1h 51min | Drama, Musical, Romance | 25 October 1957 | Color, WS
Director: George Sidney
Stars: Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, Kim Novak.
Hermes Pan ... choreographer
Originally a B'way show starring Gene Kelly, in fact, it was the musical that got Selznick to bring him to H'wood. Other movie names in that B'way cast: Stanley Donen, Van Johnson, June Havoc (as Gladys).
Although I rate this an 8, it's one of my favorite musicals, because of the songs and the 3 stars. I probably value RH's strong independent woman too, even though she got her money from marriage/widowhood. I'm very glad the studio brought in other R&H hits to flesh out this score.
Songs performed (28 chapters with menu), all by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart; *indicates the song is from the B'way show:
- ch3. That Terrific Rainbow*, Performed by Barbara Nichols, Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Stevens) and Chorus
- ch4. I Didn't Know What Time It Was, Performed by Frank Sinatra
- ch5. Great Big Town*(I think this is "Chicago" with new lyrics?), Performed by Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Stevens), Barbara Nichols and Chorus
- ch7. There's A Small Hotel, Performed by Frank Sinatra
- ch9. Zip*, Performed by Rita Hayworth (partially dubbed by Jo Ann Greer)
- ch12. I Could Write A Book*, Performed by Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Stevens)
- ch18. The Lady is a Tramp, Performed by Frank Sinatra
- ch19. Bewitched*, Performed by Rita Hayworth (partially dubbed by Jo Ann Greer)
- ch21. My Funny Valentine, Performed by Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Stevens)
- ch22. Bewitched*, reprised by Frank Sinatra
- ch24. strip number, medley of tunes, danced by KN & 2 chorines
- ch27. What Do I Care For a Dame, Performed by Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, Barbara Nichols and Ensemble
- ch28. I Could Write A Book*, reprise by offscreen chorus
- ch?. Plant You Now, Dig You Later*, Performed by the Chorus
- Do It the Hard Way*, Instrumental only
- Take Him*, Instrumental only
- Happy Hunting Horn*, Instrumental only
I wonder if KN liked green dresses, or if it's coincidence that she's got one here about the same color & style as the one in Vertigo ('58). Actually, RH also has a green dress here, but the color is not so vivid & noticeable.
Back in the days when I was working, I used this to soothe myself to sleep. It was hard to stay awake this time, but I managed the 2nd time through.
Columbia, dir. Sidney; 8
