La Bamba
Columbia, 1987, Color, 103 minutes, ***½

At the age of 17 he had three hit records and a brilliant future...until fate made him a legend. Hit biodrama of '50s rock and roller Ritchie Valens stars Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens, with music by Los Lobos, Brian Setzer and Marshall Crenshaw. Co-starring Esai Morales, Elizabeth Pena.

This is one of my favorite biopics - it may be the best rock biopic ever made. Maybe it's because I was around at the time, and I vividly remember "The day the music died." Losing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper all at the same time was a shock to all rock and roll fans, and may well have changed the evolution of rock and roll. Ritchie Valens was a talented and innovative performer (as were the other two). Making "La Bamba" - an old Mexican folksong - into a rock and roll hit was a stroke of genius. Lou Diamond Phillips broke into movies with this performance, and he is completely believable as Ritchie. And Esai Morales is perfect as Ritchie's half-brother. This is a film not to be missed by any fan of rock music!

Chances are if you're not a Baby Boomer, you've never heard of Ritchie, though you probably have heard his legendary rendition of "La Bamba." Ritchie, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper were all killed in an airplane crash on February 3, 1959. It is this tragic event of which Don McLean sings in his well-loved "American Pie." It was truly a tragedy that three of the biggest rock and roll stars - when rock was still in its infancy - were taken from us just as Rock was becoming a bona fide art form. Ritchie was one of the movers and shakers that helped to define a whole new musical art. We grieve over this loss to this day: "The Day the Music Died."

Check out the official Amarican Pie website!

Producers: Bill Borden and Taylor Hackford
Executive Producer: Stuart Benjamin
Associate Producer: Daniel Valdez
Director: Luis Valdez
Screenplay: Luis Valdez
Musical Score: Miles Goodman and Carlos Santana
Song Score: various
Production Design: Vincent Cresciman
Set Decoration: Rosemary Brandenburg
Costume Design: Sylvia Vega-Vasquez
Cinematography: Adam Greenberg
Film Editing: Don Brochu, Sheldon Kahn

Cast: Lou Diamond Phillips [Ritchie Valens], Esai Morales [Bob Morales], Rosana DeSoto [Connie Valenzuela], Elizabeth Pena [Rosie Morales], Danielle von Zerneck [Donna Ludwig], Joe Pantoliano [Bob Keene], Rick Dees [Ted Quillin], Marshall Crenshaw [Buddy Holly], Howard Huntsberry [Jackie Wilson], Brian Setzer [Eddie Cochran], Daniel Valdez [Lelo], Connie Alvarez, Irma Valcorta [Farm Workers], Felipe Cantú [Curandero], Eddie Frias [Chino], Mike Moroff [Mexican Ed], Geoffrey Rivas [Rudy], Sam Anderson [Mr. Ludwig], Maggie Gwinn [Mrs. Ludwig], Jeffrey Alan Chandler [Alan Freed], Stephen Lee [The Big Bopper], John Quade [Bartender], Lettie Ibarra [Vera], Diane Rodriguez [Ernestine], Katie Valdez [Connie, Jr.], Gloria Balcorta [Irma], Ernesto Hernandez [Garbage Man], Noble Willingham [Howard], Thom Pintello [Sound Engineer], Stephen F. Schmidt [Tommy Allsup], Rosanna Locke [Sharon Sheeley], Kim Sebastian, Dyana Ortelli [Donna's Girlfriends], Andy Griggs [Mr. House], Art Koustik [Trucker], Tony Genaro [Mr. Caballero], Allison Robinson [Girl at Party], Hunter Payne [Baseball Announcer], Joe Poller, Mary Ann Tanedo, Brian Russell [Students], Daniel Hidalgo [singing voice of Lou Diamond Phillips], Los Lobos [Ritchie's Band]

Musical Program: Rip It Up (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); Charlena (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); Goodnight My Love (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); Oh Boy (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); Ooh! My Head (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); Framed (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); The Paddi Wack Song (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); We Belong Together (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); Come on, Let's Go (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips); La Bamba (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips; reprised several times); Donna (played by Los Lobos, Daniel Hidalgo dubbing for Lou Diamond Phillips)
Background and Incidental Music: Who Do You Love (Bo Diddley); Summertime Blues (Brian Setzer as Eddie Cochran); Lonely Teardrops (Howard Huntsberry as Jackie Wilson); Crying, Waiting, Hoping (Marshall Crenshaw as Buddy Holly); Sleep Walk (instrumental by Santo and Johnny); Pajaro Loco (Los Lobos); Abuelitos Cortos (Los Lobos); Ready Teddy (Little Richard); I Got a Gal Named Sue (That's My Little Suzie) (Carlos Santana and Los Lobos); Don't You Just Know It (Huey Smith and The Clowns); For Your Precious Love (Jerry Butler and The Impressions); This I Swear (The Skyliners); Bakersfield Shuffle (Los Lobos); Blue Tango (performed by Studio Orchestra [?]); Armida (Daniel Valdez); Chantilly Lace (The Big Bopper); Betty Jean (Chuck Berry); Tweedlee Dee (Lavern Baker); Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (The Platters); Over the Mountain, Across the Sea (Johnnie and Joe)

Lady Be Good
MGM, 1941, B/W, 110 minutes, ***

Songwriting / romantic duo Robert Young and Ann Sothern break up but, in the best film musical tradition, sing their way back together. The Academy Award winning song "The Last Time I Saw Paris" highlights a score that includes "Fascinating Rhythm," "So Am I," "You'll Never Know." With Eleanor Powell, Red Skelton, Lionel Barrymore; look for a young Doris Day.

Fun movie! I think my favorite scene is Eleanor Powell dancing with a dog to "Oh Lady, Be Good." Really cute!

Double feature DVD includes Born to Dance.

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

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Norman Z. McLeod
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan, Kay Van Riper and John McLain
Based on an Original Story by: Jack McGowan
Music by: George Gershwin
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
"The Last Time I Saw Paris" (by) Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, II
Additional Songs by: Roger Edens and Arthur Freed
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Musical Continuity (for Eleanor Powell): Walter Ruick
Vocals and Orchestrations: Leo Arnaud, George Bassman, Conrad Salinger
Musical Numbers Directed by: Busby Berkeley
Musical Prsentation: Merrill Pye
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: John S. Detlie
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns by: Adrian
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: George Folsey, Oliver T. Marsh
Film Editor: Fredrick Y. Smith

Awards: Won Best Song Academy Award ("The Last Time I Saw Paris")

Cast: Eleanor Powell [Marilyn Marsh], Ann Sothern [Dixie Donegan], Robert Young [Eddie Crane], Lionel Barrymore [Judge Murdock], John Carroll [Buddy Crawford], Red Skelton [Joe "Red" Willet], Virginia O'Brien [Lull], Tom Conway [Mr. Blanton], Dan Dailey, Jr. [Bill Pattison], Reginald Owen [Max Milton], Rose Hobart [Mrs. Carter Wardley], Phil Silvers [M.C.], Berry Brothers [James Berry, Warren Berry, Nyas Berry, Specialty Dancers], Connie Russell [The Singer], Additional Cast: Doris Day [Debutante], Edward Gargan [Policeman], Bess Flowers [Banquet Guest]

Musical Program: [0:00] Oh Lady Be GoodLady Be Good (sung by Mens Chorus behind titles); [0:07] You'll Never Know (ballad and swing versions sung by Ann Sothern); [0:29] Your Words and My Music (sung by Ann Sothern and Robert Young); [0:40] Your Words and My Music (sung by John Carroll); [0:43] Your Words and My Music (sung by Virginia O'Brien); [0:47] You'll Never Know (sung and danced by the Berry Brothers); [0:53] Oh Lady Be Good (sung by Ann Sothern with Robert Young at the piano [onscreen] as they compose the song, then sung by Robert Young and Ann Sothern); [0:57] Monatge / Medley (Oh Lady Be Good (played and sung by various musicians as the song becomes a major hit); [1:03] The Last Time I Saw Paris (sung by Ann Sothern with Robert Young at the piano onscreen); [1:13] Oh Lady Be Good (danced by Eleanor Powell and her dog - really cute number!); [1:34] Fascinating Rhythm (sung by Connie Russell, danced by the Berry Brothers, danced by Eleanor Powell, sung by Chorus); [1:50] Oh Lady Be Good (sung by Red Skelton, Virginia O'Brien, John Carroll, Ann Sothern and Robert Young)


Magazine Ad

Lady on a Train
Universal, 1945, B/W, 95 minutes, ***
Released August 1945

Fun comic mystery with a bit of music in it. While riding on a train through New York city, Nikki (Deanna Durbin) sees a murder take place through the window of a building next to the tracks. She reports the crime to the police, but they seem totally unimpressed, so she takes it on herself to investigate the crime. Of course she gets into all kinds of trouble and tangles things all up, but she does solve the crime in the end. During her investigation she interrogates a nightclub singer and ends up taking her place on stage and singing Cole Porter's "Night and Day" and a sultry rendition of "Give Me a Little Kiss." Move over, Bonita Granville, Deanna's on the case!

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

Produced by: Felix Jackson
Associate Producer: Howard Christie
Directed by: Charles David
Assistant Director: William Holland
Screenplay by: Edmund Beloin and Robert O'Brien
Original Story by: Leslie Charteris
Musical Score: Miklos Rozsa
Musical Direction for Miss Durbin: Edgar Fairchild
"Silent Night," "Give Me a Little Kiss" by Roy Turk, Jack Smith and Maceo Pinkard
"Night and Day" by Cole Porter
Art Direction: John B. Goodman, Robert Clatworthy
Set Decorations: Russell A. Gausman
Costume Design: Howard Greer
Director of Sound: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Joe Lapis
Director of Photography: Woody Bredell
Special Photography by: John P. Fulton
Film Editor: Ted J. Kent

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Sound Recording

Cast: Deanna Durbin [Nikki Collins], Ralph Bellamy [Jonathan], David Bruce [Wayne Morgan], George Coulouris [Mr. Saunders], Allen Jenkins [Danny], Dan Duryea [Arnold], Edward Everett Horton [Mr. Haskell], Jacqueline de Wit [Miss Fletcher], Patricia Morison [Joyce], Elizabeth Patterson [Aunt Charlotte], Maria Palmer [Margo], Samuel S. Hinds [Mr. Wiggam], William Frawley [Sgt. Christie], Additional Cast: Thurston Hall [Josiah Waring], Clyde Fillmore [Cousin], Ben Carter [Maxwell], Mary Forbes, Sarah Edwards [Cousins], Nora Cecil [Woman with Umbrella], Hobart Cavanaugh [Drunk], Al "Lash" La Rue [Waiter], Jane Adams, Kathleen O'Malley [Photographera], Jean Trent, Barbara Bates [Hatcheck Girls], Karen Randle [Cigarette Girl], Tom Dugan [Turnkey], Addison Richards [Captain], Joseph Crehan [Mr. Smith], Chester Clute [Conductor], Ralph Peters [Taxi Driver], Charles Cane [New York Policeman], Andre Charlot [Man with Carnation], Eddie Bruce [Reporter], George J. Lewis, Charles Sherlock, Bert Moorhouse [Reporters], Eddie Acuff [New York Cab Driver], Alice Fleming [Mrs. Brown], Eddy Waller [Mr. Brown], Eddie Dunn [Clerk], Jack Norton [Santa Claus], Matt McHugh [Drunk], George Chandler [Customer], Charles Deschamps [Hairdresser], Bert Roach [Fat Man], Robert Dudley [Honeywell], George Lloyd, Al Ferguson [Workmen], Eddie Bartell [Sound Track], Mabel Forrest [Wife], Sam McDaniel, Ernest Anderson [Doormen], Dick Hirbe [Newsboy], Ethel May Halls [Haughty Woman]

Musical Program: [0:40] Silent Night (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:46] unidentified instrumental (played by Orchestra, danced by Chorus Girls at Circus Club nightclub); [0:52] Give Me a Little Kiss (sung sultry style by Deanna Durbin at the Circus Club); [1:07] Night and Day (sung by Deanna Durbin at the Circus Club)

Lady Sings the Blues
Motown / Weston / Furie / Paramount, 1972, Color, 144 minutes, ***

Biopic of blues singer Billie Holiday apparently so innacurate that it caused quite an uproar on its release. Still, Miss Ross turns in a fine performance and some wonderful singing. Though I find it a rather depressing story, it's certainly worth watching!

Producer: Brad Dexter, Jay Weston and James S. White
Director: Sidney J. Furie
Screenplay: Terence McClory, Chris Clark and Suzanne de Passe
Music: various
Production Design: Carl Anderson
Set Decoration by: Reg Allen
Costume Design by: Ray Aghayan, Norma Koch, Bob Mackie
Cinematography by: John A. Alonzo
Film Editing by: Art J. Nelson

Awards: Academy Award nominations for: Best Actress (Diana Ross); Best Original Story and Screenplay, Best Song Score, Best Art Direction/Set Decoration and Best Costume Design

Cast: Diana Ross [Billie Holiday], Billy Dee Williams [Louis McKay], Richard Pryor [Piano Man], James Callahan [Reg Hanley], Paul Hampton [Harry], Sid Melton [Jerry], Virginia Capers [Mama Holiday], Yvonne Fair [Yvonne], Scatman Crothers [Big Ben], Robert L. Gordy [Hawk], Harry Caesar [Rapist], Milton Selzer [Doctor], Ned Glass [The Agent], Paulene Myers [Mrs. Edson], Isabel Sanford [First Madame], Tracee Lyles [Whore], Norman Bartold [Detective]

Musical Program: [0:28] All of Me (Diana Ross, Richard Pryor on piano on-screen); [0:32] The Man I Love (Diana Ross); [0:35] Them There Eyes (Diana Ross); [0:46] Gimme a Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer (Diana Ross); [0:53] I Cried for You (Diana Ross); [0:59] Strange Fruit (Diana Ross); [1:01] Mean to Me (Diana Ross); [1:04] What a Little Moonlight Can Do (Diana Ross); [1:23] Good Morning Heartache (Diana Ross); [1:31] T'Aint Nobody's Business (If I Do) (Diana Ross); [1:34] Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be) (Diana Ross); [1:48] Lady Sings the Blues (Diana Ross); [1:53] Don't Explain (Diana Ross); [1:58] Love Is Here to Stay (Diana Ross); [2:01] You've Changed (Diana Ross); [2:06] God Bless the Child (Diana Ross, Richard Pryor on harmonica on-screen); [2:18] My Man (Diana Ross); [2:20] God Bless the Child (Diana Ross); Other excerpts of songs by other singers

A Lady's Morals
MGM / Cosmopolitan, 1930, B/W, 86 minutes, **½

First screen appearance of the legendary opera star Grace Moore. She plays the part of the popular singer Jenny Lind ("The Swedish Nightingale"). Kathryn Grayson played the part of Grace Moore in So This Is Love (aka, The Grace Moore Story) in 1953. This is so confusing!

Producer: Irving Thalberg
Director: Sidney Franklin
Screenplay: Hans Kraly, John Meehan, Claudine West and Arthur Richman
(from a stoy by Dorothy Farnum)
Music: various
Choreography: Sammy Lee
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Costume Design by: Adrian
Sound: Douglas Shearer
Cinematography by: George Barnes
Film Editing by: Margaret Booth

Cast: Grace Moore [Jenny Lind], Reginald Denny [Paul Brandt], Wallace Beery [P. T. Barnum], Gus Shy [Olaf], Gilbert Emery [Broughm], Jobyna Howland [Josephine], George F. Marion, Sr. [Innkeeper], Paul Porcasi [Maretti], Giovanni Martino [Zerga], Bodil Rosing [Innkeeper's Wife], Joan Standing [Louise], Mavis Villiers [Selma], Judith Vosselli [Rosatti]

Musical Program: [0:13] Is It Destiny (Grace Moore with Reginald Denny); [0:19] Rataplan (from the opera THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT, sung by Grace Moore and Chorus); [0:25] The Student's Song (Students); [0:29] Oh Why (Grace Moore); [0:41] Casta Diva (from the opera NORMA, sung by Grace Moore and Chorus); [1:01] Swedish Pastorale (Chorus); [1:09] Lovely Hour (Grace Moore); [1:21] Lovely Hour (Grace Moore)

The Lemon Drop Kid
(aka "Damon Runyon's The Lemon Drop Kid")
Paramount, 1951, B/W, 91 minutes, ***½

When racetrack tout Bob Hope finds himself in hot water with the mob, he hits upon a fast money-making racket: phony Santa Clauses collecting for an "old folk's home." Fast-paced comedy, from Damon Runyon's story, also stars Lloyd Nolan, William Frawley, Marilyn Maxwell.

A fast-paced comedy with one-liners flying by at a rate that's too fast to keep up with! This is the film that brought us the Christmas standard "Sliver Bells" - it contains the most beautiful production number of that song I've ever seen. The film is loaded with laughs and has some great musical numbers.

Produced by: Robert L. Welch
Directed by: Sidney Lanfield
Screenplay by: Edmund Hartmann, Robert O'Brien and Frank Tashlin
Additional Dialogue by: Irving Elinson
Story by: Edmund Beloin
Based on the book The Lemon Drop Kid by Damon Runyon
Music Score by: Victor Young
Vocal Arrangements by: Joseph J. Lilley
Songs by: Jay Livingston and Ray Evans
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Franz Bachelin
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Ross Dowd
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Don McKay and Walter Oberst
Director of Photography: Daniel L. Fapp
Special Effects: Paul Lerpae
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Editorial Supervision: Archie Marshek

Cast: Bob Hope [Lemon Drop Kid], Marilyn Maxwell [Brainey Baxter], Lloyd Nolan [Oxford Charlie], Jane Darwell [Nellie Thursday], Andrea King [Stella], Fred Clark [Moose Moran], Jay C. Flippen [Straight Flush], William Frawley [Gloomy Willie], Harry Bellaver [Sam the Surgeon], Sid Melton [Little Louie], Ben Welden [Singin' Solly], Ida Moore [Bird Lady], Francis Pierlot [Henry Regan], Charles Cooley [Goomba], Society Kid Hogan [Society Kid], Harry Shannon [Policeman John], Bernard Szold [Honest Harry], Tor Johnson [Super Swedish Angel], Tom Dugan [No Thumbs Charlie], Additional Cast: Almira Sessions [Mrs. Santoro]

Musical Program: [0:31] They Obviously Want Me to Sing (sung and danced by Marilyn Maxwell and Chorus Girls); [0:44] It Doesn't Cost a Dime to Dream (sung by Marilyn Maxwell and Bob Hope); [0:51] Jingle Bells (sung by Santa Clauses); [0:52] Jingle Bells in counterpoint to Silver Bells (sung by Chorus); [0:53] Silver Bells (with special lyrics, croaked by William Frawley); [0:54] Silver Bells (production number sung by Marilyn Maxwell, Bob Hope and Chorus)

Les Girls
(aka "Cole Porter's Les Girls")
MGM, 1957, Color, 114 minutes

Lively Cole Porter songs highlight this musical comedy. Gene Kelly's a dancer touring Europe who romances each of the beautiful members of his troupe (Taina Elg, Mitzi Gaynor, Kay Kendall), which leads to funny complications and a hilarious courtroom climax. Songs include "Les Girls," "Flower Song," "Ladies in Waiting," and more.

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

Producer: Sol C. Siegel
Associate Producer: Saul Chaplin
Directed by: George Cukor
Assistant Director: Robert Saunders
Screen Play by: John Patrick
Story by: Vera Caspary
Music and Lyrics by: Cole Porter
Music Adapted and Conducted by: Adolph Deutsch
Orchestrations: Alexander Courage, Skip Martin
Vocal Supervision: Robert Tucker
Choreography by: Jack Cole
Art Directors: William A. Horning and Gene Allen
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Richard Pefferle
Wardrobe by: Orry Kelly
Hair Styles: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Dr. Wesley C. Miller
Director of Photography: Robert Surtees
Special Effects: Lee LeBlanc
Filmed in CinemaScope and Metrocolor
Color Co-ordinator: Hoyningen-Huene
Film Editor: Ferris Webster

Awards: Academy Award for Best Costume Design; Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Sound

Cast: Gene Kelly [Barry Nichols], Mitzi Gaynor [Joy Henderson], Kay Kendall [Lady Wren], Taina Elg [Angele Ducros], Jacques Bergerac [Pierre Ducros], Leslie Phillips [Sir Gerald Wren], Henry Daniell [Judge], Patrick MacNee [Sir Percy], Stephen Vercoe [Mr. Outward], Philip Tonge [Associate Judge], Owen McGiveney [Court Usher], Francis Ravel [French Stage Manager], Adrienne d'Ambricourt [Wardrobe Woman], Maurice Marsac [French House Manager], Cyril Delevanti [Fanatic], George Navarro [Waiter], Nestor Paiva [Spanish Peasant Man], Maya Van Horn [Stout French Woman], Luisa Triana [Flamenco Dancer], Genevieve Pasques [Shopkeeper], Lilyan Chauvin [Dancer], Richard Alexander [Stagehand]

Musical Program: [0:13] Les Girls (sung and danced by Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor, Kay Kendall [dubbed by Betty Wand] and Taina Elg [dubbed by Thara Matthieson]); [0:21] Rope Dance (danced by Gene Kelly and Taina Elg); [0:31] Ça c'est l'Amour (sung by Thara Matthieson dubbing for Taina Elg); [0:37] Ladies in Waiting (sung by Mitzi Gaynor, Betty Wand dubbing for Kay Kendall, and Thara Matthieson dubbing for Taina Elg; reprised by same in separate scene); [0:43] Be a Clown (short excerpt played in background by Orchestra during backstage scene); [1:01] You're Just Too Too (sung by Gene Kelly and Kay Kendall partly dubbed by Betty Wand); [1:03] Les Girls (excerpts sung behind travel montage by Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor, Kay Kendall [dubbed by Betty Wand] and Taina Elg [dubbed by Thara Matthieson]); [1:07] Flower Song (excerpt played and danced at club); [1:13] Ladies in Waiting (sung by Mitzi Gaynor, Thara Matthieson dubbing for Taina Elg and a drunk Kay Kendall); [1:31] Why am I So Gone About That Gal? (sung by Gene Kelly with Mens Chorus, danced by Gene Kelly and Mitzi Gaynor)

Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. / Sony, 1998, Color, 134 minutes, ****

A celebration of the stage musical "Les Miserables." It's "Les Miserables" in Concert, sometimes referred to as the Tenth Anniversary Concert. Victor Hugo's timeless tale of the early days of the French Revolution is the backdrop representing the tragedy and the hope of all mankind. Obviously, this is not a movie musical, but it is a fantastic concert of interest to nearly all musical fans. If you haven't seen it, you really should! It's nice to know that there are still people around that can make musicals of this quality. It is absolutely stunning!

Producer: Cameron Mackintosh
Executive Producer: Nicholas Allot
Directors: John Caird and Trevor Nunn
Script: Original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean Marc Natel
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics: English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Orchestral Score: John Cameron
Staging: Ken Caswell
Sound: Andrew Bruce, Dave Evans
Film Editing: Nigel Cattle

Cast: Colm Wilkinson [Jean Valjean], Philip Quast [Javert], Ruthie Henshall [Fantine], Jenny Galloway [Madame Thenardier], Alun Armstrong [Thenardier], Lea Salonga [Eponine], Michael Ball [Marius], Michael Maguire [Enjolras], Judy Kuhn [Cosette], Anthony Crivello [Grantaire], The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of David Charles Abell

Musical Highlights: ACT ONE: Valjean's Soliloquy (Valjean); At the End of the Day (Choir, Company, Factory Foreman, Factory Girl and Valjean); I Dreamed a Dream (Fantine); Lovely Ladies (Company); Fantine's Arrest (Javert, Fantine and Bamatabois); The Runaway Cart (Orchestra); Who Am I? - The Trial (Valjean); Fantine's Death (Fantine and Valjean); The Confrontation (Javert and Valjean); Castle on a Cloud (Young Cosette and Mme. Thénardier); Master of the House (Thénardier, Mme. Thénardier and Company); The Bargain - Waltz of Treachery (Valjean, Thénardier and Mme. Thénardier); Look Down (Choir, Company, Gavroche, Marius and Enjolras); Stars (Javert); ABC Cafe / Red and Black (Enjolras, Marius, Grantaire and Students); Do You Hear the People Sing (Enjolras, Students, Company and Choir); Rue Plumet - In My Life (Cosette, Marius and Eponine); A Heart Full of Love (Marius, Cosette and Eponine); The Attack on Rue Plumet (Thénardier, Gang, Eponine, Marius, Cosette and Valjean); One Day More! (Full Company and Choir); ACT TWO: On My Own (Eponine); Building the Barricade (Orchestra, Choir and Company); Javert's Arrival (Javert, Enjolras and Company); Little People (Gavroche); A Little Fall of Rain (Eponine and Marius); First Attack (Orchestra); Drink with Me (Grantaire, Marius, Students, Company and Choir); Bring Him Home (Valjean); The Final Battle (Enjolras and Company); The Sewers (Orchestra); Dog Eats Dog (Thénardier); Javert's Suicide (Javert); Turning (Ladies of the Company); Empty Chairs at Empty Tables (Marius); Every Day (Cosette and Marius); A Heart Full of Love - Reprise (Cosette, Marius and Valjean); The Wedding Chorale (Choir); Beggars at the Feast (Thénardier, Mme. Thénardier); Epilogue (Finale) (Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, Marius, Eponine, Full Company and Choir)

Let Freedom Ring
MGM, 1939, B/W, 86 minutes, ***½

Politics and music mix when Harvard lawyer Nelson Eddy returns to his small Western hometown to find a railroad company muscling in on the townspeople. Eddy disguises himself as "The Wasp" and launches a battle against the evil company and its thugs. Edward Arnold, Virginia Bruce and Victor McLaglen co-star; tunes include "Dusty Road," "Love Serenade," "Home Sweet Home" and more.

Great film is part western, part drama, part comedy and part musical. Rousing song score sung by Nelson Eddy somehow seems to ring true today as much as it did when he sang it.

"The greatest battles for liberty and Human Rights are not fought on the Battlefields of History, but in the Hearts of a Nation's People."

"This Is a Tale of the days when the New West refought without guns or banners the eternal struggle against Oppression -- and won for another Generation the gift of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

Produced by: Harry Rapf
Directed by: Jack Conway
Original Story and Screen Play by: Ben Hecht
"Dusty Road" (by) Otis and Leon René
"Love Serenade" (by) Riccardo Drigo, Bob Wright and Chet Forrest
Musical Director: Arthur Lange
Orchestral Arrangements: Leonid Raab
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Daniel B. Cathcart
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Women's Costumes by: Dolly Tree
Men's Costumes by: Valles
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Montage Effects: Jack Hoffman
Photographed by: Sidney Wagner
Film Editor: Fredrick Y. Smith

Cast: Nelson Eddy [Steve Logan], Virginia Bruce [Maggie Adams], Victor McLaglen [Chris Mulligan], Lionel Barrymore [Thomas Logan], Edward Arnold [Jim Knox], Guy Kibbee [David Bronson], Charles Butterworth ["The Mackerel"], H. B. Warner [Rutledge], Raymond Walburn [Underwood], Dick Rich ["Bumper" Jackson], Trevor Bardette [Gagan], George "Gabby" Hayes ["Pop" Wilkie], Louis Jean Heydt [Ned Wilkie], Sarah Padden ["Ma" Logan], Eddie Dunn ["Curly"], C. E. Anderson [Sheriff Hicks], Additional Cast: Maude Allen [Hilda], Adia Kuznetzoff [Pole], Luis Alberni [Tony], Emory Parnell [Swede], Tenen Holtz [Hunky], Mitchell Lewis [Joe], Victor Potel [2nd Swede], Constantine Romanoff [Russian], Lionel Royce [German], Billy Bevan [Cockney], Syd Saylor, Ted Thompson [Surveyors], Hank Bell [Stage Driver], Harry Wilson [Workman], Philo McCullough, Harry Fleischmann, Ralph Bushman [Cagan's Henchmen], Bruce Mitchell, Cyril Ring, Heinie Conklin, Jimmy Aubrey [Ranchers], Art Mix, Harry Tenbrook, James Mason [Barflies]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:12] I've Been Working on the Railroad (with a few bars of "Funiculi, Funicula" sung by Chorus as the railroad crew marches through town); [0:22} Home Sweet Home (sung by Nelson Eddy); [0:29] Ten Thousand Cattle Straying (sung by Nelson Eddy); [0:31] Love Serenade (sung by Nelson Eddy); [0:39] When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (sung by Nelson Eddy); [0:41] Pat Sez He ("off to the mountain" thrown in to signal Charles Butterworth, sung by Nelson Eddy, danced by Nelson Eddy and Victor McLaglen); [0:58] Dusty Road (sung by Nelson Eddy); [1:03] Irish jig danced by Victor McLaglen and Ensemble at political rally; [1:06] Where Else But Here (sung by Nelson Eddy and Mens Chorus); [1:24] America (sung by Virginia Bruce, Nelson Eddy, Victor McLaglen and Chorus)

Let's Dance
Paramount, 1950, Color, 112 minutes, ***

A Frank Loesser score and Fred Astaire's famed "Piano Dance" highlight this musical that teams Fred with Betty Hutton, an ex-showgirl who returns to the boards against the wishes of her society in-laws. With Lucille Watson, Roland Young. The story begins in England, 1944... Then it's Boston, 1950.

Produced by: Robert Fellows
Directed by: Norman Z. McLeod
Assistant Director: Edward Salven
Screenplay by: Allan Scott
Additional Dialogue by: Dane Lussier
Suggested by a Story by Maurice Zolotow ("Little Boy Blue")
Music Direction: Robert Emmett Dolan
Vocal Arrangements: Joseph J. Lilley
Music Associate: Troy Sanders
Special Orchestral Arrangements: Van Cleave
Songs by: Frank Loesser
Dances Staged by: Hermes Pan
Art Direction: Hans Dreier and Roland Anderson
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Ross Dowd
Gowns: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Hugo Grenzbach and John Cope
Director of Photography: George Barnes
Special Photographic Effects: Gordon Jennings
Process Photography: Farciot Edouart
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Monroe W. Burbank
Edited by: Ellsworth Hoagland

Cast: Betty Hutton [Kitty McNeil], Fred Astaire [Donald Elwood], Roland Young [Mr. Edmund Pohlwhistle], Ruth Warrick [Carola Everett], Lucile Watson [Serena Everett], Gregory Moffett [Richard Everett], Barton MacLane [Larry Channock], Shepperd Strudwick [Timothy Bryant], Melville Cooper [Mr. Charles Wagstaffe], Harold Huber [Marcel (Cook in Club)], George Zucco [Judge], Peggy Badley [Bubbles Malone], Virginia Toland [Elsie], Additional Cast: Sayre Dearing [Process Server], Ida Moore [Mrs. McGuire], Nana Bryant [Mrs. Bryant], Boyd Davis [Butler], Bobby Barber [Bartender], Herb Vigran [Chili Parlor Owner], Rolfe Sedan [Jewelry Clerk], Ralph Peters [Cab Driver], Paul A. Pierce [Square Dance Caller], Eric Alden [Captain], Milton DeLugg [Himself], Harry Woods [Police Lieutenant], Chester Conklin [Watchman], Major Sam Harris, Bess Flowers, Marion Gray [Guests], Peggy O'Neill [Woman]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Can't Stop Talking About Him (sung and danced by Betty Hutton and Fred Astaire in aircraft hangar); [0:22] Piano Dance (danced by Fred Astaire and played by Fred Astaire at the piano [onscreen]); [0:36] Jack and the Beanstalk (sung by Fred Astaire); [0:49] Oh, Them Dudes (sung and danced by Betty Hutton and Fred Astaire); [1:16] Why Fight the Feeling (sung by Betty Hutton); [1:24] The Hyacinth (played on music box, danced by Fred Astaire and Lucille Watson); [1:28] Why Fight the Feeling (instrumental arrangement danced by Fred Astaire and Betty Hutton); [1:46] Tunnel of Love (sung by Betty Hutton and Fred Astaire, danced by Betty Hutton, Fred Astaire and Chorus)

Let's Go Native
Paramount, 1930, B/W, 75 minutes

A sort of "Gilligan's Island" story finds Jeanette and her companions stranded on a tropical island following a boat wreck. And of course one of the first priorities when in a situation like this is to sing songs. And the second priority is for everyone to find someone to fall in love with. Fun film.

Produced and Directed by: Leo McCarey
Screenplay: Percy Heath and George Marion Jr.
Song Score: George Marion, Jr. and Richard A. Whiting
Choreography: David Bennett
Sound: Harry D. Mills
Cinematography: Victor Milner

Cast: Jack Oakie [Voltaire McGinnis], Jeanette MacDonald [Joan Wood], James Hall [Wally Wendell], William Austin [Basil Pistol], Kay Francis [Constance Cooke], Charles Sellon [Grandpa Wendell], David Newell [Chief Officer Williams], Eugene Pallette [Deputy Sheriff Careful Cuthbert], Skeets Gallagher [King of the Island], Rafael Storm [Argentinean], Charles D. Hall [Charlie, a Mover], Earl Askam, Harry Bernard [Movers], Pat Harmon [Policeman], Virginia Bruce [Grandpa Wendell's Secretary], E. H. Calvert [Diner Eating Duck], Grady Sutton [Diner], John Elliott [Captain], Oscar Smith [Cook], The King's Men [Background Vocals]

Musical Program: Let's Go Native (sung by the King's Men behind titles; later by Jack Oakie and William Austin); My Mad Moment (Jeanette MacDonald, James Hall and the King's Men); It Seems to Be Spring (Jeanette MacDonald and James Hall); Joe Jazz (sung by Jack Oakie, danced by Jack Oakie and Girls Chorus); I've Got a Yen for You (Jack Oakie and Kay Francis)

Let's Make Love
20th Century-Fox, 1960, Color, 118 minutes
Released September 1960

Engaging comedy concerning a millionaire (Yves Montand) who's determined to shut down a stage show that's burlesquing him...until he falls for cast member Marilyn Monroe! Tony Randall, Wilfrid Hyde-White co-star under George Cukor's direction; cameos by Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly.

Marilyn Monroe - The Diamond Collection II DVD Box Set contains this film and Don't Bother to Knock, Monkey Business, Niagara and River of No Return.

Marilyn Monroe Special Anniversary Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and Seven Year Itch, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Niagara, River of No Return and Marilyn: The Final Days.

Producer: Jerry Wald
Directed by: George Cukor
Assistant Director: David Hall
Written for the Screen by: Norman Krasna
Additional Material by: Hal Kanter
Music Director: Lionel Newman
Music: Lionel Newman
Associate: Earle H. Hagen
Words and Music: Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen
"My Heart Belongs to Daddy" by Cole Porter
Musical Numbers Staged by: Jack Cole
Art Direction: Lyle R. Wheeler, Gene Allen
Set Decorations: Walter M. Scott, Fred M. MacLean
Costumes Designed by: Dorothy Jeakins
Makeup by: Ben Nye
Hair Styles by: Helen Turpin
Sound: W. D. Flick, Warren B. Delaplain
Director of Photography: Daniel L. Fapp
Filmed in CinemaScope, Color by DeLuxe
Color Coordinator: Hoyningen-Huene
Film Editor: David Bretherton

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score - Musical (Lionel Newman and Earle H. Hagen)

Cast: Marilyn Monroe [Amanda], Yves Montand [Jean-Marc Clement], Tony Randall [Howard Coffman], Frankie Vaughan [Tony Danton], Wilfrid Hyde-White [John Wales], David Burns [Oliver Burton], Michael David [Dave Kerry], Mara Lynn [Lily Nyles], Dennis King, Jr. [Abe Miller], Joe Besser [Lamont], Madge Kennedy [Miss Manners], Raymond Foster [Jimmy], Mike Mason [Yale], John Craven [Comstock], Harry Cheshire [Minister], Larry Thor [Wilson], Richard Fowler [Van Cliburn], John Gatti [Elvis Presley], Marian Manners [Maria Callas], Oscar Beregi Jr. [Chauffeur], Geraldine Wall [Miss Hansen], Milton Berle, Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly [Guest Stars]

Musical Program: [0:00] Let's Make Love (sung by Marilyn Monroe and Chorus behind titles); [0:13] My Heart Belongs to Daddy (sung and danced by Marilyn Monroe and Boys Chorus); [0:26] Sing Me a Song That Sells (sung by Frankie Vaughan); [0:36] Hey You with the Crazy Eyes (sung by Frankie Vaughan); [0:59] Strip City (excerpt danced by Chorus); [1:01] Specialization (excerpt sung by Frankie Vaughan and Marilyn Monroe); [1:03] Specialization (sung by Frankie Vaughan and Marilyn Monroe); [1:25] Let's Make Love (sung by Frankie Vaughan and Marilyn Monroe); [1:29] Incurably Romantic (sung by Bing Crosby and Yves Montand); [1:34] Incurably Romantic (sung by Yves Montand and Marilyn Monroe); [1:47] Incurably Romantic (sung by Frankie Vaughan); [1:56] Let's Make Love (excerpt sung by Yves Montand)

Let's Sing Again
Principal Productions / RKO, 1936, B/W, 70 minutes, ***

Eight-year-old boy soprano Billy Gordon (Bobby Breen) runs away from an orphanage to join a traveling show, where he's taken in by washed-up opera singer Joe Pasquale (Henry Armetta). Joe helps Billy develop his singing voice. When he becomes ill, Pasquale takes Billy to New York and during an opera performance Billy is reunited with his real father.

Produced by: Sol Lesser
Directed by: Kurt Neumann
Assistant Director: Fred Tyler
Written by: Don Swift
Adaptation and Screen Play by: Don Swift and Dan Jarrett
Sory Supervision: Harry Chandlee
Production Manager: Edward Gross
Art Director: Ben Carre
Musical Setting Conceived and Directed by: Hugo Reisenfeld
Associate: Abe Meyer
Songs: "Let's Sing Again" by Jimmy McHugh and Gus Kahn, "Lullaby" by Hugo Reisenfeld and Selma Hautzik, "Farmer in the Dell" by Samuel Pokrass and Charles O. Locke
Sound Engineer: Richard E. Tyler
Photography: Harry Neumann
Film Editor: Robert Crandall

Cast: Bobby Breen [Billy Gordon], Henry Armetta [Joe Pasquale], George Houston [Leon Alba], Vivienne Osborne [Rosa Donelli], Grant Withers [Jim "Diablo" Wilkins], Inez Courtney [Marge Wilkins], Lucien Littlefield [Superintendent Henry Perkins], Richard Carle [Carter], Clay Clement [Jackson], Ann Doran [Alice Alba]

Musical Program: [0:01] Lullaby (excerpt sung by George Houston while rocking baby Billy); [0:06] Pop Goes the Weasel (with special lyric, sung by Bobby Breen and Boys at orphanage); [0:28] Let's Sing Again (sung by Bobby Breen); [0:32] Lullaby (excerpt sung by Bobby Breen); [0:40] The Two Grenadiers (excerpt sung by George Houston); [0:42] La Donna e Mobile (from the opera RIGOLETTO) (excerpt sung by Bobby Breen); [0:43] Let's Sing Again (sung by Bobby Breen); [0:52] Oh Marie (excerpt sung by Bobby Breen); [1:00] Farmer in the Dell (sung by George Houston); [1:02] Lullaby (sung by George Houston then by Bobby Breen)

Li'l Abner
Paramount, 1959, Color, 113 minutes, ***
Released 1961

The U.S. government has determined that A-Bomb testing in Nevada is causing fallout in Las Vegas, threatening an essential industry, so a survey was undertaken in order to move the testing to the most unessential location in the country. And, of course, Dogpatch USA was found to be that most unessential place. So all residents of Dogpatch are asked to evacuate so testing may be resumed there.

In an attempt to save their homes, the Dogpatch citizens gather together everything they can find that might be considered essential, but it's Mammy's Yokumberry tonic, made from the berries of a tree that grows only in the Yokums' yard, that postpones the testing while the government takes six local husbands to Washington as guinea pigs for testing of the tonic to determine if it might be "essential."

When villainous General Bullmoose hears of the tonic, he sets about to get the formula in order to sell the stuff and get even richer. He sends his private secretary Appassionata to the Dogpatch Sadie Hawkins day race to catch Abner for a mate - with a little help from Evil Eye Fleagle, who can zap men into a frozen state with his magic. He can stop Abner in his tracks so that Appasionata can catch him easily. Only trouble is, Abner has promised Daisy Mae that he will let her catch him this year so they can finally be married. But if Bullmoose has his way, Appassionata will catch Abner and then he and Appassionata will do away with Abner, leaving Appassionata the sole owner of the formula. But things get a little complicated when the government finds that the potion has one little flaw.

In the meantime, Daisy Mae has made a big sacrifice by promising to marry Earthquake McGoon in return for him going to Washington to save Abner. And so he does, which leaves Abner and Daisy Mae hurtin' bad. The wedding day comes, and just at the last moment as Marryin' Sam is about to make Earthquake and Daisy Mae matrimonified, Pappy comes up with an idea to save the day.

Overall, it's a pretty cute movie. Beautifully stylized sets, plenty of beatiful leggy girls, colorful costumes and some very amazing makeup along with lots of music and dancing The plot plays like the familiar mellerdrammer story with a villain, a damsel in distress and a hero. Guaranteed to please!

Produced by: Norman Panama
Assistant to the Producer: Hal C. Kern
Directed by: Melvin Frank
Assistant Director: C. C. Coleman, Jr.
Written by: Norman Panama and Melvin Frank
Based on the characters created by Al Capp
Lyrics by: Johnny Mercer
Music by: Gene de Paul
Music Scored and Conducted by: Nelson Riddle and Joseph J. Lilley
Vocal Arrangements by: Joseph J. Lilley
Adapted from the Stage Production:
   Vocals by Lehman Engel
   Orchestrations by Philip J. Lang
   Ballet Music Arranged by Genevieve Pitot
Musical Numbers Staged by: Dee Dee Wood
Based on the Original Staging by: Michael Kidd
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and J. McMillan Johnson
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Grace Gregory
Stage Production Scenery by: William and Jean Eckart
Costumes Designed by: Alvin Colt
Wardrobe Executed by: Yvonne Wood
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Hair Style Supervision: Nellie Manley
Dialogue Coach: Terence Little
Sound Recording by: Harold Lewis, Charles Grenzbach
Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Director of Photography: Daniel L. Fapp
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Edited by: Arthur P. Schmidt

Cast: Peter Palmer [Li'l Abner], Leslie Parrish [Daisy Mae], Stubby Kaye [Marryin' Sam], Julie Newmar [Stupefyin' Jones], Howard St. John [General Bullmoose], Stella Stevens [Appassionata Von Climax], Billie Hayes [Mammy Yokum], Joe E. Marks [Pappy Yokum], Bern Hoffman [Earthquake McGoon], Al Nessor [Evil Eye Fleagle], Robert Strauss [Romeo Scragg], William Lanteau [Available Jones], Ted Thurston [Sen. Jack S. Phogbound], Carmen Alvarez [Moonbeam McSwine], Alan Carney [Mayor Dawgmeat], Stanley Simmonds [Rasmussen T. Finsdale], Jerry Lewis [cameo], Imogene Lynn [singing voice of Leslie Parrish], Chester Conklin [unknown part], Donna Douglas [unknown part]

Musical Program: [0:01] It's a Typical Day (sung by Peter Palmer and Chorus with short solos by Carmen Alvarez, Stubby Kaye, Bern Hoffman, Leslie Parris dubbed by Imogene Lynn, Joe E. Marks, Billie Hayes - each of the principals introduces themselves in song); [0:14] If I Had My Druthers (sung by Peter Palmer and Ensemble); [0:18] Jubilation T. Cornpone (sung and danced by Stubby Kaye and Ensemble); [0:25] Unnecessary Town (partly sung, mostly instrumental danced by Ensemble); [0:37] Namely You (sung by Imogene Lynn dubbing for Leslie Parrish and Peter Palmer); [0:47] What's Good for General Bullmoose (excerpt sung by Bullmoose's Goons); [0:55] What's Good for General Bullmoose (excerpt sung by Stella Stevens, Ted Thurston and Bullmoose's Goons); [0:55] Unnecessary Town (short excerpt sung as "Necessary Town" by Ensemble); [0:56] The Country's in the Very Best of Hands (sung by Peter Palmer, Stubby Kaye and Chorus; interestingly cynical view of the government); [1:17] I'm Past My Prime (sung by Imogene Lynn dubbing for Leslie Parrish and Stubby Kaye - very cute number!); [1:24] What's Good for General Bullmoose (excerpt sung by Stella Stevens, Ted Thurston, Stanley Simmonds and Bullmoose's Goons); [1:28] In Society (?) (instrumental danced at party); [1:35] Put 'Em Back (sung by Carmen Alvarez and the wives of the guinea pigs); [1:40] I Wish It Could Be Otherwise (sung by Imogene Lynn dubbing for Leslie Parrish and Peter Palmer - their only romantic duet); [1:47] The Matrimonial Stomp (excerpt sung by Stubby Kaye and Ensemble); [1:50] Put 'Em Back (reprised by the wives); [1:53] Jubilation T. Cornpone (reprised by by Stubby Kaye and Chorus); Other song fragments scattered throughout the film


Leslie Parrish and Stubby Kaye

Lili
MGM, 1953, Color, 87 minutes, ****

Leslie Caron is Lili, a young French country girl who travels to the outskirts of Paris to work for a shopkeeper after her father's death. The shopkeeper makes advances, and she is rescued by Mel Ferrer who just happens to be walking past the shop. She follows him to the carnival where he works as a puppeteer. Shy and reserved, Ferrer talks to Lili through his four puppets, each one of which represents a unique aspect of his personality.

Lili and the puppets sing "Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo," which attracts a crowd of onlookers. So Ferrer and partner Kasznar decide to take Lili on as part of the act. Lili falls in love with Ferrer, and he with her, though he can't admit it to her or even to himself. Eventually, Lili becomes frustrated with Ferrer's behavior and runs away. But along the way out of town she daydreams about Ferrer (Lili and the Puppets ballet), realizes how the puppets are really him, and runs back to his waiting arms.

Wonderful, enchanting film! A must-see for everyone! Bronislau Kaper won an Academy Award for Best Score, Leslie Caron was nominated for Best Actress.

Produced by: Edwin H. Knopf
Directed by: Charles Walters
Assistant Director: Al Jennings
Screen Play by: Helen Deutsch
Based on a Story by Paul Gallico
Music by: Bronislau Kaper
Song: "Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo (by) Helen Deutsch and Bronislau Kaper
Choreography: Charles Walters
Assisted by: Dorothy Jarnac
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse
Puppets Created by: Paul E. Walton and Michael O'Rourke
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Arthur Krams
Costumes Designed by: Mary Anne Nyberg
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Robert Planck
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, Robert Brower
Film Editor: Ferris Webster

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score (Bronislau Kaper). Academy Award nominations for Best Actress (Leslie Caron), Best Director, Best Screenplay (Helen Deutsch), Best Color Cinematography (Robert Planck) and Best Art Direction/Set Decoration

Cast: Leslie Caron [Lili Daurier], Mel Ferrer [Paul Berthalet], Jean Pierre Aumont [Marc], Zsa Zsa Gabor [Rosalie], Kurt Kasznar [Jacquot], Amanda Blake [Peach Lips], Alex Gerry [Proprietor], Ralph Dumke [Monsieur Carvier], Wilton Graff [Monsieur Tonit], George Baxter [Monsieur Enrique], Eda Reiss Merin [Fruit Peddler], George Davis [Workman], Mitchell Lewis [Concessionaire], Fred Walton [Whistler], Richard Grayson [Flirting Vendor], Dorothy Jarnac [Specialty Dancer]

Musical Program: [0:00] Hi-Lili, Hi Lo (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:31] Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo (sung by Leslie Caron and Puppets); [0:36] Adoration (dream sequence danced by Leslie Caron with Magician, then by by Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dorothy Jarnac, Leslie Caron and Jean Pierre Aumont); [1:12] Lili and the Puppets Ballet (danced by Leslie Caron, Mel Ferrer and Puppets)

Lillian Russell
20th Century-Fox, 1940, B/W, 127 minutes, ***

It's the Gay '90s and headliner Lillian Russell (Alice Faye) is unstoppable! Called "The English Ballad Singer," her beauty, charm and unforgettable voice packed playhouses everywhere. Offstage, she was equally amazing with an extravagant lifestyle that included four husbands, a jewel-studded bicycle and a wardrobe filled with furs, jewels, gowns and diamond-decorated corsets. As Russell, Faye breathes life into this glamorous icon singing old standards such as, "After the Ball" and new songs including, "Blue Love Bird." One of Faye's best dramatic roles, she stars with actors Don Ameche, Henry Fonda and Edward Arnold.  [from DVD case]

Biopic of legendary singer / actress, Lillian Russell (1861 - 1922). Miss Russell was also portrayed by Ruth Gillette in The Great Ziegfeld, Andrea King in My Wild Irish Rose and Binnie Barnes in Diamond Jim.

I'm very grateful to Fox for releasing this film on DVD -- I've been wanting to see it for years. It's a charming film, Faye is truly amazing as Lillian Russell. All of the principals turn in wonderful performances. The film tends to gloss over Russell's extravagances for the most part and chooses to portray her as a sweet young lass, but that makes the film upbeat and fun. Edward Arnold nearly steals every scene he's in portraying Diamond Jim Brady as one of the kindest men of all time, and that laugh of his is very contagious! Henry Fonda plays his role perfectly, following Alice around through all her ups and downs. Don Ameche is great, as always, but his role is much too short. Anyway, it's a fun film, and I recommend it to any classic musical buff, though I found I had to watch it twice to let it sink in.

The Alice Faye Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film and That Night in Rio, On the Avenue and The Gang's All Here.

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!

Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Gene Markey
Directed by: Irving Cummings
Screen Play by: William Anthony McGuire
Music and Lyrics: "Adored One" by Alfred Newman and Mack Gordon; "Blue Love Bird" by Gus Kahn and Bronislau Kaper
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Dances Staged by: Seymour Felix
Art Direction: Richard Day, Joseph C. Wright
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Costumes: Travis Banton
Sound: Arthur von Kirbach, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Film Editor: Walter Thompson

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Interior Decoration, B/W

Cast: Alice Faye [Lillian Russell (Helen Leonard)], Don Ameche [Edward Solomon], Henry Fonda [Alexander Moore], Edward Arnold [Diamond Jim Brady], Warren William [The Famous J. L.], Leo Carrillo [Tony Pastor], Helen Westley [Grandma Leonard], Dorothy Peterson [Cynthia Leonard, Lillian's Mother], Ernest Truex [Charles K. Leonard, Lillian's Father], Nigel Bruce [William Gilbert], Lynn Bari [Edna McCauley], Claude Allister [Arthur Sullivan],