Oh, for a Man!
Fox Films Corp., 1930, B/W, 78 minutes
Released November, 1930

Carlotta Manson (Jeanette MacDonald) is an opera diva (makes sense, eh?). Arriving home one night, she finds a burglar (Reginald Denny) who is about to clean her out. But then it turns out that the would-be burglar is her biggest fan! And not only that, but he sings! So, she offers to get him a job in the chorus with the opera company where she is performing. The opera management is not impressed, but they agree to put him on and give him lessons so he can work his way up the ranks. But things don't always go as planned...

Produced and Directed by: Hamilton MacFadden
Screenplay: Philip Klein and Lynn Starling
(based on the story "Stolen Thunder" by Mary F. Watkins)
Music Director: Arthur Kay
Song Score: William Kernell
Art Direction: Stephen Goosson
Costume Design: Sophie Wachner
Sound: E. Clayton Ward
Cinematography: Charles G. Clarke
Film Editing: Alfred DeGaetano

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald [Carlotta Manson], Reginald Denny [Barney McGann], Marjorie White [Totsy Franklin], Warren Hymer [Pug Morin, the "Walloping Wop"] Alison Skipworth [Laura], Albert Conti [Peck], Bela Lugosi [Frescatti], Andre Cheron [Costello], William B. Davidson [Kerry Stokes], Bodil Rosing [Masseuse]

Musical Program: Liebestod (from the opera TRISTAN UND ISOLDE, sung by Jeanette MacDonald); Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (Reginald Denny); On a Summer Night (Jeanette MacDonald); I'm Just Nuts about You (Marjorie White)

Certainly one of the best movie musicals ever made, featuring an all-hit song score by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Great cast, great sets and costumes, great music... All of the songs are well-known. My personal favorites include Ado Annie's "I Cain't Say No" (Gloria Grahame is great as Ado Annie!), Shirley Jones' "Many a New Day," and Jones' and MacRae's "People Will Say We're in Love."

Produced by: Arthur Hornblow, Jr.
Production Executive: Barney Briskin
Directed by: Fred Zinnemann
Assistant Director: Arthur Black, Jr.
Music by: Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II
Screen Play by: Sonya Levien and William Ludwig
Adapted from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Musical Play
Based Upon a Dramatic Play by Lynn Riggs (Green Grow the Lilacs)
Originally Produced on the Stage by The Theatre Guild
Music Conducted and Supervised by: Jay Blackton
Musical Arrangements by: Robert Russell Bennett
Background Music Adapted and Conducted by: Adolph Deutsch
Dances Staged by: Agnes De Mille
Production Designed by: Oliver Smith
Art Direction by: Joseph Wright
Set Decoration: Keogh Gleason
Costumes by: Orry Kelly and Motley
Wardrobe: Frank Beetson and Ann Peck
Makeup: Ben Lane
Hair Stylist: Annabell
Recording Supervisor: Fred Hynes
Director of Photography: Robert Surtees
Color Consultant: Alvord Eiseman
Todd-AO Technician: Schuyler A. Sanford
Film Editor: Gene Ruggiero

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Score (Musical) and Best Sound Recording; Academy Award nominations for Best Color Cinematography and Best Film Editing

Cast: Gordon MacRae [Curly], Gloria Grahame [Ado Annie], Gene Nelson [Will Parker], Charlotte Greenwood [Aunt Eller], Eddie Albert [Ali Hakim], James Whitmore [Carnes], and introducing Shirley Jones [Laurey], with: Rod Steiger [Jud Fry], Barbara Lawrence [Gertie], Jay C. Flippen [Skidmore], Roy Barcroft [Marshal], Ben Johnson [Cowboy at Train Depot], The Dancers: James Mitchell [Dream Curly], Bambi Linn [Dream Laurey], Jennie Workman, Kelly Brown, Marc Platt, Lizanne Truex, Virginia Bosier, Evelyn Taylor, Jane Fischer [Dancers]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra); [0:03] Oklahoma (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:05] Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' (sung by Gordon MacRae); [0:09] Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' (excerpt sung by Shirley Jones); [0:10] Surrey With the Fringe On Top (sung by Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones and Charlotte Greenwood); [0:22] Kansas City (sung and danced by Gene Nelson, Charlotte Greenwood and Ensemble); [0:31] I Cain't Say No (sung by Gloria Grahame); [0:40] I Cain't Say No (continued by Gene Nelson and Gloria Grahame); [0:41] Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' (excerpt sung by Enseble); [0:43] Many A New Day (sung and danced by Shirley Jones and Girls Chorus); [0:54] People Will Say We're In Love (sung by Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae); [1:02] Poor Jud (sung by Gordon MacRae and Rod Steiger); [1:13] Out of My Dreams (Laurey's dream sequence ballet: sung by Shirley Jones, danced by Bambi Linn, James Mitchell, Rod Steiger, and Chorus); [1:29] Intermission; [1:35] The Farmer and the Cowman (sung and danced by Gordon MacRae, Charlotte Greenwood, Gene Nelson, Jay C. Flippen, James Whitmore, Gloria Grahame and Chorus); [1:54] All er Nothin' (sung by Gene Nelson and Gloria Grahame); [2:05] People Will Say We're In Love (reprised by Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae); [2:11] Oklahoma (sung by Gordon MacRae, Charlotte Greenwood, James Whitmore, Shirley Jones, Jay C. Flippen and Chorus); [2:25] Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' (reprised by Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones and Chorus)

Consider yourself right in when you watch this lively musical adaptation of the Dickens classic that garnered six Oscars, including Best Picture. Mark Lester stars as the plucky orphan lad, Jack Wild is his pal, the Artful Dodger, and Ron Moody is the rapscallious Fagin. Delightful score from composer Lionel Bart includes "Food, Glorious Food," "Where Is Love?" and more. With Oliver Reed, Hugh Griffith and Shani Wallis.

Definitely one of my favorites! Wonderful performances by the entire cast, and a great song score. Lionel Bart really outdid himself on this one! Somehow it seems that 40 years of movie musicals came to a climax with this wonderful film! Ron Moody is positively magnificent as Fagin, and Shani Wallis' rendition of "As Long as He Needs Me" is simply the best - no one could have done it better! If you haven't seen this film, it's required viewing for any movie musical fan!

Produced by: John Woolf
Produced hy Arrangement and in Association with: Donald Albery
Production Supervisor: Denis Johnson
Directed by: Carol Reed
Assistant Director: Colin Brewer
Screenplay by: Vernon Harris
Freely Adapted from Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist"
Book, Music and Lyrics by: Lionel Bart
Music Supervised, Arranged and Conducted by: John Green
Associate Music Supervisor: Eric Rogers
Choreography and Musical Sequences Staged by: Onna White
Production Designer: John Box
Art Director: Terence Marsh
Assistant Art Directors: Roy Walker, Bob Cartwright
Set Dressers: Vernon Dixon, Ken Muggleston
Costume Designer: Phyllis Dalton
Wardrobe Supervision: John Wilson-Apperson
Make-Up Supervisor: George Frost
Chief Hairdresser: Bobbie Smith
Sound Supervisor: John Cox
Director of Photography: Oswald Morris
Filmed in Panavision, Colour by Technicolor
Filmed at Shepperton Studios, England
Special Effects: Allan Bryce
Film Editor: Ralph Kemplen

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Score (Musical), Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Best Sound; Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Ron Moody), Best Supporting Actor (Jack Wild), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing and Best Costume Design

Cast: Ron Moody [Fagin], Shani Wallis [Nancy], Oliver Reed [Bill Sikes (Biw Soiks)], Harry Secombe [Bumble], Mark Lester [Oliver], Jack Wild [The Artful Dodger], Hugh Griffith [Magistrate], Joseph O'Conor [Mr. Brownlow], Peggy Mount [Mrs. Bumble], Leonard Rossiter [Sowerberry], Hylda Baker [Mrs. Sowerberry], Kenneth Cranham [Noah Claypole], Megs Jenkins [Mrs. Bedwin], Sheila White [Bet], Wensley Pithey [Dr. Grimwig], James Hayter [Mr. Jessop], Elizabeth Knight [Charlotte], Fred Emney [Chairman - Workhouse], Edwin Finn, Roy Evans [Paupers - Workhouse], Norman Mitchell [Arresting Policeman], Robert Bartlett, Graham Buttrose, Jeffrey Chandler, Kirk Clugeston, Dempsey Cook, Christopher Duff, Nigel Grice, Ronnie Johnson, Nigel Kingsley, Robert Langley, Brian Lloyd, Peter Lock, Clive Moss, Ian Ramsey, Peter Renn, Bill Smith, Kim Smith, Freddie Stead, Raymond Ward, John Watters [Fagin's Boys], Additional Cast: Veronica Page [Oliver's Mother], Henry Kay [Doctor], Jane Peach [Rose the Maid], Keith Roberts [Policeman in Magistrate's Court], Peter Hoar [Court Clerk], John Baskcomb, Norman Pitt, Arnold Locke, Frank Crawshaw [Workhouse Governors]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture 1: "As Long as He Needs Me" (played by Orchestra); [0:03] Main Title: "Oliver!" / "Pick a Pocket or Two" / "Where Is Love" / "Be Back Soon" / "Oom-Pah-Pah" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:07] Food, Glorious Food (sung and danced by Mark Lester and Workhouse Boys); [0:13] Oliver! (sung by Harry Secombe, Peggy Mount and Workhouse Boys); [0:15] Boy for Sale (sung by Harry Secombe); [0:19] Boy for sale (played as dirge by Orchestra during funeral procession); [0:25] Where Is Love? (sung by Mark Lester); [0:33] Consider Yourself (production number sung and danced by Jack Wild, Mark Lester and Ensemble); [0:43] Pick a Pocket or Two (performed by Ron Moody and Fagin's Boys); [0:56] It's a Fine Life (sung and danced by Shani Wallis, Sheila White and "The Three Cripples Crowd"); [1:07] I'd Do Anything (sung and danced by Jack Wild, Shani Wallis, Sheila White, Mark Lester, Ron Moody and Fagin's Boys); [1:14] Be Back Soon (sung and marched by Ron Moody and Boys); [1:26] Entr'acte: "Where Is Love?" (played by Orchestra); [1:29] Who Will Buy? (sung by Mark Lester and Chorus, danced by Ensemble); [1:42] As Long as He Needs Me (sung by Shani Wallis); [1:57] Reviewing the Situation (sung by Ron Moody); [2:12] Oom-Pah-Pah (sung and danced by Shani Wallis, Sheila White, "The Three Cripples Crowd" and Chorus); [2:28] Reviewing the Situation (reprised by Ron Moody and Jack Wild); [2:31] Finale: Consider Yourself (sung and danced by Chorus); [2:32] Exit Music: "Be Back Soon" (played by Orchestra)

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
Paramount, 1970, Color, 129 minutes, ***½
Released June, 1970

The talents of acclaimed director Vincente Minnelli (Meet Me in St. Louis, An American in Paris) and legend Barbra Streisand combine to bring this Broadway production to the screen in grand fashion. Streisand is Daisy Gamble, a kooky chain-smoker desperate to kick the habit. She finds the perfect cure in the form of Dr. Marc Chabot (Yves Montand), a psychiatrist who uses hypnosis. However, when Daisy goes into a trance, she can regress into past lives and different personalities - including "Melinda," a 19th-Century English coquette. And before you can say "amour," Dr. Marc has fallen in love with the enthralling, elusive Melinda... while Daisy, in turn, finds herself falling head-over-heels for the handsome hypnotist! Bob Newhart and Jack Nicholson add to the tune-filled fun in this romantic romp.   [from back of DVD case]

Barbra is cute, sexy and sassy as quirky college coed Daisy Gamble in this novel romp into reincarnation. Montand turns in a marvelous performance as a college psychiatry professor who, on attempting to help Daisy with her smoking addiction, unexpectedly stumbles into her previous life as 19th-century sultry British psychic Melinda. Montand can't help but fall in love with Melinda, but is he really in love with Melinda, or is he in love with Daisy? Just which personality is which? Beautiful film, beautiful performances and gorgeous sets and costumes. A definite must-see!

A Howard W. Koch - Alan Jay Lerner Production
Produced by: Howard W. Koch
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Assistant Director: William McGarry
Based on the musical play "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever"
Music by: Burton Lane
Screenplay and Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
Music Supervised, Arranged and Conducted by: Nelson Riddle
Choral Arrangements by: Joseph J. Lilley
Choreography by: Howard Jeffrey
Vocal-Dance Arrangements by: Betty Walberg
Production Design: John De Cuir
Set Decoration: George Hopkins and Raphael Bretton
Period Costumes Designed and Created by: Cecil Beaton
Miss Streisand's Contemporary Clothes Designed by: Arnold Scaasi
Miss Streisand's Hairstyles Designed and Created by: Fredrick Glaser
Makeup Supervision: Harry Ray
Sound Recording: Benjamin Winkler and Elden Ruberg
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling
Time Lapse Photography by: John Ott
Color by Technicolor; Filmed in Panavision
Edited by: David Bretherton

Cast: Barbra Streisand [Daisy Gamble], Yves Montand [Dr. Marc Chabot], Bob Newhart [Dr. Mason Hume], Larry Blyden [Warren Pratt], Simon Oakland [Dr. Conrad Fuller], Jack Nicholson [Tad Pringle], John Richardson [Robert Tentrees], Pamela Brown [Mrs. Fitzherbert], Irene Handl [Winnie Wainwhistle], Roy Kinnear [Prince Regent], Peter Crowcroft [Divorce Attorney], Byron Webster [Prosecuting Attorney], Mabel Albertson [Mrs. Hatch], Laurie Main [Lord Percy], Kermit Murdock [Hoyt III], Elaine Giftos [Muriel], John Le Mesurier [Pelham], Angela Pringle [Diana Smallwood], Leon Ames [Clews], Paul Camen [Millard], George Neise [Wytelipt], Tony Colti [Preston]

Musical Program: [0:00] Hurry! It's Lovely Up Here (sung by Barbra Streisand before titles); [0:03] On a Clear Day (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:32] Love with All the Trimmings (sung by Barbra Streisand); [0:37] Love with All the Trimmings (continued by Barbra Streisand); [0:55] Melinda (sung by Yves Montand); [1:05] Go to Sleep (sung by Barbra Streisand); [1:25] He Isn't You (sung by Barbra Streisand); [1:33] What Did I Have That I Don't Have? (sung by Barbra Streisand); [1:50] Come Back to Me (sung by Yves Montand); [1:56] On a Clear Day (sung by Yves Montand); [2:04] On a Clear Day (short reprisal by Barbra Streisand); [2:06] On a Clear Day (sung by Barbra Streisand at end of movie); "She Isn't You" [outtake]; "Who Is There Among Us Who Knows?" [outtake]; "Wait Till We're Sixty-Five" [outtake]; "E.S.P." [outtake or not used]

On an Island with You
MGM, 1948, Color, 117 minutes, ***
Released May, 1948

Top-notch MGM musical fantasia with Esther Williams as a Hollywood star on location in Hawaii who is desired by swabby Peter Lawford. Ricardo Montalban, Jimmy Durante, Cyd Charisse and Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra also star; songs include "If I Were You", "Dog Song" and "Wedding Samba."

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

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Richard Thorpe
Screen Play by: Dorothy Kingsley, Dorothy Cooper, Charles Martin and Hans Wilhelm
From an Original Story by: Charles Martin and Hans Wilhelm
Musical Direction by: Georgie Stoll
Songs by: Nacio Herb Brown and Edward Heyman
Dances and Water Ballets Created by: Jack Donohue
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Edward Carfagno
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Richard A. Pefferle
Costumes by: Irene
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Director: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Charles Rosher
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Director: Natalie Kalmus
Associate: Henri Jaffa
Film Editors: Douglass Biggs and Ferris Webster

Cast: Esther Williams [Rosalind Reynolds], Peter Lawford [Lt. Lawrence Y. Kingslee], Ricardo Montalban [Ricardo Montez], Jimmy Durante [Buckley], Cyd Charisse [Yvonne Torro], Leon Ames [Commander Harrison], Kathryn Beaumont [Penelope Peabody], Richard Simmons [George Blaine], Marie Windsor [Jane], Arthur Walsh [2nd Assistant Director], Nina Ross [Mrs. Peabody], Betty Reilly [Vocalist], Kay Norton [Martha, the Hairdresser], Nolan Leary [Cameraman], Chester Clute [Tommy the Waiter], Carl Leviness [Desk Clerk], Cosmo Sardo [Barber], Dick Winslow [Bald Radio Operator], Jim Dale [Navigator], Sam Tubuo [Native Chief], Lester Dorr [Photographer], Franklin Parker [Lieutenant, Technical Advisor], Emelia Leovalli [Grandmother], Uluao Letuli [Sword Dancer], Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra [Themselves]

Musical Program: [0:00] On an Island with You (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:02] On an Island with You (sung Bill Lee dubbing for Ricardo Montalban, water ballet by Esther Williams and Chorus Girls); [0:12] Dog Song (sung by Xavier Cugat, sung in English and Spanish by Betty Reilly with the Xavier Cugat Orchestra); [0:15] On an Island with You (instrumental arrangement played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, danced by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams); [0:17] unidentified instrumental (played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra with Chorus, danced by Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse); [0:24] I Know Darn Well I Can Do Without Broadway (But Can Broadway Do Without Me) (performed by Jimmy Durante); [0:25] Takin' Miss Mary to the Ball (sung by Jimmy Durante with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, joined by Xavier Cugat, Betty Reilly, Nightclub Patrons and Chorus); [0:28] The Beauty Hula (played by unidentified Hawaiian Band, danced by Hula Dancers); [0:32] Anapau (?) (played by Orchestra, swam by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban); [0:34] The Pagan Mask (played by Orchestra, danced by Cyd Charisse and Chorus); [0:44] unidentified instrumental (played on radio, danced by Esther Williams and Peter Lawford); [0:54] unidentified instrumental (played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [0:58] I'll Do the Strut-away In My Cutaway (sung by Jimmy Durante with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:05] unidentified instrumental (played by Orchestra and Chorus, swum by Ricardo Montalban, Peter Lawford and Esther Williams); [1:12] unidentified "native" dance (performed by island natives); [1:24] unidentified instrumental (danced by Cyd Charisse and Ricardo Montalban); [1:32] You Gotta Start Off Each Day with a Song (sung by Jimmy Durante); [1:33] All Aboard (?) (played by Orchestra and Chorus, swum by Esther Williams); [1:41] El Cumbanchero (sung by Betty Riley with Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:43] Anchors Aweigh (excerpt played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra); [1:44] unidentified number (played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, danced by Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse)

On Moonlight Bay
Warner Bros., 1951, Color, 95 minutes, ***
Released July, 1951

Lively musical-comedy starring Doris Day as a tomboy in a small Indiana town before World War I who falls for college student Gordon MacRae, much to the dismay of her banker father. Partially based on Boothe Tarkington's "Penrod" stories, the film also stars Leon Ames, Rosemary DeCamp and Billy Gray; songs include the title tune, "'Til We Meet Again", "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag".

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

Produced by: William Jacobs
Directed by: Roy Del Ruth
Screen Play by: Jack Rose and Melville Shavelson
Adapted from the Penrod Stories by Booth Tarkington
Musical Direction: Ray Heindorf
Music Adapted by: Max Steiner
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Art Director: Douglas Bacon
Set Decorator: William Wallace
Wardrobe by: Milo Anderson, Marjorie Best
Makeup Artist: Gordon Bau
Sound by: Francis J. Scheid, David Forrest
Director of Photography: Ernest Haller
Special Effects by: William McGann, Director; H. F. Koenekamp
Filmed in Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Mitchell Kovaleski
Film Editor: Thomas Reilly

Cast: Doris Day [Marjorie Winfield], Gordon MacRae [William Sherman], Jack Smith [Hubert Wakeley], Leon Ames [George Winfield], Rosemary DeCamp [Mrs. Winfield], Mary Wickes [Stella], Ellen Corby [Miss Stevens], Billy Gray [Wesley Winfield], Jeffrey Stevens [Jim Sherman], Esther Dale [Aunt Martha], Susan Whitney [Cora], Eddie Marr [Barker], Sig Arno [Dancing Instructor], James Dobson [Soldier], Rolland Morris [Sleeping Soldier], In Silent Movie: Lois Austin [Mother], Creighton Hale [Father], Anne Kimbell [Daughter], Ray Spiker [Bartender], Hank Mann, Ralph Montgomery, Jack Mower [Salesmen]

Musical Program: [0:00] (On) Moonlight Bay (sung behind titles by Doris Day and Chorus); [0:12] (On) Moonlight Bay (reprised by Gordon MacRae and Chorus); [0:15] medley of period dance numbers (played by Orchestra, danced by Doris Day and Gordon MacRae); [0:23] Cuddle Up a Little Closer (sung by Gordon MacRae with a little help from Billy Gray); [0:28] Tell Me (Tell Me Why) (sung by Doris Day); [0:36] I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (sung by Jack Smith); [0:37] Love Ya (sung by Jack Smith and Doris Day); [0:46] Turkey Trot (danced by Doris Day and Sig Arno, then hummed and danced by Doris Day with snow men); [1:05] Hark the Herald Angels Sing (sung by Carolers); [1:06] Christmas Story (sung by Doris Day, Gordon MacRae and Chorus); [1:09] Hail Alma Mater (sung by Chorus); [1:12] Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile (played by Orchestra at conclusion of graduation ceremony); [1:16] Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile (sung by Gordon MacRae and Mens Chorus); [1:22] Ev'ry Little Movement (Has a Meaning of Its Own) (sung by Jack Smith); [1:28] Till We Meet Again (sung by Gordon MacRae and Doris Day); [1:32] (On) Moonlight Bay (sung by Jack Smith); [1:34] (On) Moonlight Bay (sung by Chorus)

On the Avenue
(aka Irving Berlin's On the Avenue)
20th Century-Fox, 1937, B/W, 88 minutes, ***½
Released February, 1937

Frolicsome musical-comedy with Dick Powell as a Broadway impresario who produces a satirical musical starring Alice Faye as "The Richest Girl in the World." When the woman Faye plays appears at the theater outraged, Powell falls for her, setting in motion all sorts of wacky events. Madeleine Carroll and The Ritz Brothers co-star; among the Irving Berlin tunes is "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm".

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

In Charge of Production: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Gene Markey
Directed by: Roy Del Ruth
Assistant Director: William J. Scully
Screen Play by: Gene Markey and William Conselman
Music and Lyrics by: Irving Berlin
Musical Direction: Arthur Lange
Dances Staged by: Seymour Felix
Art Direction: William Darling
Associate: Mark-Lee Kirk
Set Decorations by: Thomas Little
Costumes: Gwen Wakeling
Sound: Joseph Aiken, Roger Heman
Photography: Lucien Andriot
Film Editor: Allen McNeil

Cast: Dick Powell [Gary Blake], Madeleine Carroll [Mimi Caraway], Alice Faye [Mona Merrick], The Ritz Brothers [Themselves, Comedy Specialty], George Barbier [Commodore Caraway], Alan Mowbray [Frederick Sims], Cora Witherspoon [Aunt Fritz], Walter Catlett [Jake Dibble], Douglas Fowley [Eddie Eads], Joan Davis [Miss Katz], Stepin Fetchit [Herman], Sig Rumann [Herr Hanfstangel], Billy Gilbert [Joe Papaloupas], E. E. Clive [Binns, the Cabby], Douglas Wood [Mr. Trivet], John Sheehan [Stage Manager], Paul Irving [Harry Morris], Harry Stubbs [Kelly], Ricardo Mandia [Luigi], Edward Cooper [Potts], Paul Gerrits [Joe Cherry], Additional Cast: Lynn Bari [Chorus Girl], Geneva Sawyer [Chorine], Hank Mann [Footman in Sketch], Frank Darien [bit]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] He Ain't Got Rhythm (sung by and danced by Alice Faye and Girls Chorus, then sung and danced by the Ritz Brothers and Chorus Girls); [0:07] Comedy Sketch: "A Quiet Evening at Home with the Richest Girl in America" (acted by Dick Powell, Alice Faye, The Ritz Brothers and Chorus); [0:22] The Girl on the Police Gazette (sung by Dick Powell and Chorus; acted by Dick Powell, Alice Faye and Chorus); [0:38] You're Laughing at Me (sung by Dick Powell to Madeleine Carroll in the park); [0:45] This Year's Kisses (sung by Alice Faye at rehearsal); [0:48] Comedy Sketch: "A Quiet Evening at Home with the Richest Girl in America" (revised version) (acted by Dick Powell, Alice Faye, The Ritz Brothers and Chorus); [0:52] I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (sung by Dick Powell joined by Alice Faye and Chorus Girls); [1:04] Slumming on Park Avenue (sung and danced by Alice Faye and Chorus, then sung and danced by the Ritz Brothers - one in drag); [1:10] You're Laughing at Me (sung by Dick Powell, interrupted by the Ritz Brothers); [1:11] Otchi Tchorniya (comic rendition sung by the Ritz Brothers); [1:16] This Year's Kisses (reprised by Alice Faye in cafe); [1:26] Slumming on Park Avenue (sung by Dick Powell, Madeleine Carroll, Cora Witherspoon, Sig Rumann, Alice Faye, George Barbier and the Ritz Brothers)

On the Riviera
20th Century-Fox, 1951, Color, 89 minutes, ***
Released April, 1951

Jack Martin (Danny Kaye) is an American song and dance man based in Monte Carlo. When playboy aviator Henri Duran (also played by Danny Kaye) returns from his latest adventure, Martin notices a resemblance. He also notices Duran's neglected wife, Lili (Gene Tierney). After Duran is called away on business, Martin is enlisted to impersonate him for an important function. That gives him the chance to cozy up to Lili--and infuriate dance partner Colette (Corinne Calvet). Duran pays him back with an impersonation of his own.

This story had two previous incarnations: as Folies Bergere (1935) and That Night in Rio (1941).

Produced by: Sol C. Siegel
Directed by: Walter Lang
Screen Play by: Valentine Davies, Phoebe and Henry Ephron
Based on a Play by Rudolph Lothar and Hans Adler ["The Red Cat"]
Adapted by: Jessie Ernst
Music and Lyrics: "On the Riviera", "Rhythm of a New Romance", "Popo the Puppet", "Happy Ending" by Sylvia Fine
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Vocal Direction: Jeff Alexander
Orchestration: Earle Hagen, Edward Powell
Dances Staged by: Jack Cole
Art Direction: Lyle Wheeler, Leland Fuller
Musical Settings: Jospeh C. Wright
Set Decorations: Thomas Little, Walter M. Scott
Wardrobe Direction: Charles LeMaire
Costumes Designed by: Travilla
Costumes for Miss Tierney Designed by: Oleg Cassini
Makeup Artist: Ben Nye
Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy
Special Photographic Effects: Fred Sersen
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Leonard Doss
Sound: E. Clayton Ward, Roger Heman
Film Editor: J. Watson Webb, Jr.
Song "India" by Earle Hagen; Song "The Breeze and I" by Ernesto Lecuona

Awards: Academy Award Nominations for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color and Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture

Cast: Danny Kaye [Jack Martin / Henri Duran], Gene Tierney [Lili Duran], Corinne Calvet [Colette], Marcel Dalio [Philippe Lebrix], Jean Murat [Felix Periton], Henri Letondal [Louis Foral], Clinton Sundberg [Antoine], Sig Rumann [Gapeaux], Joyce MacKenzie [Mimi], Monique Chantal [Minette], Marina Koshetz [Mme. Louise Cornet], Ann Codee [Mme. Periton], Mari Blanchard [Eugenie], Ethel Martin, George Martin, Vernal "Buzz" Martin [Dance Trio], Ellen Ray [Speciality Dancer], Gwyneth Verdon (aka Gwen Verdon) [Speciality Dancer], Rosario Imperio [Spanish Dancer], Antonio Filauri [Chef], Charles Andre [Andre], Franchesca Di Scaffa [Elna Petrovna], Joy (Joi) Lansing [Marilyn Turner], Eugene Borden [Announcer], Albert Pollet [Air Port Official], Andre Toffel [First Radio Control Man], Alberto Morin [Second Radio Control Man], George Davis [Leon], Tony Laurent [French News Vendor], Peter Camlin, Jack Chefe [Reporters], Bess Flowers [Lady at Bar]

Musical Program: [0:00] On the Riviera (sung by Chorus behind titles), [0:02] On the Riviera (sung by Danny Kaye [imitating Maurice Chevalier] and Chorus), [0:05] Scotch Number (sung and danced by Danny Kaye and Corinne Calvet, interrupted almost immediatedly as the audience rushes to the television to see Duran disembark from his airplane), [0:14] Duran Impersonation (Danny Kaye; his number is introduced by Gwen Verdon (?) and danced by Verdon and Chorus Girls), [0:18] Rhythm of a New Romance (sung by Danny Kaye, danced by Kaye and Mixed Chorus, segment danced by Rosario Imperio), [0:27] Ballin' the Jack (sung by Danny Kaye and Chorus, then sung and danced by Danny Kaye), [0:57] Popo the Puppet (sung and danced by Danny Kaye and Chorus as marionettes), [1:26] Happy Ending (sung and danced by Danny Kaye and Chorus)

Three sailors on shore leave meet three wonderful girls and have the time of their life. Popular hit stage musical before it came to the screen. Starring Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Jules Munshin, Vera-Ellen, Ann Miller and Betty Garrett. Garrett chases Frank, Gene chases Vera-Ellen and Munshin and Miller team up. Very entertaining film, partly filmed on location. Great performances by all!

The Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection DVD Box Set (see right) contains this film, Anchors Aweigh and Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

Produced by: Arthur Freed
Associate Producer: Roger Edens
Directed by: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Screen Play by: Adolph Green and Betty Comden
Based Upon the Musical Play Whose Book Was by Adolph Green and Betty Comden, from an idea by Jerome Robbins with Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Adolph Green, Betty Comden and Leonard Bernstein; Directed on the Stage by George Abbott and Produced by Oliver Smith and Paul Feigay
Music: "New York, New York", "Miss Turnstiles" Dance, "Come Up to My Place", "A Day in New York" Ballet Composed by Leonard Bernstein
Musical Director: Lennie Hayton
Orchestrations: Conrad Salinger
Vocal Arrangements: Saul Chaplin
Additional Songs: Music by Roger Edens, Lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden
Choreography: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Jack Martin Smith
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
   Associate: Jack D. Moore
Costumes by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: Jack Dawn
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: Harold Rosson
Special Effects: Warren Newcombe
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Ralph E. Winters

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score (Musical)

Cast: Gene Kelly [Gabey], Frank Sinatra [Chip], Betty Garrett [Brunhilde Esterhazy], Ann Miller [Claire Huddesen], Jules Munshin [Ozzie], Vera-Ellen [Ivy Smith], Florence Bates [Mme. Dilyovska], Alice Pearce [Lucy Shmeeler], George Meader [Professor], Additional Cast: Bern Hoffman [Worker], Lester Dorr [Subway Passenger], Bea Benaderet [Working Girl], Walter Baldwin [Sign Poster], Don Brodie [Photo Layout Man], Sid Melton [Spud], Robert B. Williams [Officer], Tom Dugan [Officer Tracy], Murray Alper [Cab Company Owner], Hans Conried [Francois], Claire Carleton [Redhead], Dick Wessel [Sailor Simpkins], William "Bill" Phillips [Sailor], Frank Hagney [Cop], Carol Haney [Dancer in Green], Eugene Borden [Waiter], Judy Holliday [Voice of a Sailor's Date]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "On the Town" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] I Feel Like I'm Not out of Bed Yet (sung by Bern Hoffman); [0:03] New York, New York (sung by Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin); [0:10] "Miss Turnstiles" Dance (instrumental played by Orchestra, narrated by Gene Kelly, danced by Vera-Ellen and Chorus); [0:21] Prehistoric Man (sung by Ann Miller; danced by Ann Miller, Jules Munshin, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Betty Garrett); [0:29] Come up to My Place (sung by Betty Garrett and Frank Sinatra); [0:40] Main Street (sung by Gene Kelly, danced by Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen); [0:47] You're Awful (sung by Frank Sinatra and Betty Garrett); [0:55] On the Town (sung and danced by Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin, Ann Miller, Betty Garrett and Vera-Ellen); [1:12] Count on Me (sung and danced by Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Jules Munshin, Ann Miller, Gene Kelly and Alice Pearce); [1:17] "A Day in New York" Ballet (danced by Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin, Vera-Ellen, Carol Haney [in green] and unidentified female dancer [in yellow]); [1:30] That's All There Is Folks (sung and danced by Gene Kelly, Jules Munshin and Frank Sinatra - all in drag); [1:35] I Feel Like I'm Not out of Bed Yet (sung by Bern Hoffman); [1:35] New York, New York (sung by Mens Chorus)

A really fun film, based on a true story and featuring some incomparable talent. Just may be Disney's best live-action musical. The "West o' the Wide Missouri" dance number is one of the best ever filmed, ranking right up there (well, almost) with the Barn Dance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" in Carousel; made all the more fun today by a very early screen appearance of a high-stepping dancer who was yet to become a major star: Goldie Hawn!

Produced by: Bill Anderson
Directed by: Michael O'Herlihy
Screen Story and Screenplay by: Lowell S. Hawley
From a book by: by Laura Bower Van Nuys (The family band: from the Missouri to the Black Hills, 1881-1900)
Music and Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Music Supervised, Arranged and Conducted by: Jack Elliott
Music Editor: Evelyn Kennedy
Choreography by: Hugh Lambert
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, Herman Allen Blumenthal
Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman
Matte Artist: Alan Maley
Costumes Designed by: Bill Thomas
Make-Up: Gordon Hubbard
Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron
Sound Supervisor: Robert O. Cook
Director of Photography: Frank Phillips
Color by Technicolor
Film Editor: Cotton Warburton

Cast: Starring: Walter Brennan [Grandpa Bower], Buddy Ebsen [Calvin Bower], Lesley Ann Warren [Alice Bower], John Davidson [Joe Carder], Janet Blair [Katie Bower], Co-Starring: The Bower Children: Kurt Russell [Sidney], Bobby Rhia [Mayo], John Walmsley [Quinn], Smitty Wordes [Nettie], Heidi Rook [Rose], Debbie Smith [Lulu], Pamelyn Ferdin [Laura], and: Wally Cox [Mr. Wampler], Richard Deacon [Charlie Wrenn], With: Steve Harmon [Ernie Stubbins], Goldie Jean Hawn [Giggly Girl], John Craig [Frank], Jonathan Kidd [Telegrapher]

Musical Program: [0:00] The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (sung and marched by the Bower Family); [0:04] The Happiest Girl Alive (sung by Lesley Ann Warren); [0:15] Let's Put It Over with Grover (sung and danced by the Bower Family, reprised throughout film); [0:22] Ten Feet Off the Ground (sung and danced by the Bower Family); [0:32] Dakota (sung by John Davidson and Chorus); [0:38] Dakota (reprised by the Bower family and Chorus); [0:45] Let's Put It Over with Grover (reprised by the Bower family); [0:54] 'Bout Time (sung by John Davidson and Lesley Ann Warren); [1:04] Drummin' Drummin' Drummin' (sung and marched by Walter Brennan and School Children); [1:27] West o' the Wide Missouri (big production number sung and danced by Ensemble and Chorus, including Walter Brennan, Janet Blair, John Davidson, Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren, and a cute young gal named Goldie Jeanne Hawn); [1:34] Let's Put It Over with Grover (reprised by Mens Chorus); [1:25] Oh, Benjamin Harrison (sung by John Davidson and Mens Chorus); [1:45] 'Bout Time (reprised by John Davidson and Lesley Ann Warren); [1:48] The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (played by Orchestra and sung by Chorus, marched by the Company behind end credits)

One Hour with You
Paramount, 1932, B/W, 80 minutes, ***
Released March, 1932

Dr. Bertier (Maurice Chevalier) is married to Colette (Jeanette MacDonald), but has a tendency to roam. When his eyes fix on Mitzi Olivier (Genevieve Tobin), his wife's best friend, the sparks fly. But Colette finds out what happened and takes a fling herself. After the smoke clears, the two agree to keep themselves faithful to their marriage and cease the wandering ways.

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

An Ernst Lubitsch Production
Directed by: Ernst Lubitsch
Assisted by: George Cukor
Screen play by: Samson Raphaelson
From the play by Lothar Schmidt ("Only a Dream")
Music by: Oscar Straus
Lyrics by: Leo Robin
Interpolated music by: Richard A. Whiting
Music Director: Nathaniel Finston
Art Direction: Hans Dreier
Set Decoration: A. E. Freudeman
Gowns by: Travis Banton
Sound: M. M. Paggi
Photographed by: Victor Milner
Film Editing: William Shea

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Picture

Cast: Maurice Chevalier [Dr. Andre Bertier], Jeanette MacDonald [Colette Bertier], Genevieve Tobin [Mitzi Olivier], Charlie Ruggles [Adolph], Roland Young [Professor Olivier], Josephine Dunn [Mlle. Martel], Richard Carle [Detective], Barbara Leonard [Mitzi's Maid], George Barbier [Police Commissioner], Additional Cast: Charles Judels [Policeman], Donald Novis [Singer], Charles Coleman [Marcel the Butler], Eric Wilton [Butler], George Davis [Cabby], Sheila Bromley [Colette's Downstairs Maid], Leonie Pray [Collette's Upstairs Maid], Florine McKinney [Girl], Bill Elliott [Dance Extra], Bess Flowers [Party Extra]

Musical Program: [0:01] Police Station Talk Song (spoken by George Barbier and Policemen); [0:07] What a Little Thing Like a Wedding Ring Can Do (Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald); [0:16] Mitzi-Colette Talk Song (performed by Jeanette MacDonald and Genevieve Tobin); [0:17] We Will Always Be Sweethearts (sung by Jeanette MacDonald); [0:26] Three Times a Day (sung by Maurice Chevalier and Genevieve Tobin); [0:39] One Hour with You (played by The Coconut Orchestra, vocal by Donald Novis; also sung by Genevieve Tobin, Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald and Charlie Ruggles as they dance); [0:49] Oh That Mitzi (sung by Maurice Chevalier); [0:53] One Hour with You (reprised by Charlie Ruggles); [0:57] It Was Only a Dream Kiss (spoken by Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier); [0:58] We Will Always Be Sweethearts (reprised by Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier); [1:08] What Would You Do? (sung by Maurice Chevalier)

What a fun movie! One of my favorie Deanna Durbin films. Deanna's father (Adolphe Menjou) is an unemployed trombone player, and most of his friends are unemployed musicians. His daughter Deanna figures the best thing to do for them is to find a sponsor and form an orchestra. Quite by accident, Deanna meets Alice Brady, wife of one of the wealthiest men in town who promises her she will sponsor the orchestra. Later, Brady's husband (Eugene Pallette) finds out about his wife's offer and is outraged. But, after some persuasion, he agrees that if the orchestra can put on one concert with Leopold Stokowski (!) conducting, he will sponsor the orchestra and give them a spot on his radio show. Now all Deanna has to do is to get Stokowski to agree to the plan!

Deanna sings "It's Raining Sunbeams", "A Heart That's Free", "Exultate Jubilate" and "Libiamo, Libiamo".

Associate Producer: Joe Pasternak
Executive Producer: Charles R. Rogers
Directed by: Henry Koster
Assistant Director: Frank Shaw
Original Screen Play: Bruce Manning, Charles Kenyon, James Milhauser
Based on an idea by: Hans Kraly
Song: "It's Raining Sunbeams" Music by Frederick Hollander, Lyrics: Sam Coslow
Associate Musical Director: Charles Previn
Vocal Instructor: Andres de Segurola
Leopold Stokowski conducting music from: Wagner's "Lohengrin," Tschaikowsky's "5th Symphony," Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody," Verdi's "La Traviata"
Production Designed by: John W. Harkrider
Sets: Jack Martin Smith
Gowns: Vera West
Sound: Joseph A. Lapis, Bernard B. Brown
Director of Photography: Joseph Valentine
Film Editor: Bernard W. Burton

Awards: Academy Award for Best Score (Charles Previn); Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Story (Hans Kraly), Best Film Editing (Bernard W. Burton), Best Sound Recording (Homer Tasker)

Cast: Deanna Durbin [Patricia Cardwell], Adolphe Menjou [John Cardwell], Alice Brady [Mrs. Frost], Eugene Pallette [John R. Frost], Mischa Auer [Michael Borodoff], Billy Gilbert [Garage Owner], Alma Kruger [Mrs. Tyler], Jack Smart [Marshall, Stage Doorman], Jed Prouty [Tommy Bitters], Jameson Thomas [Russell], Howard Hickman [Johnson], Frank Jenks [Taxi Driver], Christian Rub [Gustave Brandstetter], Gerald Oliver Smith [Stevens, the Butler], Jack Mulhall [Rudolph, a Bearded Musician and Boarder], with Leopold Stokowski [Himself], James Bush [Music Lover], John Hamilton [Manager], Eric Wilton [Butler], Mary Forbes [Theater Patron], Bess Flowers, Rolfe Sedan, Charles Coleman, Hooper Atchley [Guests], Rosemary La Planche [Girl Bit], Leonid Kinskey [Pianist at Frosts' Party], Edwin Maxwell [Ira Westins, Music Editor]

Musical Program: [0:00] excerpt from Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 (played by Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski, begins behind titles); [0:12] It's Raining Sunbeams (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:23] A Heart That's Free (sung by Deanna Durbin); [0:33] unidentified classical piece (played by the unemployed musicians in Billy Gilbert's garage); [0:46] Prelude to the Third Act of Lohengrin (played by Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski); [0:54] excerpt from Exultate Jubilate (sung by Deanna Durbin with Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski); [1:20] Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 ("Unemployed Orchestra" conducted by Leopold Stokowski, beginning in Stokowski's home and ending at the concert hall); [1:22] Libiamo, Libiamo (from the opera LA TRAVIATA, sung by Deanna Durbin with Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski)

In Sonja Henie's first film, she plays Greta Muller, a young skater who hopes to make the Swiss Olympic team. Her father Heinrich Muller (Jean Hersholt) won the Olympic Gold Medal for figure skating in 1908 but had to forfeit the medal when it was determined that he had skated "professionally," though Greta insists that he had not really done so. At any rate, many years have passed and now Heinrich owns an inn near San Moritz in the Swiss Alps, and has been training his daughter for Olympic competition all of her life.

Purely by chance, Adolph Menjou and his all-girl troupe of entertainers come to stay at the Muller's inn, and Menjou sees Sonja skate. He realizes immediately that she is star material and wants to put her on contract. He convinces her to put on an exhibition - not knowing that this would jeopardize her amateur standing. But Don Ameche, another guest at the inn, realizes that Sonja's performance in the exhibition will disqualify her for the Olympics and tries to keep her from skating. But Sonja skates in the exhibition, completely unaware that Menjou is being paid for her appearance. She continues on to the Olympics and wins the Gold, only to have it taken away from her just as her father did. But a mysterious man, yet another guest at the inn, can save the day for Sonja.

Features hundreds of wisecracks from Arline Judge, several numbers by Leah Ray and some great skating by that one-in-a-million skater, Sonja Henie. Having just won her third consecutive Olympic Gold Medal in 1936, it is not surprising that this film would involve her in the Olympic competition.

In Charge of Production: Darryl F. Zanuck
Associate Producer: Raymond Griffith
Directed by: Sidney Lanfield
Assistant Director: William Forsyth
Story and Screen Play by: Leonard Praskins and Mark Kelly
Music and Lyrics by: Lew Pollack (music) and Sidney D. Mitchell (lyrics)
Musical Director: Louis Silvers
Skating Ensembles Staged by: Jack Haskell
Art Direction: Mark-Lee Kirk
Set Decorations by: Thomas Little
Costumes: Royer
Sound: Arthur von Kirbach, Roger Heman
Photography: Edward Cronjager
Film Editor: Robert Simpson

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Dance Direction (Jack Haskell)

Cast: Sonja Henie [Greta Muller], Adolphe Menjou [Ted Spencer], Jean Hersholt [Heinrich Muller], Ned Sparks [Danny Simpson], Don Ameche [Bob Harris], Ritz Brothers [Themselves], Arline Judge [Billie Spencer], Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica Rascals [Adolphe and His Gang], Dixie Dunbar [Goldie], Leah Ray [Leah, Singer in Girls Band], Montagu Love [Ratoffsky], Albert Conti [Hotel Manager], Julius Tannen [Chapelle], Shirley Deane, June Gale, Lillian Porter, Helen Ericson, Diane Cook, Bonnie Bannon, June Wilkins, Clarice Sherry, Pauline Craig [Girls in Band], Additional Cast: Margo Webster [French Skater], Frederick Giermann [German Announcer], Bess Flowers [Woman in Box], Egon Brecher [Chairman], Paul McVey [Announcer at Madison Square Garden]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: "One in a Million" / "Who's Afraid of Love?" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] One in a Million (played by Orchestra [Girls Band onscreen]); [0:01] One in a Million (sung by Leah Ray with Girls Band); [0:02] Train Song: medley of tunes including "Chloe" / Dixie / "The Old Folks at Home" / My Old Kentucky Home / "They Call Me Arizona" (medley of short excerpts sung by the Ritz Brothers); [0:04] unidentified number (played on harmonica by Borrah Minnevitch); [0:17] Sonja skating scene (training, no music); [0:18] The Moonlit Waltz (played by Orchestra, skated by Sonja Henie and Girls Chorus costumed like snow-covered Christmas trees); [0:35] Sonja skating scene, Don Ameche tries to skate, too, but falls (training, no music); [0:41] We're Back in Circulation Again (sung by Leah Ray, Dixie Dunbar, Sonja Henie, The Ritz Brothers and Ensemble in sleighs bound for San Moritz); [0:44] The Moonlit Waltz (played by Orchestra [Girls Band onscreen], skated by Sonja Henie at San Moritz); [0:48] We're the Horror Boys of Hollywood (comedy number sung and danced by the Ritz Brothers immitating Boris Karloff, Charles Laughton and Peter Lorre); [1:00] Who's Afraid of Love? (played by Orchestra [Girls Band onscreen], sung by Leah Ray, Don Ameche and some of the members of the Girls Band); [1:03] Comic number with several different music fragments, most prominently "One in a Million" (performed by Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica Rascals - great number!); [1:10] French Women's Contestant skates in the Olympic Competition; [1:13] The Queen's Lace Handkerchief: Roses from the South, Op.388 (played by Orchestra, skated by Sonja Henie at the Olympic competition); [1:25] unidentified number (played by Orchestra, skated by Sonja Henie and Ensemble); [1:27] "Can-Can", "Toreador Song" and other excerpts from the opera CARMEN (played by Orchestra, along with fragments of other music during comedy skating number by the Ritz Brothers as a bull and a torreador); [1:31] Finale: One in a Million (sung by Chorus, skated by Sonja Henie and Ensemble)


For more information see:


Sonja Henie Snapshot
Visit this Class Act Sister Site!

One Night of Love
Columbia, 1934, B/W, 84 minutes, ***
Released September, 1934

American opera hopeful Mary Barrett travels to Italy to study under the masters. But she finds more than she bargained for when she falls in love with the teacher. Later, they break up, but they come together again in a heart-warming finale of MADAMA BUTTERFLY. Excellent singing by Grace Moore, and light-hearted storyline make this one a lot of fun!

Producer: Harry Cohn
Associate Producer: Everett Riskin
Director: Victor Schertzinger
Screenplay: S.K. Lauren, James Gow and Edmund H. North
(based on the play "Don't Fall in Love" by Charles Beahan and Dorothy Speare)
Music Director: Dr. Pietro Cimini
Song Score: various
Art Direction: Stephen Goosson
Special Effects: John Hoffman
Costume Design: Robert Kalloch
Sound: Paul Neal
Cinematography: Joseph Walker
Film Editing: Gene Milford

Awards: Academy Awards for Best Sound Recording (Paul Neal), Best Score (Columbia Studio Music Department, Louis Silvers Department Head); Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress (Grace Moore), Best Director and Best Film Editing (Gene Milford)

Cast: Grace Moore [Mary Barrett], Tullio Carminati [Guilio Monteverdi], Lyle Talbot [Bill Houston], Mona Barrie [Lally], Jessie Ralph [Angelina, the Housekeeper], Luis Alberni [Giovanni, Monteverdi's Assistant], Andrés de Segurola [Galuppi], Rosemary Glosz [Frappazini], Nydia Westman [Muriel], Paul Ellis [Pinkerton], Victoria Stuart [Cora Florida], Jane Darwell [Mary's Mother], William Burress [Mary's Father], Henry Armetta [Cafe Owner], Herman Bing [Vegetable Man], Leo White [Florist], Frederick Vogeding [Doctor], Joe Mack [Captain of Italian Yacht], Frederick Burton [Impresario], Reginald Barlow [Stage Manager], Edward Keane [Stage Director], Spec O'Donnell [Call Boy]

Musical Program: One Night of Love (sung by Grace Moore); Ciribiribin (sung by Grace Moore); Sempre libera (from the opera LA TRAVIATA, sung by Grace Moore); Excerpts from the opera CARMEN; Excerpts from the opera LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR; Excerpts from the opera MADAMA BUTTERFLY

One Touch of Venus
Universal, 1948, B/W, 81 minutes, ***
Released August, 1948

Delightful fable about a department store statue of Venus that's brought to life by a window dresser's kiss. Ava Gardner is radiant as the goddess of romance, who returns to spread love throughout the world. Co-stars Robert Walker, Dick Haymes, Eve Arden. The Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill songs include "Speak Low" and "The Trouble with Women".

Produced by: Lester Cowan
Associate Producer: John Beck
Directed by: William A. Seiter
Screenplay: Harry Kurnitz, Frank Tashlin
Based on the musical play suggested by "The Tinted Venus" by F. Anstey; Music by Kurt Weill, Book by S. J. Perelman and Ogden Nash, Lyrics by Ogden Nash; musical play produced by Crawford and Wildberg, staged by Elia Kazan
Musical Score and New Lyrics: Ann Ronell
Songs Arranged and Conducted by: Leo Arnaud
Dance Director: Billy Daniels
Art Direction: Bernard Herzbrun, Emrich Nicholson
Set Decorations: Russell A. Gausman, Al Fields
Gowns: Orry Kelly
Hair Stylist: Carmen Dirigo
Make-Up: Bud Westmore
Sound: Leslie I. Carey, Joe Lapis
Director of Photography: Frank Planer
Special Photography: David S. Horsley
Film Editor: Otto Ludwig

Cast: Robert Walker [Eddie Hatch], Ava Gardner [Venus], Dick Haymes [Joe], Eve Arden [Molly Grant], Olga San Juan [Gloria], Tom Conway [Whitfield Savory], James Flavin [Corrigan], Sara Allgood [Mrs. Gogarty, the Landlady], Hugh Herbert [Mercury], Mary Benoit, Russ Conway, Anne Nagel, Arthur O'Connell, Kenneth Patterson, Joan Miller, Jerry Marlowe, Ralph Brooks [Reporters], George J. Lewis, Eddie Parker [Detectives], Pat Shade [Newsboy], John Valentine [Stammers], Ralph Peters [Taxi Driver], George Meeker [Mr. Crust], Helen Francell, Harriett Bennett [Women], Josephine Whittell [Dowager], Philip Garris [Counter Man], Richard Gordon [Guest], Martha Montgomery [Pretty Girl], Pat Parrish, Yvette Renard [Girls], Eileen Wilson [singing voice of Ava Gardner]

Musical Program: [0:00] Don't Look Now But My Heart Is Showing / The Trouble with Women (sung by Chorus behind titles); [0:33] Speak Low (Ava Gardner and Dick Haymes; Eileen Wilson dubbing for Ava Gardner); [0:59] Don't Look Now But My Heart Is Showing (Dick Haymes, Olga San Juan, Robert Walker and Eileen Wilson dubbing for Ava Gardner); [1:16] Speak Low (Eileen Wilson dubbing for Ava Gardner)

The Opposite Sex
MGM, 1956, Color, 117 minutes, ***
Released October, 1956

In 1936, the public flocked to see the stage play of Clare Boothe Luce's The Women. In 1939, MGM turned it into a huge film hit starring Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell, Joan Crawford and seemingly every other female star on the lot. Then, in 1956, the studio added songs, men (the previouse versions featured only women) and glorious color to The Women. Re-christened The Opposite Sex, it entertained audiences all over again with the deliciously catty tale of elegant wives who substitute "fashion for passion and the analyst's couch for the double bed."

The star-packed cast is headed by June Allyson. She plays a perfect wife and mother who discovers her husband has been having a fling with a malicious and very glamourous other woman (Joan Collins). To win him back, she must learn to use her claws without ruining her manicure. So Dolores Gray, Ann Sheridan, Agnes Moorehead and Ann Miller teach her the fine arts of gossip, innuendo and backstabbing. It's witty, wicked fun!  [from back of VHS sleeve]

Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: David Miller
Assistant Director: George Rhein
Screen Play by: Fay and Michael Kanin
Adapted from a Play by Clare Boothe (The Women)
Music Directors: Skip Martin and Albert Sendrey
New Songs: Music by Nicholas Brodszky, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Musical Supervision: George Stoll
Dances and Musical Numbers Staged by: Robert Sidney
Orchestrations by: Albert Sendrey and Skip Martin
Vocal Supervision: Robert Tucker
Music Coordinator: Irving Aaronson
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Daniel B. Cathcart
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis, Henry Grace
Costumes by: Helen Rose
Hair Styles by: Sydney Guilaroff
Makeup Created by: William Tuttle
Sound: Dr. Wesley C. Miller
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Recording Supervisor: Dr. Wesley C. Miller
Director of Photography: Robert Brenner
In CinemaScope and Metrocolor
Color Consultant: Charles K. Hagedon
Film Editor: John McSweeney, Jr.

Cast: June Allyson [Kay Hilliard], Joan Collins [Crystal Allen], Dolores Gray [Sylvia Fowler], Ann Sheridan [Amanda Penrose], Ann Miller [Gloria Dell], Leslie Nielsen [Steve Hilliard], Jeff Richards [Buck Winston], Agnes Moorehead [Countess Lavaliere], Charlotte Greenwood [Lucy], Joan Blondell [Edith Potter], Sam Levene [Mike Pearl], and Guest Stars Harry James [Himself], Art Mooney [Himself], Dick Shawn [Singer], Jim Backus [Psychiatrist], with Bill Goodwin [Howard Fowler], Alice Pearce [Olga], Barbara Jo Allen (aka Vera Vague) [Dolly], Sandy Descher [Debbie Hilliard], Carolyn Jones [Pat], Jerry Antes [Leading Man Dancer], Alan Marshal [Ted], Jonathan Hole [Phelps Potter], Additional Cast: Celia Lovsky [Lutsi], Harry McKenna [Hughie], Ann Morriss [Receptionist], Dean Jones [Assistant Stage Manager], Kay English [Aristocratic Woman], Gordon Richards [Butler], Barrie Chase, Ellen Ray [Specialty Dancers], Marc Wilder [Dancer], Trio Ariston [Specialty Act], Gail Bonney, Maxine Sermon, Jean Andren [Gossips], Bob Hopkins [Drunk in 21 Club], Jo Gilbert [Woman Attendant], Donald Dillaway [Box Office Man], Janet Lake [Girl on Train], Joe Karnes [Pianist], Juanita Moore [Maid], Vivian Marshall [Girl], Marjorie Helen [Leg Model], Bess Flowers [Party Guest], Jo Ann Greer [singing voice of June Allyson on "A Perfect Love"]

Musical Program: [0:00] The Opposite Sex (sung by Dolores Gray and Chorus behind titles); [0:15] Dere's Yellow Gold on de Trees (De Banana) (performed in the fictious show "Yellow Gold" by Dick Shawn and Chorus); [0:35] Young Man with a Horn (sung by June Allyson with Harry James and His Orchestra [dubbed by recording from Two Girls and a Sailor]); [0:38] A Perfect Love (sung by Jo Ann Greer dubbing for June Allyson - kinda weird and kinda sad); [0:48] The Opposite Sex (sung by Dick Shawn in a number with Jim Backus and Chorus girls with solo dance segment by Joan Collins); [1:21] Now, Baby, Now (sung and danced by June Allyson and Male Chorus); [1:45] Rock and Roll Tumbleweed (sung by Jeff Richards with Art Mooney and His Orchestra); The Yellow Rose of Texas is a recurring background theme whenever Buck Winston is on screen.

Orchestra Wives
20th Century-Fox, 1942, B/W, 97 minutes, ***
Released September, 1942

Connie Ward (Ann Rutherford) falls in love with Glenn Morrison's trumpeter Bill Abbott (George Montgomery) and they get married. Connie travels with the band and learns the truth about being an Orchestra Wife, but not before she splits up the band!

Features Glenn Miller in one of his all-too-few films. Jackie Gleason, Lynn Bari and Harry Morgan fill out the cast. Also, Betty Hutton's sister Marion with the Modernaires.

Produced by: William LeBaron
Directed by: Archie Mayo
Screen Play by: Karl Tunberg and Darrel Ware
Original Story by: James Prindle
Lyrics and Music: "Serenade in Blue," "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo," "People Like You and Me, "At Last" by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren
Musical Direction: Alfred Newman
Nicholas Brothers Dances Staged by: Nick Castle
Art Direction: Richard Day, Joseph C. Wright
Set Decorations: Thomas Little
Costumes: Earl Luick
Makeup Artist: Guy Pearce
Sound: Fred Lau, Roger Heman
Director of Photography: Lucien Ballard
Film Editor: Robert Bischoff

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo")

Cast: George Montgomery [Bill Abbott], Ann Rutherford [Connie Ward], Glenn Miller [Gene Morrison], Cesar Romero [Sinjin], Lynn Bari [Jaynie], Carole Landis [Natalie], Virginia Gilmore [Elsie], Mary Beth Hughes [Caroline], Nicholas Brothers [Specialty] Tamara Geva [Mrs. Beck], Frank Orth [Rex Willet], Grant Mitchell [Dr. Ward], Henry (Harry) Morgan [Cully Anderson], Jackie Gleason [Beck], Edith Evanson [Hilda], Alec Craig [Henry Fink], Tex Beneke [Himself], Marion Hutton [Herself], The Modernaires [Themselves], Pat Friday [singing voice of Lynn Bari], Steve Lipkin [trumpet playing for George Montgomery], Chummy McGregor [piano playing for Cesar Romero], Doc Goldberg [bass playing for Jackie Gleason]

Musical Program: [0:00] Moonlight Serenade (played by Glenn Miller Orchestra behind titles); [0:01] Chattanooga Choo Choo (instrumental excerpt played by Glenn Miller Orchestra in recording studio); [0:02] People Like You and Me (sung by Ray Eberle, Marion Hutton and The Modernaires, joined by Tex Beneke, with the Glenn Miller Orchestra); [0:09] Boom Shot (played by Glenn Miller Orchestra on jukebox); [0:12] At Last (sung by Ray Eberle and Pat Friday dubbing for Lynn Bari with the Glenn Miller Orchestra); [0:24] Bugle Call Rag (played by Glenn Miller Orchestra, featuring Moe Purtill on drums); [0:45] Montage (with medley of Glenn Miller numbers); [0:51] Serenade in Blue (sung by Pat Friday dubbing for Lynn Bari joined by The Modernaires with the Glenn Miller Orchestra); [1:28] I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo (sung by Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton and The Modernaires with the Glenn Miller Orchestra; sung and danced by the Nicholas Brothers)

Our Little Girl
20th Century-Fox, 1935, B/W, 64 minutes, **½
Released June, 1935

When her doctor dad ignores his family for his career and her mother receives amorous attention from a neighbor, poor Shirley Temple runs away from home in an attempt to bring her parents back together in this early soaper.

This film is not a musical at all, but it is a rather unusual film for Shirley Temple. Sources indicate the song "Out Little Girl" is used in the film, but there is no complete treatment of the song, only a few short excerpts. I've included this film for completeness of Shirley Temple films.

Produced by: Edward Butcher
Directed by: John Robertson
Screen Play by: Stephen Avery and Allen Rivkin
From the story "Heaven's Gate" by Florence Leighton Pfalzgraf
Adaptation: Stephen Avery
Additional Dialogue: Arthur J. Beckhard and Jack Yellen
Musical Direction: Oscar Bradley
Song Score: Lew Pollack and Paul Francis Webster
Art Director: William Darling
Gowns by: Rene Hubert
Sound: W. D. Flick
Photography: John Seitz

Cast: Shirley Temple [Molly Middleton], Rosemary Ames [Elsa Middleton], Joel McCrea [Dr. Donald Middleton], Lyle Talbot [Rolfe Brent], Erin O'Brien-Moore [Sarah Boynton], J. Farrell MacDonald [Mr. Tramp], Poodles Hanneford [Circus Performer], Margaret Armstrong [Amy], Rita Owin [Alice], Leonard Carey [Jackson], Jack Baxley [Leyton]

Musical Program: [0:11] Our Little Girl (excerpt played on piano by Rosemary Ames onscreen); [0:13] Our Little Girl (excerpt sung by Shirley Temple); [0:27] Our Little Girl (excerpt sung by Rosemary Ames); [0:34] Oh! Susanna (excerpt played on piano by Shirley Temple); [0:46] Circus sequence; [1:04] Our Little Girl (played by Orchestra behind end credits)