2h 18min | Drama, Musical, Romance | 24 June 1959 | Color, WS
Directors: Otto Preminger, Rouben Mamoulian (uncredited)
Stars: Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis Jr., Pearl Bailey, Brock Peters, Diahann Carroll, Claude Akins, Clarence Muse.
Hermes Pan ... choreographer
Bootleg, blurry and faded colors, but it is WS.
First performed 1935; George Gershwin died in '37.
Previously watched 30Sep17: notes.
~24 songs in the Soundtracks, all by Gershwin. Usually performed as an opera, most voices are dubbed here. Exceptions: PB, BP & SD. SP's dubber was Bobby McFerrin's father. I'm glad we get enough dialog to enjoy everyone's speaking voice.
I didn't notice the "master shot" syndrome (Preminger used very few setups in this film) as much this time, but I probably looked at the screen less.
I love this music, and the story. Despite the shortcomings of the print and the filming, I cared about the principals again this time.
I get sad about GG's early death, and about the stupidity of the estates locking up this property, preventing an official release. This is very much worthy of being seen, especially for the performances of DD & SD. SP has plenty of good work available, but this is yet another example of his artistry. Ok, now I feel like I left out DC, PB & BP, and they also deserve to have their work seen and appreciated here.
With a good print, this could easily be an 8, even with the long camera distances.
I love this music, and the story. Despite the shortcomings of the print and the filming, I cared about the principals again this time.
I get sad about GG's early death, and about the stupidity of the estates locking up this property, preventing an official release. This is very much worthy of being seen, especially for the performances of DD & SD. SP has plenty of good work available, but this is yet another example of his artistry. Ok, now I feel like I left out DC, PB & BP, and they also deserve to have their work seen and appreciated here.
With a good print, this could easily be an 8, even with the long camera distances.
Goldwyn, distr. Columbia, dir. Preminger; 7
