Classic Movie Musicals: Films G

G.I. Blues
Paramount, 1960, Color, 104 minutes, ***
Premiere release August, 1960
General release November, 1960

For his first movie after serving in the Army, Elvis found himself back in uniform, playing a singing soldier stationed in Germany who makes a bet with his buddies that he can woo a nightclub singer (leggy Juliet Prowse), and winds up falling for her. Songs include "It's Not Good Enough for You," "Frankfurt Special" and the title tune.

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

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis
Associate Producer: Paul Nathan
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Written by: Edmund Beloin and Henry Garson
Technical Advisor: Col. Tom Parker
Military Technical Advisor: Captain David S. Parkhurst
Music Director: Joseph J. Lilley
Music Scored and Conducted by: Joseph J. Lilley
Vocla Accompaniment by: The Jordanaires
Musical Numbers Staged and Choreographed by: Charles O'Curran
Art Direction: Hal Pereira, Walter Tyler
Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Ray Moyer
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Hair Style Supervision: Nellie Manley
Sound Recording: Harold Lewis, Charles Grenzbach
Director of Photography: Loyal Griggs
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Editorial Supervision: Warren Low

Cast: Elvis Presley [Tulsa McLean], Juliet Prowse [Lili], Robert Ivers [Cookie], James Douglas [Rick], Leticia Roman [Tina], Sigrid Maier [Marla], Arch Johnson [Sergeant McGraw], Mickey Knox [Jeeter], John Hudson [Captain Hobart], Ken Becker [Mac], Jeremy Slate [Turk], Beach Dickerson [Warren], Trent Dolan [Mickey], Carl Crow [Walt], Fred Essler [Papa Mueller], Ronald Starr [Harvey], Erika Peters [Trudy], Ludwig Stossel [Puppet Show Proprietor], Additional Cast: Robert Allison Baker III [Puppeteer], F. Alton Wood [Puppeteer], Torben Meyer [Head Waiter], Bess Flowers [Patron of Cafe Europa], Marilyn Gladstone [Blonde], Joe Gray [Soldier], Dick Winslow [Orchestra Leader], The Jordanaires [backup vocals]

Musical Program: [0:07] What's She Really Like (excerpt sung a cappella by Elvis Presley in shower); [0:10] unidentified instrumental (played by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [0:11] G.I. Blues (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by The Jordanaires, danced by patrons at rathskeller); [0:15] Doin' the Best I Can (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by The Jordanaires, danced by patrons at rathskeller); [0:17] Blue Suede Shoes (sung by Elvis Presley on jukebox); [0:25] Frankfurt Special (sung by Elvis and The Jordanaires on train); [0:31] unidentified instrumental (danced by Juliet Prowse); [0:36] Shoppin' Around (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by The Jordanaires); [0:43] Tonight Is So Right for Love (Based on "Barcarolle" from "The Tales of Hoffman," sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by The Jordanaires); [1:02] Punch 'n' Judy Show (excerpt of "Wooden Heart" in German played on phonograph); [1:05] Wooden Heart (cute number sung in English and German by Elvis Presley with puppet, accompanied in part by Children); [1:08] Pocketful of Rainbows (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by dubbing artist for Juliet Prowse. As is typical of many musical scenes in Elvis movies, this scene was all too obviously recorded in a studio for a record. The acoustics are all wrong for the scene, and the lip-syncing is not convincing.); [1:17] unidentified jazz number (danced by Juliet Prowse); [1:30] Big Boots (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by a music box); [1:40] Didja' Ever (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by The Jordanaires and Ensemble)

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Gang's All Here, The

The Gang's All Here
20th Century-Fox, 1943, Color, 103 minutes, ***
Released December, 1943

Andy Mason (James Ellison) manages to work magic on Eadie Allen (Alice Faye), and she falls in love with him on the first date, but he has to leave for the war the very next day. Just a thin storyline to hold together a bunch of great musical numbers, including Carmen Miranda's legendary Tutti Frutti Hat number with all the big bananas, Faye's breathtaking "A Journey to a Star," and many more.

The Alice Faye Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and That Night in Rio, Lillian Russell and On the Avenue.

The box set is very nice. The films don't look restored, but rather look like pristine prints, which I find refreshing. All too often the restoration process seems to ruin the authenticity of the film, but these discs are beautiful!

The Carmen Miranda Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and
If I'm Lucky, Something for the Boys, Greenwich Village and Doll Face.

Produced by: William LeBaron
Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Screen Play by: Walter Bullock
Based on a Story by: Nancy Winter, George Root, Jr. and Tom Bridges
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman, Charles Henderson
Lyrics and Music by: Leo Robin and Harry Warren;
"Brazil" by Ary Barroso and S.K. Russell
Dances Created and Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Art Direction: James Basevi, Joseph C. Wright
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Associate: Paul S. Fox
Costumes: Yvonne Wood
Makeup Artist: Guy Pearce
Sound: George Leverett, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Edward Cronjager
Special Photographic Effects by: Fred Sersen
Photographed in Technicolor
Technical Director: Natalie Kalmus
Film Editor: Ray Curtiss

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Interior Decoration - Color

Cast: Alice Faye [Eadie Allen], Carmen Miranda [Dorita], Phil Baker [Himself], Benny Goodman and His Orchestra [Themselves], Eugene Pallette [Mr. Mason, Sr.], Charlotte Greenwood [Mrs. Peyton Potter], Edward Everett Horton [Peyton Potter], Tony De Marco [Himself], James Ellison [Andy Mason], Sheila Ryan [Vivian], Dave Willock [Sergeant Casey], Bando da Lua [Themselves], Additional Cast: June Haver [Maybelle, Hat Check Girl], Jeanne Crain [Girl by the Pool], Lillian Yarbo [Maid], Frank Darien[Doorman], Miriam Lavelle [Specialty Dancer], Charles Saggau, Deidre Gale [Jitterbug Dancers], Frank Faylen [Marine], Russell Hoyt [Sailor], George Dobbs [Benson], Leon Belasco [Waiter], Virginia Sale [Secretary], Leyland Hodgson [Butler], Lee Bennett [Bit Man], Al Murphy [Stage Manager], Hallene Hill [Old Lady], Gabriel Canzona [Organ Grinder], Fred Walburn [Newsboy], Virginia Wilson [Dancing Partner]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: includes a short excerpt of Hail, Hail the Gang's All Here (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:01] Brazil (sung by Aloysio Oliveira, Carmen Miranda with Banda da Lua, and Chorus Girls); [0:04] You Discover You're in New York (sung by Carmen Miranda with Banda da Lua and Girls Chorus - Alice Faye makes a surprise entrance as one of the chorus girls); [0:07] unidentified instrumental number (danced by Tony DeMarco and Virginia Wilson, mostly in background); [0:10] instrumental number introduced as "The Uncle Samba" (played by Orchestra, danced by nightclub patrons, including Gene Pallette with Alice Faye and E. E. Horton with Carmen Miranda); [0:14] Minnie's in the Money (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, vocal by Benny Goodman, jitterbug danced by several unidentified dance couples); [0:17] A Journey to a Star (instrumental arrangement played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, danced by Alice Faye and James Ellison); [0:23] The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat (production number sung by Carmen Miranda with Banda da Lua and Girls Chorus - perhaps Miranda's best-known number, includes segment with Chorus Girls and giant bananas); [0:31] A Journey to a Star (excerpt sung by Alice Faye); [0:39] The Jitters (instrumental played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, danced by Charlotte Greenwood and Charles Saggau); [0:49] No Love, No Nothin' (sung by Alice Faye with Benny Goodman and His Orchestra) [1:00] No Love, No Nothin' (instrumental arrangement played by Benny Goodman and His Ochestra, danced by Tony DeMarco and Sheila Ryan, sung by vocal group offscreen); [1:08] unidentified instrumental (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, gymnastics by Miriam LaVelle [?]); [1:23] Paducah (played by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, sung by Benny Goodman, sung by Carmen Miranda, played by Banda da Lua, danced by Carmen Miranda and Tony DeMarco); [1:28] A Journey to a Star (sung by Alice Faye and Girls Chorus, danced by Tony DeMarco and Sheila Ryan); [1:34] The Polka Dot Polka (sung by Alice Faye, Children and Chorus, danced by Children); [1:37] The Polka Dot Ballet (production number sung and danced by Chorus with fluorescent lights and big discs); [1:41] Finale: A Journey to a Star (sung by Cast and Chorus)

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Gay Divorcee, The

The Gay Divorcee
RKO, 1934, B/W, 107 minutes, ****
Released October, 1934

Class Act

Must See!

After supporting roles in Flying Down to Rio sent their movie careers soaring, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers starred for the first time in this delightful escapade about marriage, divorce and all the romantic comedy complications in between. The Gay Divorcee set the style, tone and behind-the-camera talents for Astaire / Rogers classics to come and captured five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Musical highlights here include the 17-minute marvel "The Continental" (the first Oscar winner for Best Song) and Cole Porter's haunting "Night and Day." Indeed, "if Astaire and Rogers had never danced a lick after 'Night and Day,' they still would have been screen immortals" (The Movie Guide). [from back of DVD case]

It's love at first sight! Guy (Fred Astaire) falls madly in love with Mimi (Ginger Rogers) the first time he sees her, and he pursues her relentlessly until she finally begins to soften. But the problem is... she's married, though estranged, to a geologist (William Austin). So a plan is hatched for her to be caught with a "co-respondent" (Eric Rhodes), and the fun begins. In addition to the wonderful Astaire and Rogers musical numbers, E. E. Horton and Betty Grable's "Let's Knock Knees" is a standout. And the antics of Horton, Erik Rhodes, Eric Blore and Alice Brady are unforgettable. One of Fred and Ginger's best! [JJ]

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

Produced by: Pandro S. Berman
Production Associate: Zion Myers
Directed by: Mark Sandrich
Screen Play by: George Marion, Jr.; Dorothy Yost and Edward Kaufman
From "The Gay Divorce," Book by Dwight Taylor, Musical Adaptation by Kenneth Webb and Samuel Hoffenstein
Musical Director: Max Steiner
Music and Lyrics: "Night and Day" (by) Cole Porter; "Don't Let It Bother You," "Let's Knock Knees" by Mack Gordon and Harry Revel; "A Needle in a Haystack," "The Continental" by Con Conrad and Herb Magidson
Music Recorded by: Murray Spivack and P. J. Faulkner, Jr.
Musical Score: Kenneth Webb and Samuel Hoffenstein
Dance Ensembles Staged by: Dave Gould
Art Directors: Van Nest Polglase and Carroll Clark
Costumes by: Walter Plunkett
Recorded by: Hugh McDowell, Jr.
Photographed by: David Abel
Photographic Effects by: Vernon L. Walker
Edited by: William Hamilton

Awards:

Won Best Song Academy Award ("The Continental"); Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Score, Best Interior Decoration and Best Sound Recording

Cast: Fred Astaire [Guy Holden], Ginger Rogers [Mimi], Alice Brady [Hortense], Edward Everett Horton [Egbert], Erik Rhodes [Tonetti], Eric Blore [The Waiter], William Austin [Cyril Glossop], Charles Coleman [The Valet], Lillian Miles, Betty Grable [Guests], Additional Cast: Paul Porcasi [Nightclub Proprietor], E.E. Clive [Customs Inspector], George Davis, Alphonse Martell [French Waiters], Charles D. Hall [Call Boy at Dock]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Don't Let It Bother You (sung by Chorus Girls with dancing finger-dolls); [0:06] Don't Let It Bother You (instrumental arrangement danced by Fred Astaire); [0:17] A Needle in a Haystack (sung and danced by Fred Astaire); [0:35] Let's K-nock K-nees (sung and danced by Betty Grable and Edward Everett Horton with Chorus); [0:51] Night and Day (sung by Fred Astaire, daned by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers); [1:15] The Continental (sung by Ginger Rogers, danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers); [1:20] The Continental (danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, production number danced by Chorus, segment sung and danced by Erik Rhodes, segment sung by Lillian Miles, ends with segment danced by Fred and Ginger with Chorus); [1:43] The Continental (played by Orchestra, danced by Fred and Ginger)

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Gay Purr-ee

Gay Purr-ee
UPA / Warner Brothers, 1962, Color, 86 minutes, ***½
Released October, 1962

Charming animated feature about a country cat (Mewsette) who runs away from the farm to find romance, culture and excitement in the big city (Paris). Her boyfriend (Jaune Tom) and his buddy (Robespierre) figure out where she's gone and chase after her. But before they can find her, she meets a villain cat (Meowrice) and his partner in crime (Mme. Rubens-Chatte) who want to glamorize her and sell her to Mr. Phttt who lives in Pittsburg and who wants to buy a wife. They lead Mewsette to believe that they are going to teach her how to be sophisticated and glamorous. Jaune Tom and Robespierre eventually arrive in Paris, but have no idea where to begin looking for Mewsette. Will Jaune Tom be able to rescue Mewsette before she's shipped to America?

Executive Producer: Henry G. Saperstein
Associate Producer: Lee Orgel
Production Manager: Earl Jonas
Directed by: Abe Levitow
Written by: Dorothy & Chuck Jones
Additional Dialogue: Ralph Wright
Music by: Harold Arlen
Lyrics by: E. Y. Harburg
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Mort Lindsey
Vocal Arranger: Joseph J. Lilley
Production Design: Robert Singer, Richard Ung, "Corny" Cole, Ray Aragon, Edward Levitt, Ernest Nordli
Art Director: Victor Harboush Animation: Ben Washam, Phil Duncan, Hal Ambro, Ray Patterson, Grant Simmons, Irv Spence, Don Lusk, Hank Smith, Harvey Toombs, Volus Jones, Ken Harris, Art Davis, Fred Madison
Sequence Director: Steve Clark
Music Editors: George Probert, Wayne Hughes
Camera: Roy Hutchcroft, Dan Miller, Jack Stevens, Duane Keegan
Filmed in Technicolor
Editorial Supervision: Ted Baker
Editors: Sam Horta, Earl Bennett

Cast: Judy Garland [singing and speaking voice of Mewsette], Robert Goulet [singing and speaking voice of Jaune Tom], Red Buttons [singing and speaking voice of Robespierre], Paul Frees [voice of Meowrice], Hermione Gingold [voice of Mme. Rubens-Chatte], Mel Blanc [voice of Bulldog], Morey Amsterdam [Narrator and Sleeping Cat at train station], Joan Gardner, Julie Bennett, June Foray, The Mellowmen [Vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "Take My Hand, Paree" (excerpt sung by Judy Garland) / "Mewsette" (excerpt sung by Chorus) / "Little Drops of Rain" (sung by Judy Garland) / "Paris Is a Lonely Town" (sung by Judy Garland) / "Roses Red, Violets Blue (sung by Judy Garland and Chorus); [0:04] Mewsette (sung by Robert Goulet); [0:10] Take My Hand, Paree (sung by Judy Garland); [0:21] Roses Red, Violets Blue (sung by Judy Garland); [0:30] The Money Cat (sung by Paul Frees and The Mellow Men); [0:37] The Horse Won't Talk (sung by Paul Frees); [0:46] Bubbles (sung by Robert Goulet, Red Buttons and The Mellow Men); [0:51] Little Drops of Rain (sung by Judy Garland); [0:53] Little Drops of Rain (sung by Robert Goulet); [1:11] Paris Is a Lonely Town (sung by Judy Garland); [1:23] Mewsette Finale (sung by Robert Goulet, Judy Garland and Chorus)

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Gene Krupa Story, The

The Gene Krupa Story
(aka Drum Crazy)
Columbia, 1959, B/W, 101 minutes, ***
Released December, 1959

Sal Mineo shines in this much-loved film bio as the premier jazz drummer of his day. His rise to fame, his descent into drug addiction and struggle back are strikingly recounted. Krupa supplies the soundtrack; James Darren, Susan Kohner, Yvonne Craig co-star.

Produced by: Philip A. Waxman
Associate Producer: Orin Jannings
Directed bt: Don Weis
Assistant Director: Ray Gosnell
Written by: Orin Jannings
Music Adapted and Composed by: Leith Stevens
Art Director: Robert Peterson
Set Decorator: Frank A. Tuttle
Make-Up Supervisor: Ben Lane
Hair Styles by: Helen Hunt
Recording Supervisor: Charles J. Rice
Sound: Jack Solomon
Director of Photography: Charles Lawton, Jr.
Montage by: Donald W. Starling
Film Editors: Maurice Wright, Edwin Bryant

Cast: Sal Mineo [Gene Krupa], Susan Kohner [Ethel Maguire], James Darren [Eddie Sirota], Susan Oliver [Dorissa Dinell], Yvonne Craig [Gloria Corregio], Lawrence Dobkin [Speaker Willis], Celia Lovsky [Mother], Red Nichols [Himself], Bobby Troup [Tommy Dorsey], Anita O'Day [Herself], Shelly Manne [Davey Tough], Buddy Lester [Himself], Additional Cast: John Bleifer [Father], Gavin Macleod [Ted Krupa], Ruby Lane [Blues Singer]

Musical Program: Sunny Side of the Street (excerpt sung by Anita O'Day); Let There Be Love (sung by James Darren); I Love My Baby (sung by Ruby Lane); Memories of You (sung by Anita O'Day); Royal Garden Blues (played by The Gene Krupa Orchestra); Cherokee (played by The Gene Krupa Orchestra); Indiana (played by Red Nichols and The Gene Krupa Orchestra); Way Down Yonder In New Orleans (played by The Gene Krupa Orchestra); Song of India (Rimsky-Korsakov); Drum Crazy (played by Gene Krupa); Memories of You; I Love You, I Love You; In the Mood; Let There Be Love; Exactly Like You; Spiritual Jazz

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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Fox, 1953, Color, 91 minutes, ***½
Released July, 1953

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell sizzle, sing and dance as a couple of gold diggers out to land rich husbands.

This Technicolor film fable follows the exploits of two gorgeous women aboard a luxury ocean liner. One (Marilyn) loves diamonds and the other (Russell) loves men. On the ship with them are an elderly diamond mine owner (Charles Coburn), a team of handsome and muscular Olympic athletes, a fascinating but very young millionaire (George Winslow) and a nasty private eye. Packed with 40 minutes of production numbers, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes includes the legendary title song and "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." [from back of DVD case]

The Diamond Collection (Vol. 1) DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Bus Stop, How to Marry a Millionaire, There's No Business Like Show Business, The Seven Year Itch, The Final Days

Marilyn Monroe Special Anniversary Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Seven Year Itch, Niagara, River of No Return, Let's Make Love and Marilyn: The Final Days.

Produced by: Sol C. Siegel
Directed by: Howard Hawks
Assistant Director: Paul Helsnick
Screen Play by: Charles Lederer
Based on the Musical Comedy by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos
Music and Lyrics by: Jule Styne and Leo Robin
Presented on the Stage by Herman Levin and Oliver Smith
Music and Lyrics: "When Love Goes Wrong" and "Anyone Here for Love" by Hoagy Carmichael and Harold Adamson
Choreography by: Jack Cole
Music Direction: Lionel Newman
Vocal Direction: Eliot Daniel
Orchestration: Herbert Spencer, Earl Hagen, Bernard Mayers
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, Joseph C. Wright
Set Decorations: Claude Carpenter
Wardrobe Direction: Charles Le Maire
Costumes Designed by: Travilla
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Sound: E. Clayton Ward, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Harry J. Wild
Special Photographic Effects: Ray Kellogg
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Leonard Doss
Film Editor: Hugh S. Fowler

Cast: Jane Russell [Dorothy], Marilyn Monroe [Lorelei], Charles Coburn [Sir Francis Beekman], Elliott Reid [Malone], Tommy Noonan [Gus Esmond], George "Foghorn" Winslow [Henry Spofford III], Marcel Dalio [Magistrate], Taylor Holmes [Gus Esmond, Sr.], Norma Varden [Lady Beekman], Howard Wendell [Watson], Steven Geray [Hotel Manager], Henri Letondal [Grotier], Leo Mostovoy [Phillipe], Alex Frazer [Pritchard], Harry Carey Jr. [Winslow], George Davis [Cab Driver], Alphonse Martell [Headwaiter], James Moultrie, Freddie Moultrie [Boy Dancers], Jean De Briac, George Dee, Peter Camlin [Gendarmes], Jean Del Val [Ship's Captain], Ray Montgomery [Peters], Alvy Moore [Anderson], Robert Nichols [Evans], Charles Tannen [Ed], Jimmy Young [Stevens], Charles de Ravenne [Purser], John Close [Coach], William Cabanne [Sims], Philip Sylvestre [Steward], Jack Chefe [Proprietor], Alfred Paix [Pierre], Max Willenz [Court Clerk], Rolfe Sedan [Waiter], Robert Foulk, Ralph Peters [Passport Officials], Harry Seymour [Captain of Waiters]

Musical Program: [0:00] A Little Girl from Little Rock (opening sung and danced by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell before titles); [0:01] Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (instrumental arrangement with short excerpt sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:03] A Little Girl from Little Rock (continued by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell after titles); [0:13] Bye Bye Baby (sung by Jane Russell and Chorus, then sung by Marilyn Monroe to Tommy Noonan, joined by Chorus); [0:21] Ain't There Anyone Here for Love (sung by Jane Russell, danced by Russell and gymnasts); [1:03] When Love Goes Wrong (Nothin' Goes Right) (sung and danced by Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe and Chorus); [1:08] Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (sung by Marilyn Monroe, danced by Monroe and Chorus); [1:21] Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (sung and danced by Jane Russell); [1:30] A Little Girl from Little Rock (excerpt sung by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell); [1:31] Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (sung by Chorus)

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George White's Scandals

George White's Scandals
Fox Films, 1934, B/W, 80 minutes
Released March, 1934

Alice Faye got her "big break" in this film when the original star, Lilian Harvey, walked off the set because Fox refused to give her more screen time. Alice was given the role, and after filming "Nasty Man," the studio was convinced they had a new star on their hands.

Producer: George White
Director: George White, Thornton Freeland and Harry Lachman
Screenplay: Jack Yellen (based on a story by George White)
Music Director: Louis De Francesco
Song Score: Ray Henderson, Jack Yellen and Irving Caesar
Recording Engineers: George Leverett, Arthur von Kirbach
Cinematography: Lee Garmes, George Schneiderman
Film Editing: Paul Weatherwax

Cast: Rudy Vallee [Jimmy Martin], Jimmy Durante [Happy McGillicuddy], Alice Faye [Kitty Donnelly], Adrienne Ames [Barbara Loraine], Gregory Ratoff [Nicholas Mitwoch], Cliff Edwards [Stew Hart], Dixie Dunbar [Patsy Dey], Gertrude Michael [Miss Lee], Richard Carle [Minister], Warren Hymer [Pete Pandos], George White [Himself], Thomas Jackson [Al Burke], Armand Kaliz [Count Dekker], Roger Gray [Sailor Brown], William Norton Bailey [Harold Bestry], George Irving [John R. Loraine], Edward Le Saint [Judge O'Neill], Edna Mae Jones [Eleanor Sawyer], Irving Bacon [Hick], Dewey Robinson [Garbage King], Creighton Hale [Theater Treasurer], Alma Mott, Lee Lawrence, Ethlyn Howard [Sally, Irene and Mary], Richard Alexander [Iceman], Frances Raymond [Landlady], Howard Hickman [Doctor]

Musical Program: Hold My Hand (production number, sung by Rudy Vallee and Alice Faye); Nasty Man (production number sung by Alice Faye and Chorus); So Nice (Cliff Edwards and Dixie Dunbar); Cabin in the Cotton and Cotton in the Cabin (Jimmy Durante); Cabin Dance; Following in Mother's Footsteps; My Dog Loves Your Dog (Alice Faye, Dixie Dunbar, Rudy Vallee and Jimmy Durante); Sweet and Simple (production number, Rudy Vallee and Alice Faye); Six Women (Me and Henry the Eighth) (Cliff Edwards and Chorus Girls); Every Day Is Father's Day with Baby (production number, Rudy Vallee, Cliff Edwards, Jimmy Durante and Children); Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia; Carolina in the Morning; River Stay 'Way from My Door; Got the South in My Soul; Lawd You Made the Night Too Long; That's Why Darkies Were Born; Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore; Did You Ever See a Dream Walking; Picking Cotton; The Man on the Flying Trapeze

Alice Faye and Rudy Vallee in "George White's Scandals"

Alice Faye and
Rudy Vallee

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George White's 1935 Scandals

George White's 1935 Scandals
Fox, 1935, B/W, 83 minutes
Released March, 1935

George White (Himself) and Manya (Lyda Roberti) have just finished a very successful revue in New York, and are driving down to Florida for some vacation time when the happen across a show in Georgia also called "George White's Scandals." Stopping to check it out, they discover Honey Walters (Alice Faye), and decide to return to New York to feature her in a new show. Back in New York, the show is a success, but a love triangle has things all messed up. Honey takes off on her own, but eventually returns and everything works out just fine.

Produced and Directed by: George White
Screenplay: Patterson McNutt and Jack Yellen (based on an idea by George White)
Musical Score: Louis De Francesco
Song Score: Jack Yellen, Herb Magidson, Joseph Meyer and Cliff Friend
Art Direction: Gordon Wiles
Costume Design: Charles Le Maire
Sound: Arthur von Kirbach
Cinematography: George Schneiderman

Cast: Alice Faye [Honey Walters], James Dunn [Eddie Taylor], Ned Sparks [Elmer White], Lyda Roberti [Manya], Cliff Edwards [Dude Holloway], Arline Judge [Midgie Malone], Eleanor Powell [Marilyn Collins], Emma Dunn [Aunt Jane], Benny Rubin [Louis], Charles Richman [Harriman], Roger Imhof [Officer Riley], Donald Kerr [Grady], Walter Johnson [Daniels], Fred Santley [M.C.], Jack Mulhall [Ticket Seller], Sam McDaniel [Porter], George White [Himself], Lois Eckhart [Mme. DuBarry], Fuzzy Knight [Sam Fagel], Jed Prouty [Al Lee], Lynn Bari [Chorus Girl], Anne Nagel [Chorus Girl], Tamara Shayne [Russian Girl]

Musical Program: According to the Moonlight (Alice Faye and James Dunn); Oh, I Didn't Know (production number, Alice Faye and Chorus Girls); It's an Old Southern Custom (Alice Faye, James Dunn and Cliff Edwards); I Was Born Too Late (Alice Faye); I Got Shoes, You Got Shosies; Hunkadola (Alice Faye, James Dunn, Cliff Edwards and Lyda Roberti); It's Time to Say Goodnight; You Belong to Me (Alice Faye)

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George White's Scandals

George White's Scandals
RKO, 1945, B/W, 95 minutes
Released October, 1945

Another entry (and the last) from George White. Joan Mason (Joan Davis) and Jack Williams (Jack Haley) are in love, and so are Jill Martin (Martha Holliday) and Tom McGrath (Phillip Terry). But panic breaks out when Jill runs out just before the show begins. More of a revue than a real story, but filled with plenty of great music.

Producer: George White
Director: Felix Feist
Screenplay: Howard J. Green, Parke Levy, Howard Snyder and Hugh Wedlock Jr. (based on a story by Hugh Wedlock, Jr. and Howard Snyder)
Music Director: C. Bakaleinikoff
Song Score: Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain
Choreography: Ernst Matray
Art Direction: Ralph Berger, Albert S. D'Agostino
Set Decoration: Harley Miller, Darrell Silvera
Gowns: Edward Stevenson
Special Effects: Vernon L. Walker
Cinematography: Robert de Grasse
Film Editing: Joseph Noriega

Cast: Joan Davis [Joan Mason], Jack Haley [Jack Williams], Phillip Terry [Tom McGrath], Martha Holliday [Jill Martin], Ethel Smith [Swing Organist], Gene Krupa [Himself], Margaret Hamilton [Clarabell], Glenn Tryon [George White], Jane Greer [Billie Randall], Audrey Young [Maxine Manner], Rose Murphy [Hilda], Fritz Feld [Montescu], Beverly Wills [Joan as a Child], Rufe Davis [Impersonations], Betty Farrington [Buxom Woman], Tommy Noonan [Joe], Larry Wheat [Pop], Carmel Myers [Leslie], Holmes Herbert [Lord Asbury], Dorothy Christy [Lady Asbury], Sid Melton [Songwriter], Florence Lake [Mother], Crane Whitley [Father], Minerva Urecal [Teacher], Effie Laird, Hope Landin [Scrubwomen], Neely Edwards [Lord Quimby], Ed O'Neill [John the Baptist], Frank Mitchell, Lyle Latell [Ladder Gag], Harry Monty, Buster Brodie [Box Gag], Rosalie Ray [Chorus Dame], Edmund Glover [Production Man], Nino Tempo [Young Drummer], Sammy Blum [Cafe Proprietor], Harold Minjir [Hotel Clerk], Shelby Bacon, Allan Cooke, Edwin Davis, Eric Freeman, Vonn Hamilton, Edwin Johnson, John Stanley, Walter Stone [Dancers], Joy Barlowe, Virginia Belmont, Wesley Brent, Marilyn Buford, Linda Claire, Lorraine Clark, Lucy Cochrane, Virginia Cruzon, Linda Ennis, Alice Eyland, Rusty Farrell, June Frazer, Ruth Hall, Annelle Hayes, Ethelreda Leopold, Nan Leslie, Vivian Mason, Marie McCardle, Vivian McCoy, Diana Mumby, Susanne Rosser, Barbara Thorson, Zas Varka, Chili Williams, Grace Young [Showgirls]

Musical Program: Scandals (from the 1931 original "George White's Scandals" stage musical, sung by Beverly Sills); How'd You Get Out of My Dreams?; Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries; Leave Us Leap (instrumental); Wishing (Will Make It So) (played by Ethel Smith); I Want to be a Drummer in the Band (performed by Gene Krupa with His Orchestra); I Wake Up in the Morning (sung by Joan Davis and Jack Haley); Who Killed Vaudeville? (sung by Joan Davis and Jack Haley); Bolero in the Jungle (played by Gene Krupa); Bouquet and Lace Ballet (instrumental); The Parrot

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Ghost Breakers, The

The Ghost Breakers
Paramount, 1940, B/W, 85 minutes, ***
Released June, 1940

Ghosts and gags collide in this witches' brew of laughs, with Bob Hiope as a Manhattan radio commentator who finds himself marooned on an island of the walking dead!

Larry Lawrence (Hope), sought in connection with a murder he did not commit, eludes New York police by hiding in a steamer trunk. Soon the trunk (and Larry) are aboard a ship bound for Cuba, where the trunk's owner, pretty Mary Carter (Paulette Goddard), is sailing to take possession of a recent inheritance: a "haunted" castle. Sensing that Mary is in danger, Larry and his valet Alex (Willie Best) precede her to the island, which is inhabited by a ghost, a zombie and perhaps even a flesh-and-blood fiend. There's romance, comedy and chills as Hope and Goddard contend with earthly and un-earthly foes - and try to keep from ending up as ghosts themselves!

Remade in 1953 as Scared Stiff.

Produced by: Arthur Hornblow, Jr.
Directed by: George Marshall
Screen Play by: Walter DeLeon
Based on a Play by Paul Dickey and Charles W. Goddard
Music Score by: Ernst Toch
Musical Adviser: Andrea Setaro
Art Direction: Hans Dreier, Robert Usher
Interior Decorations: A. E. Freudeman
Costumes: Edith Head
Sound Recording by: Harold Lewis, Richard Olson
Director of Photography: Charles Lang
Process Photography by: Farciot Edouart
Edited by: Ellsworth Hoagland

Cast: Bob Hope [Larry Lawrence], Paulette Goddard [Mary Carter], Richard Carlson [Geoff Montgomery], Paul Lukas [Parada], Willie Best [Alex], Pedro de Cordoba [Havez], Virginia Brissac [Mother Zombie], Noble Johnson [The Zombie], Anthony Quinn [Ramon Mederes / Francisco Mederes], Tom Dugan [Raspy Kelly], Paul Fix [Frenchy Duval], Lloyd Corrigan [Martin], Additional Cast: Emmett Vogan [Radio Announcer], Blanca Vischer [Dolores, Cuban Girl], Francisco Maran [Headwaiter], Larry Steers [Man in Hotel Hallway], Robert Elliott [Lieutenant Murray], James Blaine [Police Sergeant], Brick Sullivan [Policeman at Boat Dock], David Durand [Bellhop], James Flavin [Hotel Porter], Jack Hatfield [Elevator Boy], Kay Stewart [Telephone Girl], Jack Edwards [Ship Bellboy], Max Wagner [Ship Porter], Paul Newlan [Baggage Handler], Grace Hayle [Screaming Woman], Jack Norton [Drunk], Douglas Kennedy, Robert Ryan [Interns], Leonard Sues [Newsboy]

Musical Program: None, though there is an excerpt of a song sung at a nightclub by and unidentified female singer.

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Gidget

Gidget
Columbia, 1959, Color, 95 minutes, ***½
Released April, 1959

Favorite teen surf comedy stars Sandra Dee as the young beach bunny who must choose between surfer boyfriends Cliff Robertson and James Darren.

Cute little Sandra Dee number spawned several sequels (sans Sandra) and a television series starring Sally Field (1965/66). In that respect it's reminiscent of Debbie Reynolds' Tammy and the Bachelor, but it's not nearly the film that was. Still, with Sandra Dee and Cliff Robertson, it's fun, but (very) light-weight. James Darren and The Four Preps turn in a couple numbers each to liven things up a bit. Oh, and "Gidget" is Francie Lawrence's nickname, made up from "girl midget." If you're allergic to "good clean fun," skip it; if you think Sandra Dee is a doll, don't miss it!

Produced by: Lewis J. Rachmil
Directed by: Paul Wendkos
Assistant Director: Milton Feldman
Screen Play by: Gabrielle Upton
From the novel by: Frederick Kohner
Music Supervised and Conducted by: Morris Stoloff
Orchestrations: Arthur Morton; John Williams, Jr.
Songs: "Gidget" Lyrics by Patti Washington, Music by Fred Karger; "The Next Best Thing to Love" Lyrics by Stanley Styne, Music by Fred Karger; "Cinderella" Written by Glen Larson and Bruce Belland; The songs "Gidget" and "Cinderella" Sung by The Four Preps, Exclusive Capitol Recording Artists
Art Director: Ross Bellah
Set Decorator: William Kiernan
Make-up Supervision: Clay Campbell
Hair Styles by: Helen Hunt
Recording Supervisor: John Livadary
Sound: Josh Westmoreland
Director of Photography: Burnett Guffey
Photographed in CinemaScope, Columbia Color
Color Consultant: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: William A. Lyon

Cast: Sandra Dee [Francie Lawrence, aka Gidget], James Darren [Moondoggie], Cliff Robertson [Kahoona], Arthur O'Connell [Russell Lawrence], Mary LaRoche [Dorothy Lawrence], Joby Baker [Stinky], Tom Laughlin [Lover Boy], Sue George [B. L.], Robert Ellis [Hot Shot], Jo Morrow [Mary Lou], Yvonne Craig [Nan], Doug McClure [Waikiki], Burt Metcalfe [Lord Byron], Richard Newton, Ed Hinton [Cops], Patti Kane [Patty], The Four Preps [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Gidget (sung by The Four Preps offscreen behind titles); [0:39] Gidget (reprised by The Four Preps on the radio, then reprised by James Darren); [1:03] Cinderella (sung by The Four Preps onscreen); [1:10] The Next Best Thing to Love (sung by James Darren)

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Gidget Goes Hawaiian

Gidget Goes Hawaiian
Columbia, 1961, Color, 101 minutes, ***
Released June, 1961

In the second "Gidget" film, everyone's favorite surfin' girl heads to Waikiki and finds fun and romance (very heavy plot here). Light comedy that's fun and easy to take with Deborah Walley, James Darren, Michael Callan and Peggy Cass.

Produced by: Jerry Bresler
Directed by: Paul Wendkos
Assistant Director: Jerrold Bernstein
Written by: Ruth Brooks Flippen
Based upon the characters created by: Frederick Kohner
Music: George Duning
Orchestration: Arthur Morton
Songs: "Gidget Goes Hawaiian," "Wild About That Girl"
by Fred Karger and Stanley Styne
Choreography by: Roland Dupree
Art Director: Walter Holscher
Set Decorator: Darrell Silvera
Make-up Supervision by: Ben Lane
Sound Supervisor: Charles J. Rice
Sound: Lambert Day
Director of Photography: Robert J. Bronner
Film Editor: William A. Lyon

Cast: James Darren [Jeff Mather], Michael Callan [Eddie Horner], and introducing Deborah Walley [as Gidget], Carl Reiner [Russ Lawrence], Peggy Cass [Mitzie Stewart], Eddie Foy, Jr. [Monty Stewart], Jeff Donnell [Dorothy Lawrence], Vicki Trickett [Abby Stewart], Joby Baker [Judge Hamilton], Don Edmonds [Larry Neal], Bart Patton [Wally Hodges], Jan Conaway [Barbara Jo], Robin Lory [Dee Dee], Arnold Merritt [Clay Anderson], Additional Cast: Vivian Marshall [Lucy], Johnny Gilbert [Johnny Spring], Terry Huntingdon [Stewardess], Yankee Chang [Mr. Matsu], Jerado de Cordovier [Waiter], Guy Lee [Bellboy]

Musical Program: [0:00] Wild About That Girl (sung by James Darren offscreen behind titles); [0:25] Wild About That Girl (sung by James Darren); [0:29] Hawaiian native dance; [0:32] Hula danced by three unidentified women; [0:36] Mambo danced by Deborah Walley and Michael Callan; [0:49] Gidget Goes Hawaiian (sung by James Darren and friends, danced by Deborah Walley); [0:54] unidentified instrumental number (danced by Michael Callan); [1:09] Hawaiian native dance; [1:14] unidentifed instrumental number (danced by Deborah Walley and Mens Chorus, juxtaposed with Deborah walking on beach daydreaming); [1:16] Hawaiian native dance (danced by Vicki Trickett and Hawaiian Girls); [1:41] Gidget Goes Hawaiian (short reprisal by James Darren at end of film); Other music includes a Mambo danced by James Darren and Deborah Walley; two staged dances with unidentified instrumentals danced by unidentified dancers; several Hulas, one of which is danced by Vicky Trickett; and a number of other Hawiian native dances.

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Gidget Goes to Rome

Gidget Goes to Rome
Columbia, 1963, Color, 103 minutes, **½
Released August, 1963

The bubbly blonde prima donna of the ocean waves (Cindy Carol) takes the Eternal City by storm in this fluffy romantic misadventure. Moondoggie's got competition from a suave Italian charmer. James Darren, Cesare Danova co-star.

Produced by: Jerry Bresler
Production Manager: Mara Blasetti
Directed by: Paul Wendkos
Assistant Directors: Tony Brandt, Milton Feldman
Screenplay by: Ruth Brooks Flippen
Based upon the characters created by Frederick Kohner
Editor: William Lyon
Music: Johnny Williams
Songs: "Gegetta," "Big Italian Moon"
Lyrics and Music by George David Weiss and Al Kasha
Vocal Arrangements: Stu Phillips
Choreography: Enzo Barboni and Robert Bronner
Art Directors: Antonio Sarzi-Braga and Robert Peterson
Set Decorator: Ferdinando Ruffo
Make-up Supervision: Mel Berns
Make-up Artist: Serafina Calef
Hairdresser: Amalia Paoletti
Costume Designer: Pat Barto
Sound Supervisor: Cyril Collick
Directors of Photography: Enzo Barboni, Robert J. Bronner
Eastman Color by Pathé
Film Editor: William A. Lyon

Cast: Cindy Carol [Gidget], James Darren [Jeff], Jessie Royce Landis [Aunt Albertina], Cesare Danova [Paolo Cellini], Danielle De Metz [Daniela Serrini], Joby Baker [Judge], Trudi Ames [Libby], Noreen Corcoran [Lucy], Peter Brooks [Clay], Lisa Gastoni [Anna Cellini], Claudio Gora [Alberto], Don Porter [Russ Lawrence], Jeff Donnell [Dorothy Lawrence], Joe Kamel [Pinchman], Antonio Segurini, Leonardo Botta [Italian Boys], Umberto Raho [Mario], Jim Dolen [Nelson], Audrey Fairfax [Contessa], Vadim Wolkonsky [Prince Bianchi], Eddra Gale [Fat Woman], Irina Vasailchikoff [Lean Woman], Milly Monti [Henrietta], Charles Borromel [Whitefaced Poet], David Munsell, Jan Coomer [Listeners], Leon Auerbach [East Indian Yoga], Norma Nedici [Woman], Matilda Calnan [Old Woman], John Stacy [Drunk Butler], Carmen Scarpitta [Caviar Woman], Milina Vukotic [Caviar Woman], Evi Marandi [Receptionist], Mimo Billi [Fontana Doorman], Veronica Wells [Major Domo Dresser], Sylvia Llore, May Sariola, Adria Ramaccia, Tina Lepri [Models]

Musical Program: [0:00] Gegetta (sung by James Darren offscreen behind titles); [0:21] Big Italian Moon (sung in Italian by James Darren and Street Musicians); [1:42] Gegetta (reprised by James Darren at end of film); There are also several dance scenes in cafes, but I don't recognize the music - probably just part of background score.

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Gigi	top of page

Gigi
MGM, 1958, Color, 117 minutes, ****
Premiere release May, 1958
General release July, 1958

Class Act

Must See!

Wonderfully perfect film about a young French girl Gigi (Leslie Caron) growing to adulthood in early 20th Century Paris. She is being carefully trained in the way of "fashionable" ladyhood by her aunt when it suddenly dawns on long-time family friend Gaston (Louis Jourdan) that Gigi is no longer a cute young girl, but has grown into a beautiful young woman. So he becomes romantically interested in her, which presents a number of interesting problems given Gaston's playboy reputation. Wonderful acting all around, beautiful staging and costuming, fantastic Lerner and Loewe score... everything a musical should be!

Musical highlights include Maurice Chevalier and Hermione Gingold's "I Remember It Well" (from which came the title of direcor Vincente Minnellie's autobiography), Caron's "I Don't Understand the Parisians," and Chevalier's "Thank Heaven for Little Girls."

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Directors: William McGarry and William Shanks
Screen play and lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
Music by: Frederick Loewe
Based on the novel by: Colette
Music supervised and conducted by: André Previn
Orchestrations by: Conrad Salinger
Vocal Supervision: Robert Tucker
Costumes, Scenery and Production Design by: Cecil Beaton
Art Directors: William A. Horning and Preston Ames
Set Decorations: Henry Grace, Keogh Gleason
Make-up by: William Tuttle and Charles Parker
Hair styles by: Guillaume and Sydney Guilaroff
Recording Supervisor: Dr. Wesley C. Miller
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
In CinemaScope and Metrocolor
Color Consultant: Charles K. Hagedon
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Awards:

Won nine Academy Awards: Best Picture; Best Director; Best Adapted Screenplay; Best Color Cinematography (Joseph Ruttenberg); Best Film Editing (Adrienne Fazan); Best Score - Musical (Andre Previn); Best Song ("Gigi"); Best Art Direction / Set Decoration (William A. Horning, Preston Ames, Henry Grace and Keogh Gleason); and Best Costume Design (Cecil Beaton)

Cast: Leslie Caron [Gigi], Maurice Chevalier [Honoré Lachaille], Louis Jourdan [Gaston Lachaille], Hermione Gingold [Mme Alvarez], Eva Gabor [Liane d'Exelmans], Jacques Bergerac [Sandomir], Isabel Jeans [Aunt Alicia], John Abbott [Manuel], Monique Van Vooren [Showgirl], Lydia Stevens [Simone], Edwin Jerome [Charles, the Butler], Dorothy Neumann [Designer], Marilyn Sims [Redhead], Richard Bean [Harlequin], Pat Sheahan [Blonde], Leroy Winebrenner [Lifeguard], Marya Ploss [Model], Jack Trevan [Coachman]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:06] Thank Heaven for Little Girls (sung by Maurice Chevalier); [0:13] It's a Bore (sung by Louis Jourdan and Maurice Chevalier); [0:25] I Don't Understand the Parisians (sung by Leslie Caron dubbed by Betty Wand); [0:34] Waltz at Maxim's (She Is Not Thinking of Me) (sung by Louis Jourdan); [0:55] The Night They Invented Champagne (sung and danced by Leslie Caron dubbed by Betty Wand, Hermione Gingold and Louis Jourdan); [1:02] I Remember It Well (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Hermione Gingold); [1:18] Gigi (sung by Louis Jourdan); [1:35] I'm Glad I'm Not Young Any More (sung by Maurice Chevalier); [1:43] Say a Prayer for Me Tonight (sung by Leslie Caron dubbed by Betty Wand); [1:54] Thank Heaven for Little Girls (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Chorus)

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Girl Crazy

Girl Crazy
MGM, 1943, B/W, 100 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1943

Wealthy newspaper magnate Dan Churchill (Henry O'Neill) thinks his son Danny Junior (Mickey Rooney) is gaining a reputation as a playboy. So he sends him to his own Alma Mater Cody College in Arizona - an all-boys college with no co-eds! But no sooner has Danny arrived at Cody when he encounters the Dean's granddaughter (Judy Garland) and falls head-over-heels in love. All he has to do now is to get her to fall in love with him! Highlights include Judy's definitive rendition of "Embraceable You," and Mickey and Judy's "Could You Use Me."

Original director Busby Berkeley went way over the top (and way over-budget and schedule) with the "I Got Rhythm" finale, which is so far over the top that I don't even find it enjoyable. But other than that, it's a fun film. June Allyson appears for the first time in an MGM film (though not her first film nor her "official" MGM debut), and Nancy Walker is on hand for some great laughs.

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

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Screen Play by: Fred F. Finklehoffe
Music by: George Gershwin
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Based Upon Musical Play "Girl Crazy" by Guy Bolton and Jack McGowan
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Orchestration: Conrad Salinger, Axel Stordahl, Sy Oliver
Vocal Arrangements: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Dance Direction and Solo Dance with Miss Garland by: Charles Walters
"I Got Rhythm" Number directed by Busby Berkeley
Musical Presentation: Merrill Pye
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Mac Alper
Costume Supervision: Irene
Associate: Sharaff
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Directors of Photography: William Daniels, Robert Planck
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Cast: Mickey Rooney [Danny Churchill, Jr.], Judy Garland [Ginger Gray], Gil Stratton [Bud Livermore], Robert E. Strickland [Henry Lathrop], Rags Ragland ["Rags"], June Allyson [Specialty], Nancy Walker [Polly Williams], Guy Kibbee [Dean Phineas Armour], Frances Rafferty [Marjorie Tait], Henry O'Neill [Mr. Churchill, Sr.], Howard Freeman [Governor Tait], Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra [Themselves], Additional Cast: Sidney Miller [Ed], Eve Whitney [Brunette], Carole Gallagher [Blonde], Kay Williams [Blonde], Jess Lee Brooks [Buckets], Roger Moore [Cameraman], Charles Coleman [Maitre d'Hotel], Harry Depp [Nervous Man], Richard Kipling [Dignified Man], Henry Roquemore [Fat Man], Alphonse Martell [Waiter], Barbara Bedford [Churchill's Secretary], William Beaudine Jr. [Tom], Bess Flowers [Committee Woman], Peter Lawford [cameo as student], Six Hits and a Miss, The Music Maids, The Stafford Trio, The King's Men [vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "I Got Rhythm" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] Treat Me Rough (sung and danced by June Allyson, Mickey Rooney, The Music Maids, The Stafford Trio, Kathleen Carns and Ruth Clark with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra); [0:25] Bidin' My Time (sung by Judy Garland, The King's Men and the MGM Studio Chorus); [0:36] Could You Use Me? (sung by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland); [0:40] Happy Birthday to You (sung by Rags Ragland and Chorus [students onscreen]); [0:41] Embraceable You (sung by Judy Garland and Chorus [students onscreen], danced by Judy Garland, Charles Walters and Boys); [1:11] Fascinating Rhythm (instrumental arrangement played by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Mickey Rooney at the piano); [1:24] But Not for Me (sung by Judy Garland to Rags); [1:30] I Got Rhythm (big production number sung and danced by Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Six Hits and a Miss, The Music Maids, Hal Hopper, Trudy Erwin, Bobbie Canvin, Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra and The MGM Studio Chorus); [cut] Bronco Busters (Outtake: Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Nancy Walker and the MGM Studio Orchestra and Chorus)

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Girl Happy

Girl Happy
Euterpe / MGM, 1965, Color, 95 minutes
Released April, 1965

Elvis stars as Rusty Wells, a Chicago singer who heads down to Florida to work spring break - and have a little fun on the side. Soon he's working overtime trying to keep his mind on his job - and an eye on his boss' flirtatious daughter - in this sun-drenched romantic romp featuring twelve terrific tunes including "Spring Fever," "Girl Happy," "Wolf Call," "Do the Clam" and "Puppet On a String." [from back of VHS sleeve]

Elvis - The Hollywood Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Charro!, Kissin' Cousins, Live a Little, Love a Little, Stay Away Joe, Tickle Me.

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Boris Sagal
Assistant Director: Jack Aldworth
Technical Advisor: Colonel Tom Parker
Written by: Harvey Bullock and R. S. Allen
Music:: George Stoll
Vocal Backgrounds by: The Jordanaires
Choreography: David Winters
Art Direction: George W. Davis and Addison Hehr
Set Decoration: Henry Grace, Hugh Hunt
Make-Up Supervision: William Tuttle
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton
Director of Photography: Philip H. Lathrop
Filmed in Panavision and Metrocolor
Film Editor: Rita Roland

Cast: Elvis Presley [Rusty Wells], Shelley Fabares [Valerie], Harold J. Stone [Big Frank], Gary Crosby [Andy], Joby Baker [Wilbur], Nita Talbot [Sunny Daze], Mary Ann Mobley [Deena], Fabrizio Mioni [Romano], Jackie Coogan [Sgt. Benson], Jimmy Hawkins [Doc], Peter Brooks [Brentwood Von Durgenfeld], John Fiedler [Mr. Penchill], Chris Noel [Betsy], Lyn Edgington [Laurie], Gail Gilmore [Nancy], Pamela Curran [Bobbie], Rusty Allen [Linda], The Jordanaires [backup vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Girl Happy (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen] behind titles and into opening scene); [0:09] Spring Fever (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen], Shelley Fabares, Lyn Edgington and Chris Noel [girls probably dubbed]); [0:14] The Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offsreen]); [0:18] Wolf Call (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen], danced by Elvis and Nary Ann Mobley); [0:22] Do Not Disturb (Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen] singing to Mary Ann Mobley); [0:34] Cross My Heart and Hope to Die (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen] sunging to Mary Ann Mobley); [0:39] The Meanest Girl in Town (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen]); [0:45] I've Got News for You (sung by Nita Talbot); [0:48] Do the Clam (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen], danced by Elvis and the Kids); [0:53] Puppet on a String (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen] while walking Shelley Fabares back to her room); [1:01] Puppet on a String (reprised by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen] with Shelley on a boat); [1:10] I've Got News for You (sung by drunk Valerie); [1:29] I've Got to Find My Baby (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen]); [1:31] Girl Happy (reprised by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires [offscreen], danced by Elvis and Shelley Fabares)

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Girl Most Likely, The

The Girl Most Likely
Rubin Productions / RKO, 1957, Color, 98 minutes, ***
Released December, 1957

Dodi (Jane Powell) tries to pick between three suitors in this musical remake of Ginger Rogers' "Tom, Dick and Harry" (1941). One of Jane's weaker films, but still fun. Has some good musical numbers.

Produced by: Stanley Rubin
In Charge of Production: William Dozier
Directed by: Mitchell Leisen
Assistant Director: Richerd Moder
Screen Play by: Devery Freeman
(based on a story and screenplay by Paul Jarrico)
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Nelson Riddle
Music and Lyrics by: Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Song: "The Girl Most Likely" by Bob Russell and Nelson Riddle, sung by The Hi-Lo's
Dances and Musical Sequences Staged by: Gower Champion
Art Direction: Albert S. D'Agostino and George W. Davis
Set Decorator: Eli Benneche
Costume Designer: Renie
Makeup Supervisor: Harry Maret, Jr.
Hair Stylist: Larry Germain
Sound: Frank Webster, Terry Kellam
Director of Photography: Robert Planck
Filmed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Robert Brower
Film Editors: Harry Marker, Dean Harrison

Cast: Jane Powell [Dodi], Cliff Robertson [Pete], Keith Andes [Neil], Kaye Ballard [Marge], Tommy Noonan [Buzz], Una Merkel [Mom], Kelly Brown [Sam], Judy Nugent [Pauline], Frank Cady [Pop], Joseph Kearns [Mr. Schlom], Chris Essay [Steward], Nacho Galindo [Photographer], Paul Gary [Man in Penny Arcade], Julia Montoya [Basket Vendor], Valentin de Vargas [Young Daddy], Bob Banas, Joyce Blunt, Tex Brodus, Buddy Bryant, Gloria DeWerd, Gail Ganley, Harvey Hohnecker, Maurice Kelly, Tommy Ladd, Todd Miller, Donna Pouget, Paul Rees, Marjorie Stapp, Bruce Stowell, Lida Thomas [Dancers]

Musical Program: [0:00] The Girl Most Likely (sung by The Hi-Lo's behind titles); [0:06] I Don't Know What I Want (sung by Jane Powell); [0:17] We Gotta Keep up with the Joneses (sung and danced by Jane Powell, Tommy Noonan and Ensemble); [0:38] Balboa (sung and danced by Jane Powell, Cliff Robertson, Kaye Ballard, Kelly Brown and Ensemble); [0:49] Crazy Horse (sung and danced by Jane Powell and Children); [1:16] All the Colors of the Rainbow (sung and danced by Jane Powell, Kaye Ballard, Keith Andes, Kelly Brown and Ensemble); [1:35] I Don't Know What I Want (reprised with special lyrics by Jane Powell)

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Girl Next Door, The

The Girl Next Door
20th Century-Fox, 1953, Color, 92 minutes, ***
Released May, 1953

June Haver and Dan Dailey are enthralling as star-crossed neighbors who must overcome a young boy's scorn to let their blossoming love sing. "A lively, tuneful and amusing" (Cue) tale featuring "singable songs and original dances (L.A. Examiner), The Girl Next Door is an entertaining gem of a musical that hits the perfect note.

When stage star Jeannie Laird (Haver) meets her new widower neighbor, Bill Carter (Dailey), love is in the air. The only problem is Carter's young son, Joe. Threatened by a new woman in his father's life, Joe refuses to accept Jeannie and begins a mischievous campaign to keep her away. With Joe between them, Jeannie and Bill must find a way to earn the boy's acceptance if they're ever going to be more than just the lovers next door! [from back of DVD case]

Produced by: Robert Bassler
Directed by: Richard Sale
Screen Play by: Isobel Lennart
Based on a Story by L. Bush Fekete and Mary Helen Fay
Lyrics: Mack Gordon
Music: Josef Myrow
Musical Direction: Lionel Newman
Incidental Music: Cyril Mockridge
Choreography by: Richard Barstow
Vocal Direction: Ken Darby, Eliot Daniel
Orchestration: Earle Hagen
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, Joseph C. Wright
Set Decorations: Thomas Little, Claude Carpenter
Wardrobe Direction: Charles LeMaire
Costumes Designed by: Travilla
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Sound: Bernard Freericks, Roger Heman
Animation Sequences by: United Productions of America (UPA)
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Special Photographic Effects: Ray Kellog
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Leonard Doss
Film Editor: Robert Simpson

Cast: Dan Dailey [Bill Carter], June Haver [Jeannie Laird], Dennis Day [Reed Appleton], Billy Gray [Joe Carter], Cara Williams [Rosie Green], Natalie Schafer [Evelyn, the Maid], Clinton Sundberg [Samuels, the Butler], Hayden Rorke [Henry Fields], Mary Jane Saunders [Kitty], Additional Cast: Mona Knox [Smitty], Lyn Wilde [Peggy], Gregg Sherwood [Franny], Beverly Thompson [Susie], June Wurster [Maggie], May Wynn [Mitzi], Jeffrey Sayre, James Conaty, Bert Stevens, Harold Miller, Kenner G. Kemp [Party Guests], Herb Vigran [Police Sergeant], Michael Ross [Patrolman O'Toole], Bob Carraher [Policeman], Don Kohler [Customs Official], Charles Wagenheim [Junkman], Beryl Davis [singing voice of June Haver]

Musical Program: [0:00] We Girls of the Chorus (sung and danced by Chorus Girls before titles); [0:02] The Great White Way (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:03] (Ho-Hum - Ho-Hum) A Quiet Little Place in the Country (sung by Beryl Davis dubbing for June Haver and Chorus); [0:10] If I Love You a Mountain (sung by Dennis Day); [0:18] I'd Rather Have a Pal Than a Gal Anytime (sung by Dan Dailey and Billy Gray while washing dishes); [0:24] You're Doing All Right (sung and danced by Dan Dailey, June Haver and Dennis Day; Beryl Davis dubbing for June Haver); [0:33] Nowhere Guy (sung by Beryl Davis dubbing for June Haver, danced by Haver, Dan Dailey and Male Chorus); [0:49] I'm Mad About the Girl Next Door (sung by Dan Dailey, danced by Dailey and June Haver); [1:02] You (sung by Dennis Day, then sung by Dan Dailey and Beryl Davis dubbing for June Haver); [1:14] Dream Sequence: I'm Mad About the Girl Next Door / You / I'd Rather Have a Pal Than a Gal Anytime (sung by Chorus, danced by Dan Dailey, June Haver and Billy Gray); [1:24] If I Love You a Mountain (sung by Dennis Day and Cara Williams); [1:30] Finale: I'm Mad About the Girl Next Door (sung by Chorus, danced by June Haver and Dan Dailey)

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Girl of the Golden West, The

The Girl of the Golden West
MGM, 1938, B/W, 121 minutes, ***
Released March, 1938

Jeanette MacDonald is Mary Robbins, Girl of the Golden West. She runs a saloon in a small California town, where Walter Pidgeon is the Sheriff, Buddy Ebsen is the blacksmith and all-around handyman, and Brandon Tynan is the only one in town who knows how to play the new piano given to Jeanette as a gift. When Jeanette travels to the capitol, Nelson Eddy and his outlaw gang hold up the stage. After encountering Jeanette, Eddy heads for the capitol where he steals a uniform and disguises himself as a lieutenant in order to woo Jeanette. Lots of comic situations follow. One of Jeanette's funniest films!

Musical highlights include Jeanette's rendition of "Liebestraum" (accompanied by The Professor on the new piano), the big production number "Mariachi" and "Shadows on the Moon," which runs through the film score like a theme song.

Produced by: William Anthony McGuire
Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard
Screen Play by: Isabel Dawn and Boyce DeGaw
Based on the Play by David Belasco
Music by: Sigmund Romberg
Lyrics by: Gus Kahn
Musical Direction by: Herbert Stothart
Orchestral and Vocal Arrangements by: Leonid Raab, Leo Arnaud and Paul Marquardt
Dances and Ensembles Created by: Albertina Rasch
Musical Presentation by: Merrill Pye
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Eddie Imazu, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Oliver T. Marsh
Montage Effects: Slavko Vorkapich
Film Editor: W. Donn Hayes

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Mary Robbins], Nelson Eddy [Ramerez / Lieutenant Johnson], Walter Pidgeon [Jack Rance], Leo Carrillo [Mosquito], Buddy Ebsen ["Alabama"], Leonard Penn [Pedro], Priscilla Lawson [Nina Martinez], Bob Murphy ["Sonora Slim"], Olin Howlin ["Trinidad Joe"], Cliff Edwards ["Minstrel Joe"], Billy Bevan [Nick], Brandon Tynan [The Professor], H. B. Warner [Father Sienna], Monty Woolley [Governor], Charley Grapewin [Uncle Davy], Noah Beery, Sr. [The General], Bill Cody, Jr. [Gringo], Jeanne Ellis [The Girl (Mary)], Ynez Seabury [Wowkle], Additional Cast: Victor Potel [Stage Driver], Nick Thomason [Billy Jack Rabbit], Tom Mahoney [Handsome Charlie], Phillip Armenta [Long Face], Chief Big Tree [Indian Chief], Russell Simpson [Pioneer], Armand "Curly" Wright [Renegade], Pedro Regas [Renegade], Gene Coogan [Manuel], Sergei Arabeloff [Jose], Alberto Morin [Juan], Joe Dominguez [Felipe], Frank McGlynn, Sr. [Pete, a Gambler], Cy Kendall [Hank, a Gambler], E. Alyn Warren [Miner], Francis Ford [Miner], Hank Bell [Deputy], Walter Bonn [Lt. Johnson], Richard Tucker [Colonel], Virginia Howell [Governor's Wife], Raymond Chace [singing voice of Bill Cody, Jr.]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Sun-up to Sundown (sung by Jeanne Ellis and Chorus); [0:03] Shadows on the Moon (sung by Jeanne Ellis); [0:06] Soldiers of Fortune (sung by Noah Beery and Mens Chorus); [0:12] Soldiers of Fortune (sung by Raymond Chace dubbing for Bill Cody, Jr.); [0:14] Soldiers of Fortune (sung by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus); [0:18] Shadows on the Moon (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:22] The Wind in the Trees (sung by Jeanette MacDonald with Buddy Ebsen on flute); [0:32] Liebestraum (sung by Jeanette MacDonald with the Professor on piano); [0:46] Ave Maria (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Boys Choir); [0:54] Señorita (sung by Nelson Eddy and Chorus); [0:57] Señorita (sung by Nelson Eddy); [0:59] Mariachi (production number sung by Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy and Chorus; danced by Ensemble); [1:11] The West Ain't Wild Anymore (sung by Buddy Ebsen); [1:22] Who Are We to Say? (sung by Nelson Eddy); [1:31] Shadows on the Moon (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:52] Who Are We to Say? (sung by Jeanette MacDonald with the Professor on piano -- great number); [1:59] Señorita (sung by Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald)

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Girls! Girls! Girls!

Girls! Girls! Girls!
(aka Girls, Girls, Girls)
Paramount, 1962, Color, 106 minutes, ***
Released November, 1962

The King plays a Hawaiian charter boat captain. Suddenly finding himself without a boat, he tries to buy a sailboat that belonged to his father. He works as a tuna fisherman by day and a nightclub entertainer by night, trying hard to save enough cash to buy the boat. Of course there are numerous girls in Preley's life, but when his best girl helps him get his boat, romantic problems ensue.

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

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis
Associate Producer: Paul Nathan
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Assistant Director: D. Michael Moore
Screenplay: Edward Anhalt and Allan Weiss
Story by: Allan Weiss
Music Scored and Conducted by: Joseph J. Lilley
Vocal Accompaniment by: The Jordanaires
Technical Advisor: Col. Tom Parker
Musical Numbers Staged by: Charles O'Curran
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Walter Tyler
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Frank R. McKelvy
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Hair Style Supervision: Nellie Manley
Sound Recording: Harold Lewis and Charles Grenzbach
Director of Photography: Loyal Griggs
Filmed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Editorial Supervision: Stanley Johnson

Cast: Elvis Presley [Ross Carpenter], Stella Stevens [Robin Gantner], Jeremy Slate [Wesley Johnson], Laurel Goodwin [Laurel Dodge], Benson Fong [Kin Yung], Guy Lee [Chen Yung], Beulah Quo [Mme. Yung], Robert Strauss [Sam], Frank Puglia [Alexander Stavros], Lili Valenty [Mama Stavros], Barbara Beale [Leona], Betty Beall [Linda], Nestor Paiva [Arthur Morgan], Mary Treen [Mrs. Figgot, Hat Shop Customer], Ann McCrea [Mrs. Morgan], Ginny Tiu [Mai Ling], Elizabeth Tiu [Tai Ling], Alexander Tiu [Mai Ling's Brother], The Jordanaires [backup vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] Girls! Girls! Girls! (sung offscreen behind titles by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [0:09] Never Let Me Go (sung by Stella Stevens backed by The Jordanaires); [0:12] I Don't Wanna Be Tied (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [0:25] Mama (sung by The Four Amigos); [0:28] We'll Be Together (sung by Elvis Presley and Party Guests); [0:29] A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You (sung by Elvis Presley onscreen with The Jordanaires offscreen); [0:37] Earth Boy (sung by Elvis Presley with Ginny and Elizabeth Tiu); [0:49] The Nearness of You (sung by Stella Stevens backed by The Jordanaires); [0:52] Return to Sender (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [0:54] Because of Love (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [0:58] Thanks to the Rolling Sea (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [1:00] Song of the Shrimp (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [1:10] The Walls Have Ears (sung by Elvis Presley onscreen with The Jordanaires offscreen, danced by Elvis and Laurel Goodwin); [1:17] We're Coming in Loaded (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [1:24] Baby, Baby, Baby (sung by Stella Stevens backed by The Jordanaires); [1:36] Girls! Girls! Girls! (sung by Elvis Presley onscreen with The Jordanaires offscreen, danced by Elvis, Ginny and Elizabeth Tiu and Chorus Girls)

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Give a Girl a Break

Give a Girl a Break
MGM, 1953, Color, 82 minutes, ***½
Released December, 1953

Kasznar, Champion and Fosse are putting on a Broadway show and they need a leading lady. But each of them has eyes for a different woman, and each wants his favorite to get the part. The only thing to do is hold an audition. Fun film with a fun cast. Highlights include "Nothing Is Impossible," sung and danced by Kasznar, Fosse and Champion; "In Our United State," sung and danced by Fosse and Reynolds; and "It Happens Every Time," sung by Gower and danced by Marge and Gower.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Stanley Donen
Assistant Director: Marvin Stuart
Screen Play by: Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich
Story by: Vera Caspary
Music by: Burton Lane
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Musical Direction: André Previn and Saul Chaplin
Musical Numbers Staged by: Stanley Donen and Gower Champion
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Arthur Krams
Women's Costumes Designed by: Helen Rose
Men's Costumes Designed by: Herschel McCoy
Hair Styles: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: William C. Mellor
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe, Irving G. Ries
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, Robert Brower
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Cast: Marge Champion [Madelyn Corlane], Gower Champion [Ted Sturgis], Debbie Reynolds [Suzy Doolittle], Helen Wood [Joanna Moss], Bob Fosse [Bob Dowdy], Kurt Kasznar [Leo Belney], Richard Anderson [Burton Bradshaw], William Ching [Anson Pritchett], Lurene Tuttle [Mrs. Doolittle], Larry Keating [Felix Jordan], Donna Martell [Janet Hallson]

Musical Program: [0:06] Give a Girl a Break (sung by Debbie Reynolds, Marge Champion, Helen Wood and Chorus, danced by Debbie, Marge and Helen); [0:18] Nothing Is Impossible (sung and danced by Kurt Kasznar, Bob Fosse and Gower Champion); [0:34] In Our United State (sung and danced by Debbie Reynolds and Bob Fosse); [0:41] Challenge Dance (danced by Marge and Gower Champion); [0:48] Suzy's audition (danced by Debbie Reynolds); Joanna's audition (danced by Helen Wood); Madelyn's audition (danced by Marge Champion); [0:53] Give a Girl a Break (sung by Debbie Reynolds, Marge Champion, Helen Wood and Ensemble; danced by Debbie, Marge and Helen); In Our United State (instrumental version danced by Debbie Reynolds and Bob Fosse); [0:57] unidentified instrumental (danced by Helen Wood and Kurt Kasznar); [1:00] It Happens Every Time (sung by Gower Champion, danced by Marge and Gower Champion); [1:16] Applause, Applause (sung and danced by Debbie Reynolds and Gower Champion with Chorus)

Give a Girl a Break title card

Give Me a Sailor

Give Me a Sailor
Paramount, 1938, B/W, 78 minutes, ***
Released August, 1938

Lively musical-comedy stars Bob Hope and Jack Whiting as sibling sailors who meet sisters Betty Grable and Martha Raye while on leave. Whiting is romantically interested in Grable, but so is Hope, who tries to fix his brother up with Raye. Songs include "What Goes On Here (In My Heart)," "A Little Kiss at Twilight."

Cute story! Bob Hope is a bit more restrained than usual, but he works well with Martha Raye. The story is somewhat predictable, though with a few surprises. Funny and lots of fun!

The double-feature DVD (shown right) contains this movie and Caught in the Draft.

Adolph Zukor Presents
Produced by: Jeff Lazarus
Associate Producer: Paul Jones
Directed by: Elliott Nugent
Screen Play by: Doris Anderson and Frank Butler
Based on a play by Anne Nichols
Musical Adviser: Phil Boutelje
Music Direction: Boris Morros
Music and Lyrics: Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin
Dances: LeRoy Prinz
Art Direction: Hans Dreier, Earl Hedrick
Interior Decorations: A. E. Freudeman
Costumes: Edith Head
Sound Recording: Harry Lindgren, Richard Olson
Photography: Victor Milner
Editor: William Shea

Cast: Martha Raye [Letty Larkin], Bob Hope [Jim Brewster], Betty Grable [Nancy Larkin], Jack Whiting [Walter Brewster], Clarence Kolb [Captain Tallant], J. C. Nugent [Mr. Larkin], Bonnie Jean Churchill [Ethel May Brewster], Nana Bryant [Mrs. Brewster], Additional Cast: Emerson Treacy [Meryl], Kathleen Lockhart [Mrs. Hawks], Ralph Sanford [Ice Man], Edward Earle [First Businessman], Eddie Kane [Second Businessman], Irving Bacon [Druggist]

Musical Program: [0:00] The U.S.A. and You (played by Orchestra, sung by Chorus through titles and into opening scene); [0:27] What Goes On Here (In My Heart) (sung by Betty Grable with a little help from Jack Whiting, danced by Grable and Whiting); [0:39] A Little Kiss at Twilight (sung by Martha Raye); [1:03] A Little Kiss at Twilight (reprised by Martha Raye)

Caught in the Draft / Give Me a Sailor Double Feature DVD

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Glass Bottom Boat, The

The Glass Bottom Boat
Euterpe / MGM, 1966, Color, 110 minutes, ***½
Released June, 1966

Doris Day entered her eighth consecutive year as a Top-10 Box-Office Star when she boarded The Glass Bottom Boat, a hilarious blending of romantic comedy and the era's burgeoning spy-movie genre.

Day plays a Girl Friday at a hush-hush aeronautics think tank. When colleagues suspect she's an espionage agent, Jennifer chaotically sets out to clear her name. Looney Tunes alumnus Frank Tashlin directs with a cartoonist's sensibility - or zany insensibility - embracing everything from spy guises to push-button chaos in a futuristic kitchen. With top comedians Arthur Godfrey, Paul Lynde, Edward Andrews, John McGiver, Dom DeLuise and Dick Martin in tow, The Glass Bottom Boat is loaded top to bottom with seethrough fun. [from back of DVD case]

The support cast includes Paul Lynde as a security agent and Dom DeLuise as a bumbling spy. Even Robert Vaughn gets into the act with a cameo as Napoleon Solo from TV's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." Lots of laughs!

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

Produced by: Martin Melcher and Everett Freeman
Directed by: Frank Tashlin
Assistant Director: Al Jennings
Written by: Everett Freeman
Music by: De Vol
Songs: "The Glass Bottom Boat" by Joe Lubin;
"Soft as the Starlight" by Joe Lubin and Jerome Howard
Art Direction: George W. Davis and Edward C. Carfagno
Set Decoration: Hugh Hunt, Henry Grace
Miss Day's Costumes Designed by: Ray Aghayan
Doris Day Hair Styling by: Barbara Lampson
Make-Up Supervision: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Special Visual Effects: J. McMillin Johnson, Carroll L. Shepphird
In Panavision and Metrocolor
Film Editor: John McSweeney

Cast: Doris Day [Jennifer Nelson], Rod Taylor [Bruce Templeton], Arthur Godfrey [Axel Nordstrom], John McGiver [Ralph Goodwin], Paul Lynde [Homer Cripps], Edward Andrews [Gen. Wallace Bleecker], Eric Fleming [Edgar Hill], Dom DeLuise [Julius Pritter], Dick Martin [Zack Molloy], Elisabeth Fraser [Nina Bailey], George Tobias [Mr. Fenimore], Alice Pearce [Mrs. Fenimore], Ellen Corby [Anna Miller], Dee J. Thompson [Donna], Additional Cast: Robert Vaughn [Cameo as Napoleon Solo], Theodore Marcuse [Spy with Cigar], Christopher Riordan [Party Guest / Plant Worker]

Musical Program: [0:03} The Glass Bottom Boat (sung by Doris Day and Chorus behind titles); [0:44] The Glass Bottom Boat (sung by Arthur Godfrey and Doris Day); [0:46] Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) (sung by Doris Day and Arthur Godfrey); [0:49] Soft as the Starlight (sung by Doris Day)

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Glass Slipper, The

The Glass Slipper
MGM, 1955, Color, 95 minutes, ***
Released March, 1955

An interesting version of the Cinderella story with Leslie Caron as Cinderella, Michael Wilding as The Prince and Estelle Winwood as the Fairy Godmother. Includes two dazzling ballet sequences. "As played by Leslie Caron, Cinderella is a combination of elf, tomboy and sweater girl" [The New Yorker].

Producer: Edwin H. Knopf
Director: Charles Walters
Screenplay: Helen Deutsch
Musical Score: Bronislau Kaper
"Take My Love" written by Helen Deutsch and Bronislau Kaper
Choreography: Roland Petit
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Daniel B. Cathcart
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis, Richard Pefferle
Costume Design: Helen Rose, Walter Plunkett
Cinematography: Arthur E. Arling
Film Editing: Ferris Webster

Cast: Leslie Caron [Ella], Michael Wilding [Prince Charles], Keenan Wynn [Kovin], Estelle Winwood [Mrs. Touqet], Elsa Lanchester [Widow Sonder], Barry Jones [Duke], Amanda Blake [Birdena], Lisa Daniels [Serafina], Lurene Tuttle [Cousin Loulou], Liliane Montevicchi [Tehara], Ballet de Paris [Ballet Dancers], Walter Pidgeon [Narrator]

Musical Program: Take My Love (theme song); Son of a Cook; solo by Prince Charles; kitchen ballet sequence; Egyptian ballet sequence

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Glenn Miller Story, The

The Glenn Miller Story
Universal, 1954, Color, 113 minutes, ***½
General release February, 1954

The music of the Big Band era lives again in this famed biography of the musician and band leader. James Stewart shines in the title role, with June Allyson as his wife. Special musical guests include Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, Frances Langford and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, performing such classics as "Pennsylvania 6-5000," "Moonlight Serenade" and "Chattanooga Choo-Choo."

Produced by: Aaron Rosenberg
Directed by: Anthony Mann
Assistant Director: John Sheerwood
Written by: Valentine Davies and Oscar Brodney
Technical Constultant: Chummy MacGregor
Musical Direction: Joseph Gershenson
Musical Adaptation: Henry Mancini
Dance Director: Kenny Williams
Technical Advisor: Chummy MacGregor
Art Direction: Bernard Herzbrun, Alexander Golitzen
Set Decorations: Russell A. Gausman, Julia Heron
Gowns: Jay Morley, Jr.
Hair Stylist: Joan St. Oegger
Make-Up: Bud Westmore
Sound: Leslie I. Carey, Joe Lapis
Director of Photography: William Daniels
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: William Fritzsche
Film Editor: Russell Schoengarth

Awards: Academy Award for Best Sound Recording; Academy Award nominations for Best Story / Screenplay (Valentine Davies and Oscar Brodney) and Best Score (Musical) (Joseph Gershenson and Henry Mancini)

Cast: James Stewart [Glenn Miller], June Allyson [Helen Berger Miller], Harry Morgan [Chummy MacGregor], Charles Drake [Don Haynes], George Tobias [Si Schribman], Barton MacLane [General Arnold], Sig Ruman [Kranz], Irving Bacon [Mr. Miller], James Bell [Mr. Berger], Kathleen Lockhart [Mrs. Miller], Katherine Warren [Mrs. Berger], Guest Appearances: Frances Langford, Louis Armstrong, Ben Pollack, Gene Krupa, The Modernaires, The Archie Savage Dancers, Barney Bigard, James Young, Marty Napoleon, Cozy Cole, Babe Russin, The Glenn Miller Orchestra [Themselves]

Musical Program: There is a lot of music in this film - many old favorites. But much of it is in the form of excerpts. I've indexed only the featured numbers below (those that are played to completion), and followed that with a list of some of the excertped numbers:
[0:02] Moonlight Serenade (Orchestra, behind titles); [0:34] Basin Street Blues (Louis Armstrong with Gene Krupa on drums); [1:05] Moonlight Serenade (Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:10] A String of Pearls (Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:18] Pennsylvania 6-5000 (Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:23] Tuxedo Junction (instrumental by Glenn Miller Orchestra, danced by unidentified dancers); [1:29] St. Louis Blues March (Gkenn Miller Orchestra); [1:35] In the Mood (Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:39] Chattanooga Choo Choo (Frances Langford, the Modernaires and Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:43] American Patrol (Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:50] Little Brown Jug (Glenn Miller Orchestra)
Excerpted numbers include: "Goodbye Ladies," "Little Brown Jug" (two vocal versions); "Bidin' My Time" (vocal from the stage musical "Girl Crazy," 1930), "Moonlight Serenade" (production arrangement by unidentified nightclub singer); "Over the Rainbow" (Glenn Miller Band, 1939); "I Know Why and So Do You" (from Sun Valley Serenade); "Here Comes the Bride," and several others I can't identify.

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Glorifying the American Girl

Glorifying the American Girl
Monta Bell - Producer / Long Island Studios /
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation, Adolph Zukor, Pres.
Paramount, 1929, B/W and Color, 96 minutes, ***
Released December, 1929

A real treat for fans of vintage films! This early talkie Flo Ziegfeld production is a classic example of the "backstage musical," featuring 75 glorified beauties, vintage music (composed by Irving Berlin), wonderful costumes and choreography and a rather thin plot. But who cares about the plot? Performances by Rudy Vallee, Eddie Cantor and the great Helen Morgan. Also glimpses of Ring Larner, Texas Guinan, NY Mayor Jimmy Walker, Noah Beery, Johnny Weissmuller, Flo Ziegfeld and his wife Billie Burke.

Florenz Ziegfeld dreamed of producing the first screen musical with sound, but due to production delays caused largely by technical problems, the film was released several years too late.

Under the Personal Supervision of: Florenz Ziegfeld
Directed by: Millard Webb
From the Story by: J. P. McEvoy and Millard Webb
Music and Lyrics by: Walter Donaldson, Irving Berlin, Dave Stamper and Larry Spier
Revue Finales Designed and Staged by: John W. Harkrider
Ballet Ensembles by: Ted Shawn
Art Director: John W. Harkrider
Costume Design: John W. Harkrider
Photographed by: George Folsey
Color Sequences Photographed by Technicolor Process

Cast: Mary Eaton [Gloria Hughes], Dan Healy ["Miller"], Kaye Renard ["Mooney"], Edward Crandall [Buddy], Olive Shea [Barbara], Sarah Edwards [Mrs. Hughes], Singing and Dancing Chorus of Seventy Five Glorified Beauties Additional Cast: Eddie Cantor, Rudy Vallee and His Orchestra, Florenz Ziegfeld, Mayor James Walker, Ring Lardner, Noah Beery, Sr., Texas Guinan, Johnny Weissmuller, Irving Berlin, Adolph Zukor, Helen Morgan, Charles Dillingham [Guests], Norman Brokenshire [Narrator]

Musical Program: I'm still working on identifying all of the songs in this film...
[0:02] ? / ? / A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody / No Foolin' (Overture medley sung by men's chorus); [0:04] No Foolin' (sung by Mary Eaton at Heimer's Department Store Music Department demonstrating sheet music); [0:05] Baby Face (sung by Mary Eaton with Edward Crandall at the piano); [0:08] Mr. Heimer (like a Heimer's Department Store pep song, sung by guests at Heimer's Department Store picnic); [0:09] Speech by Mr. Heimer; [0:13] I'll Be There (sung by Mary Eaton in canoe); [0:14] Spooning (sung and danced at picnic by Dan Healy and Kaye Renard billed as "Miller and Mooney"); [0:17] Blue Skies (played by band during gymnastic act at picnic); [0:18] Sam, the Old Accordian Man (instrumental danced by Mary Eaton, joined by Dan Healy); [0:32] unidentified instrumental (sung and danced by Mary Eaton and Dan Healy); [0:33] Hot Feet (sung and danced by Mary Eaton and Dan Healy); [0:51] Hot Feet (instrumental number danced by Miller and Mooney); [1:01] Ziegfeld Presents "Glorifying the American Girl" (premiere, many famous people caught on camera); [1:03] unidentified instrumental (danced by Chorus Girls); [1:04] unidentified number (sung by Chorus); [1:06] I'm Just a Vagabond Lover (sung by Rudy Vallee with His Orchestra); [1:08] What Wouldn't I Do for That Man (sung by Helen Morgan accompanied by piano); [1:12] Ballet number (danced by Mary Eaton and Ensemble); [1:16] Comedy skit (Eddie Cantor and Louis Sorin as a pair of Jewish tailors); [1:30] There Must Be Someone Waiting for Me (sung by Mary Eaton and Chorus, paraded by Eaton and Ziegfeld Girls); and: At Sundown; Beautiful Changes; Sam the Old Accordion Man;

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Glory

Glory
David Butler Productions / RKO, 1956, Color, 100 minutes, ***
Released January, 1956

The exciting story of a Cinderella on a two dollar trail and the down-to-earth characters who make up America's most colorful spectacle sport - horse racing.

When a filly is foaled at the stable of Miz Tilbee (Charlotte Greenwood) her grandaughter, Clarabel Tilbee (Margaret O'Brien) falls in love with it and christens it "Glory". Hardships plague the Tilbee stable and the royalty-bred filly loses consistently, but Clarabel doesn't lose faith. She meets and falls in love with Chad Chadburn (John Lupton), wealthy young owner of a large stable. Glory is lost to Chadburn in a claiming race, but he secretly arranges for Glory to be won back in a poker game.

Imbued with the girl's spirit and faith, the trainer, Ned Otis (Walter Brennan) prepares Glory for the Kentucky Derby, to compete against a fast field led by the Chadbury entry.

A picture destined for the winner's circle - for its award-winning performances, its heartwinning story, its glory-winning songs! [from videotape sleeve]

Produced and Directed by: David Butler
Assistant Director: Phil Quinn
Screen Play by: Peter Milne
from a story by Gene Markey
Songs: "Glory", "Gettin' Nowhere Road", "Kentucky (Means Paradise)"
music by M. K. Jerome, Lyrics by Ted Koehler
Music Composed and Conducted by: Frank Perkins
Art Director: Albert S. D'Agostino, John B. Mansbridge
Set Decorator: Darrell Silvera
Wardrobe Design by: Michael Woulfe
Makeup Artist: Jack Byron
Hairdresser: Gertrude Wheeler
Sound by: Earl Wolcott, Terry Kellum
Sound Efects: Walter Elliott
Director of Photography: Wilfrid Cline
Print by Technicolor
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Cast: Margaret O'Brien [Clarabel Tilbee], Walter Brennan [Ned Otis], Charlotte Greenwood [Miz Tilbee], John Lupton [Chad Chadburn], Byron Palmer [Hoppy Hollis], Lisa Davis [Candy Trent], Gus Schilling [Joe Page], Theron Jackson [Alexander], Hugh Sanders [Sobbing Sam Cooney], Walter Baldwin [Doc Brock], Harry Tyler [Beed Wickwire], Leonid Kinskey [Vasily], Paul E. Burns [Squeaky Bob], Madge Blake [Aunt Martha], Additional Cast: Bill Baldwin [Brooklyn Dodgers Announcer], Jack Chefe [Nightclub Waiter], Yvonne Ginest [Clarabel's Girlfriend], Mauritz Hugo [Official at Horse Auction], Kenner G. Kemp [Glory's Jockey], Jack Lomas [Songwriter / Pianist], Jess Kirkpatrick [Cop], Syd Saylor [Feed Bill Creditor], Jeffrey Sayre [Zombie Room Patron], William Schallert [Party Guest], Paul Sorensen [Police Radio Dispatcher], Dan White [Glory's Horse Trainer], Forbes Murray [Extra at Horse Auction], Sam Harris [Horse Auction Extra / Derby Extra], Stuart Holmes, Charles Perry, Arthur Tovey [Extras at Derby], Eddie Foster, Don C. Harvey [Railbirds at Derby]

Musical Program: [0:57] Gettin' Nowhere Road (excerpt sung by Norma Zimmer dubbing for Margaret O'Brien, joined by Byron Palmer); [1:00] Glory (sung by Byron Palmer and Norma Zimmer dubbing for Margaret O'Brien, joined by male trio); [1:12] Kentucky (Means Paradise) (sung by Norma Zimmer dubbing for Margaret O'Brien, joined by Byron Palmer and male trio)

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Go Into Your Dance

Go Into Your Dance
Warner Bros. - First National, 1935, B/W, 92 minutes
Released April, 1945

About a quarter to nine - or any time - is right for this backstage extravaganza, starring Jolson as a down-and-out Broadway star and Ruby Keeler as a hoofer who helps him launch his own show. With seven zippy Harry Warren - Al Dubin tunes and famed, splashy production numbers showcasing "About a Quarter to Nine" and "A Latin from Manhattan," Go Into Your Dance is true entertainment.

Producer: Samuel Bischoff
Directed by: Archie L. Mayo
Screen Play by: Earl Baldwin
Based on a Story by Bradford Ropes
Music and Lyrics: Harry Warren and Al Dubin
Orchestral Arrangements: Ray Heindorf
Musical Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Dances Created and Staged by: Bobby Connolly
Art Director: John Hughes
Gowns by: Orry-Kelly
Director of Photography: Tony Gaudio
Film Editor: Harold McLernon

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Dance Direction (Bobby Connolly)

Cast: Al Jolson [Al Howard], Ruby Keeler [Dorothy Wayne], Glenda Farrell [Molly Howard], Helen Morgan [Luana Wells], Barton MacLane [Duke Hutchinson], Sharon Lynne [Nellie Leahy], Patsy Kelly [Irma], Benny Rubin [Himself], Phil Regan [Eddie Rio], Gordon Westcott [Fred], William B. Davidson [McGee], Joyce Compton [Show Girl], Akim Tamiroff [Mexican], Joseph Crehan [Jackson], Fred "Snowflake" Toones [Al's Valet], Russell Hicks [Sam, the Producer], Edward Keane [Producer], Arthur Treacher [Englishman on Train], Milton Kibbee [Waiter], Ward Bond [Herman Leahy], Harry Warren [Cameo], Al Dubin [Cameo]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:08] Cielito Lindo (sung by Al Jolson); [0:15] A Good Old Fashioned Cocktail (With a Good Old Fashioned Gal) (sung and danced by Ruby Keeler, then sung by Chorus Girls); [0:18] Mammy, I'll Sing About You (sung by Al Jolson); [0:32] About a Quarter to Nine (sung by Al Jolson and Chorus, danced by Ruby Keeler with Mens Chorus); [0:53] The Little Things You Used to Do (sung by Helen Morgan; Harry Warren and Al Dubin appear in the scene); [1:12] Casino de Paree (sung by Al Jolson); [1:16] Spain (danced by Ruby Keeler); [1:18] She's a Latin from Manhattan (sung by Al Jolson, sung and danced by Chorus); [1:25] Go into Your Dance (sung by Al Jolson); [1:28] About a Quarter to Nine (sung by Al Jolson)

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Go West

Go West
MGM, 1940, B/W, 80 minutes
Released December, 1940

It's round-up time for comedy when Groucho, Chico and Harpo head out for Californy in the days of the Gold Rush. Along the way they meet some modern Indians, land-grabbing villains, and the wildest train chase scene in movie history.

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 The Big Store.

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Edward Buzzell
Original Screen Play by: Irving Brecher
Musical Program: "As If I Didn't Know" by Bronislau Kaper and Gus Kahn, "Ridin' the Range" by Roger Edens and Gus Kahn, "You Can't Argue with Love" by Bronislau Kaper and Gus Kahn, "From the Land of the Sky-Blue Water" by Charles Wakefield Cadman
Musical Director: Georgie Stoll
Orchestration: George Bassman
Song Score: various
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Stan Rogers
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Women's Costumes by: Dolly Tree
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Leonard Smith
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Groucho Marx [S. Quentin Quale], Chico Marx [Joe Panello], Harpo Marx ["Rusty" Panello], John Carroll [Terry Turner], Diana Lewis [Eve Wilson], Walter Woolf King [Beecher], Robert Barrat ["Red" Baxter], June MacCloy [Lulubelle], George Lessey [Railroad President], Additional Cast: Mitchell Lewis [Halfbreed], Edward Gargan [Ticket Seller], Iris Adrian [Mary Lou], Edgar Dearing [Engineer], Tully Marshall [Dan Wilson], Clem Bevans [Official], Joe Yule [Bartender], Arthur Housman [Drunk]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:28] You Can't Argue with Love (sung by June MacCloy, joined by Groucho Marx at the end); [0:32] As If I Didn't Know [?] (played on piano by Chico Marx); [0:38] Beautiful Dreamer (sung by Diana Lewis); [0:45] For He's a Jolly Good Fellow (sung by Groucho and Chico Marx); [0:47] Oh! Susanna (sung by Groucho and Chico Marx); [0:50] Ridin' the Range (sung by John Carroll with Groucho and Chico Marx); [0:57] My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean (short excerpt sung by Groucho Marx); [0:59] From the Land of the Sky-Blue Water (played on harp disguised as loom by Harpo Marx accompanied by Indian Chief on recorder onscreen)

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Go West Young Man

Go West Young Man
Major Pictures Corp. / Paramount, 1936, B/W, 82 minutes
Released November, 1936

Mae West plays a somewhat sterotypical spoiled Hollywood movie star on tour to promote her latest film "Drifting Lady." Her car breaks down in Pennsylvania and while her chauffer tries to find the necessary new parts to fix the car, Mae and her publicity manager Warren William move into Mrs. Struthers' boarding house. While Morgan takes care of business, Mae gets into mischief with Randolph Scott and learns only too late that he is already spoken for. Plenty of laughs with Mae West and Randolph Scott mixing it up.

Producer: Emanuel Cohen
Directed by: Henry Hathaway
Screen Play by: Mae West
Based on the Stage Play: "Personal Appearance" by Lawrence Riley as presented by Brock Pemberton and Antoinette Perry
Music: Arthur Johnston
Lyrics: John Burke
Musical Direction: George Stoll
Art Direction: Wiard Ihnen
Gowns: Irene Jones
Sound: Hugo Grenzbach
Photography: Karl Struss
Editing: Ray Curtiss

Cast: Mae West [Mavis Arden], Warren William [Morgan], Randolph Scott ["Bud" Norton], Alice Brady [Mrs. Struthers], Elizabeth Patterson [Aunt Kate], Lyle Talbot [Francis X. Harrigan], Isabel Jewell [Gladys], Margaret Perry [Joyce], Etienne Girardot [Professor Rigby], Maynard Holmes [Clyde], John Indrisano [Chauffeur], Alice Ardell [Maid], Nicodemus Stewart [Nicodemus], Charles Irwin [Master of Ceremonies], Walter Walker [Andy Kelton], in "Drifting Lady:" Jack La Rue [Rico], G. P. Huntley [Philip], Robert Baikoff [Officer], Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra

Musical Program: [0:02] On a Typical Tropical Night (sung by Mae West with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:02] I Was Saying to the Moon (sung by Mae West)

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Godspell

Godspell
A Musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew
Lansbury-Duncan-Beruh / Columbia, 1973, Color, 102 minutes, ***½
Released March, 1973

Based on the hit play, Godspell presents the Gospel According to St. Matthew as played out in modern Manhattan. Colorful costumes and exciting choreography highlight this favorite that features the songs "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Light of the World," and others. With Victor Garber, David Haskell.

This film seemed almost sacrilegious when I first saw it because it was so different. But I have come to appreciate it for what it is: a light-hearted and fun interpretation of the Gospel of St. Matthew. The cast consists of a group of young folks who perform a number of dances of different styles, along with humorous skits and music. It is a fun interpretation of the Book of Matthew with a reverence of its own making through fun and a light-hearted script. It interprets the Gospel with a joy-for-life mood that is irresistable. It is a lot of fun, and the music is great! Don't miss it!

Produced by: Edgar Lansbury
Associate Producer: Kenneth Utt
Production Manager: Paul Ganapoler
Directed by: David Greene
Assistant Director: John Walsh
Screenplay by: David Greene and John-Michael Tebelak
From the Play Directed and Written by John-Michael Tebelak
With Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Produced on the Stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan, Joseph Beruh
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
Music and Lyrics of "By My Side" by Peggy Gordon, Jay Hamburger
Musical Scoring by: Stephen Schwartz
Choreography by: Sammy Bayes
Creative Consultant: John-Michael Tebelak
Production Designed by: Brian Eatwell
Art Director: Ben Kazazkow
Set Decorator: John Godfrey
Makeup Artist: Phil Goldblat
Costumes by: Sherrie Sucher
(Based on Original Designs by Susan Tsu)
Sound: Les Lazarowitz
Director of Photography: Richard Heimann
Color by TVCLabs
Film Editor: Alan Heim

Cast: Victor Garber [Jesus], Katie Hanley [Katie], David Haskell [John / Judas], Merrell Jackson [Merrell], Joanne Jonas [Joanne], Robin Lamont [Robin], Gilmer McCormick [Gilmer], Jeffrey Mylett [Jeffrey], Jerry Sroka [Jerry], Lynne Thigpen [Lynne]

Musical Program: [0:07] Prepare Ye the Way of The Lord (sung by The Company); [0:10] Save the People (sung by Victor Garber and Company); [0:17] Learn Your Lessons Well (played on makeshift instruments in junkyard by The Company); [0:22] Day by Day (sung by Robin Lamont and Company); [0:30] Turn Back, O Man (sung by Joanne Jonas, Victor Garber and Company); [0:41] Bless the Lord (sung by Lynne Thigpen and Company); [0:46] All for the Best (sung by Victor Garber, David Haskell and Company); [0:55] All Good Gifts (sung by Merrell Jackson and Company); [1:05] Light of the World (sung by Jerry Sroka, Gilmer McCormick, Jeffrey Mylett, Robin Lamont and Company); [1:10] Alas for You (sung by Victor Garber); [1:14] By My Side (sung by Katie Hanley and Company); [1:18] Beautiful City (sung by The Company); [1:25] On the Willows (sung by Stephen Reinhardt, Richard LaBonte and Victor Garber); [1:32] Finale (sung by Victor Garber and Company, includes reprisals of "Prepare Ye" and "Day by Day")

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Goin' to Town

Goin' to Town
Major Pictures Corp. / Paramount, 1935, B/W, 74 minutes, ***
Released April, 1935

Adolph Zukor Presents: Adolph Zukor was a pioneer in the motion picture business. He formed what became Paramount Pictures Corp., and served as chairman of the board until his death at age 103.

Definitely a lot of story for 74 minutes! Mae West plays a saloon girl who accepts a marriage proposal from a rancher, but before she can get hitched he is killed. But the probate court decides that she is to inherit his ranch and all his possessions. It turns out that there are a number of oil wells on the ranch, and the saloon girl is suddenly a multi-millionaire. She sets her sights on the geologist in charge of her oil wells and follows him to Argentina in an attempt to win him over. But she doesn't fit into the society "stratum" to which her beau-to-be belongs, so she must quickly make a "lady" of herself ("I'll make him forget he ever saw a stratum!"). Did I forget to mention that she also inherited a racehorse? Well, she races the horse in an Argentine derby and he wins. For the sake of mutual benefit, Mae marries a down-and-out society dude. Then she throws a huge party, complete with an opera in which she plays the heroine. But the big question is: will she win her man? They say Mae West always gets her man!

Produced by: William LeBaron
Directed by: Alexander Hall
Screenplay and Dialogue by: Mae West
From a Story by: Marion Morgan and George B. Dowell
Continuity: Harlan Thompson
Music by: Sammy Fain
Lyrics by: Irving Kahal
Miss West's Costumes Designed by: Travis Banton
Makeup: Dorothy Ponedel
Photographed by: Karl Struss
Film Editor: LeRoy Stone

Cast: Mae West [Cleo Borden], Paul Cavanagh [Edward Carrington], Gilbert Emery [Winslow], Marjorie Gateson [Mrs. Crane Brittony], Tito Coral [Taho], Ivan Lebedeff [Ivan Valadov], Fred Kohler [Buck Gonzales], Monroe Owsley [Fletcher Colton], Grant Withers [Young Fellow], Luis Alberni [Signor Vitola], Lucio Villegas [Senor Ricardo Lopez], Mona Rico [Dolores Lopez], Wade Boteler [Foreman of Ranch], Paul Harvey [Donovan], Joe Frye [Laughing Eagle, Cleo's Jockey], additional cast: Vladimar Bykoff [Tenor], Bess Flowers [Nightclub Extra]

Musical Program: [0:03] He's a Bad Man (But He's Good Enough for Me) (sung by Mae West); [0:56] Mon coeur s'oeuvre a ta voix ("My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice," from the opera SAMSON AND DELILAH) (sung by Vladimar Bykoff, Mae West and Chorus); [1:08] Now I'm a Lady (sung by Mae West)

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Going Hollywood

Going Hollywood
Cosmopolitan / MGM, 1933, B/W, 78 minutes
Released December, 1933

Delightful early MGM musical-comedy with Bing Crosby as a singer with aspirations of making it big in Hollywood who finds himself caught between a seductive actress (Fifi D'Orsay) and a pretty French teacher (Marion Davies). Songs include "After Sundown," "We'll Make Hay While the Sun Shines" and the title tune. With Patsy Kelly and Ned Sparks.

Producer: Walter Wanger
Director: Raoul Walsh
Screenplay: Donald Ogden Stewart (based on a story by Frances Marion)
Music Director: Lennie Hayton
Song Score: Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown
Choreography: Albertina Rasch
Art Direction: Merrill Pye
Gowns: Adrian
Cinematography: George Folsey
Film Editing: Frank Sullivan

Cast: Bing Crosby [Bill Williams], Marion Davies [Sylvia Bruce], Fifi D'Orsay [Lili Yvonne], Stuart Erwin [Ernest P. Baker], Patsy Kelly [Jill], Bobby Watson [Jack Thompson], Ned Sparks [Bert Conroy], Clara Blandick [Miss Perkins], Sterling Holloway [Radio Technician], Sam McDaniel [Porter], Lennie Hayton, The Three Radio Rogues [Themselves]

Musical Program: We'll Make Hay While the Sun Shines (Bing Crosby and Marion Davies); Our Big Love Scene (Bing Crosby); Temptation (Bing Crosby); After Sundown (Bing Crosby); Cinderella's Fella (Fifi D'Orsay; reprised by Marion Davies); Going Hollywood (Bing Crosby)

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Going My Way

Going My Way
Paramount, 1944, B/W, 126 minutes, ****
Premiere release May, 1944
General release August, 1944

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The timeless heartwarming tale about a priest whose unconventional methods annoy and delight his gruff superior. Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald won Oscars for their roles, as did director Leo McCarey and the film itself.

Produced and Directed by: Leo McCarey
Screen Play by: Frank Butler and Frank Cavett
Story by: Leo McCarey
Music Direction: Robert Emmett Dolan
Vocal Arrangements: Joseph J. Lilley
Music Associate: Troy sanders
New Songs: Lyrics by Johnny Burke, Music by James van Heusen
Art Direction: Hans Dreier, William Flannery
Set Decoration: Steve Seymour
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Artist: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Gene Merritt, John Cope
Director of Photography: Lionel Lindon
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings
Edited by: LeRoy Stone

Awards:

Won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Bing Crosby), Best Supporting Actor (Barry Fitzgerald), Best Director, Best Original Story (Leo McCarey), Best Screenplay (Frank Butler and Frank Cavett) and Best Song ("Swinging on a Star"); Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Barry Fitzgerald), Best B/W Cinematography (Lionel Lindon) and Best Film Editing (Leroy Stone)

Cast: Bing Crosby [Father Chuck O'Malley], Risë Stevens [Genevieve Linden], Barry Fitzgerald [Father Fitzgibbon], Frank McHugh [Father Timothy O'Dowd], Gene Lockhart [Ted Haines, Sr.], William Frawley [Max Dolan], James Brown [Ted Haines, Jr.], Jean Heather [Carol James], Porter Hall [Mr. Belknap], Fortunio Bonanova [Tomasso Bozzani], Eily Malyon [Mrs. Carmody], George Nokes [Pee Wee], Tom Dillon [Officer McCarthy], Stanley Clements [Tony Scaponi], Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer [Herman Langerhanke], Hugh Maguire [Pitch Pipe], Sybil Lewis [Maid at Metropolitan Opera House], George McKay [Mr. Van Heusen], Jack Norton [Mr. Lilley], Anita Sharp Bolster [Mrs. Quimp], Jimmie Dundee [Fireman], Adeline De Walt Reynolds [Mother Fitzgibbon], Gibson Gowland [Churchgoer], Julie Gibson [Taxi Driver], William Henry [Intern], Robert Tafur [Don Jose], Martin Garralaga [Zuniga], Robert Mitchell Boychoir [vocals]

Musical Program: [0:11] East St. Louis High (Bing Crosby and Frank McHugh); [0:16] East St. Louis High (Bing Crosby and Frank McHugh); [0:33] The Day After Forever (Jean Heather and Bing Crosby); [0:44] Three Blind Mice (Boys Choir); [0:46] Three Blind Mice (Boys Choir); [0:48] Silent Night, Holy Night (Bing Crosby and Robert Mitchell Boychoir); [1:00] Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby) (Bing Crosby with music box); [1:10] Habanera (from the opera CARMEN, sung by Risë Stevens and Chorus); [1:15] The Day After Forever (Jean Heather); [1:20] Going My Way (Bing Crosby); [1:25] Ave Maria (Bing Crosby, Risë Stevens and Robert Mitchell Boychoir); [1:38] Going My Way (Risë Stevens and Robert Mitchell Boychoir); [1:42] Swinging on a Star (Bing Crosby and Robert Mitchell Boychoir); [1:46] unidentified hymn (Robert Mitchell Boychoir); [2:04] Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby) (Chorus)

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Gold Diggers in Paris

Gold Diggers in Paris
Warner Bros., 1938, Color, 105 minutes
Released June, 1938

Highlighted by stunning musical sequences directed by Busby Berkeley, this classic follows the owners and dancers from a cash-strapped New York City club as they are mistaken for members of a prestigious ballet group and invited to perform in Paris. Not wanting to turn down a free trip, the hoofers pose as classically trained performers while trying to step up their skills. Rudy Vallee, Rosemary Lane, Hugh Herbert star. Includes the songs "The Latin Quarter," "Put That Down in Writing," "Day Dreaming (All Night Long)," and more.

The Busby Berkeley Collection Vol. 2 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Gold Diggers of 1937, Hollywood Hotel and Varsity Show.

Producer: Samuel Bischoff
Executive Producer: Hal B. Wallis
Director: Ray Enright
Assistant Director: Jesse Hibbs
Screenplay: Earl Baldwin, Warren Duff
From a Story by Jerry Wald, Maurice Leo and Richard Macaulay
Original Music: Harry Warren
Musical Numbers Created by: Busby Berkeley
Musical Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Musical Arrangements: Ray Heindorf
Art Direction: Robert Haas
Gowns: Howard Shoup
Sound: David Forrest, C. A. Riggs
Director of Photography: Sol Polito
Musical Numbers Photographed by: George Barnes
Film Editing: George Amy

Cast: Rudy Vallee [Terry Moore], Rosemary Lane [Kay Morrow], Hugh Herbert [Maurice Giraud], Allen Jenkins ["Dukie" Dennis], Gloria Dickson [Mona], Melville Cooper [Pierre LeBrec], Mabel Todd [Leticia], Fritz Feld [Luis Leoni], Curt Bois [Padrinsky], Ed Brophy [Mike Coogan], Victor Kilian, George Renavent [Gendarmes], Armand Kaliz [Stage Manager], Maurice Cass [Mr. Vail], Eddie Anderson [Doorman], Rosella Towne, Janet Shaw, Carole Landis, Peggy Moran, Diana Lewis, Lois Lindsay, Poppy Wilde [Golddiggers]

Musical Program: "Daydreaming (All Night Long)" (sung by Rudy Vallee); "The Latin Quarter" (performed by Rudy Vallee, Rosemary Lane, Allen Jenkins and Mabel Todd); "Colonel Corn" (performed by The Schnickelfritz Band); "I Wanna Go Back to Bali" (sung by Rudy Vallee and the Gold Diggers); "A Stranger in Paree" (sung by Rudy Vallee and Rosemary Lane)

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Gold Diggers of Broadway

Gold Diggers of Broadway
Warner Bros. / Vitaphone, 1929, Color, 105 minutes
Released August, 1929

Three chorus girls, Jerry, Mable and Ann, attempt to woo a wealthy backer into putting his money into their new Broadway show. The backer's brother shows up just in time to save him from the diggers, but finds himself wanting to help the girls instead. Tiny Tim's big 1960s hit "Tip Toe Through the Tulips with Me" came from this show. Three sequels followed' Roy Del Ruth directs.

Producer: none credited
Director: Roy Del Ruth
Screenplay: De Leon Anthony and Robert Lord
(based on the stage play by Avery Hopwood)
Song Score: Al Dubin and Joe Burke
Choreography: Larry Ceballos
Costume Design: Earl Luick
Recording Engineer: George R. Groves
Cinematography: Barney McGill, Ray Rennahan
Film Editing: William Holmes

Cast: Nancy Welford [Jerry], Conway Tearle [Stephen Lee], Winnie Lightner [Mable], Ann Pennington [Ann Collins], Lilyan Tashman [Eleanor], William Bakewell [Wally], Nick Lucas [Nick], Helen Foster [Violet], Albert Gran [Blake], Gertrude Short [Topsy], Neely Edwards [Stage Manager], Julia Swayne Gordon [Cissy Gray], Lee Moran [Dance Director], Armand Kaliz [Barney Barnett]

Musical Program: And Still They Fall in Love; Go to Bed; In a Kitchenette (Nick Lucas); Keeping the Wolf from the Door; Painting the Clouds with Sunshine (Nick Lucas); Mechanical Man (Winnie Lightner); Song of the Gold Diggers; Tip Toe Through the Tulips with Me (Nick Lucas); What Will I Do Without You

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Gold Diggers of 1933

Gold Diggers of 1933
Warner Bros. / Vitaphone, 1933, B/W, 94 minutes, ***
Released May, 1933

A Broadway producer has the talent, the tunes, the theater and everything else he needs to put on a show - except the dough. Not to worry, say Ginger Rogers and the other leggy chorines decked out in giant coins. Everyone will soon be singing "We're in the Money."

Soon after 42nd Street, the brothers Warner again kicked the Depression blues out the stage door and into a back alley. Mervyn Le Roy directs the snappy non-musical portions involving three wonderfully silly love matches (including Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler). And Busby Berkeley brings his peerless magic to the production numbers, his camera swooping and gliding to showstoppers that are naughty ("Pettin' in the Park"), neon-lit ("The Shadow Waltz") and soul-searing ("Remember My Forgotten Man"). Solid cinema gold. [from back of DVD case]

The Busby Berkeley Collection DVD box set (shown right) contains this film and Footlight Parade, Gold Diggers of 1935, Dames, 42nd Street, and The Busby Berkeley Disc anthology of Busby Berkeley musical numbers.

Producer: Robert Lord
Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy
Screen Play by: Erwin Gelsey and James Seymour
Dialogue by: David Boehm and Ben Markson
Based on a Play by Avery Hopwood ("Gold Diggers of Broadway")
Music and Lyrics by: Harry Warren and Al Dubin
Numbers Created and Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Vitaphone Orchestra Conducted by: Leo F. Forbstein
Art Director: Anton Grot
Gowns by: Orry-Kelly
Photography by: Sol Polito
Edited by: George Amy

Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best Sound Recording (Nathan Levinson)

Cast: Warren William [Lawrence], Joan Blondell [Carol], Aline MacMahon [Trixie], Ruby Keeler [Polly], Dick Powell [Brad], Guy Kibbee [Peabody], Ned Sparks [Barney], Ginger Rogers [Fay], Additional Cast: Clarence Nordstrom [Gordon], Robert Agnew [Dance Director], Sterling Holloway [Messenger Boy], Tammany Young [Gigolo Eddie], Ferdinand Gottschalk [Clubman], Lynn Browning [Gold Digger Girl], Charles Wilson [Deputy], Billy Barty ["Pettin' in the Park" Baby], Fred "Snowflake" Toones, Theresa Harris [Black Couple], Joan Barclay [Chorus Girl], Wallace MacDonald [Stage Manager], Charles Lane [Society Reporter], Wilbur Mack [Society Reporter], Grace Hayle [Society Reporter], Hobart Cavanaugh [Dog Salesman], Bill Elliott [Dance Extra], Dennis O'Keefe [Extra During Intermission], Busby Berkeley [Call Boy], Fred Kelsey [Detective Jones], Frank Mills [First Forgotten Man], Etta Moten ["Forgotten Man" Singer], Billy West [Medal of Honor Winner], Eddie Foster [Zipky's Kentucky Hill Billies Second Man], Loretta Andrews, Adrien Brier, Monica Bannister, Maxine Cantway, Bonnie Bannon, Margaret Carthew, Kitty Cunningham, Gloria Faythe, Muriel Gordon, June Glory, Ebba Hally, Amo Ingraham, Lorena Layson, Alice Jans, Jayne Shadduck, Bee Stevens, Anita Thompson, Pat Wing, Renee Whitney, Ann Hovey, Dorothy Coonan [Gold Diggers]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title: "We're in the Money" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] We're in the Money (aka "The Gold Digger's Song") (sung by Ginger Rogers and Chorus, portion sung by Ginger Rogers in "Pig Latin"); [0:10] Shadow Waltz (sung by Dick Powell); [0:16] I've Got to Sing a Torch Song (sung by Dick Powell at the piano); [0:26] Pettin' in the Park (excerpt sung by Clarence Nordstrom, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell in rehearsal); [0:34] Pettin' in the Park (sung and danced by by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, then sung and danced by Chorus; Billy Barty plays the baby); [0:56] Pettin' in the Park (played by Orchestra in background at speakeasy); [1:02] We're in the Money (instrumental arrangement danced by Warren William, Joan Blondell, Guy Kibbee, Aline MacMahon, Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler and speakeasy patrons); [1:21] Shadow Waltz (performed by Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell and Chorus); [1:30] Remember My Forgotten Man (spoken by Joan Blondell, sung by Etta Moten and Chorus)

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Gold Diggers of 1935

Gold Diggers of 1935
Warner Bros. / Vitaphone / First National, 1935, B/W, 95 minutes, ***
Released March, 1935

It's summer season at New England's Wentworth Plaza Hotel. And that means it's time for the rich to come out to play... and for gold diggers of every persuasion to try to reel in a sucker or two.

Dick Powell heads the cast of this musical romp, playing a desk clerk who agrees to be a gentlemanly escort for the sheltered daughter (Gloria Stuart) of a wealthy widow. Repeat Screenwriting 101 class if you can't see where that leads. Besides, the real story is who's behind the camera: Busby Berkeley, going solo for the first time and rising to the occasion with a stunner of a sequence set to the Academy Award-winning "Lullaby of Broadway," structured around the life (and death) of a Broadway hottie, and crane-shot and precision-danced into legend. No matter how many times you watch, it dazzles, delights and haunts. [from back of DVD case]

The Busby Berkeley Collection DVD box set (shown right) contains this film and Footlight Parade, Gold Diggers of 1933, Dames, 42nd Street, and The Busby Berkeley Disc anthology of Busby Berkeley musical numbers.

Producer: Robert Lord
Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Screen Play by: Manuel Seff and Peter Milne
Story by Robert Lord and Peter Milne
Music and Lyrics by: Harry Warren and Al Dubin
Orchestral Arrangements: Ray Heindorf
Vitaphone Orchestra Conducted by: Leo F. Forbstein
Dances Created and Staged by: Busby Berkeley
Art Director: Anton Grot
Gowns by: Orry-Kelly
Special Effects: Busby Berkeley
Photographed by: George Barnes
Edited by: George Amy

Awards:

Won Best Song Academy Award ("Lullaby of Broadway"); Academy Award nomination for Best Dance Direction (Busby Berkeley)

Cast: Dick Powell [Dick Curtis], Adolphe Menjou [Nicoleff], Gloria Stuart [Ann Prentiss], Alice Brady [Mrs. Prentiss], Hugh Herbert [T. Mosely Thorpe], Glenda Farrell [Betty Hawes], Frank McHugh [Humboldt Prentiss], Joseph Cawthorn [Schultz], Grant Mitchell [Louis Lamson], Dorothy Dare [Arline Davis], Winifred Shaw [Winny], Additional Cast: Ramon and Rosita [Dancers], Matty King [Tap Dancer], Thomas E. Jackson [Haggarty], Frank Moran [Stagehand], Arthur Aylesworth [Bartender], Franklyn Farnum [Bartender], George Beranger [Head Waiter], Eddie Fetherston, William Newell, George Riley, Harry Seymour [Newspaper Reporters], Don Brodie [Photographer], Nora Cecil [Housekeeper], E. E. Clive [Westbrook, the Chauffeur], Charles Coleman [Manders, the Doorman], Phil Tead, Ray Cooke, John Quillan [Bellmen], Florence Fair [Hotel Saleslady], Virginia Grey [Singer], Shep Houghton [Dancer], Eddie Kane [Maitre D' Hotel], Emily Le Rue [Girl], Sam McDaniel [Janitor], Jack Richardson, Jack Wise [Floor Managers], Leo White [Clerk Selling Perfume]

Musical Program: [0:25] I'm Goin' Shoppin' With You (performed by Dick Powell and Gloria Stuart); [0:38] The Words Are in My Heart (sung by Dick Powell); [0:51] Dagger Dance (rehearsal performed by Adolphe Menjou and Chorus); [1:06] The Words Are in My Heart (production number sung by Dick Powell and Chorus; chorus girls at pianos gliding around on stage; danced by one Chorus Girl); [1:18] Lullaby of Broadway (production number - almost like a musical play - performed by Wini Shaw, Dick Powell and huge Chorus; segment danced by Ramon and Rosita with Chorus)

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Gold Diggers of 1937

Gold Diggers of 1937
Warner Bros. / First National, 1936, B/W, 101 minutes
Released December, 1936

The beautiful Gold Digger dames are back, trying to find an angel for another Broadway show. This time the honors go to Victor Moore. His business partners are after him, and he'd rather give his money to the girls than let his partners get their hands on it. Of course, the show might make money, and then he'd be worse off than he is now! Not the best of the series, but it has its moments. More of the great Busby Berkeley staging and choreography.

The Busby Berkeley Collection Vol. 2 DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and Hollywood Hotel, Varsity Show and Gold Diggers in Paris.

Producer: Earl Baldwin
Director: Lloyd Bacon
Screenplay: Warren Duff (based on the play "Sweet Mystery of Life" by Richard Maibaum, Michael Wallace and George Haight)
Music Director: Leo F. Forbstein
Song Score: Al Dubin and Harry Warren; E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen
Musical Numbers Staged By: Busby Berkeley
Art Direction: Max Parker
Gowns: Orry-Kelly
Photographed by: Arthur Edeson
Film Editing: Thomas Richards

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Dance Direction (Busby Berkeley)

Cast: Dick Powell [Rosmer Peek], Joan Blondell [Norma Parry], Glenda Farrell [Genevieve Larkin], Victor Moore [J. J. Hobart], Lee Dixon [Boop Oglethorpe], Osgood Perkins [Mory Wethered], Charles D. Brown [John Huge], Rosalind Marquis [Sally], Irene Ware [Irene], William B. Davidson [Andy Callahan], Susan Fleming [Lucille Bailey], Fred "Snowflake" Toones [Snowflake], Charles Halton [Dr. Warshoff], Olin Howlin [Dr. McDuffy], Paul Irving [Dr. Henry], Joseph Crehan [Chairman at Insurance Convention], Harry C. Bradley [Dr. Bell], Pat West [Drunken Salesman], Iris Adrian [Verna], Wedgewood Nowell [Penfield], Tom Ricketts [Reginald], Myrtle Stedman, Jacqueline Saunders [Nurses], Bobby Jarvis [Stage Manager], Gordon Hart [White], Cliff Saum [Conductor], Jane Wyman, Irene Colman, Shirley Lloyd, Betty Mauk, Naomi Judge, Betty McIvor, Sheila Bromley, Lois Lindsey, Marjorie Weaver, Lucille Keeling, Virginia Dabney, Jane Marshall [Chorus Girls]

Musical Program: With Plenty of Money and You (Gold Diggers Lullaby) (sung by Dick Powell); You Get Pie in the Sky (Insurance Song) (Dick Powell and Chorus); Speaking of the Weather (Dick Powell and Joan Blondell); Let's Put our Heads Together (sung by Dick Powell; later sung by Glenda Farrel, Roaslind Marquis and Chorus); Speaking of the Weather (sung by Rosalind Marquis, Lee Dixon and Chorus and danced by Lee Dixon and Chorus and by Glenda Farrel and Victor Moore); All's Fair in Love and War (sung and danced by Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, Lee Dixon, Rosalind Marquis and Chorus)

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Goldwyn Follies, The

The Goldwyn Follies
Goldwyn / UA, 1938, Color, 115 minutes
Premiere release January, 1938
General release February, 1938

All singing, all dancing, all laughs and all in Technicolor...this lavish "film within a film" about a Hollywood mogul out to make the biggest movie of all time features Andrea Leeds, Kenny Baker, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Adolphe Menjou, the Ritz Brothers, and a score by George and Ira Gershwin.

Producer: Samuel Goldwyn
Director: George Marshall
Screenplay: Ben Hecht
Music Director: Arthur Newman
Musical Score: Alfred Newman
Song Score: Ira Gershwin and George Gershwin
Art Direction: Richard Day
Choreography: George Balanchine
Costume Design: Omar Kiam
Cinematography: Gregg Toland
Film Editing: Sherman Todd

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Interior Decoration (Richard Day) and Best Score (Alfred Newman)

Cast: Adolphe Menjou [Oliver Merlin], The Ritz Brothers [Themselves], Vera Zorina [Olga Samara], Kenny Baker [Danny Beecher], Andrea Leeds [Hazel Dawes], Helen Jepson [Leona Jerome], Phil Baker [Michael Day], Ella Logan [Glory Wood], Bobby Clark [A. Basil Crane, Jr.], Jerome Cowan [Lawrence], Nydia Westman [Ada], Charles Kullman [Alfredo], Frank Shields [Assistant Director], Edgar Bergen [Himself], Joseph Crehan [Theater Manager], Roland Drew [Igor], Frank Mills [Prop Man], Walter Sande [Westinghouse], Alan Ladd [Auditioning Singer], Vivian Austin, Marjorie Deanne, Betty Douglas, Ann Graham, Jane Hamilton, Lynne Berkeley, Judith Ford, Evelyn Terry, Gloria Youngblood [The Goldwyn Girls], Virginia Verrill [dubbing artist for Andrea Leeds]

Musical Program: Romeo and Juliet ballet excerpt (danced by Vera Zorina); Water Nymph ballet excerpt (danced by Vera Zorina); Love Walked In (Kenny Baker); Love Is Here to Stay (Kenny Baker); Serenade to a Fish (The Ritz Brothers); I Love to Rhyme; I Was Doing All Right (Ella Logan on radio); Spring Again (Kenny Baker); Here, Pussy Pussy

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Good News

Good News
MGM, 1947, Color, 93 minutes, ****
Released December, 1947

Class Act

Must See!

Raccoon coats, "Oh, you kid," ukuleles, "Varsity Drag"...it's college life in the '20s as seen by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ("Singin' in the Rain"). June Allyson and Joan McCracken are the campus coeds after grid star Peter Lawford. Songs include "French Lesson," "Best Things in Life Are Free" and "Pass That Peace Pipe."

One of my favorites. Highlights include Tommy's French lesson, followed by June Allyson's "The Best Things in Life Are Free"; Cora and Connie's "play" to fool Pat; and, of course, the finale number "The Varsity Drag". Good fun throughout. Up on your toes!

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Charles Walters
Screen Play by: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Based on the Musical Comedy by: Lawrence Schwab, Lew Brown, Frank Mandel, B.G. DeSylva, Ray Henderson
Musical Direction: Lennie Hayton
Songs by: B.G. DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson
Additional Material: Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Roger Edens
Song: "Pass That Peace Pipe" (by) Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane and Roger Edens
Vocal Arrangements: Kay Thompson
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Edward Carfagno
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Paul B. Chamberlain
Women's Costumes by: Helen Rose
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Charles Schoenbaum
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editor: Albert Akst

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("Pass That Peace Pipe")

Cast: June Allyson [Connie Lane], Peter Lawford [Tommy Marlowe], Patricia Marshall [Pat McClellan], Joan McCracken [Babe Doolittle], Ray McDonald [Bobby Turner], Mel Torme [Danny], Robert Strickland [Peter Van Dyne, III], Donald MacBride [Coach Johnson], Tom Dugan [Pooch], Clinton Sundberg [Prof. Burton Kehnyon], Loren Tindall [Beef], Connie Gilchrist [Cora, the Cook], Morris Ankrum [Dean Griswold], Georgia Lee [Flo], Jane Green [Mrs. Drexel], Additional Cast: Anne Taylor [Daisy], Mary Stuart, Janet Winkler [College Girls], Wheaton Chambers [Doctor], Sarah Edwards [Miss Pritchard]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: Good News / The Best Things in Life Are Free (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] Tait Song (sung and danced by Joan McCracken and Chorus); [0:07] Be a Ladies Man (sung and danced by Peter Lawford, Ray McDonald, Mel Torme, Lon Tindal, Tom Dugan); [0:21] Lucky in Love (sung by Patricia Marshall, Joan McCracken, Mel Torme, June Allyson, Peter Lawford and Chorus); [0:28] The French Lesson (sung by June Allyson and Peter Lawford); [0:32] The Best Things in Life Are Free (sung by June Allyson); [0:42] Pass That Peace Pipe (sung by Joan McCracken and Chorus, Danced by Joan McCracken and Ensemble); [0:56] Just Imagine (sung by June Allyson); [1:04] The Best Things in Life Are Free (reprised by Mel Torme, then reprised in French by Peter Lawford); [1:28] Finale: The Varsity Drag (sung by June Allyson, Peter Lawford and Chorus, danced by Cast and Chorus)

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Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Goodbye, Mr. Chips
MGM, 1969, Color, 151 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1969

Lovely musical adaptation of the popular story stars Peter O'Toole as the mild-mannered English school teacher who falls in love with vivacious dancehall girl Petula Clark. Michael Redgrave, George Baker co-star; Herbert Ross directs.

This film has always been very special to me because it is one of only two in which Petula Clark appeared in the U.S. Not to mention the fact that it is a touching and heart-warming story, even if it does take liberties with the original story.

The song "Fill the World with Love" was included on one of Petula Clark's records (now on a CD), and I never seem to grow tired of it.

Produced by: Arthur P. Jacobs
Associate Producer: Mort Abrahams
Production Supervisor: David W. Orton
Directed by: Herbert Ross
Assistant Director: Dominic Fulford
Screenplay by: Terence Rattigan
Based Upon the Novel by: James Hilton)
Music Conducted and Supervised by: John Williams
Associate Musical Supervisor: Ian Fraser
Music and Lyrics by: Leslie Bricusse
Music Editor: William Saracino
Choreography: Nora Kaye
Production Designed by: Ken Adam
Art Director: Maurice Fowler
Costume Designer: Julie Harris
Make-up Supervisor: George Blackler
Mr. O'Toole's Make-up Created by: Bill Lodge
Hairdresser: Ivy Emmerton
Recording Supervisor: A. W. Watkins
Director of Photography: Oswald Morris
Filmed in Panavision and Metrocolor
Editor: Ralph Kemplen

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Peter O'Toole) and Best Score - Musical (John Williams and Leslie Bricusse)

Cast: Peter O'Toole [Arthur Chipping], Petula Clark [Katherine Bridges], Co-Starring: Michael Redgrave [Headmaster], Featuring: George Baker [Lord Sutterwick], Sian Phillips [Ursula Mossbank], Michael Bryant [Max Staefel], Jack Hedley [William Baxter], Alison Leggatt [Headmaster's Wife], Clinton Greyn [Bill Calbury], with: Barbara Couper [Mrs. Paunceforth], Michael Culver [Johnny Longbridge], Elspeth March [Mrs. Summersthwaite], Clive Morton [General Paunceforth], Ronnie Stevens [Algie], John Gugolka [Sutterwick, Jr.], Michael Ridgeway [David], Tom Owen [Farley], and The Boys of Sherborne School Additional Cast: Mario Maranzana [Pompeii Guide], Sheila Steafel [Tilly], Jeremy Lloyd [Johnson], Elspet Gray [Lady Sutterwick], Craig Marriott [New Boy], Jack May [Price], Leo Britt [Elder Master], Royston Tickner [Policeman], Patricia Hayes [Miss Honeybun]

Musical Program: [0:01] Overture (played by Orchestra); [0:05] Fill the World with Love (sung by Boys Choir in background as camera explores the school); [0:17] Where Did My Childhood Go? (sung by Peter O'Toole); [0:22] London Is London (sung and danced by Petula Clark and Chorus in stage show); [0:38] And the Sky Smiled (sung by Petula Clark as she and O'Toole tour Grecian ruins); [0:43] And the Sky Smiled (short reprisal sung by Petula Clark); [0:48] Apollo (sung by Petula Clark at Greek festival); [0:50] When I Am Older (sung by Boys returning to school after holiday and returning to routine daily tasks); [1:04] Walk Through the World (sung by Petula Clark as she and O'Toole take a walk); [1:14] Fill the World with Love (sung by Petula Clark and the school Boys); [1:20] Intermission; [1:22] What Shall I Do with Today? (sung by Petula Clark on London street); [1:30] What a Lot of Flowers (sung by Peter O'Toole); [1:33] unidentified hymn (sung by Church Congregation); [1:40] What a Lot of Flowers (short reprisal sung by Peter O'Toole); [1:51] And the Sky Smiled (short reprisal sung by Petula Clark); [1:53] Schooldays (sung and danced by Petula Clark and Boys in school play); [2:03] You and I (sung by Petula Clark on the staircase); [2:31] Fill the World with Love (reprised by Peter O'Toole); [2:33] Exit Music: "You and I" (played by Orchestra)

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Grease

Grease
Paramount, 1978, Color, 110 minutes, ****
Broadway version premiered in 1972
Movie Released June, 1978

Class Act

Must See!

Get out your poodle skirts and penny loafers and get ready to rock-and-roll with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the hit screen rendition of the Broadway musical look at '50s high school life. Songs include "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," "You're the One That I Want" and the title track. With Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn, Eve Arden.
Setting: Rydell High School (Los Angeles), 1958

Produced by: Robert Stigwood and Allan Carr
Associate Producer: Neil A. Machlis
Directed by: Randal Kleiser
Assistant Director: Jerry Grandey
Based on the Original Musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Produced on the Broadway Stage by Kenneth Waissman and Maxine Fox in association with Anthony D'Amato
Screenplay by: Bronté Woodard
Adaptation by: Allan Carr
Music Supervision: Bill Oakes
Dances and Musical Sequences Staged and Choreographed by: Patricia Birch
Song Score: Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey; Barry Gibb
"Grease" music and lyric by Barry Gibb; "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster; "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" written by D. Williams and S. David (sung by Jerry Lee Lewis); "Rock 'n' Roll Is Here to Stay" written by D. White, sung by Sha-Na-Na; "Tears on My Pillow" written by Bradford and A. Lewis, sung by Sha-Na-Na; "Hound Dog" written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, sung by Sha-Na-Na; "Sandy" music by Louis St. Louis, lyric by Scott J. Simon; "You're the One That I Want," "Hopelessly Devoted to You" music and lyrics by John Farrar; "La Bamba" written and sung by Ritchie Valens; "Blue Moon" written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, sung by Sha-Na-Na; "Summer Nights" sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John; "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" sung by Stockard Channing; "Freddy My Love" sung by Cindy Bullens; "Greased Lightning" sung by John Travolta and Jeff Conaway; "Beauty School Dropout" sung by Frankie Avalon; "Rock 'n' Roll Party Queen" sung by Louis St. Louis; "It's Raining on Prom Night" sung by Cindy Bullens; "Those Magic Changes" sung by Sha-Na-Na; "Born to Hand-Jive" sung by Sha-Na-Na; "Mooning" sung by Louis St. Louis and Cindy Bullens; "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" sung by Stockard Channing; "Alma Mater" sung by Cast; "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" (reprise) sung by Olivia Newton-John; "We Go Together" sung by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Cast; written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Creative Music Consultant and Adaptation by: Louis St. Louis
Production Designed by: Phil Jefferies
Set Decorator: James Berkey
Costume Designer: Albert Wolsky
Make-Up Artists: Dan StriePeke, Eddie Allen
Hair Stylist: Christine George
Director of Photography: Bill Butler
Main Titles Animated by: John Wilson
Filmed in Panavision, Color by Metrocolor
Edited by: John F. Burnett

Awards: Oscar nomination for Best Song ("Hopelessly Devoted to You")

Cast: John Travolta [Danny]; Olivia Newton-John [Sandy]; Stockard Channing [Rizzo]; Jeff Conaway [Kenickie]; Barry Pearl [Doody]; Michael Tucci [Sonny]; Kelly Ward [Putzie]; Didi Conn [Frenchie]; Jamie Donnelly [Jan]; Dinah Manoff [Marty]; Eve Arden [Principal McGee]; Frankie Avalon [Teen Angel]; Joan Blondell [Vi]; Edd Byrnes [Vince Fontaine]; Sid Caesar [Coach Calhoun]; Alice Ghostley [Mrs. Murdock]; Dody Goodman [Blanche]; Sha-Na-Na [Johnny Casino and The Gamblers], Susan Buckner [Patty Simcox]; Lorenzo Lamas [Tom Chisum]; Fannie Flagg [Nurse Wilkins]; Dick Patterson [Mr. Rudie]; Eddie Deezen [Eugene]; Darrell Zwerling [Mr. Lynch]; Ellen Travolta [Waitress]; Annette Charles [Cha Cha]; Dennis C. Stewart [Leo]

Musical Program: [0:00] Love Is a Many Splendored Thing (sung by Chorus and played by Orchestra before titles); [0:01] Grease (sung by Frankie Valli behind titles); [0:10] Alma Mater (excerpt sung by Chorus in background); [0:14] Summer Nights (sung and danced by John Travolta with Boys Chorus and Olivia Newton-John with Girls Chorus); [0:18] Alma Mater (instrumental arrangement played by marching band); [0:28] Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee (performed by Stockard Channing and Girls Chorus); [0:33] Hopelessly Devoted to You (sung by Olivia Newton-John); [0:38] Greased Lightnin' (performed by John Travolta and Boys Chorus); [0:42] La Bamba (sung by Ritchie Valens in background); [0:44] It's Raining on Prom Night (sung by Cindy Bullens and Girls Chorus); [0:50] Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (sung by Jerry Lee Lewis in background); [0:52] Alone at a Drive-In Movie (instrumental played in background); [0:55] Beauty School Dropout (performed by Frankie Avalon and Girls Chorus); [1:01] Rock 'n' Roll Party Queen (sung in background by Louis St. Louis); [1:02] Rock 'n' Roll Is Here to Stay (sung by Sha-Na-Na as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, danced by the kids); [1:04] Those Magic Changes (sung by Sha-Na-Na as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, danced by the kids); [1:06] Tears on My Pillow (sung by Sha-Na-Na as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, danced by the kids); [1:11] Hound Dog (sung by Sha-Na-Na as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, danced by the kids); [1:12] Born to Hand Jive (sung by Sha-Na-Na as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, danced by the kids); [1:17] Blue Moon (excerpt sung by Sha-Na-Na as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, danced by John Travolta and Annette Charles); [1:23] Sandy (sung by John Travolta); [1:28] There Are Worse Things I Could Do (sung by Stockard Channing); [1:36] Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee (reprised by Olivia Newton-John); [1:41] You're The One That I Want (sung by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Chorus); [1:45] We Go Together (sung and danced by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and the Company); [1:48] Grease (sung by Frankie Valli and Chorus behind end credits); These songs are in the credits, but I haven't been able to find them: Freddy My Love (sung by Cindy Bullens in background); Mooning (sung by Louis St. Louis and Cindy Bullens)

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Great American Broadcast, The

The Great American Broadcast
20th Century-Fox, 1941, B/W, 92 minutes
Released May, 1941

Looking to strike it rich in the business world, Chuck (Jack Oakie) and Rix (John Payne), GIs returning from WWI, make several unsuccessful attempts before hitting on the idea of broadcast radio. Joined by Rix' girl Vicki (Alice Faye), they begin to turn radio broadcasting into a goldmine. Of course, a love triangle messes things up for a while, but Chuck fixes all that by putting together the nation's first trans-continental radio hookup. All the big stars are there for this auspicious event - Eddie Cantor, Kate Smith, Rudy Vallee. And, of course, it's all a big success.

The Alice Faye Collection, Vol. 2 includes this film; Rose of Washington Square; Hollywood Cavalcade; Hello, Frisco, Hello; and Four Jills in a Jeep

Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Kenneth Macgowan
Director: Archie Mayo
Screenplay: Edwin Blum, Robert Ellis, Don Ettlinger and Helen Logan
Music Director: Alfred Newman
Song Score: Mack Gordon and Harry Warren
Dance Director: Nick Castle
Art Direction: Richard Day, Albert Hogsett
Set Decoration: Thomas Little
Costume Design: Travis Banton
Cinematography: J. Peverell Marley, Leon Shamroy
Film Editing: Robert L. Simpson

Cast: Alice Faye [Vicki Adams], Jack Oakie [Chuck Hadley], John Payne [Rix Martin], Cesar Romero [Bruce Chadwick], Four Ink Spots [Specialty], James Newill [Singer], Nicholas Brothers, Wiere Brothers [Specialties], Mary Beth Hughes [Secretary], Eula Morgan [Madame Rinaldi], William Pawley [Foreman], Lucien Littlefield [Justice of the Peace], Edward Conrad [Conductor], Gary Breckner, Mike Frankovich, John Hiestand [Announcers], Eddie Acuff [Jimmy], Mildred Gover [Jennie], Syd Saylor [Brakeman], Eddie Kane [Headwaiter], William Halligan [Mr. Porter], Frank Orth [Counter Man], Herbert Heywood [Doorman], Charles Tannen [Usher], Dorothy Dearing [Bruce's Girl Friend], Fred "Snowflake" Toones [Porter], Sam McDaniel [Porter], John Sinclair [Lineman], Arno Frey [Waiter]

Musical Program: Where You Are (sung by Alice Faye, John Payne and Four Ink Spots); Long Ago Last Night (Alice Faye and Girls Chorus); I Take to You (Alice Faye, John Payne and Jack Oakie); It's All in a Lifetime (Alice Faye); The Great American Broadcast (James Newill and Chorus); Alabamy Bound (Four Ink Spots); I've Got a Bone to Pick with You; Give My Regards to Broadway; If I Didn't Care

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Great Caruso, The

The Great Caruso
MGM, 1951, Color, 109 minutes, ***
Released April, 1951

Philadelphia's own Mario Lanza, in his best-remembered role, portrays the turn-of-the-century opera star who many say was the world's finest voice. Selections from famous operas highlight this beautiful screen biography.

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Associate Producer: Jesse L. Lasky
Directed by: Richard Thorpe
Written by: Sonya Levien and William Ludwig
Suggested by Dorothy Caruso's biograophy of her husband
Musical Supervision and Background Score by: Johnny Green
Operatic Numbers Staged and Conducted by: Peter Herman Adler
Song: "The Loveliest Night of the Year" Lyrics: Paul Francis Webster, Music Adaptation: Irving Aaronson
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons, Gabriel Scognamillo
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Jack D. Moore
Women's Costumes by: Helen Rose
Men's Costumes by:Gile Steele
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William J. Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Montage Sequences by: Peter Ballbusch
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Gene Ruggiero

Awards: Academy Award for Best Sound Recording; Academy Award nominations for Best Score (Musical) and Best Costume Design

Cast: Mario Lanza [Enrico Caruso], Ann Blyth [Dorothy Benjamin], Dorothy Kirsten [Louise Heggar], Jarmila Novotna [Maria Selka], Richard Hageman [Carlo Santi], Carl Benton Reid [Park Benjamin], Eduard Franz [Giulio Gatti-Casazza], Ludwig Donath [Alfredo Brazzi], Alan Napier [Jean de Reszke], Paul Javor [Antonio Scotti], Carl Milletaire [Gino], Shepard Menken [Fucito], Vincent Renno [Tullio], Nestor Paiva [Egisto Barretto], Peter Price [Caruso as a Boy], Mario Siletti [Papa Caruso], Angela Clarke [Mama Caruso], Ian Wolfe [Hutchins], Yvette Dugay [Musetta Barretto], Argentina Brunetti [Mrs. Barretto], Edit Angold [Hilda], Peter Brocco [Father Bronzetti], David Bond [Father Angelico], Matt Moore [Max], Anthony Mazola [Fucito at Age 8], Mae Clarke [Woman], Blanche Thebom, Teresa Celli, Nicola Moscona, Giuseppe Valdengo, Lucine Armara, Marina Koshetz, Robert Bright, Gilbert Russell [Opera Singers], Mario DeLaval [Ottello Carmini], Sherry Jackson [Musetta as a Child], Maurice Samuels [Papa Gino], Charles Evans [Finch, Benjamin's Butler], Tito Vuolo [Pietro Toscano], Minerva Urecal [Carmencita Toscano], Paul Harvey [Benefit Spokesman], John Hamilton [Foster DeWitt], Bert Roach [Technician]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "Vesti La Giubba" (music played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] unidentified hymn (Peter Price and Boys Choir); [0:05] unidentified hymn (Peter Price and Boys Choir); [0:07] unidentified aria or song (Mario Lanza); [0:14] La danza (Mario Lanza); [0:17] Montage: excerpt from AÏDA (Mario Lanza as part of Chorus) / excerpt from TOSCA (Mario Lanza and unidentified soprano) / excerpt from CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA (Mario Lanza and unidentified soprano) / Cielo e mar (from LA GIOCONDA, Mario Lanza); [0:25] La Donna è mobile (from RIGOLETTO, Mario Lanza); [0:31] excerpt from AÏDA (Mario Lanza and Dorothy Kirsten); [0:33] Celeste Aïda (from AÏDA, Mario Lanza); [0:44] unidentified aria (Mario Lanza); [0:44] duet from AÏDA (Mario Lanza, Dorothy Kirsten and Chorus); [0:55] aria from LA BOHÈME (Mario Lanza); [0:59] Mattinata (Mario Lanza); [1:00] Montage: Ah che la morta ognora (Miserere) (from IL TROVATORE, Mario Lanza and Ensemble) / Quartette (from RIGOLETTO, Mario Lanza and Ensemble) / aria from TOSCA (Mario Lanza and Ensemble) / aria from CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA (Mario Lanza and Ensemble); [1:08] Sweethearts (Dorothy Kirsten); [1:14] Vesti la giubba (from PAGLIACCI, Mario Lanza); [1:14] Ave Maria (Mario Lanza and Boys Choir with Boy soloist); [1:25] Happy Birthday to You (Ensemble at cafe); [1:25] The Loveliest Night of the Year (Ann Blyth, while dancing with Mario Lanza); [1:28] Chi mi frena (sextet from LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, Mario Lanza and Chorus); [1:35] Under the Bamboo Tree (short excerpt, Mario Lanza and Ann Blyth); [1:35] Because (Mario Lanza); [1:38] The Loveliest Night of the Year (short reprise, Mario Lanza); [1:41] M'appari tutt' amor (from MARTHA, Mario Lanza); [1:45] finale from MARTHA (Mario Lanza, Dorothy Kirsten and Chorus)

Mario Lanza and Ann Blyth in "The Great Caruso"

Mario Lanza and Ann Blyth

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Great Lover, The

The Great Lover
Hope Enterprises / Paramount, 1949, B/W, 80 minutes
Released November, 1949

The French Surete and private eye Higgins are after a killer who uses innocent young Americans in a crooked gambling racket, and who sets sail on an ocean liner that also carries inept Boy Foresters leader Freddie Hunter and his troop of boys. Freddie, who's been a "boy scout" too long, has designs on gorgeous Duchess Alexandria. The boys, far better organized than Freddie, are determined to save him from himself. But who will save Freddie from being the killer's next victim?

Produced by: Edmund Beloin
Directed by: Alexander Hall
Assistant Director: John Coonan
Written by: Edmund Beloin, Melville Shavelson and Jack Rose
Music Score: Joseph J. Lilley
Songs by: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Art Direction: Hans Dreier and Earl Hedrick
Set Decoration: Sam Comer, Ross Dowd
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Harold Lewis and Walter Oberst
Director of Photography: Charles B. Lang, Jr.
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Edited by: Ellsworth Hoagland

Cast: Bob Hope [Freddie Hunter], Rhonda Fleming [Duchess Alexandria], Roland Young [C. J. Dabney], Roland Culver [Grand Duke Maximillian], Richard Lyon [Stanley], Gary Gray [Tommy], Jerry Hunter [Herbie], Jackie Jackson [Joe], Karl Wright Esser [Steve], Orley Lindgren [Bill], Curtis Loys Jackson, Jr. [Humphrey], George Reeves [Williams], Jim Backus [Higgins], Sig Arno [Attendant], Additional Cast: Torben Meyer [Ship's Captain], Charles La Torre [Steward], Chester Clute [Man Drinking in Cabin], Paul Bryar [First Waiter], Fritz Feld, Albin Robeling [Waiters], Louis Mercier [Amazed Sailor], Jack Benny [Cameo]

Musical Program: [0:28] A Thousand Violins (sung by Rhonda Fleming}; [0:45] Lucky Us! (sung by Bob Hope and Rhonda Fleming)

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Great Morgan, The

The Great Morgan
MGM, 1946, B/W, 57 minutes, ***

Frank Morgan wants more prestige and money, so he asks the studio boss to let him produce a film, which he does - with disastrous results. In a hurry to have the film edited for preview, Morgan takes over the editing himself. He ends up with a hodge-podge of short subjects and outtakes interspersed with short scenes from his own film. Interesting and highly entertaining, the film includes two fascinating short subjects, a number of musical outtakes, and one musical short subject.

So this film is a collection of cut footage and several short subject films, all of which were probably never before seen by the movie-going public. Great fun!

Producer: Jerry Bresler
Director: Nat Perrin
Screenplay: Nat Perrin
Musical Score: Max Terr
Music: various
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Richard Duce
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Cinematography: Charles Salerno, Jr.
Film Editing: Tom Biggart

Cast: Frank Morgan [Himself], Leon Ames [K.F., Studio Executive], Carlos Ramirez [Himself], Lucille Norman [Herself], Guest Appearances: Eleanor Powell [Herself], Virginia O'Brien [Herself], The King Sisters [Themselves], Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra [Themselves], Jacqueline White [Mother in "Passing Parade"]

Program: [0:14] "Musical Masterpieces" (short subject featuring Carlos Ramirez and Lucille Norman); [0:14] Flight of the Bumblebee (Orchestra); [0:17] Donkey Serenade (Carlos Ramirez); [0:19] Tales from the Vienna Woods (sung and danced by Lucille Norman, then sung and danced by Carlos Ramirez and Lucille Norman); [0:24] John Nesbitt's Passing Parade: "Our Old Car"; [0:37] Got a Pair of New Shoes (instrumental danced by Eleanor Powell [cut from Broadway Melody of 1936]); [0:39] A Pete Smith Specialty: Badminton (featuring Ken Davidson, Joe Watters and Ben Blue); [0:49] Thank You Columbus (The King Sisters); [0:52] (I Fell in Love With) The Leader of the Band (Virginia O'Brien with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra)

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Great Waltz, The

The Great Waltz
MGM, 1938, B/W, 102 minutes
Released November, 1938

A highly entertaining biopic of Johann Strauss II. Set against the backdrop of revolution, Johann Strauss makes his way to the top of Viennese society. Beautifully photographed, and filled with wonderful music!

NOTE: There were at least two other versions of this film: One for TV with Patrice Munsel, Bert Lahr and Keith Andes (1955) and an MGM color remake of the 1938 version, with Horst Buchholz and Mary Costa. The 1938 version (outlined here) was by far the best of the three.

Producer: Bernard H. Hyman
Directed by: Julien Duvivier
Screen Play by: Samuel Hoffenstein and Walter Reisch
Original Story by: Gottfried Reinhardt
Music of Johann Strauss II Adapted and Arranged by: Dmitri Tiomkin
Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II
Musical Director: Arthur Guttman
Dances and Ensembles by: Albertina Rasch
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Paul Groesse, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Hair Styles for Miss Korjus by: Sydney Guilaroff
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Joseph Ruttenberg
Film Editor: Tom Held

Awards: Academy Award for Best Cinematography; Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress (Miliza Korjus) and Best Film Editing

Cast: Luise Rainer [Poldi Vogelhuber], Fernand Gravet [Johann Strauss], Miliza Korjus [Carla Donner], Hugh Herbert [Hofbauer], Lionel Atwill [Count Hohenfried], Curt Bois [Kienzl], Leonid Kinskey [Dudelman], Al Shean [Cellist], Minna Gombell [Mrs. Hofbauer], George Houston [Schiller], Bert Roach [Vogelhuber], Greta Meyer [Mrs. Vogelhuber], Herman Bing [Dommayer], Alma Kruger [Mrs. Strauss], Henry Hull [Emperor Franz Joseph], Sig Rumann [Wertheimer], Christian Rub [Coachman]

Musical Program: [0:08] unidentified waltz (Orchestra); [0:12] Artists Life (Orchestra); [0:16] I'm in Love with Vienna (sung by unidentified tenor and Chorus, danced by Ensemble); [0:20] Polka (danced by Ensemble); [0:25] There'll Come a Time (Miliza Korjus); [0:40] Revolutionary March (Chorus); [0:49] Tales from the Vienna Woods (sequence includes Fernand Gravet, Miliza Korjus and Christian Rub composing the music while riding through the Vienna Woods. The music is inspired by the clopping of the sound of the carriage horse (Rosie) hoofbeats, singing birds, the shepherds trumpets and trumpets of a royal carriage. The scene then moves to a cafe in Vienna where Strauss leads the orchestra in his new composition, and it is sung by Miliza Korjus and danced by Fernand Gravet and Miliza Korjus); [1:02] Revolutionary March (Chorus); [1:03] unidentified number (piano played on-screen by Fernand Gravet); [1:10] One Day When We Were Young (Fernand Gravet); [1:13] Die Fledermaus (excerpt from operetta: Miliza Korjus, unidentified tenor and Chorus); [1:22] Die Fledermaus (operetta finale excerpt sung and danced by Miliza Korjus and Chorus); [1:33] One Day When We Were Young (Miliza Korjus); [1:35] The Blue Danube (Orchestra); [1:41] Finale Sequence: The Blue Danube / One Day When We Were Young / I'm in Love with Vienna (Miliza Korjus and Chorus)

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Great Ziegfeld, The

The Great Ziegfeld
MGM, 1936, B/W, 170 minutes, ***
Released March, 1936

Biopic of the legendary Broadway producer, Florenz Ziegfeld, as portrayed by William Powell. The film is more of a celebration of the Ziegfeld shows than a detailed biography.

Produced by: Hunt Stromberg
Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard
Screen Play by: William Anthony McGuire
Suggested by Romances and Incedents in the Life of America's Greatest Showman, Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.
Dances and Ensembles Staged by: Seymour Felix
Special Music and Lyrics by: Walter Donaldson, Harold Adamson
Harriet Hoctor Ballet Music by Con Conrad, Lyrics by Herb Magidson
Musical Direction by: Arthur Lange
Arrangements by: Frank Skinner
Art Direction by: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Merrill Pye, John Harkrider, Edwin B. Willis
Gowns and Fashion Parades by: Adrian
Special Effects: John Hoffman
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Oliver T. Marsh
Ziegfeld Roof Numbers by: George Folsey, Karl Freund
Melody Number by Ray June
Hoctor Ballet by Merritt B. Gerstad
Film Editor: William S. Gray

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actress (Luise Rainer), Best Dance Direction (Seymour Felix); Academy Award nominations for Best Director, Best Original Story (William Anthony McGuire), Best Film Editing (William S. Gray) and Best Interior Decoration (Cedric Gibbons)

Cast: William Powell [Florenz Ziegfeld], Myrna Loy [Billie Burke], Luise Rainer [Anna Held], Frank Morgan [Billings], Fanny Brice [Fannie Brice], Virginia Bruce [Audrey Dane], Reginald Owen [Sampston], Ray Bolger [Ray Bolger], Ernest Cossart [Sidney], Joseph Cawthorn [Dr. Ziegfeld], Nat Pendleton [Sandow], Harriet Hoctor [Harriett Hoctor], Jean Chatburn [Mary Lou], Paul Irving [Erlanger], Herman Bing [Schultz], Charles Judels [Pierre], Marcelle Corday [Marie], Raymond Walburn [Sage], A. A. Trimble [Will Rogers], Buddy Doyle [Eddie Cantor], Additional Cast: Robert Greig [Joe], Ann Pennington [Herself], Charles Trowbridge [Julian Mitchell], Gilda Gray [Herself], Joan Holland [Patricia Ziegfeld], Leon Errol [Himself], Esther Muir [Prima Donna], William Demarest [Gene Buck], Alfred P. James [Stage Door Man], Miss Morocco [Little Egypt], Suzanne Kaaren [Miss Blair], Sarah Edwards [Wardrobe Woman], James Burtis [Bill], Mickey Daniels [Telegraph Boy], William Griffith [Husband], Grace Hayle [Wife], Richard Tucker, Clay Clement, Larry Wheat, Selmer Jackson [Customers], Alice Keating [Alice], Rosina Lawrence [Marilyn Miller], Jack Baxley [Detective], Charles Coleman [Carriage Starter], Eric Wilton [Desk Clerk], Mary Howard [Miss Carlisle], Bert Hanlon [Jim], Evelyn Dockson [Fat Woman], Franklyn Ardell [Allen], John Larkin [Sam], David Burns [Clarence], Phil Tead [Press Agent], Susan Fleming [Girl with Sage], Adrienne d'Ambricourt [Wife of French Ambassador], Charles Fallon [French Ambassador], Boothe Howard [Willie Zimmerman], Edwin Maxwell [Charles Froman], Ruth Gillette [Lillian Russell], John Hyams [Dave Stamper], Wallis Clark [Broker], Raymond Brown [Inspector Doyle], Pat Nixon [Extra], Allan Jones [dubbing for Dennis Morgan]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra before titles); [0:05] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:36] Won't You Come and Play with Me (sung by Luise Rainer); [0:47] It's Delightful to Be Married (excerpt sung by Luise Rainer rehearsing in her hotel room); [0:54] It's Delightful to Be Married (excerpt sung by Luise Rainer rehearsing in her hotel room); [0:58] It's Delightful to Be Married (sung by Luise Rainer and Girls Chorus on stage); [1:12] If You Knew Susie Like I Know Susie (sung and danced by Buddy Doyle as Eddie Cantor); [1:13] Shine On Harvest Moon (sung by Girls Chorus in background); [1:18] Big production number: A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody (performed by Dennis Morgan and Girls Chorus; segues into a somewhat bizzare medley of many tunes, including: Un bel di (from the opera MADAMA BUTTERFLY) / Liebestraum / Blue Danube / Vesti la giubba (from the opera PAGLIACCI) / Rhapsody in Blue / and others, all on a truly lavish rotating set dripping with people in beautiful costumes. One of the biggest production numbers ever! [1:27] Intermission / Entr'acte: "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody" (played by Orchestra); [1:30] You Gotta Pull Strings (sung by Girls Chorus on Ziegfeld roof); [1:32] She's a Ziegfeld Follies Girl (sung and danced by Ray Bolger surrounded by Chorus Girls); [1:35] You (sung by ensemble of boy-girl couples, including Dennis Morgan and Virginia Bruce then moves to Chorus Girls dancing on beds); [1:42] You Never Looked So Beautiful (performed by Virgina Bruce and Mens Chorus, with Ziegfeld Girl fashion parade); [1:53] Yiddle on Your Fiddle (performed by Fanny Brice); [1:54] Queen of the Jungle (performed by Fanny Brice and Girls Chorus); [2:01] My Man (sung by Fanny Brice); [2:05] Look for the Silver Lining (sung by William Powell, Robert Greig, William Demarest and Charles Trowbridge; then sung by Rosina Lawrence in background); [2:16] The Paul Jones (danced by party guests); [2:30] A Circus Must Be Different in a Ziegfeld Show (huge production number sung and danced by Harriet Hoctor and Chorus); [3:01] Exit Music (played by Orchestra)

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Greatest Show on Earth, The

The Greatest Show on Earth
(aka Cecil B. DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth)
Paramount, 1952, Color, 149 minutes, ***½
Released February, 1952

Ladies and gentlemen...Welcome to Cecil B. DeMille's Oscar-winning look at life under the big top. See lion-tamers and acrobats! Be amazed at death-defying stunts and incredible train wrecks! Witness superb acting by Charlton Heston, James Stewart, Cornel Wilde, Betty Hutton and Dorothy Lamour!

This is probably the best movie documenting the American Circus. Cecil B. DeMille never does anything half-way! It's an epic presentation of circus entertainment and the "backstage" trials, tribulations and romantic entanglements of the performers.

Produced and Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille
Associate Producer: Henry Wilcoxon
Assistant Director: Edward Salven
Screenplay by: Fredric M. Frank, Barré Lyndon, Theodore St. John
Story by: Fredric M. Frank, Theodore St. John, Frank Cavett
Technical Advisor: John Ringling North
Produced with the cooperation of Ringling Bros. - Barnum & Bailey
Music Score: Victor Young
Songs: "The Greatest Show on Earth," "Be a Jumping Jack" by Victor Young and Ned Washington; "Lovely Luawana Lady" by John Ringling North and E. Ray Goetz; "Popcorn and Lemonade," "A Picnic in the Park," "Sing a Happy Song" by Henry Sullivan and John Murray Anderson
Circus Musical and Dance Numbers Staged by: John Murray Anderson
Choreography: Richard Barstow
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Walter Tyler
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Ray Moyer
Costumes: Edith Head, Dorothy Jeakins
Circus Costumes: Miles White
Circus Costumes executed by Brooks Costume Co.
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Harry Lindgren and John Cope
Director of Photography: George Barnes
Additional Photography: J. Peverell Marley, Wallace Kelley
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings, Paul Lerpae, Devereaux Jennings
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Robert Brower
Edited by: Anne Bauchens

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Motion Picture Story; Academy Award nominations for Best Director, Best Costume Design (Color) (Edith Head, Dorothy Jeakins and Miles White) and Best Film Editing (Anne Bauchens)

Cast: Cecil B. DeMille [Narrator], Betty Hutton [Holly], Cornel Wilde [Sebastian], Charlton Heston [Brad], Dorothy Lamour [Phyllis], Gloria Grahame [Angel], James Stewart [Buttons the Clown], Henry Wilcoxon [Detective], Lyle Bettger [Klaus], Lawrence Tierney [Henderson], John Kellogg [Harry], John Ridgely [Jack Steelman, Assistant Manager], Frank Wilcox [Circus Doctor], Robert Carson [Ringmaster], Lillian Albertson [Buttons' Mother], Julia Faye [Birdie], Gloria Drew [Ann], Anthony Marsh [Tony], Bruce Cameron [Bruce], Noel Neill [Noel], Charmienne Harker [Charmienne], Dorothy Crider [Dorothy], Patricia Michon [Patricia], Vicki Bakken [Vicki], Gay McEldowney [Gay], Hugh Prosser [Hugh], Russ Conklin [Rus], John Crawford [Jack], Claude Dunkin [Claude], Keith Richards [Keith], Rosemary Dvorak [Rosemary], Lorna Jordan [Lorna], Mona Knox [Mona], Gertrude Messinger [Gertrude], John Parrish [Jack Lawson], William Hall [Bill], Brad Johnson [Reporter], William J. Riley, Robert W. Rushing [Policemen], Adele Cook Johnson [Mabel], Lane Chandler [Lane], Howard Negley [Truck Boss], Erik Nelson [Boy], Beverly Washburn [Girl], Syd Saylor, Lester Dorr [Circus Barkers], Milton Kibbee [Townsman], Fred Kohler Jr. [Fireman], Greta Granstedt, Mary Field, Kathleen Freeman [Women], Ross Bagdasarian [Man], Edmond O'Brien [Midway Barker], Dale Van Sickel [Man in Train Wreck], William Boyd [Hopalong Cassidy], Bing Crosby [cameo], Bob Hope [cameo], Mona Freeman [cameo], Tuffy Genders [Tuffy], Ethan Laidlaw [Hank], Stanley Andrews [Man], Lydia Clarke [Circus Girl], John Merton [Chuck], Bradford Hatton [Osborne], Herbert Lytton [Foreman], Norman Field [Truesdale], Everett Glass [Board Member], Lee Aaker [Boy], Nancy Gates, Ken Christy, Clarence Nash, Bess Flowers [Spectators], Lou Jacobs, Felix Adler, The Flying Concellos, Paul Jung, The Maxellos [Circus Acts], Dolores Hall, Robert St. Angelo, Davison Clark, Dorothy Adams, Ottola Nesmith, David Newell, Josephine Whittell, Emmett Kelly, Cucciola, Antoinette Concello, John Ringling North [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:44] Circus Serenade: Sing a Happy Song (vocal, sung off-screen) / Disney Album / A Gay Nineties Album / A Moonlight Serenade / Mother Goose / A Barber Shop Ballad / A Bouquet of American Beauty (Only a Rose sung by Betty Hutton and Girls Chorus) / A Stephen Foster Album / A South American Album / Hopalong Cassidy / A Christmas Album / Jingle Bells (short vocal) / Adeste Fidelis (instrumental); [1:14] Lovely Luawana Lady (sung by Dorothy Lamour, danced by Dorothy Lamour and Girls Chorus); [1:16] Bob Hope and Bing Crosby are seen as the camera pans across the audience; [1:31] Be a Jumping Jack (sung by Betty Hutton and James Stewart while jumping on trampoline); [1:43] A Picnic in the Park (sung off-camera by unidentified male singer during Marie Antoinette number); [2:23] The Greatest Show on Earth (sung by Betty Hutton); [3:07] The Greatest Show on Earth (sung by Betty Hutton); [cut?] Popcorn and Lemonade (sung off-camera by Studio Chorus)

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Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village
20th Century-Fox, 1944, Color, 82 minutes, ***
Released February, 1945

Carmen Miranda is a knockout as a singer / fortuneteller in this lavish musical. At first, when ambitious young composer Kenneth Harvey (Don Ameche) stumbles upon Danny's Den, a roaring-twenties speakeasy in New York's burgeoning art district, it seems like a great opportunity to work on material. Not to mention, he's fallen for the club's headliner (Vivian Blaine). But while Harvey is distracted by love, club owner Danny O'Mara (William Bendix) is secretly lifting Harry's tunes. Filled with show-stopping song-and-dance numbers, including performances by the inimitable Perry Como, Greenwich Village is a musical treasure you'll want to visit again and again! [from back of DVD case]

Vivian Blaine's first feature role. The number "The Baroness Bazooka," performed by The Revuers (including Judy Holliday), was cut from the final print.

The Carmen Miranda Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) includes this film and
The Gang's All Here, If I'm Lucky, Something for the Boys, and Doll Face.

Produced by: William Le Baron
Directed by: Walter Lang
Screen Play by: Earl Baldwin and Walter Bullock
Adaptation by: Michael Fessier and Ernest S. Pagano
Suggested by a Story by: Frederick Hazlitt Brennan
Lyrics and Music by: Leo Robin and Nacio Herb Brown: "It Goes to Your Toes," "Give Me a Band and a Bandana," "It's All for Art's Sake"
Dances Staged by: Seymour Felix
Musical Direction: Emil Newman, Charles Henderson
Art Direction: James Basevi, Joseph C. Wright
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Associate: Walter M. Scott
Costumes: Yvonne Wood
Makeup Artist: Guy Pearce
Sound: E. Clayton Ward, Roger Heman
Directors of Photography: Leon Shamroy, Harry Jackson
Special Photographic Effects: Fred Sersen
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Richard Mueller
Film Editor: Robert Simpson

Cast: Carmen Miranda [Princess Querida], Don Ameche [Kenneth Harvey], William Bendix [Danny O'Mara], Vivian Blaine [Bonnie Watson], Felix Bressart [Moger], Tony DeMarco and Sally DeMarco, [Dancers, Themselves], B. S. Pully [Brophy], The Four Step Brothers [Specialty Dancers], Bando da Lua [Themselves], Emil Rameau [Kovesky], Frank Orth [Cadway], Torben Meyer [Butler], Jason Evers [Young Man], Hal K. Dawson [Cashier], William B. Davidson [Dance Director], Eddie Dunn [Set Designer], Sherry Hall [Assistant Set Designer], Paul Hurst [Milkman], Tom Dugan [Bootlegger], Billy Wayne [Ballyhoo Man], Oliver Prickett (aka Oliver Blake) [Ambers], Judy Holliday, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Alvin Hammer [The Revuers]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:03] I'm Just Wild about Harry (performed by Carmen Miranda); [0:07] unidentified instrumental (danced by Tony and Sally DeMarco); [0:12] Swingin' Down the Lane (sung by Vivian Blaine); [0:20] Swingin' Down the Lane (reprised by Don Ameche); [0:24] When You Wore a Tulip (And I Wore a Big Red Rose) (excerpt sung by Don Ameche, Willian Bendix, B. S. Pully and two unidentified men); [0:31] This Is Our Lucky Day (sung by Tony and Sally DeMarco and Chorus, danced by Tony and Sally DeMarco); [0:38] It's All for Art's Sake (production number sung and danced by William Bendix, Vivian Blaine, B. S. Pully, and large Chorus); [0:41] It Had to Be You (instrumental played by band, danced by guests at Danny's Den); [0:43] I Like to Be Loved By You (performed by Carmen Miranda with Bando da Lua); [0:49] Whispering (sung by Vivian Blaine); [0:51] Harry's audition (played by Don Ameche at the piano onscreen); [0:52] It Goes to Your Toes (sung, played and danced by The Step Brothers - great number!); [1:14] excerpt of Harry's symphony (played by Orchestra conducted by Kovesky at Carnegie Hall); [1:15] Give Me a Band and a Bandana (sung and danced by Carmen Miranda with Bando da Lua and Chorus); [1:20] Whispering (reprised by Vivian Blaine)

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Grounds for Marriage

Grounds for Marriage
MGM, 1951, B/W, 89 minutes, ***
Released January, 1951

Van Johnson is a doctor, and his estranged wife (Kathryn Grayson) is an opera singer. Upon returning to New York after a successful European tour, Grayson discovers Johnson has a fiancé and is doing fine without her. She wants him back and sets out to win him away from his new-found love. Great comedy performances by all. Highlights include a dream sequence comic mini-production of the opera "Carmen." Fun film!

This is one of the few films featuring Firehouse Five Plus Two. It's great to get to see them do their thing on screen! Also featured is a condensed comic rendition of the Opera Carmen played by Kathryn Grayson and Company. Lots of fun!

Producer: Samuel Marx
Director: Robert Z. Leonard
Screenplay: Laura Kerr and Allen Rivkin (story by Samuel Marx)
Musical Score: Bronislau Kaper
Musical Numbers: various
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Costume Design: Helen Rose
Cinematography: John Alton
Film Editing: Fredrick Y. Smith

Cast: Van Johnson [Dr. Lincoln I. Bartlett], Kathryn Grayson [Ina Massine], Paula Raymond [Agnes Oglethorpe Young], Barry Sullivan [Chris Bartlett], Lewis Stone [Dr. Carlton R. Young], Reginald Owen [Mr. Delacorte], Richard Hageman [Dr. Englestaat], Theresa Harris [Stella], Guy Rennie [Cab Driver], Richard Atckison ["Rodolpho" in "La Boheme"], Firehouse Five Plus Two [Themselves], Milton Cross [Narrator]

Musical Program: [0:07] Toy Concertino (cute instrumental number played by "Doctors Symphony Society of New York" - I always have to rewind and watch this twice!); [0:12] Hymn to the Sun (sung by Kathryn Grayson with the "Doctors Symphony Society of New York"); [0:32] Scene from LA BOHÈME (Kathryn Grayson); [0:53] Tiger Rag (Dixieland instrumental played by Firehouse Five Plus Two); [0:56] Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue (Has Anybody seen My Gal) (Dixieland instrumental played by Firehouse Five Plus Two); [1:13] Carmen Dream Sequence (with music from the opera CARMEN sung by Kathryn Grayson and Ensemble)

Van Johnson and Kathryn Grayson in "Grounds for Marriage"

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Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls
Goldwyn / MGM, 1955, Color, 150 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1955

Screen adaptation of the classic Broadway hit about a pair of gamblers trying to mend their ways. Great film - lots of laughs and music! Based on characters created by Damon Runyon, the stage musical was a smash hit on Broadway. Samuel Goldwyn brought it to the silver screen with Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine.

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

Produced by: Samuel Goldwyn
Written for the Screen and Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Assistant Director: Arthur S. Black, Jr.
Based upon the play "Guys and Dolls," Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, From a Damon Runyon Story, Produced on the stage by Cy Feuer and Ernest H. Martin
Music and Lyrics by: Frank Loesser
Music Supervised and Conducted by: Jay Blackton
Background Music Adapted by: Cyril J. Mockridge
Orchestrations: Skip Martin, Nelson Riddle, Alexander Courage, Al Sendrey
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Michael Kidd
Production Design: Oliver Smith
Art Director: Joseph Wright
Set Decoration by: Howard Bristol
Costumes Designed by: Irene Sharaff
Make-up: Ben Lane
Hair Stylist: Annabell
Sound: Fred Lau, Roger Heman, Vinton Vernon
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling
Special Photographic Effects: Warren Newcombe
Filmed in CinemaScope
Color Consultant: Alvord L. Eiseman
Film Editor: Daniel Mandell

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Color Cinematography, Best Score (Musical), Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Color), Best Costume Design

Cast: Marlon Brando [Sky Masterson], Jean Simmons [Sarah Brown], Frank Sinatra [Nathan Detroit], Vivian Blaine [Miss Adelaide], Robert Keith [Lt. Brannigan], Stubby Kaye [Nicely-Nicely Johnson], B. S. Pully [Big Jule], Johnny Silver [Benny Southstreet], Sheldon Leonard [Harry the Horse], Danny Dayton [Rusty Charlie], George E. Stone [Society Max], Regis Toomey [Arvide Abernathy], Kathryn Givney [General Cartwright], Veda Ann Borg [Laverne], Mary Alan Hokanson [Agatha], Joe McTurk [Angie the Ox], Kay E. Kuter [Calvin], Stapleton Kent [Mission Member], Renee Renor [Cuban Singer], Additional Cast: John Indrisano [Liverlips Louis], Earle Hodgins [Pitchman], Harry Tyler [Max, Waiter at Mindy's], Matt Murphy [The Champ], Julian Rivero [Havana Waiter], Larri Thomas, Jann Darlyn, June Kirby, Madelyn Darrow, Barbara Brent [Goldwyn Girls of 1955]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (performed by Orchestra and Chorus); [0:05] Fugue for Tinhorns (sung by Stubby Kaye, Johnny Silver and Danny Dayton); [0:07] Follow the Fold (sung by Jean Simmons and Ensemble; reprised instrumentally and vocally several times throughout the movie); [0:14] The Oldest Established (Permanent Floating Crap Game) (sung by Frank Sinatra, Stubby Kaye, B. S. Pully and Ensemble); [0:38] I'll Know (sung by Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando); [0:43] Pet Me, Poppa (sung and danced by Vivian Blaine and Goldwyn Girls); [0:54] Adelaide's Lament (sung by Vivian Blaine); [0:58] Follow the Fold (sung by Jean Simmons and Ensemble); [0:59] Guys and Dolls (sung by Frank Sinatra, Stubby Kaye and Johnny Silver); [1:12] Adelaide (sung by Frank Sinatra and Mens Chorus); [1:16] A Woman in Love (sung in Spanish by wandering Troubadors and Cafe Patrons); [1:25] A Woman in Love (sung in Spanish by Renee Renor, danced by Cafe Patrons); [1:30] If I Were a Bell (sung by Jean Simmons); [1:38] A Woman in Love (reprised by Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons); [1:44] Take Back Your Mink (sung and danced by Vivian Blaine and Goldwyn Girls); [1:53] Luck Be a Lady (instrumental arrangement danced by the gamblers -- a mini-ballet); [2:05] Luck Be a Lady (sung by Marlon Brando and The Gamblers); [2:10] Sue Me (sung by Vivian Blaine and Frank Sinatra); [2:18] Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat (sung by Stubby Kaye and Chorus); [2:23] Follow the Fold (sung by the Gamblers); [2:27] Guys and Dolls (short reprisal by Chorus)

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Gypsy

Gypsy
Warner Bros., 1962, Color, 149 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1962

Biopic of the legendary ...ummm... exotic dancer, Louise Hovick, aka Gypsy Rose Lee. Sister of June Haver, Hovick became a movie actress in the late '30s, and was still working in films when this film was made. She made her final appearance in a cameo with Rosalind Russell and Hayley Mills in the film, The Trouble with Angels, in 1966.

Produced and Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy
Assistant Director: Gil Kissel
Based upon the Stage Play Directed and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins; Produced by David Merrick and Leland Hayward; Book by Arthur Laurents; from the Memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee
Screenplay: Leonard Spielgass
Music by: Jule Styne
Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Music Supervised and Conducted by: Frank Perkins
Orchestrations: Frank Perkins, Carl Brandt
Choreography by: Robert Tucker
Art Director: John Beckman
Set Decorator: Ralph S. Hurst
Costumes Designed by: Orry-Kelly
Makeup Supervisor: Gordon Bau
Miss Russell's Makeup by: Gene Hibbs
Miss Wood's Hairstyles Created by: Sydney Guilaroff
Supervising Hair Stylist: Jean Burt Reilly
Sound by: M. A. Merrick, Dolph Thomas
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling, Sr.
Filmed in Technirama and Technicolor
Film Editor: Philip W. Anderson

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Color Cinematography, Best Adapted Score, Best Costume Design (Color)

Cast: Rosalind Russell [Rose], Natalie Wood [Louise "Gypsy"], Karl Malden [Herbie Sommers], Paul Wallace [Tulsa No. 2], Betty Bruce [Tessie Tura], Parley Baer [Mr. Kringelein], Harry Shannon [Grandpa], Suzanne Cupito (aka Morgan Brittany) ["Baby" June], Ann Jillian ["Dainty" June], Diane Pace ["Baby" Louise], Faith Dane [Mazeppa], Roxanne Arlen [Electra], Jean Willes [Betty Cratchitt], George Petrie [George], Ben Lessy [Mervyn Goldstone], Guy Raymond [Patsy], Louis Quinn [Cigar], Jack Benny [Himself], Trudi Ames [Hawaiian Girl], Harvey Korman [Phil], James Millhollin [Mr. Beckman], William Fawcett [Mr. Willis], Danny Lockin [Yonkers], Ian Tucker [Angie], Lois Roberts [Agnes], Dina Claire [Dolores], Bert Michaels, Dick Foster, Jim Hubbard, Jeff Parker, Mike Cody, Bo Wagner [Farm Boys], Teri Hope, Shirley Chandler, Frances Karath, Paula Martin, Dee Ann Johnston, Renee Aubry [Hollywood Blondes], Lisa Kirk [singing voice of Rose Hovick]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:03] Uncle Jocko's Kiddie Kapers: Let Me Entertain You (performed by Ann Jillian and Suzanne Cupito); [0:14] Small World (sung by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell); [0:21] Some People (sung by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell); [0:25] Baby June and Her Newsboys Let Me Entertain You (sung by Ann Jillian, danced by Ann Jillian and Boys Chorus); [0:36] Mr. Goldstone, I Love You (sung by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell and Boys Chorus); [0:30] Little Lamb (sung by Natalie Wood); [0:45] You'll Never Get Away From Me (sung by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell); [0:46] Dainty June and Her Farm Boys (sung and danced by Ann Jillian and Boys Chorus); [0:58] If Mama Was Married (sung by Natalie Wood and Ann Jillian); [1:05] All I Need Is The Girl (sung and danced by Paul Wallace with Natalie Wood); [1:19] Everything's Coming Up Roses (sung by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell); [1:23] Madam Rose's Toreadorables (performed by Natalie Wood and Girls Chorus); [1:42] You Gotta Have A Gimmick (sung by Roxanne Arlen, Betty Bruce and Faith Dane); [1:57] Small World (reprised by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell); [2:00] Let Me Entertain You (sung by Natalie Wood); [2:16] Rose's Turn (performed Rosalind Russell, dubbed by Lisa Kirk) [cut from home video] / Together, Wherever We Go (sung by Lisa Kirk dubbing for Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood and Karl Malden)

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