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

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 His 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, ***
Released September, 1941

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)


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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, ***
Released October, 1972

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
Released November, 1930

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
Premiere release March, 1951
General release April, 1951

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
Released October, 1957

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)

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
Released February, 1939

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, ***
Released November, 1950

The great Fred Astaire puts on his dancing shoes and says Let's Dance to ebullient Betty Hutton in this Technicolor treat from the Golden Age of the Hollywood musical.

Hutton plays a war widow who, with the help of her song-and-dance partner Astaire, fights a desperate legal battle to gain custody of her son. Dazzling musical numbers highlight the heartwarming story, including "Oh, Them Dudes," a wildly comic Western spoof that has Astaire swap his top hat and tails for dusty cowboy duds. Then he tops it with "Piano Dance," dancing on, under, around and in a piano to create one of his most celebrated routines.   [from back of VHS sleeve]

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
Released August, 1930

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, ***
Released May, 1936

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 December, 1959

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

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, ***
Released May, 1940

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], Joe Weber, Lew Fields [Weber & Fields], Eddie Foy, Jr. [Eddie Foy, Sr.], Una O'Connor [Marie], Joseph Cawthorn [Leopold Damrosch], Diane Fisher [Dorothy], Elyse Knox, Joan Valerie, Alice Armand [Lillian Russell's Sisters], William Davidson [President Cleveland], Hal K. Dawson [Chauffeur], Charles Halton [Dr. Dobbins], Robert Emmett Keane [Jeweler], Harry Hayden [Mr. Sloane, Newspaper Editor], Frank Darien [Coachman], Frank Sully [Hank], Ottola Nesmith [Miss Smyth], Ferike Boros [Mrs. Rose], Frank Thomas [Official], Robert Homans [Stage Doorman], William Haade, Irving Bacon, Paul Burns [Soldiers], Cecil Cunningham [Mrs. Hobbs], Additional Cast: Milburn Stone, Charles Tannen [Reporters], Leyland Hodgson [Hotel Clerk], Philip Winter [Tenor], Thaddeus Jones [Mose], Alex Pollard [Waiter], Tom London [Frank], Stella Shirpsor [Baby], Robert "Buddy" Shaw [Man], A. S. Byron [Policeman], Floyd Shackelford [Valet], Paul McVey [Stage Manager], Dennis Kaye [New Born Baby]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles, includes vocal of Back in the Days of Old Broadway and Under the Bamboo Tree sung by Chorus); [0:06] Comin' Thro' the Rye (excerpt sung by Alice Faye); [0:17] Brighten the Corner Where You Are (excerpt sung by Alice Faye and Lillian's sisters); [0:25] The Band Played On (sung by Alice Faye); [0:29[ Come Down Ma Evenin' Star (sung by Alice Faye); [0:33] Ma Blushin' Rosie (Ma Rosie Sweet) (production number sung by Alice Faye and Chorus); [0:51] After the Ball (Alice Faye with Chorus sings to President Cleveland over the phone); [0:57] Adored One (sung by Don Ameche, then sung by Alice Faye); [1:19] Blue Love Bird (sung by Don Ameche, hummed by Alice Faye); [1:34] Blue Love Bird (sung by Alice Faye); [1:43] Artists Life (played by Orchestra in background); [1:56] He Goes to Church on Sunday (performed by Eddie Foy, Jr.); [2:01] Waltz Is King / After the Ball (production number sung and danced by Chorus, sung by Alice Faye); [2:06] Back in the Days of Old Broadway (sung by Chorus behind end credits); The melody of Under the Bamboo Tree is a recurring theme throughout the background score.

Listen, Darling
MGM, 1938, B/W, 75 minutes, ***
Released October, 1938

Pinkie's (Judy Garland) mother Dottie (Mary Astor) has had trouble making ends meet since Pinkie's father died. He didn't believe in insurance, and he left them with nothing. Concerned for her children's welfare, Dottie decides to accept a marriage proposal from the town banker (Gene Lockhart), even though she doesn't really love him. But Pinkie senses her mother's unhappiness with the situation and has a chat with her pal Buzz (Freddie Bartholomew) who knows all the answers. Buzz suggests that they kidnap Dottie and take her to the country in their camping trailer so that she can't marry the banker. So that's what they do! Of course, Dottie is furious with them, but when she hears the reasoning behind their actions she forgives them, and they all decide to stay in the country for a short holiday.

In the meantime, Pinkie and Buzz make plans to find a husband for Dottie. Someone who is not improvident and who believes in insurance! About this time, Richard Thurlow (Walter Pidgeon) shows up, and they decide he's the one. Buzz pays him a visit and cross-examines him, much to Thurlow's delight. However, Billie's (Scotty Beckett) not-so-accidental encounter with a skunk, which he is convinced is a striped beaver, results in a heated argument when Buzz and Pinkie attempt to bury his Daniel Boone suit to rid him of the smell. The commotion is heard by J.J. Slattery (Alan Hale) who lives nearby, and he comes to investigate. He takes the children back to his home to bathe Billie and give him a new Chief Bald Eagle outfit.

It turns out that Slattery not only believes in insurance, but actually owns an insurance company! Buzz is convinced that Slattery is the man for Dottie, but Pinkie is not so sure. She has seen how much fun Dottie has been having with Thurlow. So the competition is on - who will become the next head of the Wingate family?

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Edwin L. Marin
Screen Play by: Elaine Ryan and Anne Morrison Chapin
From the Story by: Katherine Brush
Musical Program:
"On the Bumpy Road to Love" (by) Al Hoffman, Al Lewis and Murray Mencher
"Ten Pins in the Sky" (by) Joseph McCarthy and Milton Ager
"Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" (by) James F. Hanley
Musical Score by: Dr. William Axt
Musical Director: Georgie Stoll
Musical Arrangements by: Roger Edens
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associates: Harry McAfee, Edwin B. Willis
Wardrobe by: Dolly Tree
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Photographed by: Charles Lawton, Jr.
Film Editor: Blanche Sewell

Cast: Judy Garland ["Pinkie" Wingate], Freddie Bartholomew ["Buzz" Mitchell], Mary Astor [Dottie Wingate], Walter Pidgeon [Richard Thurlow], Alan Hale [J.J. Slattery], Scotty Beckett [Billie Wingate], Barnett Parker [Abercrombie], Gene Lockhart [Mr. Drubbs], Charley Grapewin [Uncle Joe], Additional Cast: Edgar Dearing [Motorcycle Policeman]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:04] Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart (sung by Judy Garland), [0:22} On the Bumpy Road to Love (sung by Judy Garland with Scotty Beckett, Freddie Bartholomew and Mary Astor), [0:55] Ten Pins in the Sky (sung by Judy Garland); [0:59] Ten Pins in the Sky (reprised by Walter Pidgeon, Mary Astor and Judy Garland); [1:14] On the Bumpy Road to Love (reprised by Walter Pidgeon, Judy Garland and Chorus)


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Featured Film

The Little Colonel
Fox Film Corp., 1935, B/W and Color, 80 minutes, ***
Released February, 1935

"An old-fashioned Southern colonel has disowned his daughter for marrying a Yankee and resists all entreaties for a reconciliation. But he can't resist the charms of his granddaughter..."  [from back of VHS sleeve]

In this Temple film, Shirley actually has a mother and a father! She plays opposite the great Lionel Barrymore, and even gets to throw mud on him! This is the film that features the famous "Stair Dance" by Shirley and the legendary Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.

The setting is Kentucky in "the '70s"

Producer: B. G. DeSylva
Directed by: David Butler
Screen Play and Adaptation by: William Conselman
Based on the story "The Little Colonel" by Annie Fellows Johnston
Music Adaptation: Cyril J. Mockridge
Musical Score: Thomas Moore
Musical Director: Arthur Lange
Song Score: various
Art Direction: William Darling
Costumes: William Lambert
Sound: S. C. Chapman
Photography: Arthur Miller
Color Sequence by: Technicolor
Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Color Photography: William Skall

Cast: Shirley Temple [Lloyd Sherman], Lionel Barrymore [Colonel Lloyd], Evelyn Venable [Elizabeth Lloyd Sherman], John Lodge [Jack Sherman], Sidney Blackmer [Swazey], Alden Chase [Hull], William Burress [Dr. Scott], Frank Darien [Nebler], Robert Warwick [Colonel Gray], Hattie McDaniel [Mom Beck], Geneva Williams [Maria], Avonne Jackson [May Lily], Nyanza Potts [Henry Clay], Bill "Bojangles" Robinson [Walker], Additional Cast: Dave O'Brien [Frank Randolph], Lillian West [Neighbor Woman], Harry Strang [Sergeant]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Love's Young Dream (sung by Evelyn Venable at the Harp); [0:30] Sun Shines Brighter (sung by Chorus at Baptismal ceremony); [0:37] Love's Young Dream (sung a capella by Shirley Temple with ghostly figure of Evelyn Venable at the Harp); [0:56] "Stair Dance" (danced by Shirley and Bill Robinson on staircase, vocals by Bill Robinson); [1:06] Oh! Susanna (danced by Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson, accompanied by harmonica); [1:19] Dixie (instrumental played by Orchestra in color sequence)

Marking the beginning of what is often referred to as the second era of Disney, The Little Mermaid was a bright and beautiful fairy tale set to music. Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's book, the animated film is a cheerful romp of a tale about a modern-day cute and spunky mermaid determined to befriend the humans onshore in spite of her father, King Triton's admonitions to the contrary.

After the success of this film, Disney produced nearly a decade of bright and colorful musical films such as Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Lion King.

Produced by: Howard Ashman and John Musker
Directed by: Ron Clements and John Musker
Screenplay: Roger Allers, Howard Ashman, Ron Clements and John Musker,
Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen
Music Score: Alan Menken
Song Score: Howard Ashman and Alan Menken
Conductor: J.A.C. Redford
Production Design: Maureen Donley, Donald Towns
Art Direction: Michael Peraza Jr., David Towns
Film Editing: Mark A. Hester

Cast: (Voices) Jodi Benson [Ariel], Jason Marin [Flounder], Samuel E. Wright [Sebastian], Kenneth Mars [King Triton], Christopher Daniel Barnes [Prince Eric], Pat Carroll [Ursula], Buddy Hackett [Scuttle], Rene Auberjonois [Louis], Paddi Edwards [Flotsam and Jetsam], Will Ryan [Seahorse], Edie McClurg [Carlotta], Ben Wright [Grimsby], Sherri Stoner [Live-action model for Ariel]

Musical Program: Fathoms Below (Mens Chorus); Main Titles (Orchestra); Fanfare (Orchestra); Daughters of Triton (Daughters of Triton); Part of Your World (Jodi Benson); Under the Sea (Samuel E. Wright and Chorus); Part of Your World (Reprise) (Jodi Benson); Poor Unfortunate Souls (Pat Carroll); Les Poissons (Rene Auberjonois); Kiss the Girl (Samuel E. Wright and Chorus); Fireworks (Orchestra); Jig (Orchestra); The Storm (Orchestra); Destruction of the Grotto (Orchestra); Flotsam and Jetsam (Orchestra); Tour of the Kingdom (Orchestra); Bedtime (Orchestra); Wedding Announcement (Orchestra); Eric to the Rescue (Orchestra); Happy Ending (Disney Chorus)

Little Miss Broadway
20th Century-Fox, 1938, B/W, 70 minutes, ***
Premiere release July, 1938
General release September, 1938

Orphan Shirley is adopted by Pop Shea (Edward Ellis) and his daughter Barbara (Phyllis Brooks). The Sheas run a hotel for vaudevillians. When Pop Shea gets behind in the rent, Wealthy Sarah Wendling (Edna May Oliver), owner of the hotel, threatens to close it down unless Shea can come up with the rent payment, but fast. Roger Wendling (George Murphy), Sarah's nephew, befriends the Sheas and does his best to keep auntie from kicking them out on the street. Murphy and Temple have a song and dance number together, "We Should Be Together," and dance the finale scene together. Shirley sings, "Be Optimistic," "If All the World Were Paper" and "Swing Me an Old Fashioned Song."

Setting is contemporary (ca. 1938) New York City

In Charge of Production: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: David Hempstead
Directed by: Irving Cummings
Original Screen Play by: Harry Tugend and Jack Yellen
Music and Lyrics by: Walter Bullock and Harold Spina
Dances Staged by: Nick Castle and Geneva Sawyer
Musical Direction: Louis Silvers
Art Director: Bernard Herzbrun, Hans Peters
Set Decorations by: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: George Leverett, Roger Heman
Photography: Arthur Miller
Film Editor: Walter Thompson

Cast: Shirley Temple [Betsy Brown], George Murphy [Roger Wendling], Jimmy Durante [Jimmy Clayton], Phyllis Brooks [Barbara Shea], Edna May Oliver [Sarah Wendling], George Barbier [Fiske], Edward Ellis [Pop Shea], Jane Darwell [Miss Hutchins], El Brendel [Ole], Donald Meek [Willoughby Wendling], Patricia Wilder [Flossie], Claude Gillingwater [Judge], George and Olive Brasno [Themselves], Charles Williams [Mike Brody], Charles Coleman [Simmons], Russell Hicks [Perry], Brian Sisters [Themselves], Brewster Twins [Themselves], Claire DuBrey [Miss Blodgett], Robert Gleckler [Detective], C. Montague Shaw [Miles], Frank Dae [Pool], Clarence Wilson [Scully], Eddie Collins, Syd Saylor, Jerry Colonna, Heinie Conklin ["Jimmy and the Bandits" Band Members], Ben Welden [Taxi Driver]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "Little Miss Broadway" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Be Optimistic (sung by Shirley Temple, The Brian Sisters and Orphan Girls); [0:05] Auld Lang Syne (sung by Orphan Girls as Shirley leaves); [0:12] How Can I Thank You (sung by Shirley Temple to Phyllis Brooks); [0:17] We Should Be Together (sung and danced by Shirley Temple and George Murphy); [0:25] If All the World Were Paper (sung by Shirley Temple to George Murphy); [0:28] When You Were Sweet Sixteen (Shirley Temple and Mens Quartet); [0:45] Happy Birthday to You (sung and played by "Jimmy and The Bandits" and Ensemble at Shirley's birthday party); [0:45] How Can I Thank You (reprised by Shirley Temple); [0:51] Be Optimistic (reprised by Shirley Temple, The Brian Sisters and Orphan Girls); [1:02] Stars and Stripes Forever (excerpt played by "Jimmy and The Bandits" in the Courtroom); [1:02] Thank You for the Use of the Hall (spoken in verse by Shirley Temple); [1:03] Loch Lomond (sung by Mens Quartet); [1:04] Swing Me an Old Fashioned Song (sung by Shirley Temple, Mens Quartet and Girls Chorus); [1:06] Little Miss Broadway (sung and danced by George Murphy); [1:08] I'll Build a Broadway for You (sung and danced by George Murphy and Shirley Temple)

Little Miss Marker
(aka "Damon Runyon's Little Miss Marker")
Paramount, 1934, B/W, 79 minutes, ***
Released June, 1934

The classic Damon Runyon tale received its first -- and most-beloved -- cinematic treatment with Shirley Temple as the cute youngster left to bookie Adolphe Menjou as a gambling marker. Her influence leads Menjou to try to mend his ways and marry his nightclub singer girlfriend. Dorothy Dell, Charles Bickford also star.

Producer: B. P. Schulberg
Directed by: Alexander Hall
Screen Play by: William R. Lipman, Sam Hellman and Gladys Lehman
From a story by: Damon Runyon
Musical Score: Ralph Rainger
Music by: Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by: Leo Robin
Art Direction: Hans Dreier, John B. Goodman
Sound: Earl S. Hayman
Photographed by: Alfred Gilks
Film Editing: William Shea

Cast: Shirley Temple [Little Miss Marker ("Marky")], Adolphe Menjou [Sorrowful Jones], Charles Bickford [Big Steve], Dorothy Dell [Bangles Carson], Lynne Overman [Regret], Warren Hymer [Sore Toe], Sam Hardy [Bennie, the Gouge], John Kelly [Canvas Back], Frank McGlynn, Sr. [Doc Chesley], John Sheehan [Sun Rise], Frank Conroy [Dr. Ingalls], Additional Cast: Garry Owen [Grinder], Willie Best [Dizzy Memphis], Pudgy White [Eddie White], Tammany Young [Buggs], Edward Earle [Marky's Father], James Burke [Detective Reardon], Mildred Gover [Sarah], Lucille Ward [Mrs. Walsh], Crauford Kent [Doctor], Nora Cecil [Head of Home Finding Society], Ernie Adams [Bettor], Don Brodie [Bettor], Stanley Price [Bookie]

Musical Program: [0:11] I'm a Black Sheep Who's Blue (sung by Dorothy Dell in club, short portion shuffled by Willie Best); [0:34] Low Down Lullaby (sung by Dorothy Dell as she tucks Shirley into bed); [0:40] Laugh You Son of a Gun (sung by Shirley Temple and Dorothy Dell at the Piano); [1:06] The Sidewalks of New York (East Side, West Side) (excerpt sung by Party Ensemble); [1:08] The Bowery (excerpt sung by Party Ensemble)

Little Nellie Kelly
MGM, 1940, B/W, 100 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1940

Judy plays a dual role in this film loosely based on the George M. Cohan stage play. Nellie (Garland), a young Irish girl, marries Jerry Kelly (Murphy) against the wishes of her stubborn father (Winninger), who vows to never speak to Kelly again. The three move to America, and Nellie tries hard to get Winninger to accept his new son-in-law. But Nellie dies in childbirth, and Winninger and Murphy must raise Little Nellie alone, though they don't see eye to eye on child rearing.

Judy then plays Little Nellie as an adult, a beautiful and sweet young lady who is still trying to get her grandfather to accept her father. Judy and McPhail sing "It's a Great Day for the Irish," and Judy sings "Singin' in the Rain."

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Screen Play by: Jack McGowan
Based upon the Musical Comedy Written, Composed and Produced by George M. Cohan
Musical Program: "Nellie Kelly I Love You" (by) George M. Cohan, "Singin' in the Rain" (by) Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown
Musical Adaptation: Roger Edens
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Art Director: Cedric Gibbons
Associate: Harry McAfee
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Women's Costumes by: Dolly Tree
Men's Costumes by: Gile Steele
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Ray June
Film Editor: Fredrick Y. Smith

Cast: Judy Garland [Nellie Kelly / Little Nellie Kelly], George Murphy [Jerry Kelly], Charles Winninger [Michael Noonan], Douglas McPhail [Dennis Fogarty], Arthur Shields [Timothy Fogarty], Rita Page [Mary Fogarty], Forrester Harvey [Moriarity], James Burke [Sergeant McGowan], George Watts [Keevan], Additional Cast: Almira Sessions [Nanny]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:09] A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow (ballad version sung by Judy Garland); [0:42] Nellie Is a Darlin' (excerpt sung by Charles Winninger); [0:46] It's a Great Day for the Irish (sung by Judy Garland, Doug McPhail and Chorus); [0:51] Happy Birthday to You (sung by telegram delivery boys); [0:56] A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow (ballad version and swing version sung by Judy Garland); [1:19] Singin' in the Rain (sung by Judy Garland); [1:30] Nellie Kelly, I Love You (sung and danced by Doug McPhail, Judy Garland, George Murphy and Mens Chorus); [1:37] Nellie Kelly, I Love You (excerpt sung by Doug McPhail, George Murphy, Judy Garland and Charles Winninger)


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Little Old New York
20th Century-Fox, 1940, B/W, 100 minutes
Released February, 1940

A comedy with one song. A remake of the 1923 Marion Davies silent film. I still haven't seen this film, so I don't know anything about it. I'm including it to completely cover Alice Faye movies.

Producer: Raymond Griffith
Director: Henry King
Screenplay: Harry Tugend (based on the story by John Balderston)
Musical Score: Alfred Newman
Song: "Who Is the Beau of the Belle of New York?" by Mack Gordon
Art Direction: Richard Day, James Havens, Rudolph Sternad
Set Decoration: Thomas Little
Costume Design: Royer
Sound: Alfred Bruzlin, Roger Heman, Sr.
Special Effects: Fred Sersen
Cinematography: Leon Shamroy
Film Editing: Barbara McLean

Cast: Alice Faye [Pat O'Day], Fred MacMurray [Charles Browne], Richard Greene [Robert Fulton], Brenda Joyce [Harriet Livingstone], Andy Devine [Commodore], Henry Stephenson [Chancellor Livingstone], Fritz Feld [Tavern Keeper], Ward Bond [Regan], Clarence Wilson [Stout], Robert Middlemass [Nicholas Roosevelt], Roger Imhof [John Jacob Astor], Theodore von Eltz [Washington Irving], Virginia Brissac [Mrs. Brevoort], Ben Carter [Noah], Dutch Hendrian [Blackie], Victor Kilian [DeWitt], Jody Gilbert [Hilda], Arthur Aylesworth [Sea Captain], Stanley Andrews [Patrol Captain], Harry Tyler [Helmsman], Paul Sutton [Wolf], Tyler Brooke [Singer], Herbert Ashley [Ticket Taker], Herbert Heywood [Horace], James McNamara [Banker], Marion Briscoe [Banker's Wife], Chick Collins [Captain], Harry Strang [Fireman], Pat Hartigan [Regan's Henchman], Herbert Evans [Footman], Keith Hitchcock [Butler], Jessie Arnold [Woman], Iva Stewart [Mrs. Irving]

Musical Program: Who Is the Beau of the Belle of New York? (sung by Tyler Brooke and Chorus, joined by Alice Faye)

The Little Princess
20th Century-Fox, 1939, Color, 93 minutes, ***½
Released March, 1939

One of Shirley's best! It's set in Victorian England. Shirley's father (Ian Hunter) is off to fight in the Boer War and leaves Shirley in the hands of Mary Nash who runs a boarding school for girls. Because of her father's social standing as a Captain in the army, Shirley is treated like a little princess. But when Hunter is reported killed, Nash assumes no more checks will be forthcoming and throws little Shirley out of her room, putting her to work as a household servant. But Shirley is convinced her father is still alive and becomes a fixture at the military hospital, searching for her father. Will she ever find him?

Shirley and Treacher sing and dance a cute version of "Old Kent Road."

This is one of those films that has (apparently) fallen into public domain. There are many companies cranking out VHS and DVD recordings of poor quality. I recommend buying Fox DVDs and VHS tapes if you can find them! The picture quality is far superior to the print transfers!

The story begins in England, 1899

In Charge of Production: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Gene Markey
Directed by: Walter Lang
Screen Play by: Ethel Hill and Walter Ferris
Based on the Novel by: Frances Hodgson Burnett ("The Fantasy")
The Fantasy: Words and Music by Walter Bullock and Samuel Pokrass
Ballet Staged by: Ernest Belcher
Settings by: Richard Day
Dances Staged by: Nicholas Castle, Geneva Sawyer
Musical Direction: Louis Silvers
Art Direction: Bernard Herzbrun, Hans Peters
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: E. Clayton Ward, Roger Heman
Photographed by: Arthur Miller, William Skall
Photographed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Morgan Padelford
Film Editor: Louis Loeffler

Cast: Shirley Temple [Sara Crewe], Richard Greene [Geoffrey Hamilton], Anita Louise [Rose], Ian Hunter [Captain Crewe], Cesar Romero [Ram Dass], Arthur Treacher [Bertie Minchin], Mary Nash [Amanda Minchin], Sybil Jason [Becky], Miles Mander [Lord Wickham], Marcia Mae Jones [Lavinia], Beryl Mercer [Queen], Deidre Gaye [Jessie], Ira Stevens [Ermengarde], E.E. Clive [Mr. Barrows], Eily Malyon [Cook], Clyde Cook [Attendant], Keith Kenneth [Bobbie], Will Stanton, Harry Allen [Grooms], Holmes Herbert, Evan Thomas, Guy Bellis [Doctors], Kenneth Hunter [General], Lionel Braham [Colonel]

Musical Program: [0:20] Wot' Cher! (Knock'd 'Em in the Old Kent Road) (sung and danced by Shirley Temple and Arthur Treacher); [0:57] Wot' Cher! (Knock'd 'Em in the Old Kent Road) (sung by Shirley Temple, Arthur Treacher and Chorus; danced by Shirley Temple and Arthur Treacher); [1:08] The Fantasy (spoken in verse and danced by Shirley Temple and Ensemble; includes an instrumental ballet to the tune of "Old Kent Road" danced by Shirley Temple and Ballet Dancers)

Little Shop of Horrors
Geffen / Warner Bros., 1986, Color, 96 minutes, ***
Released December, 1986

Business is blooming at Mushnik's Flower Shop. Customers are rushing in to see the exotic potted plant called Audrey II. But if they knew the truth, they'd rush right out. Audrey II is more vampire than vegetable. It's a "mean, green mother from outer space" who's about to fill Mushnik's little shop with kooky horrors.

Little Shop of Horrors fist flowered in the same-titled 1960 Roger Corman movie, resprouted into the smash 1980 off-Broadway musical and now comes to full comic bloom in this star-packed, laugh-filled dazzler, the stage musical's 1986 film adaptation that boasts Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song ("Mean Green Mother from Outer Space") and Best visual Effects.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: David Geffen
Associate Producers: David Orton, Denis Holt
Directed by: Frank Oz
Screenplay by: Howard Ashman
Based on the musical stage play, Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken,
which was based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith,
Originally produced Off-Off Broadway by The WPA Theatre
Produced as an Off Broadway Production by The WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Carmeron Mackintosh and The Shubert Organization
Original Motion Picture Score by: Miles Goodman
Musical Supervisor: Robby Merkin
Musical Coordinator: Jim Henrikson
Music Produced by: Bob Gaudio
Orchestrations and Musical Arrangements by: Robby Merkin and Bob Gaudio
Vocal Arranger: Robert Billig
Lyrics by: Howard Ashman
Music by: Alan Menken
Choreographer: Pat Garrett
Production Designed by: Roy Walker
Art Director: Steven Spence
Set Decorator: Tessa Davies
Costumes Designed by: Marit Allen
"Audrey II" Designed and Created by: Lyle Conway
Director of Photography: Robert Paynter
Special Visual Effects by: Bran Ferren, Lyle Conway, Martin Gutteridge
Filmed in PanaVision, Color by Technicolor
Film Editor: John Jympson
Filmed entirely at Pinewood Studios, LTD., Buckinghamshire, England

Awards: Nominated for Best Music, Original Song ("Mean Green Mother from Outer Space"), Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics); Best Effects, Visual Effects (Bran Ferren, Lyle Conway, Martin Gutteridge)

Cast: Rick Moranis [Seymour Krelborn], Ellen Greene [Audrey], Levi Stubbs [Voice of Audrey II], Vincent Gardenia [Mushnik], Steve Martin [Orin Scrivello. D.D.S.], Tichina Arnold [Crystal], Tisha Campbell [Chiffon], Michelle Weeks [Ronette], James Belushi [Patrick Martin], John Candy [Wink Wilkinson], Christopher Guest [The First Customer], Bill Murray [Arthur Denton], Additional Players: Stanley Jones [Narrator], Bertice Reading [Downtown Old Woman], Ed Wiley [Downtown Bum #1], Alan Tilvern [Downtown Bum #2], John Scott Martin [Downtown Bum #3], Vincent Wong [Chinese Florist], Mak Wilson, Danny Cunningham, Danny John-Jules, Gary Palmer, Paul Swaby [Doo Wop Street Singers], Mildred Shay [Second Customer, Melissa Wiltsie [Third Customer], Kevin Scott [Fourth Customer], Barbara Rosenblat [Fifth Customer], Adeen Fogle [Radio Station Assistant], Kelly Huntley, Paul Reynolds [Audrey and Seymour's Kids], Miriam Margolyes [Dental Nurse], Abbie Dabner [Boy Patient], Frank Dux [Second Patient], Peter Whitman [Patient on Ceiling], Heather Henson [Girl Patient], Judith Morse [Girl's Mother], Bob Sherman [Agent], Doreen Hermitage ["Life" Magazine Lady], Kerry Shale [Her Assistant], Robert Arden [Network Exec #1], Stephen Hoye [Network Exec #2], Bob Sessions [Network Exec #3], Michael J. Shannon [Television Reporter]

Musical Program: [0:00] Little Shop of Horrors (sung and danced by Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell with Bill Mitchell behind titles); [0:07] Downtown / Skid Row (sung by Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Ellen Greene, Rick Moranis, Donny Gerrard and Ensemble); [0:13] Da-Doo (spoken by Rick Moranis; sung by Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell and The Do Wops: Nick Curtis, Peter Beckett, Alan Carvel, Phil Nicholl, Lindsay Benson and Donny Gerrard); [0:17] Grow for Me (sung by Rick Moranis, Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell); [0:25] Somewhere That's Green (sung by Ellen Greene); [0:30] Some Fun Now (sung by Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell); [0:34] Dentist (sung by Steve Martin, Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell with Robby Merkin and Robert Billig); [0:40] Git It / Feed Me (sung by Levi Stubbs, Rick Moranis, Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell); [0:59] Suddenly Seymour (sung by Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell); [1:04] Suppertime (sung by Levi Stubbs, Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell); [1:08] The Meek Shall Inherit (sung by Rick Moranis, Michelle Weeks, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell with Robby Merkin, Frank Oz, Doreen Hermitage, Bob Sessions, Stephen Hoye, Gary Martin and Bob Sherman); [1:18] Suddenly Seymour (reprised by Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene); [1:21] Mean Green Mother from Outer Space (sung by Levi Stubbs and Chorus); [1:28] Reprisals of most of the songs behind end credits

The Littlest Rebel
20th Century-Fox, 1935, B/W, 73 minutes, ***
Released November, 1935

Shirley is the feisty young daughter of Captain Cary (John Boles) of the Confederate Army - and she wields a mean sling shot! When Cary goes off to battle, the Union forces burn their house to the ground. Shirley's mother takes ill from exposure and dies.

When Cary returns home, he is trapped by the Union soldiers. He wants to get his daughter safely into the arms of her aunt in Richmond, and sympathetic Colonel Morrison (Jack Holt) gives the man a break and helps him out. But both men are caught in the act and tried for treason.

So Shirley travels to Washington with Uncle Billy (Bill Robinson) and convinces President Lincoln to pardon the two men. Shirley and Robinson have one dance number together, and Shirley sings "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and "Polly Wolly Doodle."

In Charge of Production: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: B. G. DeSylva
Directed by: David Butler
Assistant Director: Booth McCracken
Screen Play by: Edwin Burke
From the Play by: Edward Peple
Musical Arrangement: Cyril Mockridge
Art Direction: William Darling
Set Decoration: Thomas K. Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: S. C. Chapman, Roger Heman
Photography: John F. Seitz
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Cast: Shirley Temple [Virgie Cary], John Boles [Captain Herbert Cary], Jack Holt [Colonel Morrison], Karen Morley [Mrs. Cary], Bill Robinson [Uncle Billy], Guinn Williams [Sergeant Dudley], Willie Best [James Henry], Frank McGlynn, Sr. [Abraham Lincoln], Bessie Lyle [Mammy], Hannah Washington [Sally Ann], Additional Cast: James Flavin [Guard]

Musical Program: [0:00] Dixie (played by Orchestra behind titles) / Old Folks at Home (sung by Chorus behind titles and into opening scene); [0:03] Cotton Eyed Joe (?) (danced by Bill Robinson, Willie Best on harmonica [onscreen], joined by Orchestra at end of dance); [0:06] unidentified minuet (danced by Children at Shirley's party); [0:11] Dixie (played by Orchestra as Confederate soldiers march wearily by the Cary home); [0:13] Dixie (excerpt sung by Shirley Temple in defiance to Union Soldiers); [0:18] Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (played on music box, sung by Shirley Temple); [0:41] Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (sung by Chorus dubbing for procession returning from Mrs. Cary's burial); [0:45] unidentified instrumental (played by Willie Best on his "mouth organ" [onscreen], danced by Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson); [1:00] Polly Wolly Doodle (sung by Shirley Temple accompanied by Bill Robinson on banjo [onscreen] outside prison window); [1:04] Shirley Temple and Bill Robinson dance to raise money for train fare; [1:12] Polly Wolly Doodle (sung by Shirley Temple and Mens Chorus); [1:13] Polly Wolly Doodle (sung by Chorus behind end titles)

Live a Little, Love a Little
MGM, 1968, Color, 89 minutes
Released October, 1968

Elvis plays a photographer with a daring double-life: half the time he works for a conservative advertising agency, and the rest with a racy girlie magazine! Now he's spending 9-to-5 trying to keep his bosses apart... and 5-to-9 trying to keep a sexy model at bay! This hilarious comedy features "Almost in Love," "A Little Less Conversation," "Edge of Reality" and "Wonderful World."  [from back of VHS sleeve]

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

Produced by: Douglas Laurence
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Assistant Director: Al Shenberg
Screen Play by: Michael A. Hoey and Dan Greenburg
Based on the Novel: Kiss My Firm but Pliant Lips by Dan Greenburg
Music Score by: Billy Strange
Choreography: "Dream Sequence" choreographed by Jack Regas; "A Little Less Conversation" choreographed by Jack Baker
Art Directors: George W. Davis and Preston Ames
Set Decoration: Henry Grace; Don Greenwood, Jr.
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Hair Styles by: Mary Keats
Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton
Director of Photography: Fred Koenekamp
Filmed in Panavision and Metrocolor
Film Editor: John McSweeney

Cast: Elvis Presley [Greg], Michele Carey [Bernice], Don Porter [Mike Lansdown], Rudy Vallee [Penlow], Dick Sargent [Harry], Sterling Holloway [Milkman], Celeste Yarnall [Ellen], Eddie Hodges [Delivery Boy], Joan Shawlee [Woman in Apartment], Mary Grover [Miss Selfridge], Michael Keller [Art Director], Emily Banks [Receptionist], Merri Ashley [First Secretary], Phyllis Davis [Second Secretary], Ursula Menzel [Perfume Model], Susan Henning [Mermaid], Susan Shute, Edie Baskin, Gabrielle, Ginny Kaneen, Thordis Brandt [Models], Morgan Windbeil, Benjie Bancroft [Motorcycle Cops]

Musical Program: [0:00] Wonderful World (sung by Elvis Presley and Chorus behind titles); [0:29] Dream Sequence, includes the song Edge of Reality (sung by Elvis Presley and Chorus, danced by Company); [1:00] A Little Less Conversation (sung by Elvis Presley and Chorus, danced by Party Guests); [1:17] Almost in Love (sung by Elvis Presley)

The Long, Long Trailer
MGM, 1954, Color, 97 minutes
Released February, 1954

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz hit every hilarious pothole on the road to marital bliss when they take their honeymoon in The Long, Long Trailer. Made at the height of "I Love Lucy" mania, this madcap comedy sparkles with Lucy's inimitable slapstick and the couple's beloved brand of romantic bickering.

Lucy and Desi play Tacy and Nicky Collini, newlyweds whose dreamhouse comes equipped with four wheels instead of a foundation. They head out to discover our great, big country... and discover great, big trouble. He backs 28 feet of home sweet home over a relative's prize rose bushes. She tries to cook dinner while the trailer roars down the highway. They have a run-in with a disgruntled cop (Keenan Wynn, Lucy's frequent co-star in her earlier MGM days). And they swerve from side to side up and down a twisting mountain road in the film's frantic, funny finale.

Directed by Vincente Minnelli and fueled by high-octane star power, The Long, Long Trailer rolled into the MGM record books, becoming the studio's top-grossing comedy up to that time.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

The Lucy & Desi Collection DVD Box Set (shown right) contains this film, Too Many Girls, and Forever, Darling

Produced by: Pandro S. Berman
Directed by: Norman Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: Jerry Thorpe
Screen Play by: Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich
Based on the Novel by: Clinton Twiss
Music by: Adolph Deutsch
Theme Melody "Breezin' Along with the Breeze" by Haven Gillespie, Seymour Simons and Richard A. Whiting
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Edward Carfagno
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Keogh Gleason
Women's Costumes Designed by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Robert Surtees
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Photographed in Ansco Color, Print by Technicolor
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Film Editor: Ferris Webster
"We are deeply grateful to the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for permission to photograph scenes in Yosemite National Park.

Cast: Lucille Ball [Tacy Collini], Desi Arnaz [Nicholas Carlos Collini], Marjorie Main [Mrs. Hittaway], Keenan Wynn [Policeman], Gladys Hurlbut [Mrs. Bolton], Moroni Olsen [Mr. Tewitt], Bert Freed [Foreman], Madge Blake [Aunt Anastacia], Walter Baldwin [Uncle Edgar], Oliver Blake [Mr. Judlow], Perry Sheehan [Bridesmaid], Additional Cast: Emmett Vogan [Mr. Bolton], Ruth Lee [Mrs. Tewitt], Howard McNear [Mr. Hittaway], Howard Wright [Uncle Bill], Dorothy Neumann [Aunt Ellen], Sarah Spencer, Geraldine Carr [Tacy's Girlfriends], Robert Anderson [Carl Barrett], Edna Skinner [Mrs. Barrett], Alan Lee [Mr. Elliott], John Call [Shorty], Dallas Boyd [Minister], Phil Rich [Mr. Dudley], Ruth Warren [Mrs. Dudley], Dennis Ross [Jody], Janet Sackett [Kay], Judy Sackett [Dotty], Connie Van [Grace], Ruth McDevitt [Mrs. Vagabond], Christopher Olsen [Tommy], Herb Vigran [Trailer Salesman], Bert Moorhouse [Car Salesman], Emory Parnell [Officer], Edgar Dearing [Park Manager], Juney Ellis [Waitress], Frank Gerstle [Attendant], Norman Leavitt [Driver], Jack Kruschen [Mechanic], Peter Leeds [Garage Manager], Wilson Wood [Garage Owner]

Musical Program: [1:00] Breezin' Along with the Breeze (sung by Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnaz); [1:11] Caesar Salad / My Compliments / Martha / Marie / Heads Will Roll / Recipe / Conga (sung with special lyrics by Dezi Arnaz), background score includes "La Cucaracha"

Look for the Silver Lining
Warner Bros., 1949, Color, 100 minutes, ***
General release July, 1949

Packed with wonderful songs and lavish dance numbers, this musical biography traces the career of Marilyn Miller, one of Broadway's most popular stars.

June Haver first appears as the fifteen-year-old Marilyn, who joins her family's touring vaudeville act and is quickly discovered by a Broadway producer. With the encouragement of her friend and mentor, dancer Jack Donahue (Ray Bolger), Marilyn finds herself starring in a seemingly endless parade of hits and becomes a Broadway sensation. When her marriage to a romantic co-star (Gordon MacRae) ends in tragedy, she embodies the show business motto, "the show must go on," and begins her life and career anew.

Filled with "splendid performances," this "affectionate and sensititve" (The Hollywood Reporter) look at the life of this legendary performer features an Oscar-nominated score by Ray Heindorf.

Produced by: William Jacobs
Directed by: David Butler
Screen Play by: Phoebe & Henry Ephron and Marian Spitzer
From a story by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby ("Life of Marilyn Miller")
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Technical Adviser: Mecca Graham
Orchestrations: Frank Perkins
Songs: "Look for the Silver Lining" by Jerome Kern, B. G. DeSylva; "Time on My Hands" by Vincent Youmans, Harold Adamson, Mack Gordon; "Who" and "Sunny" by Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II; "A Kiss in the Dark" by Victor Herbert, B. G. DeSylva
Musical Direction: Ray Heindorf
Art Director: John Hughes
Set Decorator: Fred M. MacLean
Gowns by: Travilla
Men's Costumes by: Marjorie Best
Makeup Artist: Perc Westmore
Sound by: Francis J. Scheid, David Forrest
Director of Photography: Peverell Marley
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Mitchell Kovaleski
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score (Musical)

Cast: June Haver [Marilyn Miller], Ray Bolger [Jack Donahue], Gordon MacRae [Frank Carter], Charlie Ruggles [Pop Miller], Rosemary DeCamp [Mom Miller], Lee Wilde [Claire Miller], Lyn Wilde [Ruth Miller], Richard Simmons [Henry Doran], S. Z. Sakall [Shendorf], Walter Catlett [Himself], George Zoritch, Oleg Tupine [Ballet Specialty], Lillian Yarbo [Violet, the Maid], Paul E. Burns [Mr. Beeman], Douglas Kennedy [Doctor], Ted Mapes [Driver], Monte Blue [St. Clair], Will Rogers, Jr. [Will Rogers], Esther Howard [Mrs. Moffitt], Jack Gargan [Stage Manager], Bess Flowers [Woman in Billingsley's Waiting Room], Bonnie Lou Williams [singing voice of June Haver]

Musical Program: [0:06] Shine On Harvest Moon / Back, Back, Back to Baltimore (sung and danced by Lyn and Lee Wilde, Rosemary DeCamp and Charlie Ruggles); [0:11] 'Twas the Night Before Christmas / Jingle Bells (sung and danced by Ray Bolger, June Haver and Company; Bonnie Lou Williams dubbing for June Haver); [0:21] Can't You Hear Me Calling Caroline / Carolina in the Morning (sung and danced by Ray Bolger); [0:25] impromptu melody (?) (danced by Ray Bolger and June Haver); [0:30] The Wild Rose (sung by Lyn and Lee Wilde, danced by Lyn and Lee Wilde and June Haver); [0:38] Yama Yama Man (sung and danced by Lyn and Lee Wilde and June Haver; Bonnie Lou Williams dubbing for June Haver); [0:40] instrumental medley (danced by Ray Bolger and June Haver); [0:49] Time on My Hands (sung and danced by Gordon MacRae and June Haver; Bonnie Lou Williams dubbing for June Haver); [0:56] A Kiss in the Dark (sung by Gordon MacRae, danced by June Haver joined by two unidentified male dancers); [1:13] Look for the Silver Lining (sung by Gordon MacRae); [1:23] Look for the Silver Lining (sung and danced by June Haver dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams); [1:26] "Slavic Dance" (short excerpt danced by June Haver); [1:31] Sunny (sung by Male Chorus, danced by June Haver and Chorus); [1:33] Who? (sung and danced by Ray Bolger with Male Chorus); [1:43] The Wild Rose / Look for the Silver Lining (finale) (sung and danced by June Haver and Ensemble; Bonnie Lou Williams dubbing for June Haver)

Looking for Love
Euterpe / Franmet / MGM, 1964, Color, 84 minutes, ***
Released August, 1964

Teenage romance film finds Connie Francis looking to become a movie star and trying to catch Hutton. She catches Hutton, OK, but then decides she really isn't interested in him, but in the grocer instead.

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Don Weis
Assistant Director: William McGarry
Written by: Ruth Brooks Flippen
Music: George Stoll
Adaptation: Robert Van Eps
Song Score: Hank Hunter and Stan Vincent
Choreography by: Robert Sidney
Art Direction: George W. Davis and Urie McCleary
Set Decoration: Henry Grace, Charles S. Thompson
Costumes Designed by: Don Loyser
Make-Up by: William Tuttle
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton
Director of Photography: Milton Krasner
In Panavision and Metrocolor
Film Editor: Adrienne Fazan

Cast: Connie Francis [Libby Caruso], Jim Hutton [Paul Davis], Susan Oliver [Jan McNair], Joby Baker [Cuz Rickover], Barbara Nichols [Gaye Swinger], Jay C. Flippen [Mr. Ralph Front], Jesse White [Tiger Shay], Charles Lane [Director], Joan Marshall [Miss Devine], Guest Stars: Johnny Carson [Himself], George Hamilton [Himself], Yvette Mimieux [Herself], Paula Prentiss [Herslef], Danny Thomas [Himself]

Musical Program: [0:00] Looking for Love (sung and danced by Connie Francis behind titles); [0:13] Let's Have a Party (sung by Connie Francis); [0:23] When the Clock Strikes Midnight (sung by Connie Francis); [0:35] This Is My Happiest Moment (sung by Connie Francis); [0:40] Be My Love (sung by Connie Francis and Mens Chorus); [0:44] I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me (sung by Danny Thomas and Connie Francis); [0:55] Looking for Love (sung and danced by Connie Francis); [1:10] Whoever You Are, I Love You (sung by Connie Francis); [1:22] Looking for Love (sung by Connie Francis and Chorus at end of movie)

Lost Horizon
Ross Hunter / Columbia, 1973, Color, 150 minutes, **
Released March, 1973

Even Ross Hunter can have his bad moments. Something went terribly wrong with this musical production of the classic book by James Hilton. An earlier version of the film starring Ronald Colman came off well, but this one just didn't make it, even though it sports some good music from Bacharach and David.

But some of the musical numbers are quite memorable, including "The World Is a Circle" (Bobby Van and Children), "Question Me an Answer" (again by Van), and "Living Togeher, Growing Together" (sung by Chorus). Definitely worth seeing!

Producer: Ross Hunter
Associate Producer: Jacques Mapers
Director: Charles Jarrott
Screenplay: Larry Kramer (based on the novel by James Hilton)
Music Director: Burt Bacharach
Song Score: Burt Bacharach and Hal David
Choreography: Hermes Pan
Art Direction: Preston Ames
Set Decoration: Babs Johnstone
Costume Design: Ernst Dryden
Sound: Edward Bernds
Special Effects: Butler-Glouner, Inc.
Cinematography: Joseph Walker
Film Editing by Gene Havlick, Gene Milford

Cast: Peter Finch [Richard Conway], Liv Ullmann [Catherine], Sally Kellerman [Sally Hughes], George Kennedy [Sam Cornelius], Michael York [George Conway], Olivia Hussey [Maria], Bobby Van [Harry Lovett], James Shigeta [Brother To-Lenn], Charles Boyer [High Lama], John Gielgud [Chang], Larry Duran [Oriental Pilot], Andra Willis [singing voice for Olivia Hussey], Diana Lee [singing voice for Liv Ullman], Jerry Whitman [singing voice for Peter Finch], Shawn Phillips [vocal]

Musical Program: [0:00] Lost Horizon (Shawn Phillips, behind titles); [0:40] Share the Joy (sung by Andra Willis dubbing for Olivia Hussey, danced by Olivia Hussey and two female dancers); [0:50] The World Is a Circle (sung by Diana Lee dubbing for Liv Ullman, Bobby Van and Children; danced by Bobby Van); [1:02] Living Together, Growing Together (sung by Chorus); [1:07] I Might Frighten Her Away (sung by Jerry Whitman dubbing for Peter Finch and Diana Lee dubbing for Liv Ullman); [1:12] The Things I Will Not Miss (sung by Sally Kellerman and Diana Lee dubbing for Liv Ullman); [1:26] If I Could Go Back (sung by Jerry Whitman dubbing for Peter Finch); [1:31] Where Knowledge Ends (Faith Begins) (sung by Diana Lee dubbing for Liv Ullman); [1:42] Question Me an Answer (sung and danced by Bobby Van and School Children); [1:50] I Come to You (sung by Jerry Whitman dubbing for Peter Finch and Diana Lee dubbing for Liv Ullman); [1:52] Happy Birthday to You (sung by Ensemble); Reflections (sung by Sally Kellerman); [2:24] Lost Horizon(Shawn Phillips, behind end credits)

The Lottery Bride
Artcinema Associates / United Artists, 1930, B/W and Color, 65 minutes, **½
Released November, 1930

An enchanted operetta set in the remote Norwegian Alps, The Lottery Bride evokes the storybook romances of Ernst Lubitsch and Rouben Mamoulian. It weaves the tale of a young tavern hostess (Jeanette MacDonald) who finds herself torn between a young student (John Garrick), a dashing Italian aviator (Joseph Macaulay) and a rugged miner (Robert Chisholm).

Through these complicated romantic maneuverings are woven a series of lively songs by Rudolf Friml and J. Kiern Brennan, including the rhapsodic "My Northern Lights." Spectacular visual effects devised by William Cameron Menzies (including a zeppelin crash in the arctic wasteland) and splashes of comedy by Joe E. Brown and Zasu Pitts help make The Lottery Bride a deliriously far-fetched melodrama that could only have emerged from the fearless early years of the Hollywood musical.  [from back of DVD case]

The original print was approximately 80 minutes in length, and the ending with the Northern Lights was in two-strip Technicolor. The print used to make this DVD was a 35mm print from the estate of Joseph M. Schenck, and is a trimmed version of about 65 minutes with no color. Among the missing scenes is the musical number "Two Strong Men." The picture quality is good.

All things considered, this is an enjoyable film. The acting is in the style of the silent era (exaggerated gestures and movements, irregular pauses in the dialogue, etc.), as was typical of many of the early talkies. The "spectacular" special effects are all quite good, thought the zeppelin crash is not very impressive. But the sets, models and mattes are great. And the music is quite good (as one would expect from Friml and Brennan); the singing is excellent. Even so, this has to be Jeanette MacDonald's weakest film. [JJ]

Joseph M. Schenck Presents
An Arthur Hammerstein Operetta
Producer: Arthur Hammerstein
Directed by: Paul L. Stein
Assistant Directors: Lonnie D'Orsa, Walter Mayo
Original Story by: Henry Stothart ("Bride 66")
Continuity and Dialogue: Howard Emmett Rogers
Adaptation: Horace Jackson
Music by: Rudolf Friml
Lyrics: J. Keirn Brennan
Musical Arrangement: Hugo Riesenfeld
Settings and Effects: William Cameron Menzies
Production Manager: O. O. Dull
Sets Executed by: Park French
Costumes: Alice O'Neil
Chief Sound Recorder: J. T. Reed
Sound Technician: Frank Maher
Photography: Ray June
Editorial Adviser: Hal C. Kern
Film Editor: Robert J. Kern

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Jenny], John Garrick [Chris], Joe E. Brown [Hoke], ZaSu Pitts [Hilda], Robert Chisholm [Olaf], Joseph Macaulay [Alberto], Harry Gribbon [Boris], Carroll Nye [Nels], Additional Cast: Max Davidson [Marriage Broker], Frank Brownlee [Guard], Paul Hurst [Lottery Agent], Robert E. Homans [Miner]

Musical Program: [0:00] Main Title (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Come Drink to the Girl that You Love (Drinking Song) (sung by Chorus); [0:03] Yubla (sung and danced by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [0:07] My Northern Light (sung by John Garrick and Jeanette MacDonald); [0:11] My Northern Light (reprised by John Garrick and Jeanette MacDonald); [0:14] Marathon Dance (danced by guests); [0:23] Round She Whirls (short ditty sung by Chorus as lottery wheel spins); [0:28] Round She Whirls (reprised by Chorus); [0:30] Shoulder to Shoulder (sung by Robert Chisholm, John Garrick and Chorus); [0:39] High and Low (sung by Chorus); [0:43] Napoli (excerpt sung by Joseph Macauley); [0:47] You're an Angel (sung by Robert Chisholm); [0:51] dialogue on end of previous song by John Garrick; [0:53] High and Low (reprised by Chorus); [0:55] I'll Follow the Trail (sung by Robert Chisholm); [not in this print] Two Strong Men (sung by Harry Gribbon and Joe E. Brown)

Louisiana Purchase
Paramount, 1941, B/W and Color, 98 minutes, ***
Released December, 1941

Bob Hope will make your sides ache with laughter. With enchanting songs by Irving Berlin, including "Louisiana Purchase," "You're Lonely and I'm Lonely" and "It's a lovely day tomorrow," and based on the hit Broadway musical, Louisiana Purchase is a fun and fierce look at the way politics, and politicians, sometimes spin out of control and into the headlines!

The double-feature DVD (shown right) includes this movie and Never Say Die.

Associate Producer: Harold Wilson
Directed by: Irving Cummings
Screen Play by: Jerome Chodorov and Joseph Fields
Based on the Musical Comedy by Morrie Ryskind (from the New York stage, 1940)
From a story by B. G. DeSylva
Music and Lyrics by: Irving Berlin
Music Direction: Robert Emmett Dolan
Music Assistant: Arthur Franklin
Settings and Costumes Designed by: Raoul Pène duBois
Art Supervision: Hans Dreier and Robert Usher
Makeup Artist: Wally Westmore
Sound Recording by: Earl Hayman and Walter Oberst
Directors of Photography: Ray Rennahan, Harry Hallenberger
In Technicolor
Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Morgan Padelford
Edited by: LeRoy Stone

Cast: Bob Hope [Jim Taylor], Vera Zorina [Marina Von Minden], Victor Moore [Senator Oliver P. Loganberry], Irene Bordoni [Madame Yvonne Bordelaise], Dona Drake [Beatrice], Raymond Walburn [Colonel Davis, Sr.], Maxie Rosenbloom [The Shadow], Phyllis Ruth [Emmy Lou], Frank Albertson [Davis, Jr.], Donald MacBride [Captain Whitfield], Andrew Tombes [Dean Manning], Robert Warwick [Speaker of the House], Charles LaTorre [Gaston], Charles Laskey [Danseur], Emory Parnell [Lawyer], Iris Meredith [Lawyer's Secretary], Catherine Craig [Saleslady], Jack Norton [Jester], Sam McDaniel [Sam], Kay Aldridge, Katharine Booth, Alaine Brandes, Barbara Britton, Brooke Evans, Blanche Grady, Lynda Grey, Margaret Hayes, Louise La Planche, Barbara Slater, Eleanor Stewart, Jean Wallace [Louisiana Belles]

Musical Program: [0:03] Lawyer's Letter (sung by Emory Parnell); [0:03] Girls Opening Chorus (It's New to Us) (sung by Girls Chorus); [0:47] You're Lonely and I'm Lonely (sung by Vera Zorina and Victor Moore - very funny number); [0:56] Louisiana Purchase (sung by Dona Drake and Chorus); [1:00] Dance with Me Tonight at the Mardi Gras (used instrumentally, danced by Chorus, ballet segment danced by Vera Zorina and Charles Laskey); [1:10] It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow (sung by male Chorus); "You Can't Brush Me Off" (used instrumentally); "The Lord Done Fixed Up My Soul" (used instrumentally); "Fools Fall in Love" (used instrumentally); "Sex Marches On" (used instrumentally)

Little Judy Garland turns in a charming performance in her first outing as Betsy Booth in the Andy Hardy series. Even though she's "just a child" (as Andy says), she manages to manipulate Andy into taking her to the Christmas dance where she wows him with her singing talent. Judy laments her awkward age in "In-Between," and sings rousing renditions of "It Never Rains But What It Pours" and "Meet the Beat of My Heart." Lana Turner also turns in a fine performance as Cynthia Potter. Definitely one of the best episodes of the Andy Hardy series!

Producer: Carey Wilson (uncredited)
Director: George B. Seitz
Screenplay: William Ludwig
(based on stories by Vivian B. Bretherton and characters by Aurania Rouverol)
Musical Score: David Snell
Song Score: Mack Gordon and Harry Revel, Roger Edens
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Stan Rogers
Wardrobe: Jeanne
Sound: Douglas Shearer
Cinematography: Lester White
Film Editing: Ben Lewis

Cast: Lewis Stone [Judge James K. Hardy], Mickey Rooney [Andrew Hardy], Cecilia Parker [Marian Hardy], Fay Holden [Mrs. Hardy], Judy Garland [Betsy Booth], Lana Turner [Cynthia Potter], Ann Rutherford [Polly Benedict], Mary Howard [Mrs. Tompkins], Gene Reynolds [Jimmy MacMahon], Don Castle [Dennis Hunt], Betty Ross Clarke [Aunt Milly], Marie Blake [Augusta], George Breakston [Francis Bacon Anderson, "Beezy"], Raymond Hatton [Peter Dugan], Frank Darien [Bill Collector]

Musical Program: [0:42] In-Between (sung by Judy Garland); [1:20] It Never Rains But What It Pours (sung by Judy Garland); [1:23] Meet the Beat of My Heart (sung by Judy Garland)

Andy Hardy Films Website

Sister Site Featured Film

Love Happy
Artists Alliance / United Artists, 1950, B/W, 91 minutes
Released March, 1950

Harpo is a true patron of the arts, taking from the rich to help feed a group of poor actors who are struggling to open a new musical without financial backers. When he steals a tin of sardines from a classy Fifth Avenue market (hot delicacies in the front - hot diamonds in the back!), he unknowingly makes off with the missing Romanoff diamonds, smuggled into the country [in a tin of sardines] by a sinful yet scintillating jewel thief. She traces the tin back to the theater where she backs the show, hoping to recover the diamonds... and nearly brings the house down in a madcap race to retrieve the jewels on opening night!  [from back of DVD case]

The Marx Brothers' last film as a team. Marilyn Monroe makes an early short appearance. Ilona Massey amazingly keeps a straight face in several crazy scenes. Fun film!

Mary Pickford Presentation
Produced by: Lester Cowan
Directed by: David Miller
Screenplay by: Frank Tashlin, Mac Benoff
Based on a story by Harpo Marx
Musical Score and Songs: "Love Happy," "Willow Weep for Me" by Ann Ronell
Song Score: Ann Ronell, Harold Spina and Walter Bullock
Production Designed by: Gabriel Scognamillo
Production Numbers Staged by: Billy Daniel
Orchestra Conducted by: Paul Smith
Orchestral Arrangements: Harry Geller
Set Decorator: Casey Roberts
Wardrobe Designers: Grace Houston, Norma
Men's Wardrobe: Richard Bachler
Make-Up: Fred Phillips
Hair Stylist: Scotty Rackin
Special Effects: Howard Anderson
Director of Photography: William C. Mellor
Photographic Effects: Howard A. Anderson
Film Editors: Basil Wrangell, Al Joseph

Cast: Harpo Marx [Harpo], Chico Marx [Faustino], Ilona Massey [Madame Egelichi], Vera-Ellen [Maggie Phillips], Marion Hutton [Bunny Dolan], Raymond Burr [Alphonse Zoto], Melville Cooper [Throckmorton], Paul Valentine [Mike Johnson], Leon Belasco [Mr. Lyons], Eric Blore [Mackinaw], Bruce Gordon [Hannibal Zoto], Marilyn Monroe [Grunion's Client], Groucho Marx [Detective Sam Grunion / Narrator of the Story]

Musical Program: [0:01] Love Happy (sung behind titles by Marion Hutton and Chorus, Vera-Ellen dancing on stage; also used as recurring theme in background score); [0:02] Love Happy (instrumental arrangement danced by Paul Valentine in rehearsal); [0:17] Love Happy (instrumental arrangement danced by Vera-Ellen in rehearsal); [0:20] Who Stole the Jam? (sung by Marion Hutton); [0:30] Sadie Thompson Number (Willow Weep for Me) (instrumental danced by Vera-Ellen with Men's Chorus); [0:42] Gypsy Love Song (Noodle and Macaroni Duet) (comedy routine with some great music performed by Chico Marx at the piano and Leon Belasco on violin); [1:02] Happy Birthday to You (harp solo by Harpo Marx); [1:03] The Old Folks at Home (Way Down Upon the Swanee River) (harp solo by Harpo Marx); [1:19] Polonaise in A Flat (piano solo by Chico Marx); [1:31] Love Happy (excerpt sung by Chorus at end of film

Love Laughs at Andy Hardy
MGM, 1946, B/W, 93 minutes, ***
Premiere release December, 1946
General release January, 1947

Love laughs at Andy Hardy, and so will you when you see him dancing with six-foot-tall Dorothy Ford in one of the funniest Jitterbugs ever performed on film! Fun episode of the Andy Hardy series features a cute Lina Romay singing two charming numbers, the tall Dorothy Ford, and Bonita Granville as Andy's latest true love. This was the last regular episode of the series.

This film is in public domain. The VHS videotapes I've seen are of really poor quality. But -- if you want to see the film, this is all there is!

Producer: Robert Sisk
Director: Willis Goldbeck
Screenplay: Harry Ruskin and William Ludwig
(based on a story by Howard Dimsdale and characters by Aurania Rouverol)
Musical Score: Dave Snell
Song Score: various
Dance Director: Jack Donohue
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, Henry McAfee
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Sound: Douglas Shearer
Cinematography: Robert Planck
Film Editing: Irvine Warburton

Cast: Mickey Rooney [Andy Hardy], Lewis Stone [Judge Hardy], Fay Holden [Mrs. Hardy], Sara Haden [Aunt Milly], Bonita Granville [Kay Wilson], Lina Romay [Isobel Gonzales], Dorothy Ford [Coffy Smith], Addison Richards [Mr. Benedict], Hal Hackett [Duke Johnson], Richard Simmons [Dane Kittridge], Clinton Sundberg [Haberdashery Proprietor], Geraldine Wall [Miss Geeves], Charles Peck [Tommy Gilchrest], John Walsh [Freshman], Lucien Littlefield [Telegraph Clerk]

Musical Program: [0:15] Jesusita en Chihuahua (Cactus Polka) (sung in Spanish and English [with special lyrics] and danced by Lina Romay); [0:55] unidentified instrumental (Jitterbug danced by Andy Hardy and Dorothy Ford); [1:01] Auld Lang Syne (excerpt sung by students at train station); [1:04] Hail to Wainwright (Choir); [1:28] I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much) (sung and danced by Lina Romay)


Andy Hardy Series
Featured Films

Love Me or Leave Me
MGM, 1955, Color, 122 minutes, ****
General release June, 1955

Roaring '20s songstress Ruth Etting had everything - the looks, the wiles, the smoky jazz voice, the it. She also had Chicago racketeer Martin "The Gimp" Snyder who, even as he propelled her career, afflicted her.

Laced with Doris Day's vibrant performances of songs from the era, this 1955 Academy Award winner (Best Motion Picture Story) is based on the tough-minded tale of Etting's life with the man who boosted her career with strong-arm tactics and smothered her in an obsessive grip she escaped at great peril. As Snyder, James Cagney earned one of the film's six Oscar nominations. Day's Etting was a career-best dramatic performance, bringing acclaim from critics and protest letters from fans unprepared for the departure from her traditionally sunny roles.
[from back of DVD case]

Excellent movie! A drama with lots of music, all sung by Doris Day. Cagney turns in a wonderful performance - one of his best. It's certainly not a happy story, but it's a powerful film!

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

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Charles Vidor
Assistant Director: Ridgeway Callow
Screen Play by: Daniel Fuchs and Isobel Lennart
Story by: Daniel Fuchs
New Songs: "I'll Never Stop Loving You" Music by Nicholas Brodszky, Lyrics by:Sammy Cahn, "Never Look Back" Music and Lyrics by Chilton Price
And some of the old songs which will be associated always with the name of Ruth Etting - great songs by our greatest song writers, among whom are: Irving Berlin; DeSylva, Brown & Henerson; Walter Donaldson; Arthur Freed; Gus Kahn; McCarthy & Monaco; Rogers & Hart; Turk & Ahlert
Doris Day's Songs Arranged and Conducted by: Percy Faith
Musical Supervision: George Stoll
Music Adviser: Irving Aaronson
Dances Originated and Supervised by: Alex Romero
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Urie McCleary
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Jack D. Moore
Costumes by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Wesley C. Miller
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Director of Photography: Arthur E. Arling
In CinemaScope, Photographed in Eastman Color
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Film Editor: Ralph E. Winters

Awards: Academy Award for Best Motion Picture Story (Daniel Fuchs); Academy Award nominations for Best Song ("I'll Never Stop Loving You"), Best Actor (James Cagney), Best Screenplay (Daniel Fuchs and Isobel Lennart), Best Score - Musical (Percy Faith and George Stoll) and Best Sound Recording (Wesley C. Miller).

Cast: Doris Day [Ruth Etting], James Cagney [Martin Snyder, "The Gimp"], Cameron Mitchell [Johnny Alderman], Robert Keith [Bernard V. Loomis], Tom Tully [Frobisher], Harry Bellaver [Georgie], Richard Gaines [Paul Hunter], Peter Leeds [Fred Taylor], Claude Stroud [Eddie Fulton], Audrey Young [Jingle Girl], John Harding [Greg Trent], Additional Cast: Dorothy Abbott [Dancer], Phil Schumacher, Otto Reichow, Henry Kulky [Bouncers], Jay Adler [Orry], Mauritz Hugo [Irate Customer], Veda Ann Borg [Hostess], Claire Carleton [Claire], Benny Burt [Stage Manager], Robert Carson [Mr. Brelston, Radio Station Manager], James Drury [Assistant Director], Richard Simmons [Dance Director], Michael Kostrick [Assistant Director], Roy Engel [1st Reporter], John Damler [2nd Reporter], Genevieve Aumont [Woman], Dale Van Sickel, John Day [Stage-Hands], Robert Malcolm [Doorman], Robert Stephenson [Waiter], Paul McGuire [Drapery Man], Barry Regan [Guard], Jimmy Cross, Henry Randolph [Photographers], Chet Brandenberg [Chauffeur], Larri Thomas, Patti Nestor, Winona Smith, Shirley Wilson [Chorus Girls]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:08] Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue (Has Anybody Seen My Girl) (played by Orchestra, danced by Doris Day and Chorus Girls); [0:09] I'm Sitting on Top of the World (sung by Claude Stroud, fades to background); [0:18] It All Depends On You (sung by Doris Day, Cameron Mitchell at the piano onscreen); [0:28] You Made Me Love You (sung by Doris Day); [0:30] Stay On the Right Side Sister (sung by Doris Day); [0:37] Everybody Loves My Baby (But My Baby Loves Nobody But Me) (sung by Doris Day); [0:38] Mean To Me (sung by Doris Day); [0:46] Sam, the Old Accordion Man (sung by Doris Day and male quartet); [0:55] Shaking the Blues Away (sung by Doris Day, danced by Doris Day and Chorus in Ziegfeld Follies); [1:07] What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry / I Cried for You / My Blue Heaven (medley sung by Doris Day offscreen behind travel montage); [1:08] Ten Cents a Dance (sung by Doris Day); [1:23] I'll Never Stop Loving You (sung by Doris Day with Cameron Mitchell at the piano onscreen); [1:31] Never Look Back (sung by Doris Day with full orchestra on soundstage); [1:44] At Sundown (excerpt sung by Doris Day on swing on soundstage); [1:59] Love Me or Leave Me (sung by Doris Day)

Love Me Tender
20th Century-Fox, 1956, B/W, 89 minutes
Released November, 1956

In his film debut, singing idol Elvis Presley stars in this action-filled romance set in the aftermath of the Civil War. After hearing his older brother (Richard Egan) has been killed in combat, the young Texas farmer (Presley) marries the man's sweetheart (Debra Paget). But his brother returns, sparking a bitter sibling rivalry and tragic confrontation with Union soldiers. Elvis sings four tunes, including the title song which became one of his greatest hits.  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: David Weisbart
Directed by: Robert D. Webb
Assistant Director: Stanley Hough
Technical Adviser: Colonel Tom Parker
Screenplay by: Robert Buckner
Based on a Story by: Maurice Geraghty
Music: Lionel Newman
Songs: "Love Me Tender," "Let Me," "We're Gonna Move," "Poor Boy"
by: Elvis Presley and Vera Matson
Vocal Supervision: Ken Darby
Orchestration: Edward B. Powell
Art Direction: Lyle R. Wheeler, Maurice Ransford
Set Decorations: Walter M. Scott, Fay Babcock
Executive Wardrobe Designer: Charles LeMaire
Costumes Designed by: Mary Wills
Makeup by: Ben Nye
Hair styles by: Helen Turpin
Sound: Alfred Bruzlin, Harry M. Leonard
Director of Photography: Leo Tover
Special Photographic Effects: Ray Kellogg
Filmed in CinemaScope
Film Editor: Hugh S. Fowler

Cast: Richard Egan [Vance], Debra Paget [Cathy], and introducing Elvis Presley [Clint], Robert Middleton [Siringo], William Campbell [Brett Reno], Neville Brand [Mike Gavin], Mildred Dunnock [The Mother], Bruce Bennett [Major Kincaid], James Drury [Ray Reno], Russ Conway [Ed Galt], Ken Clark [Kelso], Barry Coe [Davis], Additional Cast: Paul E. Burns [Jethro], L. Q. Jones [Fleming], Jerry Sheldon [Conductor]

Musical Program: [0:00] Love Me Tender (instrumental arrangement played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:22] We're Gonna Move (aka "There's a Leak in This Old Building," sung by Elvis Presley with Chorus offscreen); [0:25] Love Me Tender (sung by Elvis Presley with Chorus offscreen; reprised by Elvis at end of film); [0:39] Let Me (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by small band onscreen and danced by mixed Chorus); [0:42] Poor Boy (sung by Elvis Presley accompanied by small band onscreen and danced by mixed Chorus)

Love Me Tonight
Paramount, 1932, B/W, 104 minutes
Released August, 1932

The story of a romance between Princess Jeanette (Jeanette MacDonald) and Maurice the tailor (Maurice Chevalier). Good film with plenty of depth and visual style. One of the better musical films of the early 1930s.

Produced and Directed by: Rouben Mamoulian
Screenplay: Waldemar Young, Samuel Hoffenstein and George Marion Jr. (based on the play "Tailor in the Chateau" by Leopold Marchand and Paul Armont)
Music Director: Nathaniel Finston
Music: Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers
Art Direction: Hans Dreier
Set Decoration: A. E. Freudeman
Costume Design: Edith Head, Travis Banton
Sound: M. M. Paggi
Cinematography: Victor Milner
Film Editing: Rouben Mamoulian, William Shea

Cast: Maurice Chevalier [Maurice Courtelin], Jeanette MacDonald [Princess Jeanette], Charlie Ruggles [Vicomte Gilbert de Vareze], Charles Butterworth [Count de Savignac], Myrna Loy [Countess Valentine], C. Aubrey Smith [Duke d'Artelines], Elizabeth Patterson, Ethel Griffies, Blanche Frederici [Aunts], Joseph Cawthorn [Dr. Armand de Fontinac], Major Sam Harris [Bridge Player], Robert Greig [Major Domo Flammond], Ethel Wales [Madame Dutoit, Dressmaker], Marion Byron [Bakery Girl], Bert Roach [Emile], Tyler Brooke [Composer], Clarence Wilson [Shirtmaker], William H. Turner [Bootmaker], Tony Merlo [Hatmaker], Rolfe Sedan [Taxi Driver], Gordon Westcott [Collector], Gabby Hayes [Grocer], Mary Doran [Madame Dupont], George Davis [Pierre Dupont], Edgar Norton [Valet], Cecil Cunningham [Laundress], Herbert Mundin [Groom], Rita Owin [Chambermaid], George Humbert [Chef]

Musical Program: Song of Paree (Maurice Chevalier); Isn't It Romantic (Maurice Chevalier, Bert Roach, Rolfe Sedan, Tyler Brooke Mens Chorus and Jeanette MacDonald); Deer Hunter Ballet (instrumental); Lover (Jeanette MacDonald); Mimi (Maurice Chevalier; reprised by C. Aubrey Smith, Charlie Ruggles, Elizabeth Patterson, Ethel Griffies and Charles Butterworth); A Woman Needs Something Like That (Jeanette MacDonald and Joseph Cawthorn); Love Me Tonight (Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier); The Son-of-a-Gun Is Nothing But a Tailor (C. Aubrey Smith, Robert Greig, Cecil Cunningham, Marion Byron, Edgar Norton, Rita Owin and George Humbert); The Poor Apache (Maurice Chevalier); How Are You? (Maurice Chevalier); The Man for Me (The Letter Song) (?)

The Love Parade
Paramount, 1929, B/W, 109 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1929

Queen Louise (Jeanette MacDonald) of Sylvania (a mythical country, not a light-bulb factory) is desperately in need of male companionship. Her French emissary Alfred Renard (Maurice Chevalier) has people talking about his flirtatious actions in France, so the queen recalls him. She invites him to her bedroom in an attempt to discover the secrets of his charms. In no time flat, the two are married. But Alfred is soon unhappy to find himself in the position of consort, and begins a battle for control of the throne. Quite risque and lots of fun. Amazing production for 1929!

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

Presented by Adolph Zukor and Jessel Lasky
Produced and Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
By: Ernest Vajda and Guy Bolton
From the play "The Prince Consort" by Leon Xanrof and Jules Chancel
Music by: Victor Schertzinger
Lyrics by: Clifford Grey
Art Direction: Hans Dreier
Costume Design: Travis Banton
Sound: Franklin Hansen
Photographed by: Victor Milner
Film Editing: Merrill G. White

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Outstanding Production, Best Actor (Maurice Chevalier), Best Director (Ernst Lubitsch), Best Cinematography, Best Interior Decoration and Best Sound Recording.

Cast: Maurice Chevalier [Count Alfred Renard], Jeanette MacDonald [Queen Louise], Lupino Lane [Jacques], Lillian Roth [Lulu], Eugene Pallette [War Minister], E. H. Calvert [Ambassador], Edgar Norton [Master of Ceremonies], Lionel Belmore [Prime Minister], Additional Cast: Albert Roccardi [Foreign Minister], Carl Stockdale [Admiral], Russell Powell [Afghan Ambassador], Margaret Fealy [First Lady in Waiting], Virginia Bruce, Josephine Hall, Rosaline Charles, Helen Friend [Ladies in Waiting], Yola D'Avril [Paulette], Andre Cheron [Paulette's Husband], Winter Hall [Priest], Ben Turpin [Cross-Eyed Lackey], Anton Vaverka, Albert De Winton, William von Hardenburg [Cabinet Ministers], Jean Harlow [Extra in Theater Audience]

Musical Program: [0:01] Champagne (sung by Lupino Lane); [0:09] Paris, Stay the Same (sung by Maurice Chevalier, joined by Lupino Lane and Jiggs the Dog); [0:15] Dream Lover (sung by Jeanette MacDonald, joined by Girls Chorus); [0:32] Anything to Please the Queen (sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier); [0:42] My Love Parade (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald, reprised by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [0:53] Sylvania's Queen (sung by Chorus); [1:03] Let's Be Common (sung and danced by Lupino Lane and Lillian Roth); [1:08] March of the Grenadiers (marched and sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Chorus); [1:18] Nobody's Using It Now (sung by Maurice Chevalier); [1:26] The Queen Is Always Right (performed by Lillian Roth, Lupino Lane and Chorus); [1:30] Dream Lover (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald); [1:31] March of the Grenadiers (reprised by Chorus)

Lovely to Look At
MGM, 1952, Color, 106 minutes, ***½
Premiere release May, 1952
General release July, 1952

The 1935 Kern-Harbach musical Roberta gets a splashy updating in this tale of three would-be Broadway producers (Red Skelton, Howard Keel and Gower Champion) who travel to Paris to run a dress salon. Ann Miller, Kathryn Grayson, Marge Champion and Zsa Zsa Gabor supply the feminine charms. Musical highlights include Kathryn Grayson's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," Marge and Gower's "I Won't Dance" and Red Skelton's comedy sketch "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie."

Produced by: Jack Cummings
Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy
Screen Play by: George Wells and Harry Ruby
Additional Dialogue by: Andrew Solt
Based on the Musical Comedy "Roberta" from the novel by Alice Duer Miller
Book and Lyrics by: Otto A. Harbach
Music by: Jerome Kern
Additional and Revised Lyrics by: Dorothy Fields
Musical Direction: Carmen Dragon and Saul Chaplin
Choreography by: Hermes Pan
Orchestrations by: Leo Arnaud
Vocal Arrangements: Robert Tucker
Fashion Show: Tony Duquette
Director of Fashion Show: Vincente Minnelli
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Gabriel Scognamillo
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Jack D. Moore
Gowns by: Adrian
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: George J. Folsey
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: John McSweeney, Jr.

Cast: Kathryn Grayson [Stephanie], Red Skelton [Al Marsh Wodzscyngkic], Howard Keel [Tony Naylor], Marge Champion [Clarisse], Gower Champion [Jerry Ralby], Ann Miller [Bubbles Cassidy], Zsa Zsa Gabor [Zsa Zsa], Kurt Kasznar [Max Fogelsby], Marcel Dalio [Pierre], Diane Cassidy [Diane]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind Titles); [0:02] Opening Night (sung by Gower Champion, Red Skelton and Howard Keel); [0:05] I'll Be Hard to Handle (sung and danced by Ann Miller); [0:12] Lafayette (sung by Gower Champion, Red Skelton and Howard Keel); [0:19] Yesterdays (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:27] I Won't Dance (sung and danced by Marge and Gower Champion); [0:32] Lovely to Look At (special lyrics version sung by Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson); [0:39] Lovely to Look At (sung by Howard Keel); [0:48] I Won't Dance (reprised by Kathryn Grayson); [0:52] Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (instrumental version danced by Marge and Gower Champion); [1:03] You're Devastating (sung by Howard Keel); [1:06] Go Tell Aunt Rhodie (skit with song by Red Skelton); [1:18] Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (sung by Kathryn Grayson); [1:26] The Touch of Your Hand (sung by Kathryn Grayson in fashion show finale)

Loving You
Paramount, 1957, Color, 102 minutes
Released July, 1957

That voice, those eyes, those hips! The King is alive! When this film premiered in 1957, moviegoers could barely hear the dialogue due to the screaming and swooning of Elvis' frenzied fans. Now newly remastered for optimum sound and picture quality, Loving You stars a young Elvis Presley in his second feature. This semi-autobiographical tale - which boasts some of his most outstanding performances including "Teddy Bear" and "Loving You" - chronicles the King's meteoric rise to super-stardom. With his unique vocal style, smoldering sensuality and easy-going sex appeal to burn, Elvis shows why he will live forever!
[from back of VHS sleeve]

Small-town gas station attendant Elvis Presley is pushed into stardom by promoter Lizabeth Scott as part of her ex-husband's country band. With Wendell Corey, Delores Hart and a cameo by Presley's mother, Gladys. This film echoes Elvis' real-life meteoric rise to stardom. In fact, it is somewhat biographical with some embellishment and added drama. Musically, it's one of Elvis' best!

In addition to the now-available soundtrack CD, an album (now on CD) entitled "Loving You" was released at the same time as the film. This album is not a soundtrack, but does include several of the songs from the film.

Produced by: Hal B. Wallis
Associate Producer: Paul Nathan
Directed by: Hal Kanter
Assistant Director: James Rosenberger
Screenplay by: Herbert Baker and Hal Kanter
From a Story by: Mary Agnes Thompson ( "A Call From Mitch Miller" )
Music Arranged and Conducted by: Walter Scharf
Vocal Accompaniment: The Jordanaires
Technical Advisor: Col. Tom Parker
Numbers Staged by: Charles O'Curran
Art Direction: Hal Pereira and Albert Nozaki
Set Decoration: Sam Comer and Ray Moyer
Costumes: Edith Head
Makeup Supervision: Wally Westmore
Hair Style Supervision: Nellie Manley
Sound Recording: Hugo and Charles Grenzbach
Special Effects: John P. Fulton
Director of Photography: Charles Lang
Filmed in Vistavision and Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Richard Mueller
Special Photographic Effects: John P. Fulton
Edited by: Howard Smith

Cast: Elvis Presley [Deke Rivers], Lizabeth Scott [Glenda Markle], Wendell Corey [Walker "Tex" Warner], James Gleason [Carl Meade], Ralph Dumke [Tallman], Paul Smith [Skeeter], Ken Becker [Wayne], Jana Lund [Daisy], And Introducing Dolores Hart [Susan Jessup], Additional Cast: The Jordanaires [Themselves], Yvonne Lime [Sally], Skip Young [Teddy], Vernon Rich [Harry Taylor], David Cameron [Castle], Grace Hayle [Mrs. Gunderson], Dick Ryan [Mack], Gaylord "Steve" Pendleton [O'Shea], Sydney Chatton [Grew], Jack Latham [TV Announcer], William Forrest [Mr. Jessup], Irene Tedrow [Mrs. Jessup], Hal K. Dawson [Lieutenant], Joe Forte [Editor], Almira Sessions [Woman], Madge Blake [Woman], Beach Dickerson [Glenn], Gail Lund [Candy], Harry Cheshire [Mayor], Gladys Presley [Extra in Audience]

Musical Program: [0:00] Loving You (sung by Elvis Presley behind titles); [0:07] Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires); [0:17] (Let's Have A) Party (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires); [0:19] (Let's Have A) Party(Let's Have A) Party (reprised by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires); [0:21] Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do / Hot Dog (short medley sung by Elvis behind traveling montage); [0:23] Lonesome Cowboy (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires); [0:29] Hot Dog (sung by Elvis Presley and The Jordanaires); [0:40] Mean-Woman Blues (sung by Elvis Presley, accompanied by the Jordanaires offscreen); [0:46] (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (sung by Elvis Presley with the Jordanaires); [1:03] Loving You (sung by Elvis Presley); [1:34] Loving You (ballad version, sung by Elvis Presley); [1:37] Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do (sung by Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires); Other miscellaneous excerpts of non-Elvis songs in background

Lucky Me
Warner Bros., 1954, Color, 99 minutes, **½
Released April, 1954

A group of out-of-work entertainers find themselves relegated to kitchen work at a Miami hotel, but spunky Doris Day teams up with songwriter Robert Cummings to convince an oil tycoon to sponsor Cummings' new show. There's just one obstacle: the oilman's spoiled daughter keeps getting in the way. Breezy musical also stars Phil Silvers, Eddie Foy, Jr., Nancy Walker.

The Doris Day Collection, Vol. 2 DVD Box Set includes this movie, Romance on the High Seas, My Dream Is Yours, On Moonlight Bay, I'll See You in My Dreams, and By the Light of the Silvery Moon.

Produced by: Henry Blanke
Directed by: Jack Donohue
Assistant Director: Chuck Hansen
Screen Play by: James O'Hanlon, Robert O'Brien and Irving Elinson
From a Story by: James O'Hanlon
Songs: Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
Musical Direction by: Ray Heindorf
Orchestrations by: Franck Comstock
Vocal Arrangements by: Norman Luboff
Art Director: John Beckman
Set Decorator: William Wallace
Wardrobe by: Moss Mabry
Makeup Artist: Gordon Bau
Sound by: Oliver S. Garretson, David Forrest
Director of Photography: Wilfred M. Cline
Filmed in CinemaScope, Color by WarnerColor
WarnerColor Color Consultant: Philip M. Jefferies
Film Editor: Owen Marks

Cast: Doris Day [Candy Williams], Robert Cummings [Dick Carson], Phil Silvers [Hap Snyder], Eddie Foy Jr. [Duke McGee], Nancy Walker [Flo Neely], Martha Hyer [Lorraine Thayer], Bill Goodwin [Otis Thayer], Marcel Dalio [Anton], Hayden Rorke [Tommy Arthur], James Burke [Mahoney], Herb Vigran [Theater Manager], George Sherwood [Smith], Percy Helton [Brown], Jim Hayward [Jones], Jack Shea [Cop], William Bakewell [Motorist], Cliff Ferre [Orchestra Leader], Charles Cane [Sergeant], Jean De Briac [Captain], Ann Tyrrell [Fortune Teller], Ray Teal, Tom Powers [Cronies], Angie Dickinson, Lucy Marlow, Dolores Dorn, Emmaline Henry [Party Guests], Gladys Hurlbut [Dowager], Jack George [Waiter Captain], Hal Derwin [singing voice of Robert Cummings]

Musical Program: [0:00] Lucky Me (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] The Superstition Song (sung by Doris Day); [0:08] Men (sung and danced by Doris Day and Phil Silvers with Chorus Girls); [0:13] Parisian Pretties (sung and danced by Doris Day, Phil Silvers, Nancy Walker, Eddie Foy Jr. and Chorus Girls); [0:26] High Hopes (sung and danced by Doris Day, Nancy Walker, Phil Silvers and Eddie Foy Jr.); [0:30] Lucky Me (sung by Hal Derwin dubbing for Bob Cummings); [0:50] I Speak to the Stars (sung by Doris Day); [1:01] Bluebells of Broadway (sung and danced by Doris Day, Phil Silvers, Nancy Walker, Eddie Foy Jr.); [1:09] Love You Dearly (sung by Doris Day and Hal Derwing dubbing for Bob Cummings); [1:33] I Wanna Sing Like an Angel (sung and danced by Doris Day); [1:40] Lucky Me (sung by Chorus behind end titles)

Lullaby of Broadway
Warner Bros., 1951, Color, 92 minutes, ***
Released March, 1951

Stage singer Doris Day arrives in New York from London to visit her one-time star mother (Gladys George), unaware that her career has hit the skids thanks to alcoholism. A wealthy man and his valet attempt to keep the truth from her in this charming musical laced with comedy and pathos. Gene Nelson, S.Z. Sakall, Billy De Wolfe also star; songs include "Just One of Those Things," "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" and the title tune.

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

Produced by: William Jacobs
Directed by: David Butler
Written by: Earl Baldwin
Songs: "In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town" by Little Jack Little, John Siras, Joe Young; "Lullaby of Broadway" by Harry Warren, Al Dubin; "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" by Sam H. Stept, Sidney Clare; "Somebody Loves Me" by George Gershwin, B. G. DeSylva, Ballard MadDonald; "You're Dependable" by Sy Miller, Jerry Seelen; "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me" by Harry Warren, Al Dubin; "Just One of Those Things" by Cole Porter; "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" by James F. Hanley; "I Love the Way You Say Goodnight" by Eddie Pola, George Wyle
Orchestrations: Frank Perkins
Music Direction: Ray Heindorf
Musical Numbers Created and Staged by: Al White and Eddie Prinz
Art Director: Douglas Bacon
Set Decorator: Lyle B. Reifsnider
Wardrobe by: Milo Anderson
Sound by: Stanley Jones
Director of Photography: Wilfrid M. Cline
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Mitchell Kovaleski
Film Editor: Irene Morra

Cast: Doris Day [Melinda Howard], Gene Nelson [Tom Farnham], S. Z. Sakall [Adolph Hubbell], Billy De Wolfe ["Lefty" Mack], Gladys George [Jessica Howard], Florence Bates [Mrs. Hubbell], Anne Triola [Gloria Davis], Hanley Stafford [George Ferndel], Page Cavanaugh Trio [Themselves], Carlos and Constance De Mattiazzi [Specialty], Sheldon Jett [Gus], Murray Alper [Joe the Bartender], Edith Leslie [Nurse], Hans Herbert [Headwaiter], Herschel Daugherty [Sidney], Elizabeth Flournoy [Secretary], Donald Kerr [Driver], Arlyne Roberts [Blonde Showgirl], Philo McCullough [Waiter], Jimmy Aubrey [Steward], Bess Flowers [Passenger on Ship], Charles Williams [Reporter], Hal Derwin [singing voice of Gene Nelson]

Musical Program: [0:00] Lullaby of Broadway (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:01] Just One of Those Things (sung and danced by Doris Day); [0:10] In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town (sung by Gladys George); [0:19] You're Dependable (sung by Billy DeWolfe and Anne Triola); [0:23] Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart (sung and danced by Gene Nelson dubbed by Hal Derwin, accompanied by the Page Cavanaugh Trio); [0:34] You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me (sung by Doris Day accompanied by the Page Cavanaugh Trio, danced by Doris and Gene Nelson); [0:49] Somebody Loves Me (instrumental arrangement) ("Mirror" dance by Doris Day and Gene Nelson); [0:51] Somebody Loves Me (sung and danced by Doris Day and Gene Nelson, Hal Derwin dubbing for Nelson); [1:01] Carlos and Constance De Mattiazzi dancing mechanical dolls at the Beaux Arts Theatre Benefit - Constance wears costume of man and woman, bends over and dances like two dolls - quite amazing; [1:05] I Love the Way You Say Goodnight (sung and danced by Doris Day, Gene Nelson and Chorus, Hal Derwin dubbing for Gene Nelson; includes a slow-motion segment in the dance); [1:19] Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (sung by Gladys George); [1:25] Lullaby of Broadway (sung and danced by Doris Day and Chorus, danced by Doris, Gene Nelson and Chorus); [not used] We'd Like to Go on a Trip (sung by Billy DeWolfe and Anne Triola)

Luxury Liner
MGM, 1948, Color, 98 minutes, ***½
Released September, 1948

One of my favorite Jane Powell movies. Polly (Jane) is the daughter of a sealiner captain (George Brent). He has installed her in a girls school, and is away for long periods of time on sea cruises. Polly sneaks onboard as a stowaway in order to be near him, but he is unhappy that she's not in school, so he punishes her by making her work in the galley. Check out Jane's wonderful wardrobe! Musical highlights include a rousing rendition of "Alouette," sung by Jane and the kitchen staff, Jane and Melchior's "Spring Came Back to Vienna," and Jane's jazzy rendition of "The Peanut Vendor."

One of the many delights of this film is Jane Powell's wardrobe. What cute outfits!! My choice for best song is "Spring Came Back to Vienna," for best choreography "Alouette." Very entertaining and fun film!

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Richard Whorf
Screen Play by: Gladys Lehman and Richard Connell
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Choreography: Nick Castle
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Paul Groesse
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Arthur Krams
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: Robert Planck
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie
Associate: Donald Jahraus
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: James Gooch
Film Editor: Robert J. Kern

Cast: George Brent [Capt. Jeremy Bradford], Jane Powell [Polly Bradford], Lauritz Melchior [Olaf Eriksen], Frances Gifford [Laura Dene], Marina Koshetz [Zita Romanka], Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra [Themselves], Thomas E. Breen [Denis Mulvy], Richard Derr [Charles Worton], John Ridgely [Chief Officer Carver], The Pied Pipers (Chuck Lowry, Harold Hopper, Clark Yocum and June Hutton) [Themselves], Connie Gilchrist [Bertha], Lee Tung Foo [Fu Dong], Georgette Windsor [Perdita], Romo Vincent [Pierre], Michael Dugan [Officer], Kay Norton [Ship's Hostess], Shirley Johns [Count Karper], Betty Blythe [Miss Fenmoor], Juanita Quigley [Jean], Roger Moore [Waiter], Wesley Hopper [Waiter], May McAvoy [Woman]

Musical Program: [0:04] Spring Came Back to Vienna (sung by Jane Powell and Chorus); [0:09] Finale from Act III (from the opera AÏDA, sung by Lauritz Melchior and Marina Koshetz); [0:21] unidentified instrumental (played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [0:24] Alouette (sung and danced by Jane Powell and Kitchen Staff); [0:35] Cugat's Nougat (played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [0:42] Yes, We Have No Bananas (sung by the Pied Pipers); [0:46] Scandinavian drinking song (exact title unknown, sung by Lauritz Melchior, the Pied Pipers and audience); [0:52] unidentified aria or song (sung by Lauritz Melchior); [0:54] Obéissons quand leur voix appelle (gavotte from the opera MANON, sung by Jane Powell); [0:58] Con Maracas (performed by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:00] unidentified instrumental (played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:02] The Peanut Vendor (sung by Jane Powell with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:16] I've Got You Under My Skin (sung by Marina Koshetz); [1:24] Come Back to Sorrento ("Torna a Sorrrento") (excerpt sung by Lauritz Melchior); [1:30] singing battle - unidentified arias (sung by Marina Koshetz and Lauritz Melchior); [1:35] Spring Came Back to Vienna (sung by Jane Powell and Lauritz Melchior)


Jane Powell Scrapbook
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