea (instrumental played by Benny Goodman [Barry Truex on-screen] with shipboard dance band, danced by passengers); [0:11] Dixieland One-Step (played by Kid Ory and Band, joined by Benny Goodman [played by Barry Truex dubbed by Benny Goodman]); [0:17] instrumental medley: Waitin' for Katy / If You Knew Susie Like I Know Susie / unidentified number (played by Ben Pollack and His Orchestra with Benny Goodman [Barry Truex dubbed by Benny Goodman] in travel montage); [0:20] Good-Bye (excerpt solo played by Benny Goodman [Steve Allen dubbed by Benny Goodman] on roof-top); [0:37] Mozart's Clarinet Concerto (played by Steve Allen [dubbed by Benny Goodman] and Orchestra); [0:42] Let's Dance (played by Orchestra with Steve Allen on Clarinet [dubbed by Benny Goodman]); [0:46] unidentified number (played by Steve Allen [dubbed by Benny Goodman] and Friends); [0:48] Let's Dance (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [0:50] Goody Goody (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [0:51] Stompin' at the Savoy (Fletcher Henderson arrangement played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [0:57] Memories of You (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [0:59] unidentified number (played by The Benny Goodman Trio [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:01] Down South Camp Meeting (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:04] One O'Clock Jump (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:08] Memories of You (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:15] Avalon (Lionel Hampton on Vibraphone, joined by The Benny Goodman Trio [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:24] Bugle Call Rag (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:41] Shine (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra with Harry James on Trumpet [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:42] Twenty Years of Jazz (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:44] And the Angels Sing (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Ziggy Elman on trumpet, Vocal by Martha Tilton [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:46] Moonglow (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); [1:47] Sing, Sing, Sing (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman], drum solo by Gene Krupa, trumpet solo by Harry James); [1:53] Memories of You (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Steve Allen on-screen as Benny Goodman]); Many short song fragments, including: King Porter Stomp; Don't Be That Way; It's Been So Long; Sometimes I'm Happy; Goody Goody; Alicia's Blues; China Boy; Seven Come Eleven

Best Foot Forward
MGM, 1943, Color, 95 minutes, ***
Premiere release June, 1943
General release October, 1943

Watch out! That dizzy, unpredictable redhead, Lucille Ball, is about to invade a military school. With a bright cast of rising young stars and a batch of bouncy tunes, Best Foot Forward is a joyful, light-hearted Technicolor musical.

In this delightful version of the stage hit, Lucy plays a movie queen who, to boost her waning popularity, accepts the invitation of a young cadet (Tommy Dix) at Winsocki Military Institute to be his date at the senior prom. Before long the trouble - and the laughs - are under way as Lucy, the cadets and their eager girlfriends converge on campus for the festivities. Of course, they often stop chasing each other long enough to sing and dance to some lively tunes, including "The Three B's," "Ev'ry Time" and the rousing "Buckle Down, Winsocki," the song that had Broadway audiences cheering for months. June Allyson, Nancy Walker and Gloria DeHaven add to the merriment, and Harry James and His Music Makers keep toes tapping with their exhilerating music.

A giddy, gaudy package of vintage entertainment, Best Foot Forward was hailed by The New York Times as "a rollicking musical film that pops with hilarious situations, sparkling dialogue and the spirit of youth."   [from back of VHS sleeve]

The song "Buckle Down Winsockie" was used as the theme for commercials promoting the use of safety belts in cars during the 1960s. The lyric was changed to "Buckle Up for Safety."

Virginia Weidler is all grown up and looking really pretty!

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Edward Buzzell
Screen Play by: Irving Brecher and Fred F. Finklehoffe
Book by: John Cecil Holm
Produced on the Stage by George Abbott
Music and Lyrics by: Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Musical Direction: Lennie Hayton
Orchestration: Jack Matthias, Leroy Holmes, Conrad Salinger, George Bassman, Leo Arnaud
Dance Direction: Charles Walters
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Edward Carfagno
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Mildred Griffiths
Costume Supervision: Irene
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Leonard Smith
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Lucille Ball [Herself], William Gaxton [Jack O'Riley], Virginia Weidler [Helen Schlessenger], Tommy Dix [Bud / Elwood C. Hooper], Nancy Walker [Blind Date (Nancy)], June Allyson [Minerva], Kenny Bowers [Dutch], Gloria DeHaven [Ethel], Jack Jordan [Hunk], Beverly Tyler [Miss Delaware Water Gap], Chill Wills [Chester Short], Henry O'Neill [Major Reeber], Sara Haden [Miss Talbert], Donald MacBride [Captain Bradd], Bobby Stebbins [Greenie], Darwood Kaye [Killer], Morris Ankrum [Colonel Harkrider], Nana Bryant [Mrs. Dalyrimple], Harry James and His Music Makers [Themselves], Gloria Grafton [Singing Voice for Lucille Ball], Louanne Hogan [singing voice of Virginia Weidler]

Musical Program: [0:00] Buckle Down, Winsocki (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:04] Wish I May Wish I Might (sung and danced by Glora De Haven, June Allyson, Kenny Bowers, Jack Jordan, Sara Haden, Donald McBribe and Chorus); [0:15] Three Men on a Date (sung by Tommy Dix, Kenny Bowers and Jack Jordan); [0:29] Two O'Clock Jump (played by Harry James and His Music Makers, danced by prom guests); [0:32] Ev'ry Time (instrumental arrangement played by Harry James and His Music Makers, danced by prom guests); [0:35] Ev'ry Time (sung by Louanne Hogan dubbing for Virginia Weidler); [0:43] Flight of the Bumblebee (played by Harry James and His Music Makers); [0:45] The Three B's (sung and danced by June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven, Nancy Walker and Chorus with Harry James and His Music Makers); [1:01] My First Promise (The Ring Waltz) (sung by Beverly Tyler, danced by prom guests); [1:15] Alive and Kickin' (sung by Nancy Walker with Harry James and His Music Makers, danced by Harry James and Nancy Walker); [1:20] You're Lucky (sung by Gloria Grafton dubbing for Lucille Ball); [1:29] Buckle Down, Winsocki (marched by stidents, sung by Tommy Dix and Chorus)

Big Boy
Warner Bros. / Vitaphone, 1930, B/W, 68 minutes, ***
Released September, 1930

A stable boy rides his favorite horse "Big Boy" in the Kentucky Derby. Lots of laughs and songs from Jolie! Jolson is in black-face for the entire movie.

Jolie confronts racism and bigotry head-on in this heartwarming tale about a black stable-boy who wants to ride the horse he attends to from birth (Big Boy) in the Kentucky Derby. With Jolie cast in the role of Gus, the audience immediately sympathizes with him and feels what he feels. Jolie isn't intimidated by anyone - black or white, and even makes jokes and pokes fun at many white people, most of whom give him no trouble. He does encounter bigotry and prejudice in some white folks, but he laughs it off because he knows "Tomorrow is another day."

The message seems to be that if we would all take things a bit less seriously, perhaps we could all get along a little better. Seems like good advice to me.

Sadly, modern-day racial paranoia in the guise of "political correctness" forces most of Jolie's movies into oblivion. The film has exactly the correct message regarding the ugliness of racism, but we are not allowed to see it because Jolie plays a black man, and that is definitely taboo in today's society. Too bad, it's a great movie with an important message! Watch it if you can find it!

Producer: none credited
Directed by: Alan Crosland
Screen Play and Dialogue by: William K. Wells and Rex Taylor
Based on a Musical Comedy by Harold Atteridge ("Big Boy")
General Musical Director: Erno Rapee
Vitaphone Orchestra Directed by: Louis Silvers
Costumes by: Earl Luick
Photography by: Hal Mohr
Edited by: Ralph Dawson

Cast: Al Jolson [Gus], Claudia Dell [Annabel], Louise Closser Hale [Mother], Lloyd Hughes [Jack], Eddie Phillips [Coley Reed], Lew Harvey [Doc Wilbur], Franklin Batie [Jim], John Harron [Joe], Tom Wilson [Tucker], Colin Campbell [Steve Leslie], Noah Beery [Bagby]

Musical Program: [0:00] March (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:00] Liza Lee (played on harmonica by Al Jolson on-screen, danced by Bedford Stables farm hands and Children); [0:01] Liza Lee (sung by Al Jolson, danced by Bedford Stables farm hands and Children); [0:02] Little Sunshine (sung by Al Jolson); [0:13] Dixie (sung by Farmhands); [0:14] I Got Wings (sung by Al Jolson and Farmhands); [0:15] Go Down, Moses (sung by Al Jolson and Farmhands); [0:22] Tomorrow Is Another Day (sung by Al Jolson); [0:38] Tomorrow Is Another Day (reprised by Al Jolson); [0:48] Hooray for Baby and Me (sung by Al Jolson, danced by Cafe Patrons); [1:06] Tomorrow Is Another Day (sung by Al Jolson)

The Big Broadcast
Paramount, 1932, B/W, 80 minutes
Released October, 1932

George Burns' radio station is in dire financial straits. So, the station puts on a live show to let people come and see their favorite radio personalities do their thing in person. And that's what it's all about - seeing popular radio personalities of the era.

During the 1930s and '40s, radio was very popular, but fans seldom, if ever, got to see their favorite radio stars. It was movies like this one that gave them a glimpse of their favorite stars. Lots of 'em here!

Producer: none credited
Director: Frank Tuttle
Screenplay: George Marion Jr.
Based on the play "Wild Waves" by William Ford Manley
Music: Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger
Cinematography: George J. Folsey

Cast: Bing Crosby [Bing Hornsby], Stuart Erwin [Leslie McWhinney], Leila Hyams [Anita Rogers], Sharon Lynne [Mona], George Burns [George], Gracie Allen [Gracie], George Barbier [Clapsaddle], Ralph Robertson [Announcer], Alex Melesh [Bird and Animal Man], Anna Chandler [Mrs. Cohen], Dewey Robinson [Basso], Leonid Kinskey [Ivan], Thomas J. Carrigan [Officer], Spec O'Donnell [Office Boy], James Craig [Steward], Irving Bacon [Prisoner], Edgar Norton [Secretary to T. F. Bellows], Cab Calloway, The Boswell Sisters, Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra, Kate Smith, Arthur Tracy ("The Street Singer") [Themselves]

Musical Program: Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day (Bing Crosby); Marta (Rambling Rose of the Wildwood) (Arthur Tracy); Minnie the Moocher (Cab Calloway); Calloway Calling (Cab Calloway and His Orchestera); Please (Stuart Erwin and Bing Crosby); Here Lies Love (Arthur Tracy, separately by Bing Crosby with Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra); When the Moon Comes over the Mountain (Kate Smith); Dinah (Bing Crosby); Shout, Sister, Shout (Boswell Sisters); Trees (Donald Novis); Good-Bye Blues (Mills Brothers); Nola (played by Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra); I Surrender Dear (Bing Crosby with The Rhythm Boys and Gus Arnheim and His Orchestra); Drummer Man (Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra); I've Got Five Dollars (Bing Crosby and Stuart Erwin); Tiger Rag (Mills Brothers); Crazy People (Boswell Sisters); It Was So Beautiful (Kate Smith); Kickin' the Gong Around (Cab Calloway and his Orchestra)

The Big Broadcast of 1936
Paramount, 1935, B/W, 97 minutes
Released September, 1935

Jack Oakie manages a shoe-string budget radio station, and does a spot on television to help make ends meet. He is kidnapped by a rich countess, but Gracie Allen has an idea for saving him. Crazy antics, and lots of fun skits and vaudeville routines.

Producer: Benjamin Glazer
Director: Norman Taurog
Screenplay: Walter DeLeon, Francis Martin and Ralph Spence
Music Director: Nathaniel Finston
Song Score: various
Choreography: LeRoy Prinz
Art Directors: Hans Dreier and Robert Usher
Special Effects: Farciot Edouart and Gordon Jennings
Cinematography: Leo Tover
Film Editing: Ellsworth Hoagland

Cast: Jack Oakie [Spud], George Burns [George], Gracie Allen [Gracie], Harold Nicholas [Dot], Fayard Nicholas [Dash], Akim Tamiroff [Boris], Wendy Barrie [Sue], Lyda Roberti [Countess Ysobel de Narglia], Samuel S. Hinds [Captain], Henry Wadsworth [Smiley], Benny Baker [Herman], C. Henry Gordon [Gordonio], Arthur Aylesworth [Radio Station Creditor], Bing Crosby, Ethel Merman, Ina Ray Hutton's Band, Mary Boland, Charlie Ruggles, Amos 'n' Andy, Bill Robinson, Guy Standing, Ray Noble and His Orchestra, Willie West and McGinty, The Vienna Boys Choir, Gail Patrick, David Holt, Virginia Weidler [Themselves]

Musical Program: Double Trouble (Jack Oakie, Lydia Roberti, Henry Wadsworth and Chorus); I Wished on the Moon (Bing Crosby); It's the Animal in Me (Ethel Merman); Why Dream (Kenny Baker dubbing for Henry Wadsworth); Miss Brown to You (danced by Bill Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers); Amargura (Carlos Gardel); Apure delantero buey (Carlos Gardel); Melody in F (sung by Richard Tauber); Through the Doorway of Dreams (Lydia Roberti); Tales from the Vienna Woods (the Vienna Boys Choir)

The Big Broadcast of 1937
Paramount, 1936, B/W, 100 minutes
Released October, 1936

This time it's Jack Benny that owns the radio station. Most of the action is in the station, with Burns and Allen providing the laughs in between specialty acts, comedy acts and music.

Producer: Lewis E. Gensler
Director: Mitchell Leisen
Screenplay: Walter DeLeon and Francis Martin
(based on a story by Barry Trivers, Arthur Kober and Erwin Gelsey)
Music Director: Boris Morros
Song Score: various
Choreography: LeRoy Prinz
Art Directors: Hans Dreier and Robert Usher
Special Effects: Gordon Jennings and Paul K. Lerpae
Cinematography: Theodor Sparkuhl
Editor: Stuart Heisler

Cast: Jack Benny [Jack Carson], George Burns [Mr. Platt], Gracie Allen [Mrs. Platt], Bob "Bazooka" Burns [Bob Black], Benny Fields [Himself], Frank Forest [Frank Rossman], Ray Milland [Bob Miller], Shirley Ross [Gwen Holmes], Martha Raye [Patsy], Ernest Cossart [Radio Actor], Irving Bacon [Radio Sound Man], Dennis O'Keefe [Control Room Director], Gino Corrado [Violinist], Maurice Cass [Announcer], Luis Alberni [Dr. Herkimer de Gabsel-Schoomenheimer], Benny Goodman, Leopold Stokowski, Louis DaPron, Eleanore Whitney, Larry Adler, Virginia Weidler, David Holt, Billy Lee [Themselves]

Musical Program: You Came to My Rescue; Here's Love in Your Eye; Heigh-Ho the Radio; Talking Through My Heart; La Bomba; Vote for Mr. Rhythm; Your Minstrel Man; Jazzing the Wedding March (instrumental); Christopher Columbus; Bugle Call Rag; Impregnable Fortress (Bach, Orchestra Conducted by Leopold Stokowski); Little Fugue in G Minor

The Big Broadcast of 1938
Paramount, 1938, B/W, 94 minutes, **½
Released February, 1938

The final installment of the hit series stars W.C. Fields as an ocean liner owner who pits his ship (S.S. Gigantic) against another vessel (S.S. Colossal) in a high-speed, trans-Atlantic race. While on the journey, a host of musical and comedy stars do their acts, including Martha Raye, Dorothy Lamour, Kirsten Flagstad, and Bob Hope (his first feature film), who sings his signature tune, the Oscar-winning "Thanks for the Memory."

The double-feature DVD (shown right) contains this film and College Swing.

Produced by: Harlan Thompson
Directed by: Mitchell Leisen
Screen Play by: Walter DeLeon, Francis Martin and Ken Englund
Based on an adaptation by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse
Of a story by Frederick Hazlitt Brennan
Music and Lyrics by: Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin
Musical Direction: Boris Morros
Musical Adviser: Arthur Franklin
Dances Staged by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Direction by: Hans Dreier and Ernst Fegté
Interior Decoration: A. E. Freudeman
Costumes: Edith Head
Sound Recording: Gene Merritt, Don Johnson and Charles Althouse
Photographed by: Harry Fischbeck
Special Photographic Effects by: Gordon Jennings
Cartoon Sequence: Leon Schlesinger
Edited by: Eda Warren and Chandler House

Awards: Won Best Song Academy Award for 1938 ("Thanks for the Memory")

Cast: W. C. Fields [T. Frothingill Bellows / S. B. Bellows], Martha Raye [Martha Bellows], Dorothy Lamour [Dorothy Wyndham], Shirley Ross [Cleo Fielding], Lynne Overman [Scoop McPhail], Bob Hope [Buzz Fielding], Ben Blue [Mike], Leif Erickson [Bob Hayes], Patricia Wilder [Honey Chile], Grace Bradley [Grace Fielding], Rufe Davis [Turnkey], Lionel Pape [Lord Droopy], Dorothy Howe (aka Virginia Vale) [Joan Fielding], Russell Hicks [Captain Stafford], Kirsten Flagstad of the Metropolitan Opera Company, Wilfred Pelletier Conductor, Tito Guizar, Shep Fields and His Rippling Rhythm Orchestra [Specialties]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:19] This Little Ripple Had Rhythm (instrumental played by Shep Fields and His Rippling Rhythm Orchestra, includes animated sequence with vocal by unidentified male singer); [0:30] Don't Tell a Secret to a Rose (sung by Tito Guizar accompanied by his band); [0:33] Zuni Zuni (sung in Spanish by Tito Guizar accompanied by his band); [0:38] You Took the Words Right Out of My Heart (sung by Dorothy Lamour and Leif Erickson); [0:41] Brunnhilde's Battle Cry (from the opera THE VALKYRIE, sung by Kirsten Flagstad); [0:55] You Took the Words Right out of My Heart (reprised by Dorothy Lamour); [1:01] Thanks for the Memory (sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross); [1:12] Mama, That Moon Is Here Again (sung by Martha Raye while being tossed around by sailors); [1:20] The Waltz Lives On (production number sung and danced by Shirley Ross, Bob Hope and Chorus, includes segments of Waltzes, Polka, Can-Can, African Native dance, "At a Georgia Camp Meeting [Cakewalk by Chorus], "Charleston" [danced by Ben Blue and Chorus], "Truckin' (They're Going Hollywood in Harlem)" [sung by Martha Raye dancing with Chorus] -- Great number!)

Big City
MGM, 1948, B/W, 103 minutes, ****
Released March, 1948

Abandoned as a baby, three men (Robert Preston, Danny Thomas and George Murphy) from distinctly different backgrounds, adopt the baby and raise her. Everything works out fine until the men decide to get married, which results in a very messy custody case.

Pardon me while I gush... Margaret O'Brien is amazing! In this film, she not only acts as brilliantly as she usually does, but she pulls off three wonderful impressions: one of a little old lady crossing the street, one of a carnival barker, and a sensational impression of Betty Garrett singing "Ok'l Baby Dok'l." Lotte Lehmann and Betty Garret's screen debut. Touching story - a bit of a tear-jerker with good music and great fun!

Why are there so few Margaret O'Brien films on home video? Margaret O'Brien was one of the great child actors - often referred to as the Shirley Temple of the 1940s (due to her immense popularity), and her films were even better than Shirley's. All of them are very good movies, and they do occasionally show up on TCM, but they deserve to be preserved on DVD! [JJ]

Producer: Joe Pasternak
Director: Norman Taurog
Screenplay: Whitfield Cook, Anne Morrison Chapin and Aben Kandel
(based on a story by Miklos Laszlo, adapted by Nanette Kutner)
Music Director: George Stoll
Musical Score: Lothar Perl
Song Score: various
Choreography: Stanley Donen
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons, Preston Ames
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis, Alfred E. Spencer
Costume Design: Helen Rose
Cinematography: Robert Surtees
Film Editing: Gene Ruggiero

Cast: Margaret O'Brien [Mary Helen Rachel O'Donnell Andrews Feldman aka "Midge"], Robert Preston [Reverend Phillip A. Andrews], Danny Thomas [Cantor David Irwin Feldman], George Murphy [Officer Patrick O'Donnell], Karin Booth [Florence Bartlett, Midge's teacher], Edward Arnold [Judge Martin O. Abercrombie], Jackie "Butch" Jenkins [Lewis Keller], Betty Garrett (screen debut) ["Shoo-Shoo" Grady], Lotte Lehmann (screen debut) ["Mama" Feldman], Connie Gilchrist [Martha, Abercrombie's Maid], David Leonard [Waiter], George Davis [Flower Salesman], Page Cavanaugh Trio [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:04] unidentified hymn (Danny Thomas and Boys' Choir); [0:08] Brahms' Lullaby (Lotte Lehmann); [0:19] unidentified hymn (Danny Thomas, Boys' Choir, Margaret O'Brien); [0:27] unidentified song (sung by Lotte Lehman, "accompanied" by Preston on bass, Thomas on piano and Murphy on accordian); [0:28] unidentified song (sung by Lotte Lehman, "accompanied" by Preston on bass, Thomas on piano and Murphy on accordian); [0:35] I'm Gonna See a Lot of You (sung by Betty Garrett accompanied by the Page Cavanaugh Trio); [0:41] God Bless America (Jackie "Butch" Jenkins, Margaret O'Brien and school children); [0:43] Four Little Lambs Who Have Lost Their Way (?) (Danny Thomas and Boys' Choir); [0:48] God Bless America (unidentified blonde girl singing and playing piano); [0:51] What'll I Do (Danny Thomas); [0:54] Don't Blame Me (Betty Garrett and George Murphy); [0:57] Ok'l Baby Dok'l (Betty Garrett, accompanied by the Page Cavanaugh Trio); [1:00] Ok'l Baby Dok'l (Margaret O'Brien); [1:03] Home on the Range / Yippy-O, Yippy-Ay (special lyrics, Danny Thomas); [1:47] God Bless America (Lotte Lehman and Company)


Lotte Lehman, Karin Booth, Margaret O'Brien, George Murphy,
Danny Thomas, Robert Preston

The Big Store
MGM, 1941, B/W, 83 minutes, ***
Released June, 1941

There's laughs on every floor when the Marx Brothers run roughshod over an ultra-modern department store, saving the life of owner Tony Martin in the process. Typical Marxist hi-jinks, and a final screen pairing for Groucho and Margaret Dumont.

The Marx Brothers Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and A Night at the Opera, A Day at the Races, A Night in Casablanca, Room Service, At the Circus and Go West.

Produced by: Louis K. Sidney
Directed by: Charles Riesner
Screen Play by:Sid Kuller, Hal Fimberg and Ray Golden
Original Story by: Nat Perrin
Songs: "Tenement Symphony" music by Hal Borne, lyric by Sid Kuller, Ray Golden; "Sing While You Sell" music by Hal Borne, lyric by Sid Kuller, Hal Fimberg; "If It's You" music and lyric by Ben Oakland, Artie Shaw, Milton Drake
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Musical Adaptation: Earl Brent
Vocal and Orchestrations: Leo Arnaud, George Bassman, Herb Taylor, Robert Van Eps
Dance Direction: Arthur Appel
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Stan Rogers
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Charles Lawton
Film Editor: Conrad A. Nervig

Cast: Groucho Marx [Wolf J. Flywheel], Chico Marx [Ravelli], Harpo Marx [Wacky], Tony Martin [Tommy Rogers], Virginia Grey [Joan Sutton], Margaret Dumont [Martha Phelps], Douglas Dumbrille [Mr. Grover], William Tannen [Fred Sutton], Marion Martin [Peggy Arden], Virginia O'Brien [Kitty], Henry Armetta [Guiseppi], Anna Demetrio [Maria], Paul Stanton [George Hastings], Russell Hicks [Arthur Hastings], Bradley Page [Duke], Six Hits and a Miss [Themselves], Additional Cast: Edgar Dearing [Doorman], Clara Blandick [Music Department Customer], St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:07] Sing Before Breakfast (instrumental arrangement played in background while Harpo cooks breakfast); [0:16] If It's You (sung by Tony Martin); [0:28] Sing While You Sell (big production number sung and danced by Groucho Marx, Six Hits and Miss, Swanee River segment by The Four Dreamers [?], Rock-a-Bye Baby segment by Virginia O'Brien, and large Chorus; includes a fashion show narrated by Groucho); [0:40] The Bed scene (not musical, featuring Henry Armetta); [0:50] Mama Yo Quiero (played on piano by Chico and Harpo Marx); [0:57] Minuet in G (Beethoven) (played by Harpo on harp, accompanying himself on violin and bass); [1:04] Tenement Symphony (In Four Flats) (sung by Tony Martin accompanied by Children's Symphony, Harpo on harp, Chico on piano, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers)


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Bikini Beach
American International Pictures (AIP), 1964, Color, 100 minutes, ***
Released July, 1964

When a wealthy newspaperman wants to turn the local beach into a senior citizen's home, everyone's at arms. What's Annette gonna do -- not just about this situation, but about choosing between a British pop star ("Potato Bug" [in a rather obvious spoof of The Beatles]) and her jealous boyfriend (Frankie Avalon)? Don Rickles, Little Stevie Wonder, The Pyramids, Harvey Lembeck and Keenan Wynn star.

One of the weaker entries in the Beach series movies. But with this kind of cast horsing around, there's bound to be some good moments -- and there are. One bright spot is seeing Little Stevie Wonder in one of his earliest appearances onscreen!

Produced by: James H. Nicholson and Samuel Z. Arkoff
Co-Producer: Anthony Carras
Production Supervisor: Joe Wonder
Directed by: William Asher
Assistant Director: Clark Paylow
Second Unit Director: Anthony Carras
Screenplay by: William Asher & Leo Townsend and Robert Dillon
Music Score by: Les Baxter
Music Coordinator: Al Simms
"Bikini Beach," "Love's a Secret Weapon," "Gimme Your Love, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah," "How About That," "Because You're You," "This Time It's Love," "Happy Feelin' Dance and Shout" by Guy Hemric and Jerry Styner; "Bikini Drag," "Record Run" by Gary Usher, Roger Christian; "Gotcha Where I Wantcha" by Jack Merrill, Red Gilson
Choreography by: Tom Mahoney
Technical Advisers: Tommy Ivo, Von Deming (West Coast Go-Kart Champion)
Art Direction: Daniel Haller
Set Decoration: Harry Reif
Costumes by: Marjorie Corso
Makeup: Ted Coodley
Hairdresser: Eve Newing
Sound: Don Rush
Photography by: Floyd Crosby
Special Effects by: Roger George, Joe Zonar
Filmed in PanaVision, in Pathecolor
Film Editors: Fred Feitshans, Eve Newman

Cast: Frankie Avalon [Frankie / Potato Bug], Annette Funicello [Dee Dee], Martha Hyer [Vivien Clements], Don Rickles [Big Drag], Harvey Lembeck [Eric Von Zipper], John Ashley [Johnny], Jody McCrea [Deadhead], Candy Johnson [Candy], Danielle Aubrey [Lady Bug], Meredith MacRae [Animal], Dolores Wells [Sniffles], Paul Smith, James Westerfield [Cops in Patrol Car], Donna Loren [Donna], Little Stevie Wonder [Himself], The Pyramids [Themselves], The Exciters Band [Themselves (Candy Johnson's band)], Janos Prohaska [Clyde, the Monkey], Timothy Carey [South Dakota Slim], Val Warren [The Teenage Werewolf Monster], Keenan Wynn [Harvey Huntington Honeywagon], Mary Kovacs, Renie Riano [Old Ladies], Sheila Stephenson, Bonnie Dayton, Alberta Nelson, Linda Rogers, John Macchia, Bob Harvey, Andy Romano, Jerry Brutsche, Allen Fife [Rat Pack], Guy Hemric, Gary Usher, Roger Christian, Frank Alesia, Johnny Fain, Mickey Dora, Duane King, Mike Nader, Ned Wynn, Ed Garner, Bud Kemp, Jay Mullin, Luree Holmes, Darlene Lucht, Mary Hughes, Salli Sachse, Linda Benson, Nancy Long, Linda Bent, Patti Chandler, Julie O'Connor [Surfers], Boris Karloff [Cameo as The Art Dealer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Bikini Beach [sung by the Beach Girls and the Beach Boys]; [0:09] Love's a Secret Weapon (sung by Donna Loren, danced by the Beach Girls and the Beach Boys); [0:18] Gimme Your Love, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah (sung by Frankie Avalon as Potato Bug); [0:47] Record Run (sung and played by The Pyramids); [0:51] How About That (sung by Potato Bug with The Pyramids, sung and danced by Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello); [0:56] Gotcha Where I Wantcha (sung and played by The Pyramids, Watusi danced by Candy Johnson and Janos Prohaska); [0:59] Because You're You (sung by Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon as they walk along the beach in the moonlight); [1:14] This Time It's Love (sung by Annette Funicello strolling on the beach in the moonlight); [1:35] Happy Feelin' Dance and Shout (sung by Little Stevie Wonder with The Pyramids); [1:37] Gotcha Where I Wantcha (sung and played by The Pyramids [off-screen], danced by Candy Johnson and Renie Riano (or is it Mary Kovacs?) on-screen behind end credits); There are also two instrumentals used in dance scenes: Penetration (instrumental, excerpt played by The Pyramids); Bikini Drag

Billie
Chrislaw Productions / United Artists, 1965, Color, 87 minutes, ***
Released September, 1965

Lace up your sneakers and get ready for fast-paced fun with this "first-rate" (The Hollywood Reporter) musical co-starring Oscar winner Patty Duke (The Miracle Worker) and Jim Backus ("Gilligan's Island")! Featuring Duke's "energetic and appealingly innocent" (Films & Filming) performance and memorable music, this "refreshingly unpretentious charmer [is] a fun film from beginning to end" (Citizen-News).

Billie (Duke) is a bright-eyed tomboy whose love of that crazy rock 'n' roll beat helps her outrun the entire high school boys' track team! But while she is winning medals, her father (Backus) is busy campaigning for mayor on a platform of male superiority! And to complicate things even further, Billie's new boyfriend Mike (Warren Berlinger) - a fellow team member fearful of being left in the dust - wants her to quit the squad... forcing Billie to make a decision that could change her life forever!
[from back of DVD case]

Take a little Gidget, throw in some Shaggy Dog, and pour in a bit of West Side Story, and you have Billie! It's a bit odd-feeling at times, shifting from track and field to West-Side-Storyish dancing in the locker room, but - hey - it works for me. Patty Duke turns in a fine bit of acting (as always), and Jim Backus is fun (as always). Overall, it's a cute movie with some nice song and dance numbers. [JJ]

Produced and Directed by: Don Weis
Associate Producer: John Ross
Executive Producer: Peter Lawford
In Charge of Production: Milton Ebbins
Assistant Director: Richard Moder
Screenplay by: Ronald Alexander
Music by: Dominic Frontiere
Additional Songs: "Billie" by Dominic Frontiere and Diane Lampbert; "Funny Little Butterflies," "The Girl Is a Girl Is a Girl" by Bernice Ross, Lor Crane, Jack Gold
Vocals Supervised by: Jack Gold
Arranged by: Arnold Goland
Choreographer: David Winters
Art Directors: Hal Pereira and Arthur Lonergan
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and James Payne
Miss Duke's Wardrobe Co-ordinated by: George Drew
Women's Costumer: Dody Sheperd
Men's Costumer: Jerry Alpert
Makeup Del Acevedo
Hair Stylist: Dean Cole
Technical Advisor: Rafer Johnson
Sound: Harry Lindgran
Director of Photography: John L. Russell
Filmed in Technicolor
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Cast: Patty Duke [Billie], Jim Backus [Howard G. Carol], Jane Greer [Agnes Carol], Warren Berlinger [Mike Benson], Billy De Wolfe [Mayor Davis], Charles Lane [Coach Jones], Dick Sargent [Matt Bullitt], Susan Seaforth [Jean Matthews], Ted Bessell [Bob Matthews], Richard Deacon [Principal Wilson], Bobby Diamond [Eddie Davis], Michael Fox [Ray Case], Clive Clerk [Ted Chekas], Harlan Warde [Doctor Hall], Jean MacRae [Nurse Webb], Allan Grant [Himself], Georgia Simmons [Mrs. Hosenwacker], Arline Anderson [Mrs. Clifton], Layte Bowden [Miss Channing], Matty Jordan [Reporter], Shirley J. Shawn [Mrs. Harper], Maria Lennard [Adele Colin], Breena Howard [Mary Jensen], Craig W. Chudy [Starter], Additional Cast: Robert Banas, Donna McKechnie [Dancers]

Musical Program: [0:00] Billie (sung by Chorus behing titles, paraded by Kids, danced by Cheerleaders); [0:17] Lonely Little In Between (sung by Patty Duke); [0:41] Patty Duke and Kids dance to part of the background score to learn "the beat"; [0:45] Patty Duke and Kids dancing at club - just part of background score; [0:48] Funny Little Butterflies (sung by Patty Duke); [0:52] The Girl Is a Girl Is a Girl (sung and danced by Track Team); [1:09] Billie (instrumental arrangement paraded by Kids carrying Billie); [1:25] The Girl Is a Girl Is a Girl (sung by Patty Duke and Chorus, danced by Kids onscreen)

Birth of the Blues
Paramount, 1941, B/W, 76 minutes, **½
Premiere release October, 1941
General release November, 1941

As a child, Jeff Lambert (Bing Crosby) hangs out in New Orleans' Basin Street, playing hot swing on his clarinet instead of the classics his father prefers. He's inspired by and African-American group there and, some years later, at the turn of the century, sets out to form a jazz band of his own. With cornetist Memphis (Brian Donlevy), singer Betty Lou Cobb (Mary Martin) and trombonist Jack Teagarden (of the Original Dixieland Jazz Group, after which the story is patterned), he's on his way.

A veritable history of jazz follows. From jump and jive to sweet romanticism, half a century of popular hits is given spectacular treatment. "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" is sung in a theater with lantern slides on the screen. Singer Ruby Elzy's "St. Louis Blues" is backed by a chorus of eighty. And "Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie" brings Crosby and Martin together in a knockout duet. This bright, bouncy musical is as spirited as they come, and it features "Bing and Mary at their best." (Louella O. Parsons, Los Angeles Examiner).   [from back of VHS sleeve]

I can't give this film a very high rating because Crosby can't sing blues - and doesn't. In fact, the only person who sings blues in the entire film is Ruby Elzy (who is excellent). Mary Martin and Bing Crosby pair up for some old pop standards, but nothing else. There is a lot of jazz and blues excerpts played by some band here and there, but overall, it's definitely not what I would call a movie about the blues. And the story is weak. [JJ]

The film opens with the statement, "Dedicated to the musical pioneers of Memphis and New Orleans who favored the "hot" over the "sweet" -- those early jazz men who took American music out of the rut and put it "in the groove."

Setting: New Orleans in the Nineties

Associate Producer: Monta Bell
Directed by: Victor Schertzinger
Screen Play by: Harry Tugend and Walter DeLeon
Story by Harry Tugend
Musical Supervision and Direction: Robert Emmett Dolan
Musical Advisor: Arthur Franklin
Song: "The Waiter, the Porter, and the Upstairs Maid" by Johnny Mercer
Dance Director: Eddie Prinz
Art Direction by: Hans Dreier and Ernst Fegté
Costumes: Edith Head
Sound Recording by: Earl Hayman and John Cope
Director of Photography: William C. Mellor
Edited by: Paul Weatherwax

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score - Musical (Robert Emmett Dolan)

Cast: Bing Crosby [Jeff Labert], Mary Martin [Betty Lou Cobb], Brian Donlevy [Memphis], Carolyn Lee [Aunt Phoebe Cobb], Rochester [Louey], J. Carrol Naish [Blackie], Warren Hymer [Limpy], Horace MacMahon [Wolf], Ruby Elzy [Ruby]; Jack Teagarden [Pepper], Danny Beck [Deck]; Harry Barris [Suds]; Perry Botkin [Leo]; Minor Watson [Henri Lambert]; Harry Rosenthal [Piano Player]; Donald Kerr [Skeeter]; Barbara Pepper [Maizie]; Cecil Kellaway [Granet], Ronnie Cosbey [Jeff as a boy]; Additional Cast: Jimmie Dundee [Jake], Jeni Le Gon [Girl in Jail], Sam McDaniel [Clarinet Player], Mantan Moreland [Trumpet Player], Victor Potel [Trumpet Player at Beergarden], Jack Teagarden and His Orchestra [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Birth of the Blues (excerpt sung by Bing Crosby behind titles); [0:02] At a Georgia Camp Meeting (played by band on the Basin Street levee with Jeff as a boy, cakewalk by Chorus); [0:09] Gotta Go to the Jailhouse (excerpt sung by Bing Crosby while playing pool); [0:13] Memphis Blues (played by the Basin Street Hot Shots, sung with special lyric by Bing Crosby); [0:26] By the Light of the Silvery Moon (sung by Bing Crosby); [0:30] Waiting at the Church (sung by Mary Martin); [0:38] Cuddle Up a Little Closer (sung by Mary Martin); [0:46] After the Ball (instrumental played partly in background by band in cafe); [0:48] Wait Till the Sun Shines Nellie (played by the Basin Street Hot Shots, then sung by Mary Martin and Bing Crosby); [0:56] My Melancholy Baby (sung by Bing Crosby); [1:03] The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid (sung by Bing Crosby and Mary Martin with Jack Teagarden and His Orchestra); [1:09] St. Louis Blues (begun by Bing Crosby, then sung by Ruby Elzy with Chorus); [1:24] Birth of the Blues (reprised by Bing Crosby); There are also some excerpts of tunes played by Bing Crosby's band (Basin Street Hot Shots), including: "Tiger Rag," "St. James Infirmary" and "That's Why They Call Me Shine."

Bitter Sweet
MGM, 1940, Color, 94 minutes, ***
Released November, 1940

Just listen to their rapturous harmonies and you'll know that Victorian lass Sarah and her dashing music teacher Carl belong together. So on the eve of Sarah's wedding to a priggish Londoner, she elopes with her mentor to Vienna, where life is as robust as a newly-tapped keg of beer... and as Bitter Sweet as the young couple's struggle for musical success.

Legends Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy star as the runaway newlyweds. Carl is unable to sell his music, so the duo starve for art and live on love. Passions flare as Carl defends Sarah in a duel with a lecherous Baron - and sets in motion the movie's touching conclusion: Sarah performing Carl's operetta before a cheering audience.

"Tokay," "I'll See You Again," and "Ziguener" are among the many songs to savor in this lavish musical. Bitter Sweet magnificently combines the talents of Hollywood's favorite singing partnership and England's most renowned Renaissance man of the theater: actor, writer, composer and wit, Noel Coward.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

The film opens in London, 1891.

Produced by: Victor Saville
Directed by: W. S. Van Dyke II
Original Play, Music and Lyrics by: Noel Coward
Screen Play by: Lesser Samuels
Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart
Additional Lyrics: Gus Kahn
Dance Direction: Ernst Matray
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: John S. Detlie
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Gowns by: Adrian
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele
Hair Styles for Miss MacDonald by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Oliver T. Marsh
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Photography by: Allen Davey
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Harold F. Kress

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Color Cinematography and Best Interior Decoration - Color

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Sarah Millick], Nelson Eddy [Carl Linden], George Sanders [Baron Von Tranisch], Ian Hunter [Lord Shayne], Felix Bressart [Max], Edward Ashley [Harry Daventry], Lynne Carver [Dolly], Diana Lewis [Jane], Curt Bois [Ernst], Fay Holden [Mrs. Millick], Sig Rumann [Herr Schlick], Janet Beecher [Lady Daventry], Charles Judels [Herr Wyler], Veda Ann Borg [Manon], Herman Bing [Market Keeper], Greta Meyer [Mama Luden]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:03] I'll See You Again (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy); [0:09] unidentified Polka (danced by party guests); [0:13] If You Could Only Come with Me (sung by Nelson Eddy, seemingly extemporaneous); [0:14] What Is Love? (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, danced by Jeanette and guests); [0:29] Tokay (sung by Nelson Eddy and Chorus dubbing for Ensemble onscreen); [0:32] Love in Any Language (sung by Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy and Ensemble); [0:44] Dear Little Cafe (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy); [0:49] If You Could Only Come with Me (reprised by Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald); [0:52] Kiss Me (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:59] Ladies of the Town (sung and danced by Jeanette MacDonald, Pamela Randall, and Muriel Goodspeed); [1:14] What Is Love? (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, danced by Jeanette); [1:18] Dear Little Cafe (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:21] Zigeuner (sung by Jeanette MacDonald, danced by Chorus); [1:30] I'll See You Again (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus, joined by Nelson Eddy)

Black Tights
(aka Un, Deux, Trois, Quatre?)
Magna, 1960, Color, 126 minutes
Released (Portugal) May, 1961
Released (USA) February, 1962

Balletomanes have forever cherished this compilation of tales told through dance, with Maurice Chevalier serving as narrator. "The Diamond Cruncher" stars Zizi Jeanmarie as a female mobster in love with Dirk Sanders; Roland Petit dances the role of "Cyrano de Bergerac": "A Merry Mourning" stars Cyd Charisse and Petit in a tale of murder and love; and in "Carmen," Bizet's story is given a marvelous dance translation with Jeanmarie and Petit.

Consists of four ballet segments danced by some truly great dancers. Great film for ballet lovers!

Producers: Joseph Kaufman and Simon Schiffrin
Associate Producer: Simon Schiffrin
Director: Terence Young
Choreography: Roland Petit
Costume Design: Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Clave Wahkevitch
Cinematography: Henri Alekan

Cast:
Maurice Chevalier [Narrator]
Zizi Jeanmaire [Dancer]
Roland Petit [Dancer]

"The Diamond Cruncher"
Danced by Dirk Sanders

"Cyrano DeBergerac"
Danced by Moira Shearer and Georges Reich

"A Merry Mourning"
Danced by Cyd Charisse and Hans Van Manen

"Carmen"
Danced by Henning Kronstam

Bloodhounds of Broadway
(aka "Damon Runyon's Bloodhounds of Broadway")
20th Century-Fox, 1952, Color, 90 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1952

Hustlers, mobsters, showgirls and show tunes unite in this Damon Runyon tale about a gambler who bets on love. Filled with "laughs and romance" (Boxoffice), "lively production numbers" (Cue) and "spry tunes" (Time), Bloodhounds of Broadway is a "musical treat" (Hollywood Reporter) in Technicolor.

Numbers Foster (Scott Brady) is a bookie with a gift - he can figure out even the most bewildering numbers in his head. But when his talent leads to trouble with the law, he and his hypochondriac partner, Poorly Sammis (Wally Vernon), must go on the lam. While hiding out in backwoods Georgia, they meet up with a hillbilly songbird, Emily Ann Stackerlee (Mitzi Gaynor). Numbers gambles on her talent and brings Emily Ann home with him to Broadway where she becomes an overnight sensation. With trouble still stirring and his jealous ex-starlet girlfriend Yvonne (Marguerite Chapman) spilling to the feds, Numbers knows that Emily Ann just might be his ticket to the straight life.   [from back of DVD case]

Really fun film! [JJ]

Produced by: George Jessel
Directed by: Harmon Jones
Assistant Director: Stanley Hough
Screen Play by: Sy Gomberg
Adaptation by: Albert Mannheimer
Musical Direction: Lionel Newman
Vocal Direction: Eliot Daniel
"Bye Low" Music and Lyrics by Eliot Daniel
"Jack O' Diamonds" written by Ben Oakland and Paul Webster
Musical Numbers Staged by: Robert Sidney
Musical Settings: Joseph C. Wright
Orchestration: Earle Hagen
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, J. Russell Spencer
Set Decorations: Thomas Little, Fred J. Rode
Wardrobe Direction: Charles Le Maire
Costumes Designed by: Travilla
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Sound: Bernard Freericks, Harry M. Leonard
Director of Photography: Edward Cronjager
Special Photographic Effects: Ray Kellogg
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Leonard Doss
Film Editor: George A. Gittens

Cast: Mitzi Gaynor [Emily Ann Stackerlee], Scott Brady ["Numbers" Foster], Mitzi Green [Tessie Sammis], Marguerite Chapman [Yvonne], Michael O'Shea [Inspector McNamara], Wally Vernon ["Poorly" Sammis], Henry Slate [Dave the Dude], George E. Stone [Ropes McGonigle], Edwin Max [Lookout Louie], Richard Allan [Curtaintime Charlie], Additional Cast: Sharon Baird [Little Elida], Bill Walker [Uncle Old Fella], Timothy Carey [Crockett Pace], Alfred Mizner [Foy Pace], Paul Wexler [Theo Pace], Charles Bronson ["Pittsburgh Philo"], Dayton Lummis [Chairman], David Wolfe [Counsel], Al Hill [Bookie], Charles Tannen [Bookie on phone], Ralph Volkie [Frankie Ferraccio], Henry Corden [Selly Bennett], Bee Humphries [Apple Annie], Phil Tully [Detective Lt. Moran], Gregg Martell [Detective Sgt. Kelly], Emile Meyer [Skipper], Mabel Paige [Madame Moana], Mary Wickes [Lady at Laundry], A. Cameron Grant [Man in Gym], Harold Miller, Bess Flowers [Nightclub Extras], Al Green [Nightclub Drunk], Kenner G. Kemp [Dance Extra]

Musical Program: [0:01] Broadway Rhythm (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] You Send Me (sung by Marguerite Chapman); [0:13] In the Sweet By and By (sung by Mitzi Gaynor and Children); [0:20] Cindy (sung and danced by Sharon Baird and Mitzi Gaynor, accompanied by record player); [0:29] Bye Low (sung by Mitzi Gaynor); [0:40] I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' (sung and danced by Mitzi Green, Mitzi Gaynor and Richard Allan); [0:45] dance montage (danced by Mitzi Gaynor); [0:57] Eighty Miles Outside of Atlanta (sung and danced by Mitzi Gaynor and Chorus of four male hillbillies); [1:01] I Wish I Knew (sung by Mitzi Gaynor and Chorus, danced by Mitzi and Richard Allan); [1:12] I Wish I Knew (reprised by Mitzi Gaynor); [1:25] Jack o' Diamonds (production number sung and danced by Mitzi Gaynor and Chorus)

The Blue Bird
20th Century-Fox, 1940, Color, 83 minutes, **½
Released January, 1940

Shirley Temple stars as a little girl searching for the Blue Bird of Happiness in this delightful fantasy that was Twentieth Century Fox's answer to The Wizard of Oz. In a rare departure from her usual screen persona, Shirley plays a selfish, spoiled little girl named Mytyl, who doesn't appreciate her loving family or her home. Until the fairy Berylune commands her, her brother Tyltyl, and the family cat and dog (whom she transforms into humans), to seek out "the bird that means happiness." Their quest takes them into the past, the Land of Luxury, and the future, but they have no luck until they return home, where they finally find what they're searching for right in their own house. Featuring Nigel Bruce as Mr. Luxury and Spring Byington as Mummy Tyl, plus stunning sets and imaginative script, The Blue Bird is a thought-provoking, whimsically entertaining journey the whole family can take together.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Second of three screen versions of the Maurice Maeterlinck fantasy about a brother and sister searching for a magic bird of happiness in a dream kingdom. Glorious color production stars Shirley Temple, favorite movie villainess Gale Sondergaard, Nigel Bruce and Spring Byington.

Legend has it that Darryl Zanuck rushed this film through production to take advantage of publicity surrounding The Wizard of Oz. It is, in some ways, somwehat reminiscent of that movie. The special effects are really wonderful, acting is good... It just doesn't seem to capture the emotional impact that it's aiming for. [JJ]

Produced by: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Gene Markey
Directed by: Walter Lang
Screen Play by: Ernest Pascal
Additional Dialogue by: Walter Bullock
Based upon the Play ("L'Oiseau bleu") by Maurice Maeterlinck
Music by: Alfred Newman
Song Score Alfred Newman and Walter Bullock
Dances Staged by: Geneva Sawyer
Art Direction: Richard Day and Wiard B. Ihnen
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: R. Clayton Ward, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Arthur Miller
Special Effects by: Fred Sersen
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Director: Natalie Kalmus
Film Editor: Robert Bischoff

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Special Effects (Fred Sersen, Photographic; E.H. Hansen, Sound) and Best Cinematography (Arthur Miller and Ray Rennahan)

Cast: Shirley Temple [Mytyl], Spring Byington [Mummy Tyl], Nigel Bruce [Mr. Luxury], Gale Sondergaard [Tylette], Eddie Collins [Tylo], Sybil Jason [Angela Berlingot], Jessie Ralph [Fairy Berylune], Helen Ericson [Light], Johnny Russell [Tyltyl], Al Shean [Grandpa Tyl], Cecilia Loftus [Granny Tyl], Russell Hicks [Daddy Tyl], Laura Hope Crews [Mrs. Luxury], Gene Reynolds [Studious Boy], Stanley Andrews [Wilhelm], Frank Dawson [Caller of Roll], Sterling Holloway [Wild Plum], Thurston Hall [Father Time], Edwin Maxwell [Oak], Herbert Evans, Brandon Hurst [Footmen], Keith Hitchcock [Major Domo], Tommy Baker, Dorothy Joyce [Lovers], Billy Cook [Boy Chemist], Scotty Beckett, Juanita Quigley, Payne Johnson [Children], Ann Todd [Little Sister], Diane Fisher [Little Girl]

Musical Program: [0:05] Ihr Kinderlein Kommet (Oh, Come Little Children) (sung and danced around Christmas tree by "rich" Children); [0:31] Lay-De-O (played on music box, sung by Shirley Temple, danced by Shirley and Al Shean); [0:40] Lay-De-O (reprised instrumentally as Shirley Temple rides the merry-go-round); [1:13] Kingdom of the Future (sung by Children of the Future)

Blue Hawaii
Paramount, 1961, Color, 103 minutes, ***
Released November, 1961

Tour guide Elvis sings 14 songs and still manages to drive sightseers around the islands in this lush musical that features great locales and tunes such as "Blue Hawaii," "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" and "Rock-a-Hula Baby." With Angela Lansbury, Joan Blackman, Roland Winters.

Lights! Camera! Elvis! Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Easy Come, Easy Go, Fun in Acapulco, G.I. Blues, Girls! Girls! Girls!, King Creole, Roustabout, Paradise, Hawaiian Style.

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis
Associate Producer: Paul Nathan
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Assistant Director: D. Michael Moore
Technical Advisor: Col. Tom Parker
Screenplay by: Hal Kanter
Story by: Allan Weiss
Music Scored and Conducted by: Joseph J. Lilley
Vocal Accompaniment by: The Jordanaires
Musical Numbers Staged by: Charles O'Curran
Art Direction: Hal Pereira, Walter Tyler
Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Frank McKelvy
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Hair Style Supervision: Nellie Manley
Sound Recording by: Philip Mitchell, Charles Grenzbach
Director of Photography: Charles Lang, Jr.
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Filmed in Panavision and Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Editorial Supervision: Warren Low
Edited by:Terry Morse

Cast: Elvis Presley [Chad Gates], Joan Blackman [Maile Duval], Nancy Walters [Abigail Prentice], Roland Winters [Fred Gates], Angela Lansbury [Sarah Lee Gates], John Archer [Jack Kelman], Howard McNear [Mr. Chapman], Flora Hayes [Mrs. Manaka], Gregory Gaye [Mr. Duval], Steve Brodie [Mr. Garvey], Iris Adrian [Mrs. Garvey], Darlene Tompkins [Patsy], Pamela Akert [Sandy], Christian Kay [Beverly], Jenny Maxwell [Ellie], Frank Atienza [Ito O'Hara], Lani Kai [Carl], Jose De Vega [Ernie], Ralph Hanalie [Wes], The Jordanaires [backup vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Blue Hawaii (sung behind titles by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires); [0:08] Almost Always True (sung by Elvis Presley with a little help from Joan Blackman, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [0:14] Aloha Oe (sung by Elvis Presley and Beach Friends, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [0:16] Hawaiian Shave and a Haircut (sung and "slapped" by Elvis' Beach Friends); [0:17] No More (sung by Elvis Presley, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [0:29] unidentified Hawiian folk song and dance (sung and danced by Islanders); [0:31] Can't Help Falling in Love (sung by Elvis Presley with music box, accompanied by Jordanaires offscreen); [0:44] Rock-A-Hula Baby (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [0:48] Moonlight Swim (sung by Elvis Presley, accompanied by Nancy Walters, Darlene Tompkins and Christian Kay); [0:57] Hawaiian Sweetheart (Ku-U-I-Po) (sung by Elvis Presley and Girls Chorus); [1:00] Ito Eats (sung by Elvis Presley Ensemble, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [1:01] Slicin' Sand (sung and danced by Elvis Presley and Ensemble, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [1:05] Hawaiian Sunset (sung by Elvis Presley, danced by Hula Girls, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [1:10] Beach Boy Blues (sung by Elvis Presley and Band in jail cell, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [1:19] Island of Love (Kauai) (sung by Elvis Presley and Girls Chorus, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen); [1:21] unidentified Hawaiian song and dance (performed by Islanders); [1:37] Hawaiian Wedding Song (sung by Elvis Presley and Chorus, accompanied by The Jordanaires offscreen)

Blue Skies
(aka "Irving Berlin's Blue Skies")
Paramount, 1946, Color, 104 minutes, ***
Released October, 1946

For what Fred Astaire had announced would be his last film, no expense was spared. This musical extravaganza boasts 30 Irving Berlin songs, 47 sets, sumptuous costumes and a budget of $3,000,000. The result is sensational. (And, fortunately, Astaire did not retire from films!)

Dancing star Jed Potter (Astaire) and singer / nightclub owner Johnny Adams (Bing Crosby) are both in love with songstress Mary O'Hara (Joan Caulfield). She marries Johnny, but his passion for buying and selling nightclubs drives them apart. So Jed steps in, hoping to win Mary's heart - until fate steps in and changes the lives of all three.

The most outstanding number is Astaire's famous "Puttin' On the Ritz," a split-screen gem with a chorus of miniature Astaires tap-dancing behind him. Designed by Astaire, it took five weeks of "back-breaking physical work" to achieve. Other highlights find Astaire and Crosby as "A Couple of Song and Dance Men," and Crosby crooning a wealth of Berlin tunes, including the Oscar-nominated "You Keep Coming Back Like a Song." With its superb stars and sparkling numbers, Blue Skies is one of the all-time great musicals.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Sol C. Siegel
Directed by: Stuart Heisler
Screen Play by: Arthur Sheekman
Adaptation by: Allan Scott
Based on an Original Idea by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics and Music by: Irving Berlin
Music Direction: Robert Emmett Dolan
Vocal Arrangements: Joseph J. Lilley
Music Associate: Troy Sanders
Dances Staged by: Hermes Pan
Art Directors: Hans Dreier and Hal Pereira
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Maurice Goodman
Gowns: Edith Head
Costumes Designed by: Waldo Angelo
Costumes Executed by: Mme. Karinska
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Hugo Grenzbach and John Cope
Directors of Photography: Charles Lang, Jr.; William Snyder
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings, Paul K. Lerpae
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Robert Brower
Edited by: LeRoy Stone

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score (Musical) and Best Song ("You Keep Coming Back Like a Song")

Cast: Bing Crosby [Johnny Adams], Fred Astaire [Jed Potter], Joan Caulfield [Mary O'Hara], Billy De Wolfe [Tony], Olga San Juan [Nita Nova], Additional Cast: Mikhail Rasumny [Francois], Frank Faylen [Mack], Victoria Horne [Martha Nurse], Karolyn Grimes [Mary Elizabeth], Robert Benchley [Businessman], Jimmy Conlin [Jeffrey], Carol Andrews [Dolly], Roy Gordon [Charles Dillingham], Cliff Nazarro [Cliff], Mikhail Rasumny [Francois], John M. Sullivan [Junior], Rev. Neal Dodd [Minister], Charles La Torre [Mr. Rakopolis], Will Wright [Dan], Archie Twitchell [Charlie], Barbara Slater [Myrtle], Joan Woodbury [Flo], Clarence Brooks [Valet], John "Skins" Miller [Ed], John Gallaudet [Stage Manager], Roberta Jonay [Hat Check Girl], Mary Jane Hodge [Cigarette Girl], Frances Morris [Nurse], Len Hendry [Electrician], John Kelly [Tough Guy], Dorothy Barrett [Showgirl], Norma Creiger, Vicki Jasmund, Louise Saraydar, Joanne Lybrook [Singers], Albert Ruiz, Joel Friend [Specialty Dancers], Paula Ray, Sam Harris, Larry Steers, Roxanne Collins [Guests], The Guardsmen [Vocals], Betty Russell [Singing Voice of Joan Caulfield]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody (sung by Chorus, paraded by Show Girls, sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Fred Astaire and Joan Caulfield); [0:11] I've Got My Captain Working for Me Now (sung by Bing Crosby); [0:15] You'd Be Surprised (sung by Olga San Juan); [0:20] All by Myself (sung and danced by Bing Crosby and Joan Caulfield, Betty Russell dubbing for Joan Caulfield); [0:23] Serenade to an Old-Fashioned Girl (sung by Joan Caulfield and The Guardsmen, Joan Caulfield dubbed by Betty Russell); [0:25] Puttin' on the Ritz (sung and danced by Fred Astaire); [0:33] I'll See You in C-U-B-A (sung by Bing Crosby and Olga San Juan); [0:42] A Couple of Song and Dance Men (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby); [0:51] You Keep Coming Back Like a Song (sung by Bing Crosby and Chorus); [0:53] Always (excerpt sung by Chorus in background); [0:56] Blue Skies (sung by Bing Crosby); [0:59] The Little Things in Life (excerpt sung by Bing Crosby); [1:00] Not for All the Rice in China (excerpt sung by Bing Crosby); [1:00] Russian Lullaby (excerpt sung by Bing Crosby); [1:05] Everybody Step (sung by Bing Crosby, danced by Ensemble); [1:21] How Deep Is the Ocean? (excerpt sung by Bing Crosby and Chorus); [1:24] (Running Around in Circles) Getting Nowhere (sung by Bing Crosby); [1:32] Heat Wave (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and Olga San Juan); [1:39] Any Bonds Today? (sung by Bing Crosby); [1:40] This Is the Army, Mister Jones (sung by Bing Crosby); [1:40] White Christmas (sung by Bing Crosby); [1:41] You Keep Coming Back Like a Song (reprised by Bing Crosby and Chorus)

Born to Dance
MGM, 1936, B/W, 105 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1936

Sensational dancing and terrific Cole Porter songs highlight this legendary musical. Eleanor Powell and James Stewart star in a story about a sailor on leave in New York who falls for a struggling dancer.

The romance stalls, thanks to a publicity stunt involving Stewart and a glamorous Broadway star. But the young lovers eventually make up and it's up to Powell, as the understudy, to save the show when the star walks out on opening night.

Powell, at her tap dancing best, astounds with her fancy footwork and Stewart, in one of his earliest screen roles, even sings. In support is an inspired cast including a young singing and dancing Buddy Ebsen.

The film nabbed two Academy Award nominations: one for Best Dance Direction and one for Best Song ("I've Got You Under My Skin"). Boasting a spectacular 16-minute finale upon one of the largest musical sets ever built, Born to Dance is a dance lover's dream and MGM at its best!  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Light easy-going comedy is loads of fun with laughs from end to end. Great depression era escapism just might be good for today's world as well! James Stewart gets to sing "Easy to Love." Frances Langford takes a whack at it, as well, but the arrangement is intended for Buddy Ebsen's dancing. MGM kept trying to find a good fit for this song for nearly two decades, but it never really got the treatment it deserved (not to belittle Stewart's attempt). "Hey Babe Hey" is a really fun number, too. Great cast, great music. Don't miss it! [JJ]

Double feature DVD includes Lady Be Good.

Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory Vol. 3 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Hit the Deck, Deep in My Heart, Kismet, Nancy Goes to Rio, Two Weeks with Love, Broadway Melody of 1936, Broadway Melody of 1938, and Lady Be Good.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Roy Del Ruth
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan and Sid Silvers
From a Story by: Jack McGowan, Sid Silvers and B. G. DeSylva
Words and Music by: Cole Porter
Musical Director: Alfred Newman
Musical Arrangements: Roger Edens
Orchestrations: Edward Powell
Choral Arrangements: Leo Arnaud
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Dance Ensembles: Dave Gould
Marine Advisor: Harvey S. Haislip, Commander U.S.N. Ret.
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Joseph Wright, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Ray June
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Song ("I've Got You Under My Skin") and Best Dance Direction (Dave Gould)

Cast: Eleanor Powell [Nora Paige], James Stewart [Ted Barker], Virginia Bruce [Lucy James], Una Merkel [Jenny Saks], Sid Silvers ["Gunny" Saks], Frances Langford ["Peppy" Turner], Raymond Walburn [Captain Dingby], Alan Dinehart [McKay], Buddy Ebsen ["Mush" Tracy], Juantia Quigley [Sally Saks], Georges and Jalna [Themselves], Reginald Gardiner [Policeman]; Barnett Parker [Floorwalker], J. Marshall Smith, L. Dwight Snyder, Ray Johnson, Del Porter [The Foursome], Additional Cast: Charles Coleman [Waiter], Helen Troy [Receptionist], Marjorie Lane [singing voice of Eleanor Powell]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Rolling Home (sung by James Stewart, Buddy Ebsen, Sid Silvers, The Foursome and Chorus); [0:10] Rap-Tap on Wood (sung and danced by Eleonor Powell dubbed by Marjorie Lane with background singing by the Foursome); [0:21] Hey Babe Hey (sung and danced by James Stewart, Eleanor Powell, Sid Silvers, Una Merkel, Buddy Ebsen and Frances Langford with background vocals by The Foursome and Chorus - really fun number!); [0:36] Entrance of Lucy James (sung by Raymond Walburn, The Foursome, Virginia Bruce and Chorus [a bit of a parody of "H.M.S. Pinafore"]); [0:38] Love Me, Love My Pekinese (sung by Virginia Bruce and Chorus); [0:45] Easy to Love (sung by James Stewart and Marjorie Lane dubbing for Eleanor Powell; danced by Eleanor Powell with James Stewart, Reginald Gardiner "conducting" at conclusion); [0:55] I've Got You Under My Skin (instrumental arrangement danced by Georges and Jalna); [1:17] I've Got You Under My Skin (sung by Virginia Bruce); [1:21] Easy to Love (sung by Frances Langford, danced by Buddy Ebsen); [1:25] Swingin' the Jinx Away (piano and orchestral arrangement danced by Eleanor Powell); [1:31] Swingin' the Jinx Away (big production finale sung by Frances Langford and Chorus; sung and danced by Buddy Ebsen and Chorus; danced by Eleanor Powell with instrumental and choral background); [1:44] Easy to Love (reprised by James Stewart and Chorus)

Born to Sing
MGM, 1942, B/W, 82 minutes, ***
Released February, 1942

Patsy's (Virginia Weidler) father spent many years composing a full score for a musical, and when a producer agreed to use it in his show "Melody for You," he refused to pay or even credit Mr. Eastman. Patsy is distraught, and she is determined to find a way to stop the production of the musical. And Ray McDonald and his friends are more than willing to help her out. After a number of attempts, it becomes clear that they are not going to be able to stop the show, so they decide the only way to prove that her father wrote the music is to produce the show themselves and present it before the other musical opens.

This is a cute little film with some talented kids getting to do their thing. The finale was cut from Babes on Broadway, so this is sort of a sequel to that film (sans Mickey and Judy). The cast is fun, and the music is fun, though only a "B-ish" film. Well worth watching!

Produced by: Frederick Stephani
Directed by: Edward Ludwig
Screen Play by: Harry Clork and Franz G. Spencer
Based on a story by Franz G. Spencer
Words and Music: Earl Brent
Musical Direction: David Snell, Lennie Hayton
Dance Direction: Sammy Lee
Vocals and Orchestration: Wally Heglin, Leondid Raab
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Finale musical number "Ballad for Americans" written by Earl Robinson and John Latouche
Finale "Ballad for Americans" Directed by Busby Berkeley
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Gabriel Scognamillo
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Women's Costumes by: Shoup
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steel
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Sidney Wagner
Film Editor: Robert J. Kern

Cast: Virginia Weidler [Patsy Eastman], Ray McDonald [Steve], Leo Gorcey ["Snap" Collins], Douglas McPhail [Murray Saunders], Rags Ragland ["Grunt"], Sheldon Leonard [Pete Detroit], Henry O'Neill [Frank Eastman, Patsy's father], Larry Nunn [Mike Conroy], Margaret Dumont [Mrs. E. V. Lawson], Beverly Hudson [Maggie Cooper], Richard Hall [Mozart Cooper], Darla Hood [Quiz Kid], Joe Yule [Ed Collera], Lester Matthews [Arthur Cartwright], Ben Carter ["Eight Ball"], Lee Phelps [Mr. Porter], Connie Gilchrist [Welfare Worker], Cy Kendall [Police Captain], Additional Cast: Richard Haydel [Richard], Irene Seidner [Mrs. Lepkowitz, Patsy's neighbor], Tom Stevenson [Jack Derano], George Lessey [Mr. Lawson], Robert Winkler ["Crawfish", Newsboy], Edna Holland [Welfare Worker], Audrene Brier [Secretary], Maria Flynn [Dancer], Lois Austin [Woman Shopper], Barbara Bedford [Woman at accident scene], Symona Boniface [Woman in Audience], Nora Lane [Dignified Woman], Stanley Blystone, Paul Kruger, Art Miles [Detectives], Lane Chandler, James Flavin, Bob Ryan [Cops], Eddy Chandler [Motor Cop], Cliff Danielson, Dick French, Paul Parry [Reporters], Charles Lane [Johnny, press agent], Jack Gardner, Frank Marlowe, Frank Mills [Taxi Drivers], Harry Wilson [Get-Away Taxi Driver], George Hickman, Ian Wolfe, Howard C. Hickman [Critics], Pat Lane, Carl Saxe, Brick Sullivan, Charles Thomas [Telephone Operators], Otto Hoffman [Stage Doorman], Jerry Jerome [Gangster in audience], Douglass Newland [Clerk], Ted Oliver [Jailer-Guard], Jack Perry [Gangster], Mel Ruick [Assistant Theater Manager], Charles Sullivan [Truck Driver], Rudy Wissler [Kid], Harry Worth [Pete's Lawyer]

Musical Program: Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); I'll Love Ya (sung by Darla Hood), I Hate the Conga (sung and danced by Darla Hood and Chorus), Two A.M. (sung by Virginia Weidler and Ray McDonald, danced by Ray McDonald), Here I Am, Eight Years Old (sung by Darla Hood with Richard Hall at the piano onscreen), Ballad for Americans (finale production number sung by Doug McPhail and large Chorus), there are also very short excerpts of You Are My Lucky Star (sung by Darla Hood), Alone (sung by Doug McPhail), Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen (sung by Virginia Weidler and Ben Carter)

Breaking the Ice
Sol Lesser's Principal Productions / RKO, 1938, B/W, 79 minutes, ***
Released September, 1938

When his father dies, Tommy Martin (Bobby Breen) and his mother (Dolores Costello) wish to move with their good friends to Goshen, Oklahoma. But, being destitute, they must instead move in with her Mennonite brother and his family in Pennsylvania. Unable to tolerate his overly-strict Uncle, Tommy eventually runs away from home. Hoping to raise the $92.00 he and his mother need for train fare to Goshen, Tommy hitches a ride with antique dealer Sam Terwilliger (Charlie Ruggles), who is returning to his antique shop in Philadelphia.

Once there, Sam lets Tommy live with him, and Tommy gets a job cleaning the ice at the neighboring Polar Palace Ice Skating rink. Hearing him sing as he works one day, the ice rink manager offers him a singing job. Before Tommy can even reply, Sam quickly intervenes to act as the lad's manager. The result is that though the manager offers $25.00 per week, Sam pays Tommy $5.00, pocketing the difference on the sly. At $5.00 per week, will Tommy ever save enough money to see his mother's wish come true?

Six-year-old child prodigy Irene Dare has two skating numbers in the film -- a rare opportunity to see the moppet do her thing! All in all, the film is quite entertaining!

Produced by: Sol Lesser
Directed by: Edward F. Cline
Assistant Director: George Hippard
Screenplay: Mary C. McCall, Jr.; Manuel Seff and Bernard Schubert; original story by Fritz Falkenstein and N. Brewster Morse
Musical Direction: Victor Young
Songs: "Happy as a Lark," "Put Your Heart in a Song," "The Sunny Side of Things" by Frank Churchill and Paul F. Webster; "Tellin' My Troubles to a Mule" "Goodbye My Dreams, Goodbye" (arrangement of Schubert's "Serenade") by Victor Young and Paul F. Webster
Music Supervision: Abe Meyer
Ice Numbers Staged by: Dave Gould
Art Direction: Lewis J. Rachmil
Costumes: Helene
Sound Technician: Richaed Van Hessen
Photography: Jack McKenzie
Film Editor: Arthur Hilton

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score

Cast: Bobby Breen [Tommy Martin], Charles Ruggles [Samuel Terwilliger], Dolores Costello [Martha Martin], Irene Dare [Herself], Robert Barrat [William Decker], Dorothy Peterson [Annie Decker], John "Dusty" King [Henry Johnson], Billy Gilbert [Mr. Small], Margaret Hamilton [Mrs. Small], Charles Murray [Janitor], Jonathan Hale [Kane], Delmar Watson [Reuben Johnson], Spencer Charters [Farmer Smith], Maurice Cass [Mr. Jones], Cy Kendall [Judd]

Musical Program: [0:17] Happy as a Lark (sung by Bobby Breen); [0:37] Tellin' My Troubles to a Mule (sung by Bobby Breen with a little help from Charlie Ruggles); [0:45] Irene Dare skating number; [0:50] Goodbye My Dreams, Goodbye (variation on Schubert's "Serenade," sung by Bobby Breen while cleaning the ice with two adult skaters rehearsing); [0:53] The Sunny Side of Things (sung by Bobby Breen with Orchestra while people are skating); [0:57] Irene Dare production number with clowns and soldiers; [1:02] Put Your Heart in a Song (sung by Bobby Breen with Orchestra as he walks on the ice); [1:19] Happy As a Lark (reprised by Bobby Breen and Chorus)

Brigadoon
MGM, 1954, Color, 108 minutes, **½
Released September, 1954

Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse recapture the other-worldly charm and breathtaking beauty of 18th Century Scottish Highlands in this Lerner-Loewe time-warp fantasy, directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Kelly and Johnson, as two cynical hunters from New York City, stumble upon the ethereal village of Brigadoon which materializes from the mists only one day each hundred years. There Kelly falls in love with Brigadoon's prettiest lass, Fiona (Charisse), and he must decide whether to stay with her forever or return to civilization.

The lovely, lyrical songs and dances include the pastoral ballet to "The Heather on the Hill," the exhilarating discovery of "Almost Like Being in Love," the sprightly "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean," and the show-stopping "Wedding Dance," in which bagpiping Scotsmen from eight different clans gather from all directions in eye-filling pageantry. Come to Brigadoon and let the magic capture your heart.
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Lerner and Loewe's legendary stage play is popular even today. But what should have been a wonderful movie is just ... flat. Minnelli states in his autobiography that the cast and directors tried to save it, but could never really figure out what was wrong with it. Still, it's worth watching. The "Heather on the Hill" number, sung by Gene Kelly and danced by Gene and Cyd Charisse is really nice. Other good musical numbers as well. [JJ]

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

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: Frank Baur
Screen Play by: Alan Jay Lerner
Based on the Musical Play with Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Music by Frederick Loewe, Presented on the Stage by Cheryl Crawford
Music by: Frederick Loewe
Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
Musical Direction: Johnny Green
Orchestrations by: Conrad Salinger
Choral Arrangements by: Rober Tucker
Choreography by: Gene Kelly
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Keogh Gleason
Costumes Designed by: Irene Sharaff
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Wesley C. Miller
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Filmed in CinemaScope, color by Ansco
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Color), Best Costume Design (Color), Best Sound Recording

Cast: Gene Kelly [Tommy Albright], Van Johnson [Jeff Douglas], Cyd Charisse [Fiona Campbell], Elaine Stewart [Jane Ashton], Barry Jones [Mr. Lundie], Hugh Laing [Harry Beaton], Albert Sharpe [Andrew Campbell], Virginia Bosier [Jean Campbell], Jimmy Thompson [Charlie Crisholm Dalrymple], Dody Heath [Meg Brockie], Tudor Owen [Archie Beaton], Additional Cast: Owen McGiveney [Angus], Dee Turnell [Ann], Eddie Quillan [Sandy], Carole Richards [singing voice of Cyd Charisse], Bonnie Murray [singing voice of Dee Turnell], John Gustafson [singing voice of Jimmy Thompson]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Brigadoon (sung by Chorus offscreen); [0:04] Down on MacConnachy Square (sung by Chorus, sung and danced by villagers onscreen); [0:12] Waiting for My Dearie (sung and danced by Cyd Charisse and Dee Turnell, dubbed by Carole Richards and Bonnie Murray, respectively); [0:25] I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean (sung by John Gustafson dubbing for Jimmy Thompson, Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Men's Chorus, danced by Jimmy Thompson, Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Ensemble); [0:37] The Heather on the Hill (sung by Gene Kelly, danced by Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse); [0:51] Almost Like Being in Love (sung and danced by Gene Kelly); [1:08] Wedding March (marched and played on bagpipes by Brigadoon men); [1:13] Wedding Dance (played on bagpipes, danced by Jimmy Thompson, Virginia Bosier and Chorus); [1:19] The Chase (sung by villagers as they chase after Harry Beaton); [1:26] The Heather on the Hill (instrumental reprise danced by Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse); [1:41] Waitin' for My Dearie (excerpt sung by Carole Richards); [1:42] I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean (short reprisal by John Gustafson); [1:44] Brigadoon (reprised by Chorus offscreen)

Bright Eyes
Fox Film, 1934, B/W, 84 minutes, ***
Released December, 1934

Shirley Blake (Shirley Temple) is Bright Eyes. Her father was a pilot, but he "cracked up." So Shirley's mother had to get a job. She works as a live-in servant at the wealthy Smythe's home. Loop (James Dunn), also a pilot, is an old friend of Shirley's father and he visits Shirley often, and she visits him at the airport nearly every day. When Shirley's mother cracks up, too, leaving Shirley an orphan, Loop wants to adopt her. But Uncle Ned has the same idea and he and Loop begin a custody battle over the child. Uncle Ned's snooty niece and her husband and daughter also live with Uncle Ned, and they want Shirley out of the house, fearing that she might become an heiress to Uncle Ned's estate!

This was the film in which Shirley sang one of her best-known numbers: "On the Good Ship Lollipop." James Dunn and Shirley Temple make a great pair. Shirley's dog Rags (Terry) would go on to immortality by playing Toto in The Wizard of Oz! The movie also provides a look at the state of the art in commercial aviation as of 1934.

Produced by: Sol M. Wurtzel
Directed by: David Butler
Screen Play: William Conselman
Story by: David Butler and Edwin Burke
Aeronautics Advisor: Bob Blair
Musical Director: Samuel Kaylin
Music: Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics: Sidney Clare
Number Staged by: Sammy Lee
Art Direction: Duncan Cramer, Albert Hogsett
Gowns: Royer
Sound: S. C. Chapman
Photography: Arthur Miller

Cast: Shirley Temple [Shirley Blake], James Dunn [Loop Merritt], Jane Darwell [Mrs. Higgins], Judith Allen [Adele Martin], Lois Wilson [Mary Blake], Charles Sellon [Uncle Ned Smith], Walter Johnson [Thomas], Jane Withers [Joy Smythe], Theodor von Eltz [J. Wellington Smythe], Dorothy Christy [Anita Smythe], Brandon Hurst [Higgins], George Irving [Judge Thompson], Additional Cast: Dave O'Brien [Tex], Terry [Rags, the dog]

Musical Program: [0:00] On the Good Ship Lollipop (instrumental arrangement played by Ochestra behind titles); [0:23] Silent Night, Holy Night (sung by Chorus in background as Shirley says her prayers); [0:33] On the Good Ship Lollipop (sung by Shirley Temple and Chorus); [1:17] On the Good Ship Lollipop (reprised by Shirley Temple on Loop's plane); [1:24]On the Good Ship Lollipop (instrumental reprise played by Orchestra as exit music)

The Broadway Melody
(aka "The Broadway Melody of 1929")
MGM, 1929, B/W, 100 minutes, ***
Released February, 1929

Broadway is auditions, struggle and heartbreak - where moxie counts above talent and the show must go on. Beloved show-biz scenarios could finally be heard as well as seen in this Academy Award-winning Best Picture.

History's first "All Talking! All Singing! All Dancing!" movie was also All Hit, drawing enough 35-cents admissions to pile up an enormous $4-million box office. The film's sound-technology innovations were revolutionary, the performances had gusto (including Bessie Love's effective turn as a hard-luck older sister), the Arthur Freed / Nacio Herb Brown songs became irresistible standards and when all was danced, acted and voh-doh-de-oh-dohed, a new American art form emerged: the movie musical!

Produced by: Irving Thalberg, Lawrence Weingarten
Directed by: Harry Beaumont
Story by Edmund Goulding
Dialogue by: Norman Houston and James Gleason
Lyrics by: Arthur Freed
Music by: Nacio Herb Brown
Choreography: George Cunningham
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Wardrobe by: David Cox
Recording Engineer: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: John Arnold
Film Editor: Sam S. Zimbalist

Awards: Academy Award for Best Picture; Academy Award nominations for Best Actress (Bessie Love) and Best Director

Cast: Bessie Love [Hank Mahoney], Anita Page [Queenie Mahoney], Jed Prouty [Uncle Jed], Kenneth Thompson [Jacques Warriner], Mary Doran [Flo], Charles King [Eddie Kearns], Edward Dillon [Stage Manager], Eddie Kane [Francis Zanfield], J. Emmett Beck [Babe Hatrick], Marshall Ruth [Stew], Drew Demarest [Turpe], James Gleason [Music Publisher], James Burrows [Singer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (The Broadway Melody / Give My Regards to Broadway) (played by Orchestra behind Titles and through opening scene); [0:02] The Broadway Melody (sung by Charles King, accompanied by several Chorus Girls, a guitarist and a clarinetist); [0:16] The Broadway Melody (sung by Charles King, danced by King and the Mahoney Sisters in their hotel room); [0:21] Harmony Babies (sung and danced by Anita Page and Bessie Love); [0:34] The Broadway Melody (sung by Charles King, danced by King, Anita Page and Bessie Love in dress rehearsal); [0:36] The Broadway Melody (sung by Charles King, danced by King and Chorus Girls); [0:40] The Love Boat (sung by James Burrows and Chorus); [0:54] You were Meant for Me (sung by Charles King to Anita Page); [1:03] Truthful Parson Brown (sung and played by The Biltmore Quartet); [1:12] The Wedding of the Painted Doll (sung offscreen by James Burrows, danced by the "Zanfeild Dolly Girls"); [1:16] The Boy Friend (sung by Anita Page and Bessie Love, danced by Page and Love with the Zanfield Dancing Girls); [1:36] Harmony Babies (sung and danced by Anita Page and Bessie Love)

Broadway Melody of 1936
MGM, 1935, B/W, 101 minutes, ***
Premiere release August, 1936
General release September, 1936

George Brown (Robert Taylor) is a big producer on Broadway, and Irene (Eleanor Powell) is his old high school sweetheart. She comes to New York hoping George will help her break into show business. But, George wants nothing to do with that - he thinks she should go home and not get into the hard-knock world of show business. But Irene is one determined young lady... and much more talented than George realizes!

Jack Benny plays a newspaper columnist who is constantly annoying Taylor, and there are a series of scenes with Taylor marching angrily through the newspaper office, leaving piles of paper airborne in his wake as he marches into Benny's office to punch him in the nose! Sid Silvers gets to play a scene in drag.

Fun film here and there, and a bit slow here and there. Musical highlights include "You Are My Lucky Star" (sung by Frances Langford), the big production number, "I Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'," and Buddy Ebsen and his sister Vilma singing and dancing "Sing Before Breakfast" and "On a Sunday Afternoon."

Double-featured DVD includes this film and Broadway Melody of 1938.

Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory Vol. 3 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Hit the Deck, Deep in My Heart, Kismet, Nancy Goes to Rio, Two Weeks with Love, Broadway Melody of 1938, Born to Dance and Lady Be Good.

Produced by: John W. Considine, Jr.
Production Assistant: Alex Aarons
Directed by: Roy Del Ruth
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan and Sid Silvers
Based on an Original Story by: Moss Hart
Additional Dialogue by: Harry Conn
Music and Lyrics by: Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed
Musical Direction by: Alfred Newman
Dance Numbers Created and Staged by: Dave Gould
"Lucky Star" Ballet staged by Albertina Rasch
Orchestrations by: Edward B. Powell
Arrangements by: Roger Edens
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Merrill Pye, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Charles Rosher
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Awards: Academy Award for Best Dance Direction (Dave Gould); Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Story (Moss Hart)

Cast: Jack Benny [Bert Keeler], Eleanor Powell [Irene Foster], Robert Taylor [Bob Gordon], Una Merkel [Kitty Corbett], Sid Silvers [Snoop], Buddy Ebsen [Ted], June Knight [Lillian Brent], Vilma Ebsen [Sally], Nick Long, Jr. [Basil], Robert Wildhack [The Snorer], Paul Harvey [Managing Editor], Frances Langford [Herself], Harry Stockwell [Himself], Additional Cast: Irene Coleman, Beatrice Coleman, Mary Jane Halsey, Ada Ford, Lucille Lund, Georgia Gray [Showgirls], Theresa Harris [Maid], Max Barwyn [Headwaiter], Bernadene Hayes [Waitress], Bud Williams [Pullman Porter], Bert Moorhouse [Hotel Clerk], Andre Cheron [Hotel Manager], Rolfe Sedan [Assistant Hotel Manager], Bobby Gordon [Copy Boy], Anya Teranda, Patricia Gregory [Chorus Girls], Marjorie Lane [singing voice of Eleanor Powell]

Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] The Broadway Melody (sung by Harry Stockwell); [0:01] You Are My Lucky Star (sung by Frances Langford); [0:09] I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' (big production number sung by Robert Taylor, June Knight and Girls Chorus; danced by Nick Long, Jr. and Chorus Girls; danced by Nick Long, Jr. and June Knight); [0:17] The Snoring Expert; [0:21] Sing Before Breakfast (sung and Danced by Buddy and Vilma Ebsen; then sung and danced by Buddy and Vilma Ebsen and Eleanor Powell, Marjorie Lane dubbing for Eleanor Powell); [0:34] The Snoring Expert strikes again; [0:39] I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' (reprised by Frances Langford); [0:44] You Are My Lucky Star (big production number sung by Marjorie Lane dubbing for Eleanor Powell; sung by Mens Chorus; ballet segment danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus Girls); [1:09] On a Sunday Afternoon (sung by Buddy Ebsen, danced by Buddy and Vilma Ebsen - cute number!); [1:20] You Are My Lucky Star (instrumental danced by Eleanor Powell disguised as Mme. Arlette, partly danced with no music); [1:30] Broadway Rhythm (big production finale sung by Frances Langford and Chorus; danced by Buddy and Vilma Ebsen with Chorus; danced by June Knight and Nick Long, Jr.; danced by Eleanor Powell and Mens Chorus)

Broadway Melody of 1938
MGM, 1937, B/W, 111 minutes, ***
Released August, 1937

Probably best known today as Judy Garland's first feature film at MGM.

Vaudevillians Steve (Robert Taylor) and Sonny (George Murphy) are bound for New York to break into the big time. On the train they meet Sally Lee, a dancer who wants to break into show business. Once in New York, they land work, but the production runs out of money before rehearsals are complete. So Eleanor hatches a plan to raise the money by racing her horse. Rather weak story line leaves Taylor and Powell with little to do, so the support actors - Billy Gilbert, Judy Garland and Buddy Ebsen - run away with the show. An encounter between Helen Troy and Buddy Ebsen is almost worth the price of admission all by itself!

The musical numbers are great. I especially enjoy George Murphy and Eleanor Powell dancing to "Feelin' Like a Million" and, of course, Judy's "Dear Mr. Gable" and "Everybody Sing". This was Judy Garland's first feature film at MGM, and she bowled 'em over!

Double-featured DVD includes this film and Broadway Melody of 1936.

Classic Musicals from the Dream Factory Vol. 3 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Hit the Deck, Deep in My Heart, Kismet, Nancy Goes to Rio, Two Weeks with Love, Broadway Melody of 1936, Born to Dance and Lady Be Good.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Roy Del Ruth
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan
Original Story by: Jack McGowan and Sid Silvers
Music and Lyrics by: Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed
Musical Presentations: Merrill Pye
Music Direction: Georgie Stoll
Musical Arrangements: Roger Edens
Vocal and Orchestral Arrangements: Leo Arnaud and Murray Cutter
Dance Ensembles: Dave Gould
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Joseph Wright, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Wlliam Daniels
Montage Effects by: Slavko Vorkapich
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Robert Taylor [Steve Raleigh], Eleanor Powell [Sally Lee], George Murphy [Sonny Ledford], Binnie Barnes [Caroline Whipple], Buddy Ebsen [Peter Trot], Sophie Tucker [Alice Clayton], Judy Garland [Betty Clayton], Charles Igor Gorin [Nicki Papaloapas], Raymond Walburn [Herman Whipple], Robert Benchley [Duffy], Willie Howard [The Waiter], Charley Grapewin [James K. Blakely], Robert Wildhack [The Sneezer], Billy Gilbert [George Papaloapas], Barnett Parker [Jerry Jason], Helen Troy [Emma Snipe], Marjorie Lane [singing voice of Eleanor Powell]

Program: [0:00] Overture: The Broadway Melody (sung by Chorus) / You Are My Lucky Star (played by Orchestra) / Yours and Mine (sung by Judy Garland); [0:01] The Toreador Song (from the opera CARMEN, sung by Charles Igor Gorin as barber shaving Buddy Ebsen); [0:16] Follow in My Footsteps (sung and danced by Eleanor Powell, George Murphy and Buddy Ebsen, Marjorie Lane dubbing for Eleanor Powell); [0:25] Yours and Mine (sung by Marjorie Lane dubbing for Eleanor Powell at the piano with Robert Taylor); [0:32] Everybody Sing (sung by Judy Garland and Chorus, solo parts by Barnett Parker, Delos Jewkes and Sophie Tucker); [0:31] The Sneeze Expert; [0:52] Some of These Days (sung by Sophie Tucker); [1:00] I'm Feelin' Like a Million (sung and danced by George Murphy and Eleanor Powell); [1:10] Largo al factotum (from the opera IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA, sung by Charles Igor Gorin); [1:11] Emma Snipe and Buddy Ebsen; [1:13] Dear Mr. Gable (You Made Me Love You) (sung by Judy Garland); [1:34] Largo al factotum (reprised by Charles Igor Gorin); [1:36] Finale: The nearly 13-minute finale is a mish-mash of most of the songs in the movie, along with snippets of additional songs. The first segment is danced by Eleanor Powell and Geroge Murphy; The second segment is danced by Buddy Ebsen and Judy Garland; The third segment is Sophie Tucker speaking and singing Your Broadway and My Broadway; The fourth and final segment consists of a long dance by Eleanor Powell solo and with Chorus; music includes: "I'm Feelin' Like a Million" / "Yours and Mine" / "Follow in My Footsteps" / "The Broadway Melody" / "Broadway Rhythm" / "You Are My Lucky Star" / "Got a Pair of New Shoes" / "Your Broadway and My Broadway" (sung by George Murphy and Chorus, danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus); "The Broadway Melody" (reprised by principals)

See the Broadway Melody of 1938 page on JGDB for more details:


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Featured Film

Broadway Melody of 1940
MGM, 1940, B/W, 104 minutes, ***
Released February, 1940

Johnny (Fred Astaire) and King (George Murphy) are partners in a dance act. Through a case of mistaken identity, King gets a big break in a new musical (it was Johnny that was supposed to get the break) and Johnny, having nothing else to do without his partner, follows along to help out wherever he can. But when King's big number comes up on opening night, he's passed out drunk. So Johnny has to find some way to save the show.

Good story with some good Cole Porter musical numbers. Highlights include Fred and George singing and dancing "Please Don't Monkey with Broadway" and Fred and Eleanor dancing "Juke Box Dance." But the real showstopper is what may well be the best dance number ever filmed: "Begin the Beguine," with Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell tapping their hearts out on one of the most gorgeous sets ever designed for black-and-white film. As Frank Sinatra says in That's Entertainment!, "You can wait around... but you'll never see the likes of this again!"

The Cole Porter DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film, High Society, Kiss Me Kate, Les Girls, and Silk Stockings.

Producer: Jack Cummings
Director: Norman Taurog
Screenplay: Leon Gordon and George Oppenheimer
(Original story by Jack McGowan and Dore Schary)
Lyrics and Music: Cole Porter
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Musical Arrangements: Roger Edens
Vocal and Orchestration: Edward Powell, Leo Arnaud, Charles Henderson
Dances: Bobby Connolly
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: John S. Detlie
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Gowns by: Adrian
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Directors of Photography: Oliver T. Marsh, Joseph Ruttenberg
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Fred Astaire [Johnny Brett], Eleanor Powell [Clare Bennett], George Murphy [King Shaw], Frank Morgan [Bob Casey], Ian Hunter [Bert C. Matthews], Florence Rice [Amy Blake], Lynne Carver [Emmy Lou Lee], Ann Morriss [Pearl], Trixie Firschke [Juggler], Additional Cast: Douglas McPhail [Masked Singer], Charlotte Arren [Audition Singer], Herman Bing [Silhouette Artist], Jack Mulhall [George, the Theatre Manager], Vera Vague [Receptionist], Irving Bacon [Soda Jerk], James Flavin [Dancehall Worker], Joseph Crehan [Dancehall Manager], Joe Yule [Dan, the Unemployed Actor], Hal K. Dawson [Grady, the Press Agent], Gladys Blake, George Chandler [The Bride and Groom], William Tannen [Emmy Lou's Friend], The Music Maids [Singing Quartet]

Musical Program: [0:05] Please Don't Monkey with Broadway (sung and danced by Fred Astaire and George Murphy); [0:11] I Am the Captain (sung and danced by Eleanor Powell and Mens Chorus); [0:34] Between You and Me (sung by George Murphy, danced by George Murphy and Eleanor Powell); [0:59] I've Got My Eyes on You (sung and danced by Fred Astaire with a picture of Eleanor Powell); [1:06] Juke Box Dance (instrumental danced by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell); [1:17] I Concentrate on You (sung by Douglas McPhail, ballet by Eleanor Powell and Chorus Girls; instrumental portion danced by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell); [1:30] Begin the Beguine (production number: first sequence sung by Lois Hudnett dubbed by Carmen d'Antonin and danced by Eleanor Powell and Chorus Girls; instrumental sequence danced Spanish style to Bolero tempo by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell; second vocalist sequence sung by The Music Maids; final instrumental sequence tapped by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell); [1:40] I've Got My Eyes on You (sung by Girls Chorus, danced by George Murphy, Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell)


"Begin the Beguine"
Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire
One of the best dance scenes ever filmed!

Broadway Rhythm
MGM, 1944, Color, 115 minutes, ***
Released January, 1944

Based on the stage musical "Very Warm for May" by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, this film was originally intended to be Broadway Melody of 1944, starring Gene Kelly and Eleanor Powell. But, due to major casting changes and other problems, it was renamed. Admittedly, the "let's put on a show" story gets old, and this one is quite weak. But, the musical numbers are wonderful, and the performers seem to be having a good time. Just think of it as a music video and you'll find it enjoyable enough.

Charles Winninger is really turned loose to do his stuff in this one! Highlights include Charles Winninger and Tommy Dorsey singing and playing "I Love Corny Music" and Nancy Walker's "Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet."

As is typical with so many MGM musicals, they bought the rights to this Kern / Hammerstein musical and threw out the story and music. But other than that, nothing is changed, ha. Anyway it's an entertaining film, and some of the original music did make it into the final cut. Great cast, and packed with music from one end to the other.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Roy Del Ruth
Screen Play by: Dorothy Kingsley and Harry Clork
Story by: Jack McGowan
Based on the Musical "Very Warm For May" by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
Additional Songs: "Somebody Loves Me" (by) George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; "Who's Who," "Solid Potato Salad," "Irresistable You," "Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet," "I Love Corny Music" (by) Raye and DePaul; "What Do You Think I Am," "Brazilian Boogie" (by) Martin and Blane; "Pretty Baby" (by) Tony Jackson, Egbert Van Alstyne and Gus Kahn; "Amor" (by) Gabriel Ruiz, Ricardo Lopez Mendez
Musical Direction and Supervision: Johnny Green
Orchestrations: Ted Duncan, Sy Oliver, Lewis Raymond, Phil Moore
Vocal Arrangements: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane, Kay Thompson, Gene DePaul
Dance Direction: Charles Walters, Jack Donohue, Robert Alton, Don Loper
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Jack Martin Smith
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: McLean Nisbet
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Costume Supervision: Irene
Associate: Sharaff
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Leonard Smith
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Cast: George Murphy [Johnnie Demming], Ginny Simms [Helen Hoyt], Charles Winninger [Sam Demming], Gloria DeHaven [Patsy Demming], Nancy Walker [Trixie Simpson], Ben Blue [Felix Gross], Lena Horne [Fernway De La Fer], Eddie "Rochester" Anderson [Eddie], Hazel Scott [Herself], Kenny Bowers [Ray Kent], Ross Sisters (Maggie, Aggie, Elmira) [Themselves], Dean Murphy [Hired Man], Louis Mason [Farmer], Bunny Waters [Bunnie], Walter B. Long [Doug Kelly], Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra [Themselves], Additional Cast: Sara Haden [Miss Wynn, Teacher]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] National Emblem (March) (traditional and swing arrangement played by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Charles Winninger on trombone); [0:06] unidentified instrumental (danced by George Murphy and unidentified female partner); [0:13] Irresistable You (Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with vocals by unidentified male quintet); [0:19] Can-Can (danced by Chorus Girls); [0:23] What Do You Think I Am (sung and danced by Gloria DeHaven and Kenny Bowers); [0:29] Amor (sung in Spanish by Ginny Simms, danced by Mens Chorus); [0:42] Brazilian Boogie (sung and danced by Lena Horne and Chorus); [0:56] Solid Potato Salad (sung by the Ross Sisters, followed by their novelty gymnastic "dance" act); [1:01] That Lucky Fellow / In Other Words, Seventeen / All in Fun (sung by George Murphy); [1:03] All the Things You Are (sung by Ginny Simms); [1:12] Somebody Loves Me (sung by Lena Horne); [1:16] Chopin's Waltz in D Flat, Opus 64, No. 1 ("Minute Waltz") (played by Hazel Scott at the piano with Orchestra); [1:25] I Love Corny Music (sung and played on trombone by Charles Winninger and Tommy Dorsey -- cute number!); [1:29] Impressions of Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Franklin D. Roosevelt and others by Kenny Bowers; [1:33] Pretty Baby (sung and danced by Kenny Bowers and Gloria DeHaven, then sung and danced by Charles Winninger and Gloria DeHaven with Chorus Girls); [1:37] Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider (instrumental danced by Walter B. Long); [1:41] Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet (sung by Nancy Walker with Chorus, danced by Nancy Walker, Ben Blue and Tommy Dorsey); [1:49] Finale: Oh, You Beautiful Doll (sung by Charles Winninger, danced by Charles Winninger and Chorus Girls) / Who's Who (sung and danced by George Murphy and Chorus Girls) / Irresistable You (sung by Ginny Simms, danced by Chorus Girls) / All the Things You Are (sung by Ginny Simms, danced by Chorus Girls) / Who's Who (sung and danced by The Company)

Broadway Serenade
MGM, 1939, B/W, 111 minutes, ***
Released April, 1939

Jeanette MacDonald, having just been named "Queen of the Movies" by 22,000,000 filmgoers in a 1939 New York Daily News opinion survey, stars in this elegant and alluring, fun-filled musical. Co-starring leading man Lew Ayres, it's a rich and fitting tribute to the Broadway stage.

Mary and Jimmy are a show biz couple, working the small joints in the Big Apple, hoping for a shot at the spotlights. Coincidentally, they both get a break at the same time; Jimmy earns a chance to pursue his music abroad, while Mary is cast in the road company of a big producer's new show. By the time Mary returns to New York she's already a star, and Jimmy's jealousy over Mary's supposed romance with the producer gets the better of him.

Pulled apart, Mary's star continues to rise, while Jimmy works harder than ever to refine his music and win his sweetheart back. This love story, set against a terrific musical score and packed with one hit song after another, makes Broadway Serenade a powerful, triumphant success.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced and Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard
Screen Play by: Charles Lederer
From Original Story by: Lew Lipton, John Taintor Foote and Hans Kraly
Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart
Music by: Herbert Stothart and Edward Ward
Lyrics by: Gus Kahn, Bob Wright and Chet Forrest
"Time Changes Everything" (by) Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn
Vocal and Orchestral Collaboration: Leo Arnaud, Leonid Raab
"Flying High" and "Madame Butterfly" Numbers staged by Seymour Felix
Finale Number Created and Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Joseph Wright
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Oliver T. Marsh
Montage Effects by: John Hoffman
Film Editor: Harold F. Kress

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Mary Hale], Lew Ayres [James Geoffrey Seymour], Ian Hunter [Larry Bryant], Frank Morgan [Cornelius Collier, Jr.], Wally Vernon [Joey, The Jinx], Rita Johnson [Judy Tyrrell], Virginia Grey [Pearl], William Gargan [Bill], Katherine Alexander [Harriet Ingalls], Al Shean [Herman], Esther Dale [Mrs. Olsen], Franklin Pangborn [Gene], E. Allyn Warren [Everett], Paul Hurst [Reynolds], Frank Orth [Mr. Fellowes], Esther Howard [Mrs. Fellowes], Leon Belasco ["Squeaker"], Kitty McHugh [Kitty, The Maid], Kenneth Stevens [Singer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "(Broadway Serenade) For Every Lonely Heart" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Medley of vaudeville numbers: Yip I Addy I Ay! / What You Going to Do When the Rent Comes Round / Hearts Win You Lose / Love's Old Sweet Song (sung and danced by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [0:10] A Tisket a Tasket / Ring Around the Mulberry Bush (just a few bars sung by Jeanette MacDonald) / The Farmer in the Dell (short excerpt sung by Al Shean); [0:12] (Broadway Serenade) For Every Lonely Heart (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:21] (Broadway Serenade) For Every Lonely Heart (excerpt sung by Jeanette MacDonald, interrupted numerous times in Collier's office); [0:24] High Flyin' (excerpt sung by Franklin Pangborn); [0:25] High Flyin' (excerpt sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:26] One Look at You (Jeanette MacDonald); [0:33] High Flyin' (production number sung and danced by Jeanette MacDonald, Kenneth Stevens and Chorus); [0:38] One Look at You (Jeanette MacDonald and Kenneth Stevens); [0:44] Montage: scenes from various numbers in Collier's Revue (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [1:01] Time Changes Everything (sung by Mens Chorus); [1:02] Un bel di (from the opera MADAMA BUTTERFLY, sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:10] Opera montage: includes excerpts of Italian Street Song, Les Filles de Cadiz and Musetta's Waltz from LA BOHÉME (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:16] One Look at You (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:44] Finale production number: (Broadway Serenade) For Every Lonely Heart (sung and danced by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); Numerous short excerpts of other songs througout film

Buck Privates
Universal, 1941, B/W, 84 minutes, ***
Released January, 1941

Boot camp becomes a course in basic comedy training, thanks to Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in the team's first starring film, when they join spoiled rich man Lee Bowman and ex-valet Alan Curtis as reluctant draftees. The Andrews Sisters also get in on the fun, singing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four."

Associate Producer: Alex Gottlieb
Directed by: Arthur Lubin
Assistant Director: Gil Valle
Original Screen Play: Arthur T. Horman
Military Advisor: Capt. Jack Voglin
Special Material for Abbott and Costello: John Grant
Musical Director: Charles Previn
"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four," "When Private Brown Becomes a Captain" by Don Raye and Hughie Prince
"You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith" by Don Raye, Hughie Prince and Sonny Burke
"I Wish You Were Here" by Don Raye, Hughie Prince and Vic Schoen
"I'll Be With You When It's Apple Blossom Time" (sic) by Albert Von Tilzer and Neville Fleeson
Vocal Arrangements: Vic Schoen
Music Supervisor: Ted Cain
Dance Director: Nick Castle
Art Director: Jack Otterson
Associate: Ralph M. DeLacy
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Supervisor: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Paul Neal
Directors of Photography: Milton Krasner, Jerry Ash
Film Editor: Philip Cahn

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score - Musical (Charles Previn), and Best Song ("Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy")

Cast: Lee Bowman [Randolph Parker, III], Alan Curtis [Bob Martin], Bud Abbott [Slicker Smith], Lou Costello [Herbie Brown], The Andrews Sisters [Patty, Maxene, LaVerne], Jane Frazee [Judy Gray], Nat Pendleton [Sgt. Michael Collins], Samuel S. Hinds [Major General Emerson], Harry Strang [Sgt. Callahan], Nella Walker [Mrs. Parker, II], Leonard Elliott [Henry], Shemp Howard [Chef], Mike Frankovich [Announcer], Dora Clement [Miss Durling], Jeanne Kelly (aka Jean Brooks), Elaine Morey (aka Janet Warren), Kay Leslie, Nina Orla, Dorothy Darrell [Camp Hostesses], And the World Champion Boogie Woogie Dancers [as Themselves], Additional Cast: Don Raye [Dick Burnette], Charles Anthony Hughes [Capt. Williams], Hughie Prince [Henry Sloan], Frank Cook [Harmonica Player], James Flavin [Sergeant], Harold Goodwin [Sergeant], Douglas Wood [Mr. Parker], Charles Coleman [Edmunds], Selmer Jackson [Captain], Tom Tyler [Instructor], Bud Harris [Porter], Al Billings [Tough Fighter]

Musical Program: [0:00] You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:12] You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith (sung by the Andrews Sisters, then sung by Mens Chorus); [0:26] I Wish You Were Here (sung by Jane Frazee); [0:36] I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time (sung by the Andrews Sisters and Chorus); [0:54] When Private Brown Becomes a Captain (played on guitar and harmonica by Frank Cook, vocal by Lou Costello and Kitchen Crew); [0:59] Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (sung by the Andrews Sisters); [1:16] Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four (danced by canteen guests, sung by the Andrews Sisters); [1:21] Finale: You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith (marched and sung by soldiers, the Andrews Sisters); Incidental music includes excerpts of marches, Taps, Reveille, etc.

The Buddy Holly Story
Columbia, 1978, Color, 113 minutes, ***
Released May, 1978

The Oscar-winning biodrama of one of rock's first and most influential stars. Gary Busey stars as the horn-rimmed hero from Lubbock, Texas, who blended country and blues in hits like "That'll Be the Day," "Peggy Sue," and "Maybe, Baby"; he also performs the soundtrack. With Charles Martin Smith, Don Stroud.

Those of us who remember the day the music died will find this film very enjoyable. It's about the short but explosive career of Buddy Holly (see also, La Bamba for the Ritchie Valens side of the story). Busey, Stroud and Smith are totally believable as Buddy Holly and The Crickets. All the great Buddy Holly music is sung by the principal cast, and they do an excellent job. Lots of old memories here.

Producer: Fred Bauer
Associate Producer: Frances Avrut-Bauer
Executive Producers: Edward H. Cohen and Fred T. Kuehnert
Director: Steve Rash
Screenplay: Robert Gittler (based on the book by John Coldrosen)
Music Director: Joe Renzetti
Song Score: various
Choreography: Maggie Rush
Production Designer: Joel Schiller
Special Effects: Robby Knott
Director of Photography: Stevan Larner
Film Editing: David Blewitt

Cast: Gary Busey [Buddy Holly], Don Stroud [Jesse], Charles Martin Smith [Ray Bob], Bill Jordan [Riley Randolph], Maria Richwine [Maria Elena Holly], Conrad Janis [Ross Turner], Albert Popwell [Eddie Foster], Amy Johnston [Jenny Lou], James Beach [Mr. Wilson], John Goff [T. J.], Fred Travalena [Madman Mancuso], Dick O'Neill [Sol Zuckerman], Stymie Beard [Luther], M.G. Kelly [M.C.], Gailard Sartain [The Big Bopper], Jerry Zaremba [Eddie Cochran], Paul Mooney [Sam Cooke], Bill Phillips Murray [Desk Clerk], Freeman King [Tyrone], Steve Camp [Cook], Jody Berry [Engineer Sam], Bob Christopher [Cadillac Salesman], Arch Johnson [Mr. Holly], Neva Patterson [Mrs. Holly]

Musical Program: [0:03] Mockingbird Hill (Buddy Holly and his Band at the Lubbock roller rink); [0:05] Roller Rink Medley: Rock Around with Ollie Vee / That'll Be the Day (Buddy Holly and his Band at the Lubbock roller rink); [0:10] When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder (Church Choir); [0:19] Cindy Lou (Buddy Holly and his Band composing Peggy Sue in the car as they drive to Nashville); [0:20] That'll Be the Day (Buddy Holly and his Band at Nashville recording session); [0:31] True Love Ways (Buddy Holly and his Band); [0:45] You Send Me (Sam Cooke with Girls Chorus); [0:47] Oh Boy (Buddy Holly and The Crickets at the Apollo); [0:49] It's So Easy (Buddy Holly and The Crickets at the Apollo); [0:51] Rave On (Buddy Holly and The Crickets at the Apollo); [0:56] Words of Love (Buddy Holly and The Crickets at recording session); [1:10] Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On (Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly); [1:18] Maybe Baby (Buddy Holly and The Crickets on the Ed Sullivan Show); [1:32] Well All Right (Buddy Holly singing to two little boys); [1:37] Chantilly Lace (The Big Bopper at Clear Lake); [1:41] True Love Ways (Buddy Holly at Clear Lake); [1:45] Clear Lake Medley: That'll Be the Day / Oh Boy / Peggy Sue / Maybe Baby / Not Fade Away (sung by Buddy Holly at Clearlake); [1:51] True Love Ways (instrumental version played behind end credits)