With a Song in My Heart (1952)

Aug. 13-14, 2011

69. With a Song in My Heart (1952)

Starring Susan Hayward, Rory Calhoun, David Wayne, Thelma Ritter, Robert Wagner, Helen Westcott, Una Merkel

Directed by Walter Lang

Plot **CONTAINS SPOILERS**: “Jane Froman (Susan Hayward), an aspiring songstress, lands a job in radio with help from pianist Don Ross (David Wayne), whom she later marries. Jane's popularity soars, and she leaves on a European tour... but her plane crashes in Lisbon, and she is partially crippled. Unable to walk without crutches, Jane nevertheless goes on to entertain the Allied troops in World War II.” (from IMDb)

This film definitely has some good things going for it (which I talk more about below) but I thought the story itself was a bit sad—the plane crash, how her marriage fell apart, etc. Nevertheless, it’s still an interesting true story that combines music, patriotism, and drama.

Jane Froman (Hayward) singing radio commercials near the beginning of her career.

David Wayne’s character is kind of annoying and fickle, but I think he’s supposed to be.

According to IMDb, Marilyn Monroe later wore this exact same costume (pictured above) in 1956’s Bus Stop.

Susan Hayward lip-synced to recordings of the real Jane Froman’s singing. That gives the movie an interesting touch because we are listening to the real singer. Speaking of Froman, I'm quite enthralled with her talent. She has such an amazing voice! You can listen to one of her songs—and learn more about her—by going to her website (it'll play automatically if you have your volume turned on). I can’t believe I’d never heard of her before!

Rory Calhoun.

The fateful plane journey.

This movie has a lot of songs in it, but I honestly didn’t notice that it was more than usual because they are so good! The soundtrack on this really could not be better. In fact, Alfred Newman won an Oscar for his musical scoring of the film.

I thought Hayward was great in this film. She really put her whole heart into the role. I’m eager to see more of her movies. For her performance in this film, she was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar.

If for nothing else, I recommend watching this film for Thelma Ritter. This is one of her best roles, in my opinion. She’s terrific!

The Academy nominated Thelma for Best Supporting actress. The film also garnered Oscar nominations in the areas of costume design and sound recording. 

 

A very young Robert Wagner appears twice in the film—once as an audience member at one of Jane’s shows (above) and later as a shell-shocked soldier (below).

I definitely recommend watching the extras on this film if you see it on DVD. The movie ends with quite a few things left undecided: what happens to her relationship with Burn, whether she ended up losing her leg, etc. The special features explain the real life story of Jane Froman and how they went about adapting it to screen. It helps to fill in some of the gaps of the film.

12 Reasons I Love The Sound of Music (1965)

June 22-23, 2011

58. The Sound of Music (1965)—REWATCH

Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
Directed by Robert Wise

Plot: "A woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower." (from IMDb)

Of course this is a rewatch—it’s one of my very favorite films! I can’t really add much to what has already been said about this wonderful movie. So here (in no particular order) are just a a dozen of the many reasons I happen to love it…

Note: I’ve been having a lot of trouble with Blogger lately—not being able to post, getting error messages, etc. Well, more specifically, I guess the trouble is with Windows Live Writer (as I find it really impossible to use the Blogger post editing system). Has anyone else been having these problems?  In the case of this post, the only way it would let me publish was without the pictures and graphics. I just wanted to let you know what’s up in case something seems a little wonky on my blog or in my posts delivered via a feed reader. If anyone has any tips, I’d love to hear them! Thanks, as always, for reading. And sorry again about the blah format of this post. ~ UPDATED: Okay, I got the pictures most of the pictures to work! Yay!

1. Christopher Plummer as Captain Georg Von Trapp
Without him, I don’t think the movie would be half as good. I know we’ve all heard how he disliked the role at the time, etc. but I think that makes it all the more admirable that he pulled off such a memorable performance. It’s the little mannerisms and expressions that add so much dimension to his character. Oh, and each time I watch the film I find him more attractive. Am I the only one, or does anyone else find him rather swoon-worthy? **As a side note, I really want to see more Christopher Plummer films. I’ve only seen this one and The Scarlett and the Black (amazing film—his scenes going toe-to-toe with Gregory Peck are especially great. It’s funny to compare his role here—see above flag-ripping—to his role in that film, where he plays a Nazi!). Does anyone have any Plummer films to recommend?

2. The Rogers and Hammerstein score

They were really so talented at creating memorable and beautiful music that managed to seamlessly propel the plot. The songs from this movie are some of my favorites. The melodies have depth and emotion; they aren’t just pretty words strung together to music. The score really helps to convey the mood of the respective scenes in the film.

3. Julie Andrews as Maria

Julie was perfect in this role. Her presence conveys such warmth, genuineness, happiness, and joy. I can’t even describe it. I think she was completely terrific in this film. She had bounds of energy, yet she also carried the slow and romantic parts of the movie beautifully. I also love what she does with some of the lines. Her first meeting with the Captain is my favorite example of this. Just how she interacted here was perfect. Example: “Were you this much trouble at the abbey?” “Oh, much more, sir!”

4. The cinematography

Sweeping camera angles, beautiful colors…what’s not to love? I hope someday I can see this film on the big screen it appreciate it in all its original glory!

5. The sets/scenery

I am rather envious of the Von Trapp’s spacious dwellings. The interior of the home is lovely (I think my favorite is the ballroom!), but I especially love the outside with the well-groomed lawns, terrace, gazebo, shimmering lake, and mountains in the distance. *sigh*

 6. Eleanor Parker as the Baroness

I know some people really dislike her, but I think she adds so much to the movie with her throaty-voiced witticisms and sashaying walk. But despite her urbane, confident exterior, there is a certain endearing air of vulnerability about her. I actually end up feeling quite sorry for the Baroness. I know that her cajoling Maria to leave stems from the fact that she is afraid of losing what little she has in her empty life. Despite her riches, she is leads a rather vapid existence, and longs for security and stability with the Captain. I think it takes a special actress to make the clichéd other-woman so interesting—and even slightly sympathetic. Of course, Eleanor pulls it off beautifully. 

7. The dialogue

So many great lines I can’t even count them all. Also, terrifically quotable. I really do quote this movie all the time…

8. The chemistry between the two leads

It really makes the movie. :) I happen to find this movie incredibly romantic.

9. The nuns

These nuns are just awesome. They sing, they get Maria and the Captain back together, and they certainly aren’t about to let any old Nazis intimidate them.

10. Austria

I want to go there!!! I dare you not to feel some love for this country during the final singing of “Edelweiss”.

11. The clothes

Even if some of the fashions are sort of a morphing of 30s and 60s style, I do love a lot of the outfits in this. Some of my favorites are the blue-green dress Maria wears on her return to the Von Trapp's, just about anything the Baroness wears (but especially that pink suit), and Captain Von Trapp’s tall boots that he wears when singing at the music festival. I also find the alpine inspired costumes—lederhosen, tyrolean hats, etc.—to be really charming!

12. The wedding

So beautiful! When I was little, this was my dream wedding (hmm, maybe it still is?). I love how the camera gives us a bird’s eyes view of Maria walking up that long aisle, and then we see the Captain standing there looking oh-so-handsome in his naval uniform, and finally the view sweeps up, up, up to the very top of the bell-tower. It’s just such a cool moment.

There are really so many scenes that I just love in this film. It has it all—suspense, romance, atmosphere, music, a stirring climax… I could go on. There are moments that in turn make my heart soar, bring me to tears, have me on the edge of my seat, make me laugh, want to dance, or  just make me very happy!

Okay, hopefully this post didn’t make me sound like a total gushing fan girl!

So, why do you love The Sound of Music? (or don't you?)

**Please note that the pictures and graphics in this post are NOT MINE. No copyright or creative infringement is intended. If you feel I have used an image contrary to the author's wishes, please let me know and I will promptly remove it.**

Summer Magic (1963)

May 3, 2011

49. Summer Magic (1963)

Starring Hayley Mills, Burl Ives, Dorothy McGuire, Deborah Walley, Una Merkel
Directed by James Neilson

Plot: “A Bostonian widow moves with her kids to the country.” (from IMDb)

This is a mediocre family film from the golden age of Disney live-action pictures. It’s definitely not as good as some of Hayley’s other movies. I found the songs and nature shots to be a little annoying, but I imagine that it would appeal more to kids. This wasn’t my favorite, but it’s not a bad film. It just seems to lack a certain ‘something’. 

If you’d like to read more about this film, I found this helpful in-depth review here.

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Oh, I also wanted to mention that while I was recovering from my wisdom teeth operation, my dad was watching All Quiet On the Western Front. I had heard lots about it but never actually seen it (neither had he). Well, I can’t really say I watched the whole thing (I was dozing in and out for most of it) but I think I got the gist of story. I did catch the last 15-20 minutes or so, and that alone was really powerful. I was just amazed at the impact of the ending. It’s really a cinematic masterpiece. I don’t want to spoil it for you if you haven’t seen it, but those closing scenes are incredibly moving. I also liked the impact of no music—just “THE END”. I’m not sure if that was intentional, but it said a lot more than a rousing finale would have. Okay, I just had to ramble a bit about that. Maybe someday I’ll have the patience to sit through the entire film (war movies usually aren’t my thing, but this one might be an exception).

Short Review: White Christmas (1954)

I decided it would make more sense to just post one review at a time, even if it’s just a ‘mini review’.

Jan. 6, 2011

6. White Christmas (1954)

Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Written by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, Melvin Frank

Plot: A pair of song and dance men partner with a performing sister act to help an old Army general rejuvenate his failing inn…just in time for the holidays. 

Some may consider January 6 a little late to be viewing a Christmas movie, but I say it’s just in time for Epiphany! Really, this holiday classic makes for fine viewing any time of the year. Crooning Bing Crosby plays wonderfully off wise-cracking Danny Kaye. Vera-Ellen glides through the film demonstrating her accomplished dancing, and Rosemary Clooney has plenty of opportunities to showcase her husky and melodious voice. Filmed in VistaVision and bright, gorgeous color, this film is also a treat for the eyes as show-stopping numbers give way for countless Edith Head creations. The film is light, fun, and fluffy. Everything one would expect from a 1950s musical. Yet a very talented cast and classic Irving Berlin tunes elevate this film to share rank with the best of the genre. There are a few numbers or scenes that may have modern audiences rolling their eyes, but numbers like “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” more than make up for the improbable or overlooked elements of the film. Though I think the best part of White Christmas is the opportunities it creates for quoting dialogue or in-jokes to your family all 365 days a year.

Carousel (1956)

*CAUTION: This review may, and most likely does, contain spoilers.*

Yesterday I watched the 1956 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel. I  had heard mixed reviews about it—some lauding it as the team’s best artistic collaboration and others saying it was just a mediocre effort. My overall opinion was that it would be a so-so movie. And it was. Some things were really fabulous…and other things, I didn’t like as much. 

                                                The Characters

First of all, I thought the two main leads (Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones) were wonderful. They did occasionally flail in the acting department but even that was okay. Their gorgeous voices and excellent on-screen chemistry more than made up for any shortcomings. I wish they would’ve made more movies together (besides just the other R&H classic Oklahoma!). Jones has a very lovely screen presence and conveyed the naivety, innocence, and loyalty very well. As for MacRae, I have read that many people consider this his finest performance. Not having seen all his work I’m not sure I would say that, but he certainly fits the part perfectly as the big strapping, headstrong character, who has a soft side beneath the nonchalant attitude he exudes. But don’t get any preconceived notions that his character will change much. Even after death he is still a ‘ne’er-do-good’, although the plot attempts to end the film on a somewhat happy and decidedly tender moment. MacRae certainly does look a lot different than he did in By the Light of the Silvery Moon and On Moonlight Bay. I could hardly believe it was the same man.

The supporting cast is mostly good. All have nice voices and contribute adequately as far as acting.

                                                          The Plot

My main problem was with the story. Besides the fact that I don’t care much for fantasy, It was dark and depressing. I kept waiting for an upturn but it didn’t really happen. I know that many people like it for this exact reason. I have no problem with deep plots but this one just kind of dragged one down. It starts out as a relatively happy love story and then goes into the more serious character downfalls of one of the main characters.

Before I go any further, though, I suppose I should give an idea of what the basic plot is. It revolves around a surly carnival barker named Billy Bigelow (MacRae), who falls in love with Julie Jordon (Jones), makes a lot of mistakes, dies and has one day to go back to Earth and attempt to make things right. That was a very poor synopsis, but you get the idea.

Watching this, I got rather frustrated with Billy. I was like: just be nice to your wife, don’t hit her, get a job…argh. And then he dies. Oh, well. I guess if he was nice there wouldn’t be a movie, but even though the ending attempts to patch everything up, it still feels somewhat unsatisfactory considering the pain he caused his family. Especially the part about being hit feeling like a kiss. I mean, whhaat?

                                                 The Setting

This story claims to be set in the whaling community of New England, but as someone who has personally lived in the northeastern states, I have never heard anyone talk like they do in this film. I’m not sure what the writers were trying to achieve here by making them talk this way, but I’d say it had more in common with a Western or Southern dialect than anything. But, I could be wrong. I just found it rather distracting.

I do really like the New England setting, however. While the discrepancy between fake-looking sound stage sets (standard for musicals of the time) and breathtaking Maine location shooting can be a bit jarring, one of the best parts of the movie is of the gorgeous seascape.

The place that was supposed to be heaven or purgatory or whatever was rather dreadful, though. Thankfully, the scenes there don’t take up much of the movie, but it looked like a soundstage someone poured royal blue paint over and then hung a few plastic (was plastic invented then?) Christmas tree ornament stars from the ceiling of. Seriously. It was a bad. It could’ve been much more ethereal and mysterious. Instead, it looked like a bad piece of scenery from a middle school play…designed by a team of kindergarteners.

 

                                                   The Dancing

It is wonderful, too, how the setting is incorporated in the two acrobatic ballet sequences of the film. I like the first one, to “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, (which reminded me a bit of the barn dance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) more than the later one done with Louise (Billy and Julie’s daughter). That one started out well with Louise doing some lovely dancing on the beach (the girl who played her is not much of an actress but dances quite nicely) and then merged into this full on ballet with people acting out things through dancing and her meeting a very creepy looking circus guy. Anyway, it just seemed to drag on and interrupt the flow of the movie. I understand that it was necessary to have something to fill those plot points in but I think it could’ve been done in a different way.

                                                        The Music

Although apparently many critics liked it, unlike Rodgers and Hammerstein’s other musical pictures, this film was not a large box office success. The soundtrack, however, was very popular. I would agree that the music is one of the outstanding features of this film. The title waltz, “If I Loved You” and “You Will Never Walk Alone” were some of the best, in my opinion. I was a little disappointed with the lyrics to “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, as I think it could’ve been a lot more than just a ‘mating song’. I also didn’t really like the “Soliloquy” ballad where Billy sings about his future child, as much as everyone else seems to. I did enjoy the beachside scenery for that scene, however. Perhaps the other numbers will grow on me, but I think the one that really stands out is “You Will Never Walk Alone”. It was beautifully incorporated into the plot of the story and brought a tear to my eye. I definitely recommend checking out the soundtrack.

                                                    The Verdict

Now that I’ve seen this musical once and know what to expect, perhaps in time I will learn to appreciate it more. It did contain a  lot of great moments even if the overall result was somewhat unsatisfactory. I do think this film is worth watching, if you haven’t seen it already. I was probably unnecessary harsh on this movie, so I will just say right out: I am a hopelessly romantic type person. Blame it on that.

Random observation: why are most of the women’s dressing shades of orange, pink, red, and peach during most of the movie?

I’ll leave you with a clip of the movie, the “If I Loved You” duet…one of the most beautiful moments of the film.