Monday, January 25, 2010

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)


Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) romantic/ musical. Cast: Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Leon Ames, Marjorie Main, June Lockhart, and Joan Carroll. The movie was based on Irving Brecher and Fred F. Finklehoffe, series of short stories by Sally Benson, originally published in The New Yorker magazine and later in the novel 5135 Kensington. Director: Vincente Minnelli. Garland made famous the songs: "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Arthur Freed, the producer of the film also wrote and performed one of the songs. It was the second-highest grossing picture of the year, the first was, Going My Way.

Soundtracks:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis"
(uncredited)
Music by Kerry Mills
Lyrics by Andrew Sterling
Sung by Joan Carroll, Harry Davenport, Henry H. Daniels Jr.,
Judy Garland and Lucille Bremer

"The Boy Next Door"
Music by Ralph Blane
Lyrics by Hugh Martin
Sung by Judy Garland (uncredited)

"Skip to My Lou"
Music by Ralph Blane
Lyrics by Hugh Martin
Sung by Judy Garland (uncredited), Lucille Bremer (uncredited), Henry H. Daniels Jr. (uncredited) & Ensemble

"Under the Bamboo Tree"
(uncredited)
Music by Rosamond Johnson
Lyrics by Bob Cole
Sung and Danced by Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien

"Over the Bannister"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Blane
Lyrics by Hugh Martin
Sung by Judy Garland

"The Trolley Song"
Music by Ralph Blane
Lyrics by Hugh Martin
Sung by Judy Garland (uncredited) and chorus



"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Music by Ralph Blane
Lyrics by Hugh Martin
Sung by Judy Garland (uncredited)

"You and I"
(uncredited)
Music by Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics by Arthur Freed
Sung by Arthur Freed and Denny Markas

"Goodbye, My Lady Love"
Written by Joseph E. Howard (uncredited)

"Home, Sweet Home"
Music by H.R. Bishop (uncredited)

"Auld Lang Syne"
Traditional

"Little Brown Jug"
Written by Joseph Winner (uncredited)

"Down at the Old Bull and Bush"
Music by Harry von Tilzer (uncredited)

"Kingdom Coming"
Music by Henry Clay Work (uncredited)

Friday, January 22, 2010

CARMEN MIRANDA- Singer


Carmen Miranda, Portuguese-born Brazilian, samba singer and actress famous in the 1940s and 1950s. Miranda was a Broadway star. Her iconic visual identity is a fruit hat based on costumes she wore in The Gang's All Here.

She pursued a career as a samba singer for ten years before she was invited to New York City to perform in a show on Broadway. By 1928, she was a superstar in Brazil. As with other popular singers of the time, Miranda made her way into the films. She made her debut in the Brazilian documentary A Voz Do Carnaval (1933). Two years later, Miranda appeared in her first feature film entitled Alo, Alo Brasil. But it was the 1935 film Estudantes that made her famous. Miranda arrived in the United States in 1939 with her band, the Bando da Lua. She was encouraged by President Roosevelt and his Good Neighbor Policy, to strengthen the links with Latin America and Europe. It was believed that in delivering content like hers, the policy would be better received by the Americans. She was the country's highest-paid entertainer in the 1940s, and in 1945, was the highest paid woman in the United States. She married in March 17, 1947 to failed American movie producer David Sebastian. He thought of himself to be her manager and was responsible for her bad business deals.
Miranda made 14 Hollywood films between 1940 and 1953 and was known as "The Brazilian Bombshell". Her Hollywood image was, Latin, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico as well as samba, tango and habanera. It was carefully stylized and outlandishly flamboyant. She was often wearing platform sandals and towering headdresses made of fruit, becoming famous as "the lady in the tutti-frutti hat."However there were times that Miranda performed barefoot on stage.
THE MOVIE: DOLLFACE(1945).

FUN FACTS:

The intersection of Hollywood Bl. and Orange Drive, was named Carmen Miranda Square in September 1998.

Carmen Miranda, was a hat maker before she became famous as a singer.

Carmen Miranda films:
Beloved Infidel (1959)
Scared Stiff (1953)
Nancy Goes to Rio(1950)
A Date with Judy (1948)
Copacabana (1947)
Doll Face (1945)
Something for the Boys
Greenwich Village(1944)
Four Jills in a Jeep
The Gang's All Here
Springtime in the Rockies (1942)
Babes on Broadway (1941)
Week-End in Havana (1941)
That Night in Rio (1941)
Down Argentine Way(1940)
Laranja-da-China (1940)
Banana-da-Terra (1939)
Alô Alô Carnaval (1936)
Estudantes (1935)
Alô, Alô, Brasil (1935)
If I'm Lucky (1946)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

CONNIE HAINES- Singer.


Connie Haines, began performing at age 4, and by age 9 had a regular radio show performing as Baby Yvonne Marie. After winning the Major Bowes contest, she was hired by Harry James, who asked her to change her name. Haines performed in a number of films, including Duchess of Idaho. She later did a television show with Frankie Laine.

She had over 200 recordings, including "Let's Get Away From It All" and "Friendship," sold more than 50,000 copies. Other classic singles from Connie are, "Stormy Weather", "My Man", "Snooty Little Cutie" and "Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy" and "Let's Choo Choo Choo to Idaho". Please check out Noir and Chick Flicks: Esther Williams page, to view a couple of Connie Haines music videos.

List of Connie Haines films:
Birth of a Band (1954)
Duchess of Idaho (1950)
A Wave, a WAC and a Marine (1944)
Twilight on the Prairie (1944)
Moon Over Las Vegas (1944)

Monday, January 18, 2010

PAL JOEY (1957)





Pal Joey (1957) film, loosely based from the musical play of the same name. Cast: Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and Kim Novak. Kim Novak's singing voice was dubbed by Trudy Erwin. Director: George Sidney. Choreographer: Hermes Pan. Sinatra won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Pal Joey also earned four Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations.

Night club singer, Joey, is thrown out of town, for being caught with the mayor's underage daughter. When Joey arrives in San Fransisco, he sees a poster of his friend, band leader Ned, at the Barbary Coast Club. When the club's entrainment fails to show, Joey jumps onstage to perform. Later, Ned invites Joey and Linda English, to perform with the band at a charity event sponsored by Vera Simpson. Joey recognizes Vera as a former stripper, and embarrasses her by introducing her on stage. Then has her perform one of her dance routines to raise money for charity. Later that night, Ned and Joey walk Linda to her apartment, there Joey notices a room for rent sign in the window. The next morning, Linda is not happy to hear Joey knocking on her bathroom door.

As time goes on, Joey dates most of the club's girls. Only Gladys and Linda have been immune to his womanizing ways.. Linda tricks him into buying a small dog, named "Snuffy."

Wanting to get even with Joey for embarrassing her, Vera comes to the club. As Joey begins to sing, Vera walks out without paying her bill and Mike fires him. Sure of himself, Joey strikes a deal with Mike, if Joey can convince Vera to return to the club by Saturday, he can keep his job with a raise.. Joey goes to see Vera at her mansion and tells her that he has been fired because of her and intends to leave town. Back at the apartment Linda tells Joey that she will miss him and Snuffy. At closing time that night, Vera walks to the club, Joey sings an insulting song to her. They leave together and drive up to her yacht. There, Joey shares with her his dream to have his own club. When Joey suggests that Vera become his partner in "Chez Joey," they seal the deal with a kiss. In love with Linda, will Joey give up his dream to save his integrity?


Pal Joey, is one of my favorite musicals. A wonderful collection of songs and lots of glamorous star power.

Soundtracks:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"There's A Small Hotel"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Words by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Frank Sinatra

"I Could Write A Book"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Words by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Erwin)

"The Lady is a Tramp"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Words by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Frank Sinatra

"My Funny Valentine"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Words by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Erwin)

"Zip"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Words by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Jo Ann Greer)

"What Do I Care For a Dame"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Frank Sinatra

"A Great Big Town"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart

"I Did't Know What Time It Was
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Frank Sinatra

"That Terrific Rainbow"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Barbara Nichols, Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Erwin) and chorus girls

"Bewitched"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Performed by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Jo Ann Greer)
Also performed by Frank Sinatra


"Do It the Hard Way"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Instrumental only

"Plant You Now, Dig You Later"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Instrumental only

"Take Him"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Instrumental only

"Happy Hunting Horn"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Instrumental only

Sunday, January 17, 2010

YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN (1950)


Young Man with a Horn (1950). Drama. Based on a biographical novel of the same name about the life of Bix Beiderbecke. Cast: Doris Day, Kirk Douglas, and Lauren Bacall.

Musician Smoke Willoughby thinks back to when he first meet his friend legendary trumpet player Rick Martin. After his mother dies , Rick moves in with his sister in California. Rick sees a trumpet in a pawn shop window and gets a job in a bowling alley to pay for it. Next to the bowling alley is a Jazz club, where Rick hears jazz for the first time. He quickly makes friends with the trumpet player Art Hazzard, who teaches his young friend how to play the trumpet. As Rick gets older, he finds odd jobs playing for carnivals and dance marathons. Rick decides to follow Art to New York and gets a job playing trumpet for big band leader Jack Chandler where he meets Smoke and singer Jo. Chandler insists that Rick play the music exactly as written. Chandler fires Rick after he plays a jazzy number. Despite Jo's efforts, Rick refuses to go back when Chandler offers to rehire him. Rick learns that his friend Art has been sick and he returns to New York. Jo gets him a job with another orchestra. Some evenings Rick goes over to help out Art at Louis Galba's nightclub. Jo brings her friend Amy to hear Rick play. Amy, who is studying to be a psychiatrist, blames her father for her mother's death and believes that she is not capable of love. They fall in love and are married, soon after Rick and Amy start to have problems because of his dedication to music. Will Rick be torn away from playing the trumpet to save his marriage?

For anyone who loves jazz, this is a wonderful movie. The soundtrack to this movie is awesome.(trumpet played by Harry James). Kirk Douglas is perfect for Rick's character. Lauren Bacall performance as a manipulative heiress was perfect.

Soundtracks:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"In the Sweet By and By"
(uncredited)
Music by J.P. Webster (1868)
Lyrics by S. Fillmore Bennett
Sung by chorus

"Moanin' Low"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger (1929)
Lyrics by Howard Dietz
Performed by Juano Hernandez (dubbed by Jimmy Zito)
Used instrumentally in score throughout film

"Shadow Waltz"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Introduced in Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Part played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"Chinatown, My Chinatown"
(uncredited)
Music by Jean Schwartz (1910)
Lyrics by William Jerome
Used instrumentally

"The Very Thought of You"
(uncredited)
Written by Ray Noble (1934)
Sung by Doris Day with Harry James on trumpet

"Baby Face"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Akst (1926)
Lyrics by Benny Davis
Part played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"Get Happy"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen (1930)
Lyrics by Ted Koehler
Jazz version played by Hoagy Carmichael, Harry James and others

"Sweet Georgia Brown"
(uncredited)
Music by Maceo Pinkard
Lyrics by Kenneth Casey (1930)
Excerpt played by Hoagy Carmichael, Harry James

"Lovin' Sam (The Sheik of Alabam)"
(uncredited)
Music by Milton Ager (1922)
Lyrics by Jack Yellen
Sung by Hoagy Carmichael and Kirk Douglas

"Silent Night, Holy Night"
(uncredited)
Music by Franz Gruber (1818)
Lyrics by Joseph Mohr
Played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"Ain't She Sweet"
(uncredited)
Music by Milton Ager (1927)
Lyrics by Jack Yellen
Part played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"Too Marvelous for Words"
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting (1937)
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Sung by Doris Day

"The Blue Room"
(uncredited)
Music by Richard Rodgers (1926)
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"Can't We Be Friends?"
(uncredited)
Music by Kay Swift (1929)
Lyrics by Paul James (aka James Warburg)
Played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"I Only Have Eyes for You"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Introduced in Dames (1934)
Performed in part by "Phil Morrison Orchestra"

"Tea for Two"
(uncredited)
Music by Vincent Youmans (1925)
Lyrics by Irving Caesar
Part played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"The Man I Love"
(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin (1928)
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Part played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"I May Be Wrong (but I Think You're Wonderful)"
(uncredited)
Music by Henry Sullivan (1929)
Lyrics by Harry Ruskin
Sung by Doris Day

"What Is This Thing Called Love?"
(uncredited)
Written by Cole Porter (1930)
Played in part by uncredited band

"'S Wonderful"
(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin (1927)
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Part played by Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"Limehouse Blues"
(uncredited)
Music by Philip Braham (1924)
Lyrics by Douglas Furber
Jazz version played by Hoagy Carmichael, Harry James and others

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"
(uncredited)
Traditional (circa 1872)
Music by Wallis Willis
Lyrics by Henry Thacker Burleigh
Sung by chorus

"Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen"
(uncredited)
Traditional (circa 1865)
Lyrics by Henry Thacker Burleigh
Sung by chorus

"Someone to Watch Over Me"
(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin (1926)
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Played by "Phil Morrison Orchestra" with Kirk Douglas (dubbed by Harry James)

"With a Song in My Heart"
(uncredited)
Music by Richard Rodgers (1929)
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
Sung by Doris Day

"Carolina in the Morning"
(uncredited)
Music by Walter Donaldson
Played by Young Rick and other kids

"Pretty Baby"
(uncredited)
Music by Egbert Van Alstyne and Tony Jackson
Played during the scene with the hula dancer

"The Japanese Sandman"
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting
Played by Hoagy Carmichael when Smoke first meets Rick

"Love for Sale"
(uncredited)
Written by Cole Porter
Played when Rick first meets Amy at the club

"If I Could Be with You"
(uncredited)
Music by James P. Johnson
Whistled by the elevator operator

"Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 in E Flat Major"
(uncredited)
Music by Frédéric Chopin
Played on the piano by Amy

Friday, January 8, 2010

UNTIL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (1946)

Until the Clouds Roll By (1946) musical. Based on the life story of composer Jerome Kern. Cast: Cyd Charisse, June Allyson, Judy Garland, Van Heflin, Lena Horne, Van Johnson, Tony Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Dinah Shore. Esther Williams has a Cameo appearance.

On 27 December 1927, after the opening night performance of his Broadway musical Show Boat composer Jerome Kern visits the neighborhood where he began his career. As he sits in his limousine, Jerome remembers back to his early days as a young songwriter:

James first thinks Jerome is a waste of time song writer until he hears one of Jerome's beautifully composed songs. James believes Jerome will one day become a great song writer. The two composers become fast friends, and before James leaves for England, he tells Jerome to "think big". Not having any luck on Broadway, Jerome decides to try his luck in England. Reunited, the three spend an afternoon together at the fair, where Jerome gets an idea to use swings to go along with his new song. One day, while riding his bicycle through the English countryside, Jerome meets Eva. A romance develops, but Jerome soon finds himself on a ship headed for America, where rehearsals for Frohman's new show are about to begin. Jerome's first Broadway show, The Girl from Utah , is a great success, but while he and James working on songs for a new show, Frohman leaves for England to look for new talent. On his way England, Frohman's ship sinks and he dies. Jerome goes back to work and composes one Broadway hit after another.

This movie has a wonderful collection of Kern's songs. It begins with almost 20 minutes of Showboat (including Lena Horne's plaintive reading of "Can't Help Lovin' That Man") and the hits just keep on coming. Judy Garland, who appears in a few scenes as stage star Marilyn Miller, contributes "Look for the Silver Lining" and a wonderful production number on "Who?" Young Angela Lansbury, singing "How'd You Like to Spoon with Me?" Lucille Bremer, sings a wonderful duet with Van Johnson on "I Won't Dance,". It ends with Frank Sinatra's, "Ol' Man River."
http://www.archive.org/details/till_the_clouds_roll_by
Click to watch movie.

Soundtracks:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Show Boat"
(uncredited)
Premiere Sequence:
1. Cotton Blossom
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by chorus
2. Where's The Mate For Me?
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Tony Martin
3. Make Believe
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Tony Martin and Kathryn Grayson
4. Life Upon The Wicked Stage
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Virginia O'Brien and Women's Chorus
5. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Lena Horne
6. Ol' Man River
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Caleb Peterson, Frieda Shaw's Ethiopian Chorus, and MGM Chorus

"Ol' Man River"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Performed by Frank Sinatra

"The Last Time I Saw Paris"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Dinah Shore

"A Fine Romance"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by Virginia O'Brien

"All the Things You Are"
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Music by Jerome Kern
Performed by Tony Martin

"Cleopatterer"
(uncredited)
Lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse
Music by Jerome Kern
Performed by June Allyson

"How'd You Like to Spoon With Me?"
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Edward Laska
Music by Jerome Kern
Performed by Angela Lansbury

"Long Ago (and Far Away)"
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Music by Jerome Kern
Performed by Kathryn Grayson

"Look for the Silver Lining"
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva
Music by Jerome Kern
Performed by Judy Garland

"The Siren's Song"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse
Sung by Chorus in Opening Credits

"They Didn't Believe Me"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Herbert Reynolds
Sung by Dinah Shore, Robert Walker and Dorothy Patrick (dubbed by Ruth Clark)

"Till The Clouds Roll By"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse
Sung and Danced by June Allyson, Ray McDonald and Chorus

"Leave It to Jane"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse
Sung by June Allyson
Danced by June Allyson, Ray McDonald, and Chorus

"Sunny"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Otto A. Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Chorus, with Judy Garland, and stunt double

"Who?"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Otto A. Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Judy Garland and Chorus

"One More Dance"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Lucille Bremer (dubbed by Trudy Erwin)

"I Won't Dance"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, and Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Van Johnson and Lucille Bremer (dubbed by Trudy Erwin)

"She Didn't Say 'Yes'"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Otto A. Harbach
Sung by Lyn Wilde and Lee Wilde (as The Wilde Twins)

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Otto A. Harbach
Danced to by Cyd Charisse and Gower Champion

"The Land Where the Good Songs Go"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse
Sung by Lucille Bremer (dubbed by Trudy Erwin) and Chorus

"Why Was I Born?"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by Lena Horne

"Yesterdays"
(uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Otto A. Harbach
Sung by the Chorus

"Ka-lu-a"
Music by Jerome Kern
Performed by the studio orchestra

Thursday, January 7, 2010

LATIN LOVERS (1953)

Latin Lovers (1953) romantic musical comedy. Director: Mervyn LeRoy. Writter: Isobel Lennart. Music score: Nicholas Brodszky. Cinematographer: Joseph Ruttenberg. Cast: Lana Turner and Ricardo Montalban.

After a meeting with the board of directors of her New York corporation, Nora Taylor is off to meet with her analyst Lionel Y. Newman, to talk about her problems with boyfriend, Paul Chevron. Nora, became rich when her father struck oil, she wonders if he only lves her for her money. Newman reminds her that Paul is also rich , and believes that he will soon ask her to marry him. Meanwhile, Paul is meeting with his analyst for advice on proposing to Nora. Later that evening, Paul brings up the subject of marriage. Asks Nora to not give him her answer until he's back from Brazil in three weeks. Before she can answer, Nora is asked to dance by a Brazilian man, who tells her "that the atmosphere in Brazil makes all men passionate about women." Nora decides to keep an eye on her man and secretly flies to Brazil. She checks into the same hotel as Paul, and goes to his room to surprise him, she finds that he has been injured in his polo game.

The next day, while Paul and Nora are looking at some horses, Nora finds herself attracted to Roberto Santos. Nora finds herself in the the stables, and in Roberto arms for a passionate kiss.

Will Nora find true love while vacationing in Brazil? Or.. will Nora's bankbook continue to control her heart ?

This is a wonderful film. Beautiful sets and costumes. Lana Turner is awesome, Ricardo Montalban, is even better. The musical numbers are wonderful. They look so gorgeous dancing the samba together.



Soundtracks:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Night and You"
Written by Nicholas Brodszky

"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"
Traditional

"I Had to Kiss You"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin



"Come to My Arms"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"Carlotta, Ya Gotta Be Mine"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"A Little More of Your Amour"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

CYD CHARISSE and RICARDO MONTALBAN.


Cyd Charisse and Ricardo Montalban, had elegance and grace in all their dance numbers.








Fiesta (1948)



On an Island With You.(1948)

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

BLUE HAWAII (1961)

Blue Hawaii (1961) a musical filmed in Hawaii. Cast: Elvis Presley.

After two years in the Army, Chad Gates returns home to Hawaii, happy to be back with his surfboard and beach buddies. He rebels against his wealthy and domineering parents by not going to work for the family pineapple business. Chad decides to go to work as a guide for the same tourist agency where Maile, his Hawaiian girl friend works. His first job is to show school teacher Abigail Prentace and four teen aged girls around the Hawaiian Island..

At a luau, Chad gets into a fight with a drunken tourist who is making inappropriate moves on one of the teenage girls, he is arrested and thrown in jail. Chad's mother blames the fight on Maile's bad influence. Maile is worried about Abigail's interest in Chad.

FUN FACTS:
The closing scene, was shot at the Coco Palms Resort on Kauai, where Elvis was staying when filming the movie.Cameo: (Hal B. Wallis) walking down the street.

The soundtrack for this movie is Elvis' most successful chart album, but it is also the number one album for (1961). "Blue Hawaii" spent 20 weeks at the #1 spot of the Billboard Top LP's chart in 1961-1962 (a record to be broken in (1977) by Fleetwood Macs "Rumors" album), which stayed on the charts for 79 weeks.

About seven minutes before the end of the film. Maile is peeking through the blinds, you will see a couple paddling a canoe. The blond woman seated up front, is singer Patti Page. Patti was then married to Charles O'Curran, a choreographer for many films produced by Hal B. Wallis, including "Blue Hawaii."

What I liked most about this fun film was the location and Angela Lansbury's performance as Elvis's crazy Southern Belle mama.

http://www.tcm.com/video/videoPlayer/?cid=215468&titleId=69214
Click to view movie trailer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Blue Hawaii"
Written by Leo Robin & Ralph Rainger
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Almost Always True"
Written by Fred Wise & Ben Weisman
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Aloha Oe"
Written by Queen Liliuokalani
Performed by Elvis Presley

"No More"
Written by Don Robertson & Hal Blair
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Can't Help Falling In Love"
Written by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti & Luigi Creatore
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Rock-a-Hula Baby"
Written by Fred Wise, Ben Weisman & Dolores Fuller
Performed by Elvis Presley


"Moonlight Swim"
Written by Sylvia Dee & Ben Weisman
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Ku-u-i-Po"
Written by George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti & Luigi Creatore
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Ito Eats"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Slicin' Sand"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Hawaiian Sunset"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Beach Boy Blues"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Island Of Love (Kauai)"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley

"Hawaiian wedding Song"
Written by Charles E. King, Al Hoffman & Dick Manning
Performed by Elvis Presley

Monday, January 4, 2010

COVER GIRL (1944)





Cover Girl (1944) musical. Cast: Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. Directed by Charles Vidor, and was one of the most loved musicals of the war years. The film has 8 dance/songs written by Jerome Kern and Ira Gershwin.

The film begins when Maxine Martin enters a contest to be a Vanity magazine cover girl. Rusty Parker, another dancer at Danny Maguire's Brooklyn nightclub, also enters the contest.

The two women are interviewed by Cornelia Jackson, who works for the magazine.

When Jackson shows interest in Rusty, Maxine ruins her chances by telling her that Jackson is looking for a model with over the top personality. When Rusty takes her advice and puts on a huge act, Jackson thinks she is nuts. Jackson believes that Maxine is the better candidate for the cover. Coudair insists on going to Danny's club to see her in her "natural environment." When they get to the club they watch the girls dance number where Rusty, reminds Coudair of his long lost love, Maribelle Hicks.

After her performance, Rusty joins Danny and Genius, at Joe's oyster bar, where they enjoy their Friday night ritual looking for a pearl to bring them luck.

When they return to their apartment, Rusty finds a telegram from Coudair, inviting her to his office the next day. Thinking that Coudair's offer will end their close friendship, Genius tears up the telegram. When Rusty is alone she runs back downstairs to put the pieces back together.

Rusty makes her appointment with Coudair, and when he learns that Maribelle Hicks was her grandmother, he gives her the magazine's cover. Coudair brings Broadway theater owner Noel Wheaton to meet Rusty to offer her a job. At first Rusty turns him down. Coudair joins forces with Wheaton to lure Rusty to Broadway and sends Rusty an invitation to Vanity 's 50th anniversary dinner.

Meanwhile Danny arrives at the Coudair mansion only find to find the house empty except for Coudair who insist that Danny free Rusty from her contract.

The next day, Rusty is late for rehearsal, and Danny gives her song to Maxine to perform. Rusty hurt rushes out of the club, headed for Broadway.

Will Rusty give up fame and fortune for love?

FUN FACTS:

Columbia Pictures gave Gene Kelly almost complete control over the making of this film. He also used trick photography so that he could dance with himself in one sequence.(one of my favorite scenes in the film.)

Soundtracks:

"THE SHOW MUST GO ON"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Sung and Danced by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Martha Mears), Leslie Brooks,
and chorus

"WHO'S COMPLAINING?"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Sung by Phil Silvers and danced with Rita Hayworth, Leslie Brooks and two chorus girls

"SURE THING"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Performed by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Martha Mears)

"MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin and E.Y. Harburg
Sung and Danced by Gene Kelly, Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Martha Mears); Phil Silvers



"PUT ME TO THE TEST"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Sung by Gene Kelly
Danced by Kelly with chorus and Rita Hayworth
Comedy reprise by Gene Kelly and Phil Silvers

"LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Performed by Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Martha Mears)

"POOR JOHN"
(uncredited)
Written by Fred W. Leigh (1906)
Lyrics by Henry E. Pether
Performed by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Martha Mears) and danced with male chorus

"ALTER-EGO DANCE"
Music by Jerome Kern
Danced by Gene Kelly



"COVER GIRL (THAT GIRL ON THE COVER)"
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Sung by chorus; danced by Rita Hayworth with chorus


Saturday, January 2, 2010

RITA HAYWORTH

Actress and dancer who became famious during the 1940s, as one of the era's greatest sex symbols, most notably in Gilda (1946). She appeared in 61 films over 37 years and is listed as one of the American Film Institute's Greatest Stars of All Time. My favorite Rita Hayworth dance number from Blood and Sand (1941).