90 Of My Favorite Musicals
Some may disagree with my choices, but these are the ones I grew up watching and enjoying. I have not listed them in any particular order but only put the ones I really like on the list.
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- DirectorH. Bruce HumberstoneStarsKathryn GraysonGordon MacRaeSteve CochranShiek Yousseff, poses as a friend of the French while secretly plotting to overthrow them. Apposing Yousseff are the Riffs, whose secret leader, The Red Shadow, is Paul Bonnard, a professor who is studying the desert, and whose attacks on the supply trains intended for Yousseff keep the Riff villages in food. Foreign Legion General Birabeau arrives to conduct an investigation, accompanied by his daughter, Margot. Birabeau hires Bonnard to tutor her, and she is attracted to a Legionaire captain, Claud Fontaine. While the general, Bonnard and Fontaine pay a visit to Yousseff, an American newspaper man, Benji Kidd, discovers a secret way in and out of Yousseff's palace, with the aid of Azuri, a dancing girl in love with Bonnard. The latter is forced to resume his role as the Riffs leader, and kidnap Margot until he can convince her of Yousseff's treachery. But Yousseff's men attack the Riff camp and take Margot prisoner.Originally a play with music by Sigmund Romberg this movie has been remade several times. The desert chief who sweeps a beautiful girl off her feet, brings down an evil sheik and brings peace to the desert. What's not to like? Featuring the songs "The Desert Song", "One Alone", "The Riff Song" and "One Flower", this is a keeper.
- DirectorStanley DonenGene KellyStarsGene KellyDonald O'ConnorDebbie ReynoldsA silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood.This look at early Hollywood, with outstanding performances by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds and Jean Hagen has to be one of the funniest and most appealing musicals ever made. The adoption of sound into films ended the careers of many of Hollywood's top actors because of accents or odd voices. This film is both sympathetic and funny about the whole thing. Features the title song, "All I Do Is Dream Of You", "Good Morning" and the hilarious "Make 'Em Laugh."
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsAnn BlythEdmund PurdomJohn EricsonA prince has a romance with a barmaid before he must give up personal happiness for duty.Another of Sigmund Romberg's plays brought to life by the beautiful Ann Blyth and Edmund Purdom. The stuck-up and socially inept Prince goes to Heidelberg to attend college and learn to "play well with others". He meets the barmaid Kathy and they fall in love. But it is to be unrequited since he is a Royal and she is a commoner. Though not a big hit at the box office and rarely seen today it features a number of beautiful songs including "Drink, Drink, Drink", "Golden Days", "I'll Walk With God" and my all time favorite "Serenade."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStanley DonenStarsHoward KeelAnn BlythDolores GrayA roguish poet is given the run of the scheming Wazir's harem while pretending to help him usurp the young caliph.The story of a man who, through the use of his wits, goes, in one day, from being a starving beggar to an Emir. Featuring the music of Alexander Borodin (along with some original songs), the ever beautiful Ann Blyth, Howard Keel, sexy Dolores Gray and Vic Damone it is a fun film. Features "Stranger in Paradise", "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" and "This is My Beloved."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsFred AstaireCyd CharisseOscar LevantA pretentiously artistic director is hired for a new Broadway musical and changes it beyond recognition.Take one down-and-out dancer, add a gorgeous ballet star, toss in a couple of comedians, stir in some great music (including the show-stopper "That's Entertainment") and you have the Band Wagon. Filmed at a time when Fred Astaire's career was going nowhere it gave the lovely Cyd Charisse her first big movie break. Nanette Fabray and Oscar Levant brought in a lot of laughs. A box office smash it helped rekindle Fred's career and launched Cyd as a dancing star. Features "Triplets", "I Love Louisa", "Louisiana Hayride" and "Dancing In The Dark."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy HollidayDean MartinFred ClarkA Brooklyn answering service operator becomes involved in the lives of her clients, including a struggling playwright with whom she begins to fall in love.Starring Judy Holliday, who recreated her Broadway role, and Dean Martin, "Bells" tells the story of the telephone operator who works for the "Susanswerphone" telephone answering service and uses her knowledge of her customers to help them out. She meets and falls in love with "Plaza Oh, double four, double three" (Dean Martin) and, through a set of hilarious circumstances saves the day. Features the title song, "I Just Met A Girl", "The Party's Over", "A Simple Little System" and "Drop That name."
- DirectorPeter H. HuntStarsWilliam DanielsHoward Da SilvaKen HowardA musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence.This highly dramatized version of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence is gripping. Even though you know that the Declaration will get signed the tensions and infighting are intriguing. Add in some stirring music and you have a good show. Features "He Plays A Violin", "Mama, Look Sharp", "Cool Considerate Men" and "Do You See What I See?"
- DirectorWilford LeachStarsKevin KlineAngela LansburyLinda RonstadtAfter a young man leaves a band of pirates, hilarity ensues.This version of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic is full of good music. Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith all do a great job and you get the feeling that every one involved had fun while making it. Features "The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General", "A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One", "Poor Wandering One" and "I Am The Pirate King."
- DirectorTay GarnettStarsBing CrosbyRhonda FlemingCedric HardwickeA singing mechanic from 1912 finds himself in Arthurian Britain.This heavily rewritten version of the Mark Twain tale is long on music and humor and short on heavy drama. Bing as the singing time-traveling Yankee romances the gorgeous "Lady Alisande" (Rhonda Fleming) while William Bendix, as the bumbling Sir Sagramore and Sir Cedric Hardwicke as King Arthur add laughs. Features "When Is Someday?", "Busy Doing Nothing" and "Once And For Always."
- DirectorMark SandrichRobert AllenStarsBing CrosbyFred AstaireMarjorie ReynoldsAt an inn which is open only on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.This holiday classic needs no introduction. Starring both Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire there is something here for everyone. Loaded with Irving Berlin songs, including the first time Bing sang "White Christmas" it is both tuneful and fun. Features the title song, "Be Careful, It's My Heart", "Happy Holidays" and "Kissing The Old Year Out."
- DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczStarsMarlon BrandoJean SimmonsFrank SinatraIn New York, a gambler is challenged to take a cold female missionary to Havana, but they fall for each other, and the bet has a hidden motive to finance a crap game.This tale of the two gamblers who are reformed by their ladies is fun all around. Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine and Stubby Kaye are in full voice with Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando doing a creditable job as well. Features "A Woman In Love", "Luck Be A Lady Tonight", "The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game" "Fugue For Tinhorns" and "Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsMichael DouglasTerrence MannMichael BlevinsHopefuls try out before a demanding director for a part in a new musical.Differing considerably from the play, due to the staging and the use of movie tricks, it still captures the essence of the story and almost all the music. The background stories of the performers give you an insight into just how much work, worry and effort go into becoming a Broadway star. Features "I Hope I Get It", "I Can Do That", "What I Did For Love" and "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three".
- DirectorGeorge SidneyJoseph BarberaWilliam HannaStarsFrank SinatraKathryn GraysonGene KellyA pair of sailors on leave try to help a movie extra become a singing star.Starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and the ever beautiful Kathryn Grayson this is a fun romp with a lot of good music thrown in. This is the one where Gene Kelly dances with Jerry the Mouse of Tom and Jerry fame. Two sailors on leave in California meet a girl and her orphaned nephew. One (Frank) falls in love with her but is too shy to let her know. The other (Gene) also falls in love with her but defers to his buddy. One of the several teamings of Frank and Gene. Features "Jealousy", "She Begged Me" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily."
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsAileen QuinnAlbert FinneyCarol BurnettA spunky young orphan is taken in by a rich eccentric, much to the chagrin of the cantankerous woman who runs the orphanage.This almost makes you believe the sun will come out tomorrow and everything will be OK. Aileen Quinn does a credible job as Annie but it is Carol Burnett who steals the show. Albert Finney makes a good Daddy Warbucks and the rest of cast fit right in. Differing from the stage play in a number of ways it is still fun to watch. Features "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow", "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile" and "Little Girls."
- DirectorHenry LevinStarsPat BooneShirley JonesDolores MichaelsA young man visiting his relatives' farm in Kentucky falls in love with their neighbor.Pat Boone was a much better singer than an actor but this film was tailored to him and he does a good job. A "Juvenile Delinquent" who is sent to live with his uncle and aunt on the farm, the city kid learns to fit in in the country. Mix in the ever lovely Shirley Jones and some decent music and you have a movie straight out of the heart of the 1950s. Features the title song, "You've Got to do it Yourself" and "Bentonville Fair."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsGene KellyVan JohnsonCyd CharisseTwo Americans on a hunting trip in Scotland become lost. They encounter a small village, not on the map, called Brigadoon, in which people harbor a mysterious secret, and behave as if they were still living two hundred years in the past.A magical Scottish village that only appears for one day every hundred years is discovered by two American hunters (Gene Kelly and Van Johnson). During the course of the day they save the village from disaster and Gene falls in love with the beautiful Fiona (Cyd Charisse) but he can't stay in the village as its day ends. A good, old fashioned love story with good music. Features the title song, "Go Home With Bonny Jean", "The Heather On The Hill" and "What A Day This Has Been."
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsJudy GarlandFred AstairePeter LawfordA nightclub performer hires a naive chorus girl to become his new dance partner to make his former partner jealous and to prove he can make any partner a star.Another of the films loaded with Irving Berlin songs this one is a lot of fun. When a dancer (Fred Astaire) loses his partner (Ann Miller) he, like Pygmalion, picks a girl (Judy Garland) at random and sets out to make her a star. Lots of Berlin songs and Astaire dances. Features the title song, "I Want to Go Back to Michigan" and "Drum Crazy."
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsDick Van DykeAnn-MargretJanet LeighA rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his "farewell" television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted.This spoof of the furor that arose upon the drafting of Elvis into the US Army is loaded with laughs. Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde reprise their stage roles to great effect while Bobby Rydell and Ann-Margret add plenty of teen-age angst. Janet Leigh is beautiful as ever but she seemed out of place. This is a fun movie with several songs that became standards. Features the title song, "One Boy", "Kids" and "Put On A Happy Face."
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsJosé FerrerMerle OberonHelen TraubelBiographic movie about the American composer Sigmund Romberg.This is a biopic of the life of Sigmund Romberg and is, as such, full of his music. There are a number of short segments taken from his shows, including "The Desert Song", "Maytime", "The Student Prince" and others. José Ferrer does a good job and performs one of the funniest routines I have ever seen in the "Jazza Jazza Doo Doo" segment.
- DirectorNorman JewisonStarsTopolNorma CraneLeonard FreyIn pre-revolutionary Russia, a Jewish peasant with traditional values contends with marrying off three of his daughters with modern romantic ideals while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.Starring Topol in the role that Zero Mostel originated on Broadway this look at the life of a Jewish community in Pre-WW2 Russia is wonderful. Touching, funny and sad in turn it is an emotional roller-coaster with some beautiful songs including "Sunrise, Sunset", "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Tradition".
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsFred AstairePetula ClarkTommy SteeleAn Irish immigrant and his daughter move into a town in the American South with a magical piece of gold that will change people's lives, including a struggling farmer and African American citizens threatened by a bigoted politician.Starring Fred Astaire in his last musical this movie will offend many people with its looks at racism, cigarettes and other hot button issues. Ably aided by Petula Clark as his daughter, Fred is Finian McLonergan who has stolen a pot of gold from a Leprechaun in Ireland and brought it to America. As the Leprechaun tries to get his gold back there are all sorts of complications and laughs. Features "Look To The Rainbow", "The Idle Rich" and, my favorite, "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?"
- DirectorDavid SwiftStarsRobert MorseMichele LeeRudy ValleeArmed with the titular manual, an ambitious window washer seeks to climb the corporate ladder.Robert Morse and Rudy Vallee reprise their Broadway roles in this tale of a window washer who rises to the chairmanship of a company thanks to a little book full of instructions and the incompetency of his co-workers. Features the songs “I Believe In You”, “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” and “Rosemary.” One of the funniest musicals ever.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsKathryn GraysonAva GardnerHoward KeelThe daughter of a riverboat captain falls in love with a charming gambler, but their fairy tale romance is threatened after his luck turns sour.In this first teaming of Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson, Keel plays riverboat gambler Gaylord Ravenal who woos and wins the heart of Magnolia Hawks (Grayson). He takes her away from her parents who run the show boat and, when his luck turns bad, he abandons her, not knowing that she is pregnant. Plenty of Jerome Kern music including “Make Believe” and the haunting “Old Man River.”
- DirectorGeorge AbbottStanley DonenStarsTab HunterGwen VerdonRay WalstonA frustrated fan of the hopeless Washington Senators makes a pact with the Devil to help the baseball team win the league pennant.Joe Boyd is an avid baseball fan and makes a deal with the devil, played by Ray Walston, to become young and to be the best ballplayer that ever lived. The devil, helped by the sexy Lola (Gwen Verdon) has some dirty tricks in mind. Includes “Heart” and “Two Lost Souls” in the song roster.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsKathryn GraysonHoward KeelAnn MillerAn ex-husband and wife team star in a musical version of 'The Taming of the Shrew'; off-stage, the production is troublesome with ex-lovers' quarrels and two gangsters looking for some money owed to them.In this second teaming of Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson they play divorced (but still somewhat in love) actors Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi who, in this play within a play, are attempting to put on Shakespeare’s “The Taming Of The Shrew”. Lots of good Cole Porter songs including “Wunderbar”, “So In Love” and “We Open In Venice”. Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore as bumbling hoodlums have some of the best lines while Ann Miller does a tap dance that has to be seen to be believed.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsGordon MacRaeGloria GrahameGene NelsonIn Oklahoma, several farmers, cowboys and a traveling salesman compete for the romantic favors of various local ladies.The first teaming of Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones (in her first film) Oklahoma is full of songs that became classics. Some of them are “People Will Say We’re In Love”, “Surrey With The Fringe On Top” and, of course, the title song. Curly (MacRae) is in love with Laurie (Jones) but she won’t give him a chance. The evil Jud Fry (Rod Steiger) has designs on her himself. Add in laughs from Eddie Albert and Gloria Grahame and some great dancing from Gene Nelson and you have a great movie.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsEthel MermanDonald O'ConnorVera-EllenWashington hostess Sally Adams becomes a Truman-era US ambassador to a European grand duchy.With Ethel Merman (reprising her Broadway role) ably assisted by Donald O’Connor and the beautiful Vera-Ellen, this is a fictionalized version of what actually happened when Perle Mesta was named Ambassador to Luxembourg by President Truman. Full of Irving Berlin songs including “It’s A Lovely Day Today” and “An Old Fashioned Idea”.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsKathryn GraysonRed SkeltonHoward KeelThree Broadway producers struggling to get backing for their show, hope one's sudden inheritance of a half interest in a Parisian fashion house is the answer. They travel to Paris only to learn the salon is in debt and requires their help.In this third and last teaming of Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson he is Tony Naylor, a hard driving actor/producer who will stop at nothing to get his show produced. His friend Al Marsh (Red Skelton) inherits half a dress shop in Paris and Tony, Al and Jerry Ralby (Gower Champion) set off to France looking to sell the shop and use the money to finance the show. They meet sisters Stephanie (Grayson) and Clarisse (Marge Champion) and find that the shop is bankrupt. A remake of “Roberta” it has some great music including “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.”
- DirectorHenry KingStarsGordon MacRaeShirley JonesCameron MitchellFifteen years after his death, a carousel barker is granted permission to return to Earth for one day to make amends to his widow and their daughter.The second teaming of Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. After their success in “Oklahoma” the studio put them together again in this film. Much darker than “Oklahoma”, and most other musicals, “Carousel” has never been really popular. Good girl Julie Jordan (Jones) falls for merry-go-round barker Billy Bigelow (MacRae) even though everyone in town knows he is no good. He is killed while trying to commit a robbery and goes to Heaven where he is given one chance to come back to Earth and see Julie and his little girl. Features the lovely “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
- DirectorWalter LangStarsFrank SinatraShirley MacLaineMaurice ChevalierIn 1896 Paris, a female nightclub proprietor fights against the forces of public morality for the right to feature her performers doing the risqué dance, the Can-Can.François Durnais (Frank Sinatra) is an attorney in turn-of-the-century Paris. He is having an affair with Simone Pistache (Shirley MacLaine) who owns a night club. The Can-Can dance has been outlawed as being too suggestive but Simone insists on letting it be performed. When she is caught by Judge Philipe Forrestier (Louis Jourdan) François must come to her rescue. Condemned by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev as being lascivious it went on to be a big hit. My favorite song is “It's All Right With Me” though there are several other good ones.
- DirectorDavid ButlerStarsDoris DayHoward KeelAllyn Ann McLerieThe story of Calamity Jane, her saloon, and her romance with Wild Bill Hickok.An incredibly fictionalized telling of the story of real-life “Calamity” Jane Canary. Not a lot of historical accuracy but some great songs (including the Oscar winning “Secret Love”) with Doris Day in the unusual role of a western gun-slinging, whip cracking tomboy. Add in Howard Keel as Wild Bill Hickok, comedian Dick Wesson and the dancing of the beautiful Allyn Ann McLerie it is a fun show.
- DirectorJack DonohueStarsRay BolgerTommy SandsAnnette FunicelloMary Contrary is set to marry Tom Piper when he is kidnapped by Roderigo and Gonzorgo, two goons working for the evil Barnaby who wants to marry Mary for her inheritance.Originally something of a box office bomb this has become a favorite Christmas film for many. Mary Contrary (Annette Funicello) is in love with Tom Piper (Tommy Sands) but the evil Barnaby (Ray Bolger) wants her for himself. Set in Mother Goose Land it is a cute retelling of the story and who wouldn't like to go back to Toyland one last time?
- DirectorStuart HeislerMark SandrichStarsFred AstaireBing CrosbyJoan CaulfieldAn ex-dancer and New York radio star narrates his love story for a band singer who loved a self-centered man who was unable to commit to his nightclub business or his family.This film re-teamed Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire for the first time since “Holiday Inn.” Bing is an entrepreneur who keeps buying and selling night clubs and Fred is his best friend. When Bing’s marriage falls apart Fred helps to get it back together. Features “Blue Skies” and several other Irving Berlin hits.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyBusby BerkeleyStarsBetty HuttonHoward KeelLouis CalhernThe story of the great sharpshooter Annie Oakley, who rose to fame while dealing with her love/professional rival, Frank Butler.Betty Hutton was once described as “a vitamin pill with legs” because of her flamboyant and over-the-top style of acting. While she tones it down for this movie she is still bubbling with energy. Teamed for the first and only time with baritone Howard Keel she carries the part of Annie Oakley very well. While this is a highly fictionalized version of her story the show is fun and full of great Irving Berlin tunes including the classic “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”
- DirectorRobert LewisStarsBing CrosbyDonald O'ConnorZizi JeanmaireBill Benson and Ted Adams are to appear in a Broadway show together and, while in Paris, each discovers the perfect leading lady for the plum female role. Each promises the prize role to the girl they selected without informing the other until they head back across the Atlantic by liner - with each man having brought his choice along. It becomes a stormy crossing as each man has to tell his find that she might not get the role after all.Take a singer (Bing Crosby) and a dancer (Donald O’Connor) who are looking for a girl to star in their next show, throw in dancer (Mitzi Gaynor) and a ballet star (Zizi Jeanmaire) mix well with lots of misunderstandings and you have this film. Not well known it is still worth the watching.
- DirectorNorman TaurogStarsMickey RooneyTom DrakeJune AllysonMusical biography chronicling the songwriting partnership of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.This biopic tells the story of the legendary songwriting team of Richard Rodgers (played by Tom Drake) and Lorenz Hart (played by Mickey Rooney) and, though heavily fictionalized, is entertaining. In the movie Hart is tortured by being short whereas in real life he was homosexual. At the time this was almost a crime and was a sure-fire career killer. Off-setting this rather dark part of the story there are performances by June Allyson, Perry Como, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Ann Sothern, Cyd Charisse, Betty Garrett, Janet Leigh, Mel Tormé and Vera-Ellen. The music includes “There’s A Small Hotel”, “Thou Swell”, “Mountain Greenery” and “Manhattan”.
- DirectorFrank OzStarsRick MoranisEllen GreeneVincent GardeniaA nerdy florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed.This re-do of the Roger Corman film was a hit on Broadway and, after changing the dark ending into something more upbeat, a hit on the screen. With Rick Moranis as the ever-downtrodden “Seymour” and Ellen Greene reprising her Broadway role as “Audrey” this is just plain fun with numerous good songs, including "Down On Skid Row" and "Suddenly Seymour".
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJames CagneyJoan LeslieWalter HustonThe life of the renowned musical composer, playwright, actor, dancer, and singer George M. Cohan.After seeing this movie George M. Cohan said “Great show. Who was it about?” While historically inaccurate this biopic is a fun retelling of the life of one of the greatest showmen America ever had. Jimmy Cagney is outstanding in the role and makes you wonder why he never had a chance to dance and sing in a lot of his other movies. Joan Leslie plays his wife while Cagney’s real sister, Jeanne plays his on-screen sister. It is loaded with great Cohan songs and lots of good old fashioned flag waving.
- DirectorCarol ReedStarsMark LesterRon MoodyShani WallisAfter being sold to a mortician, young orphan Oliver Twist runs away and meets a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor in 1830s London.With songs like “Consider Yourself (At Home)”, “Be Back Soon” and the longing “As Long As He Needs Me” this retelling of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” has outstanding performance and plenty of action and good music.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsCary GrantAlexis SmithMonty WoolleyA fictionalized biopic of composer Cole Porter from his days at Yale in the 1910s through the height of his success to the 1940s.An inaccurate but entertaining biopic about the life of Cole Porter who was known for his great music and oft-times unsettling lyrics. Cary Grant stars as Cole Porter with Alexis Smith as his wife. Lots of good Porter music and, for a touch of reality, Monty Woolley and Mary Martin reprise their real-life roles.
- DirectorRandal KleiserStarsJohn TravoltaOlivia Newton-JohnStockard ChanningGood girl Sandy Olsson and greaser Danny Zuko fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?Ayyy, it’s the 1950s everybody is cool. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John shine in the lead roles and they are ably assisted by Jeff Conaway, Stockard Channing, Didi Conn and several others. Can good girl Sandy reform greaser Danny or will be the other way around? Add in songs like “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, “Stranded At The Drive-In” and “Greased Lightning” and you almost wish you had lived then.
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsFred AstaireVera-EllenRed SkeltonThe story of the successful Tin Pan Alley songwriting team of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby is told loosely and lightheartedly.This biopic of the successful Tin Pan Alley songwriting team of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby is not historically accurate but it is fun. Starring Fred Astaire as Kalmar and Red Skelton as Ruby this movie is full of great songs including the title song, “All Alone” and “Dreaming Of You”. The beautiful Vera-Ellen stars as Kalmar’s wife while the gorgeous Arlene Dahl plays Mrs. Ruby.
- DirectorGene KellyStarsBarbra StreisandWalter MatthauMichael CrawfordMatchmaker Dolly Levi travels to Yonkers to find a partner for "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder, convincing his niece, his niece's intended, and his two clerks to travel to New York City along the way.The title song has become a standard but there are many others to recommend this film, including my favorite “It Only Takes A Moment”, “Don’t Let The Parade Pass Me By” and “Put On Your Sunday Clothes”. While Barbra Streisand is not my favorite actress, Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford more than make up for her.
- DirectorRichard WhorfVincente MinnelliGeorge SidneyStarsRobert WalkerVan HeflinLucille BremerSongwriter and Broadway pioneer Jerome Kern is unable to find immediate success in the U.S. He sought recognition abroad. He journeyed to England where his dreams of success became real and where he met his future wife Eva Leale.This biopic of Jerome Kern starts with a short presentation of “Show Boat” for which Kern wrote the music. The rest of the film is shown in flashback but most of it is pure Hollywood story telling with little accurate historical information. According to legend Kern told the movie makers his life had been too boring to make a good movie so they made everything up, especially the part about the Hessler father and daughter (who never existed). Plenty of good music and numerous musical cameos by top singers and dancers. Robert Walker makes a credible Kern but his performance is overshadowed by the stars who perform Kern’s music. I especially like the “Kahluah” segment at the beginning.
- DirectorMelville ShavelsonStarsDanny KayeBarbara Bel GeddesLouis ArmstrongDanny Kaye cuts loose with his trademark musical clowning. Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong plays his horn and croons in that famed gargling-granite voice. Big Band icons Bob Crosby, Ray Anthony and Shelly Manne join the fun.A fairly accurate look at the life of Loring "Red" Nichols and his “Five Pennies” band. Danny Kaye does a good job as an actor with few of his comedy shticks. Barbara Bel Geddes plays his wife and a young Tuesday Weld plays their daughter. It is not all fun and games but the music is good and the jazz rendition of “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic” is a show-stopper.
- DirectorAnthony MannStarsJames StewartJune AllysonHarry MorganBiography of bandleader Glenn Miller from his beginnings to his death over the English Channel in December 1944.This more-or-less accurate biopic of the life of the great Glenn Miller is full of good music with a tear jerking ending. Jimmy Stewart is great as Glenn and June Allyson is believable as his wife. The road to his success was full of ups and downs but his music is still being enjoyed to this day.
- DirectorGregory RatoffStarsMonty WoolleyJune HaverDick HaymesA tunefull account of the life of Ernest R. Ball, composer of many popular Irish songs, including the title's.A highly fictionalized account of the life of Ernest R. Ball, composer of many popular Irish songs, including “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, “Dear Little Boy of Mine”, “A Little Bit of Heaven” and “Let the Rest of the World Go By”. Singer Dick Haymes stars as Ball, June Haver, the “Irish” he is in love with, has several good songs while Monty Woolley and Anthony Quinn add some laughs.
- DirectorValentine DaviesStarsSteve AllenDonna ReedBerta GerstenThe young Benny Goodman is taught clarinet by a Chicago music professor. He is advised by bandleader Kid Ory to play whichever kind of music he likes best, but to make a living, Benny begins by joining the Ben Pollack traveling band.The story of swing band leader Benny Goodman from age 10 to his landmark Carnegie Hall band concert in 1938. It is full of historical inaccuracies but also full of great music. Starring Steve Allen as Benny Goodman and Donna Reed as his love interest it features appearances by many of the top musicians of the day.
- DirectorRonald NeameStarsAlbert FinneyAlec GuinnessEdith EvansA musical retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about an old bitter miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.The original tag line was “A Christmas Carol was meant to be sung” and this film does it’s best. A relatively close-to-the-book retelling of the Dickens classic it adds some music (none of which is especially memorable) and stars Albert Finney as Scrooge. While the music is not great, it does add to the story.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsTyrone PowerKim NovakVictoria ShawThe life story of the famous pianist and band leader of the 1930s and 1940s.Most people today do not remember Eddy Duchin, but he was one of the top pianists of the 1940s. Tyrone Power stars as Duchin in this not-too-historically-accurate biopic while the gorgeous Kim Novak plays his doomed wife. Lots of good music including a rendition of “Chopsticks” you won’t believe.
- DirectorArthur HillerStarsPeter O'TooleSophia LorenJames CocoThe funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.The story of Miguel de Cervantes and his arrest by the Inquisition. While in prison he tells the story of the "mad" knight, Don Quixote. Peter O’Toole plays the role of both de Cervantes and Don Quixote with the beautiful Sophia Loren playing the part of Dulcinea and Aldonza. The only really memorable song is “The Impossible Dream”.
- DirectorJoshua LoganStarsRossano BrazziMitzi GaynorJohn KerrOn a South Pacific island during World War II, love blooms between a young nurse and a secretive Frenchman who's being courted for a dangerous military mission.Long a hit on Broadway starring Mary Martin this film version let Mitzi Gaynor, as Ensign Nellie Forbush, USN, show what she could do with the right part. The story of love, racism, loss and redemption takes place on an island in the south Pacific during WW2. It is loaded with plenty of Rodgers and Hammerstein hits including “Bali Hai”, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out My Hair” and “Some Enchanted Evening.
- DirectorMorton DaCostaStarsRobert PrestonShirley JonesBuddy HackettTraveling con artist Harold Hill targets the naïve residents of a small town in 1910s Iowa by posing as a boys' band leader to raise money before he can skip town.Meredith Willson’s play about a swindling con man who organizes boy’s bands and then skips town made the transition from stage to screen with almost no changes. Robert Preston reprises his stage role as Harold Hill, a con man’s con man. With the help of the beautiful Shirley Jones, Pert Kelton, a very young Ron Howard and Buddy Hackett it all works out in the end. Plenty of good songs including “76 Trombones”, “Lida Rose”, “Being In Love” and “Iowa Stubborn”.
- DirectorHenry KosterStarsNancy KwanJames ShigetaBenson FongA young woman arrives in San Francisco's Chinatown from Hong Kong with the intention of marrying a rakish nightclub owner, unaware he is involved with one of his singers.The story of a Chinese girl Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki) who comes to the United States illegally to marry Sammy Fong (Jack Soo). Unfortunately he is in love with the gorgeous Linda Low (Nancy Kwan). It all works out in the end helped by Rodgers and Hammerstein hits like “A Hundred Million Miracles”, “Grand Avenue” and my favorite “Love, Look Away.”
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsDoris DayJimmy DuranteStephen BoydA debt-ridden circus is saved by a well-meaning but inept publicity man.Coming near the end of the movie musical age this one is often overlooked. The Wonder Circus is in financial trouble thanks to the gambling habits of Pop Wonder (Jimmy Durante) and, while daughter Kitty (Doris Day) fights to keep it afloat, rival circus owner John Noble schemes to take it over so that he can get his hands on the star of the show, the elephant Jumbo. Full of good tunes including “Over And Over”, “My Romance” and “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” it is sadly almost never seen on TV.
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsDebbie ReynoldsHarve PresnellEd BegleyA poor, uneducated mountain girl leaves her cabin in search of respect, a wealthy husband, and a better life in this fictionalized biopic of Margaret "Molly" Brown, who survived the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic.Meredith Willson hit it big with “The Music Man” and followed it up with “Molly Brown”. The heavily fictionalized story of the real “Unsinkable Molly” who survived the sinking of the Titanic it gives Debbie Reynolds a chance to strut her singing, dancing and acting stuff. While never as big a hit as “Music Man” it still has several good songs such as “Belly-Up To The Bar, Boys” and “I’ll Never Say No”.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsYul BrynnerDeborah KerrRita MorenoA widow accepts a job as a live-in governess to the King of Siam's children.The fictionalized story of the real Anna Leonowens, a British woman who became the teacher for the children of the King of Siam this is full of wonderful songs and touching moments. Yul Brynner originated this role on stage and continued to play it until his death. Full of great Rodgers and Hammerstein songs like “Getting To Know You”, “Hello, Young Lovers” and “Shall we Dance?”
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsAudrey HepburnRex HarrisonStanley HollowayIn 1910s London, snobbish phonetics professor Henry Higgins agrees to a wager that he can make crude flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, presentable in high society.This retelling of the Pygmalion story is one of the world’s classic movies. Rex Harrison reprises his stage role as the arrogant and (frankly) irritating Professor Henry Higgins. To win a wager he takes street flower vendor Eliza Doolittle, played by the lovely and talented Audrey Hepburn, and tries to teach her to be a lady. With songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”, “On The Street Where You Live”, “Let A Woman In Your Life” and “I Could Have Danced All Night” how can you go wrong?
- DirectorJoshua LoganStarsLee MarvinClint EastwoodJean SebergTwo unlikely prospector partners share the same wife in a California gold rush mining town.No, Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin do not have great singing voices but the songs make up for it. This heavily-rewritten-from-the-stage movie is played more for laughs then for music. The story of two gold mining partners who are in love with the same woman and the problems that follow is a lot of fun, even though it was a box office bomb. It is full of good songs such as “I Talk To The Trees,” “I Was Born Under A Wand’ring Star” and my favorite “They Call The Wind Maria”.
- DirectorRoy RowlandStarsJane PowellRicardo MontalbanLouis CalhernThe Robinson girls vacation at a Catskills resort where older sister Patti pursues Demi Armendez despite parental disapproval. Patti's singing and dancing lead to a happy ending with Armendez.The Robinson family is spending two weeks of summer vacation at the “Kissamee in the Catskills” resort. Older daughter Patti (Jane Powell) wants to grow up and is agonized over the fact that her mother thinks she is too young (at 17) to wear a corset. She meets Demi Armendez (Ricardo Montalban) and falls for him but her father thinks she is too young for boys. Worst of all her older and more worldy-wise friend, Valerie (Phyllis Kirk) also has her eye on Demi.
Songs include “That’s How I Love You” and “Abba-Dabba Honeymoon”. - DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsJulie AndrewsJames FoxMary Tyler MooreIn New York City during the Roaring Twenties, would-be flapper Millie Dillmount's self-appointed mission to marry her boss is complicated by white slavers and true love.Millie Dillmount (Julie Andrews) comes to 1920s New York with the intention of becoming “modern”, learning to be a secretary and marrying her rich boss, whoever he might be. She stays at the “Priscilla Hotel for Single Young Ladies” which is run by Mrs. Meers. She notices that many girls seem to be checking out without warning but it isn’t until she meets orphaned Dorothy Brown (Mary Tyler Moore) that she begins to realize that something is wrong. One of the funniest movies ever. Features the title song, “Do It Again” and “Jimmy”.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsJulie AndrewsChristopher PlummerEleanor ParkerA young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.This fictionalized story of the Von Trapp Family was a hit on Broadway and an even bigger hit on the screen. When postulant Maria Rainer (Julie Andrews) is late for prayers, again, the Mother Superior of the convent decides to send her to be governess for Captain Von Trapp and his children. She reasons that perhaps Maria is not really cut out to be a nun. Maria falls in love with the children and they with her and, eventually, she and the Captain realize they love each other. They escape Austria just ahead of the beginning of WW2. The songs include "The Sound of Music", "Edelweiss", "My Favorite Things", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and "Do-Re-Mi".
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsJudy GarlandRay BolgerJohn HodiakOn a train trip West to become a mail-order bride, Susan Bradley (Judy Garland) meets a cheery crew of young women travelling out to open a "Harvey House" restaurant at a remote whistle-stop.Mail order bride Susan Bradley (Judy Garland) is traveling west to meet her new and unknown husband. While on the train she meets group of young women traveling out to open a " Harvey House " restaurant to provide good cooking and wholesome company for railway travelers.
When Susan and her suitor meet they find that the romance is daunting and agree to call off the marriage. Susan joins the Harvey Girls and settles in. The saloon across the street offers them tough competition, using tactics both fair and foul, thanks to the alluring women led by the beautiful Em (Angela Lansbury). Susan catches the eye of the Ned Trent (John Hodiak) the proprietor of the bar and he calls off the rough stuff. Features the songs “Round And Round”, “It’s A Great Big World” and the Academy Award winning “Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe”. - DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsAnn BlythHoward KeelFernando LamasWilderness girl Rose Marie has adventures in life and love when Mountie Mike Malone takes her out of the wild.Wildly different from the Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald version but still enjoyable. Rose Marie Lemaitre (Anne Blyth) is the orphaned ward of Mountie Mike Malone (Howard Keel). She is a tomboy and he sends her to "learn to be a lady" from Lady Jane Dunstock (Marjorie Main). Along the way she meets outlaw trapper James Duval (Fernando Lamas) and falls in love with him. Features the title song as well as “Indian Love Call.”
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsBing CrosbyJoan FontaineRoland CulverA brash American gramophone salesman tries to get Emperor Franz Joseph's endorsement in turn-of-the-century Austria.Virgil Smith (Bing Crosby) is a traveling salesman who is determined to sell a phonograph to Emperor Franz-Josef (Richard Haydn) of pre-WWI Austria. He meets much resistance along the way but he also meets and falls in love with Baroness Johanna Augusta Franziska (Joan Fontaine). Features the title song plus “The Kiss That’s In Your Eyes” and “The Friendly Mountains.”
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsJane PowellHoward KeelJeff RichardsWhen a backwoodsman in 1850s Oregon brings a wife home to his farm, his six brothers decide that they want to get married too.When backwoodsman Adam Pontipee (Howard Keel) brings home his new bride Milly (Jane Powell) his six brothers decide they want to get married too so they kidnap the girls from the town. A modernized version of “The Sabine Women” it features a number of good songs and a dance sequence that is almost unebelievable.
- DirectorGeorge AbbottStanley DonenStarsDoris DayJohn RaittCarol HaneyAn Iowa pajama factory worker falls in love with an affable superintendent who had been hired by the factory's boss to help oppose the workers' demand for a pay raise.It’s strong union supporter and shop steward Katherine 'Babe' Williams (Doris Day) up against the new supervisor Sid Sorokin (John Raitt) of the pajama factory where they both work. He wants the factory to produce more while she is fighting for more money for the workers. It doesn’t help when they fall in love. Features the songs “Hernando’s Hideaway”, “The Pajama Game” and the now classic “Hey There.”
- DirectorMelvin FrankStarsLeslie ParrishStubby KayePeter PalmerAs Sadie Hawkins Day approaches, Daisy Mae hopes to win the hand of Li'l Abner by catching him in the traditional race.This is more fun for those of us who grew up reading Li’l Abner in the funnies than for most people. A movie version of the hit stage play with Peter Palmer reprising his stage role as Abner and the stunning Leslie Parrish as the ever love-sick Daisy Mae. Staged more as a play than as a movie everything from the heavy use of primary colors to the sets is “cartoony” in feeling. When the government decides to test an A-Bomb by dropping it on “unnecessary” Dogpatch the inhabitants try to figure out how to save their town. Lots of fun and some good songs including “Put ‘Em Back”, “If I Had My Druthers”, “I’m Past My Prime” and the rollicking “Jubilation T. Cornpone.”
- DirectorCharles VidorStarsRita HayworthGene KellyLee BowmanRusty Parker wins a contest and becomes a celebrated cover girl; this endangers her romance with dancing mentor Danny.Rusty Parker (Rita Hayworth) is happy working in Danny McGuire’s (Gene Kelly) bistro until she lands on the cover of a magazine and is instantly famous. Danny is jealous of the fact that people come to his bistro to see her rather than to see the show. Features the lovely “Long Ago (And Far Away)”.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsJane RussellMarilyn MonroeCharles CoburnShowgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei's fiancé, as well as a rich, enamored old man and many other doting admirers.This teaming of Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe is taken from stage play of the same name. Lots of misunderstandings, laughs and fun. Includes the songs "Bye-Bye Baby", “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”, “Two Little Girls From Little Rock” and “Is There Anyone Here For Love?”
- DirectorVincente MinnelliCharles WaltersStarsLeslie CaronMaurice ChevalierLouis JourdanWeary of the conventions of Parisian society, a rich playboy and a youthful courtesan-in-training enjoy a platonic friendship which may not stay platonic for long.This is the film that made Leslie Carron a star. The story of a young Parisian girl who is raised and taught to be what amounts to a courtesan and who, against all odds, finds love. The songs include “The Night They Invented Champagne” and the title song.
- DirectorRichard FleischerStarsRex HarrisonSamantha EggarAnthony NewleyAfter the animal communicating veterinarian goes too far for his clientele, he and his friends escape their hometown to the sea in search of the Great Pink Sea Snail.Somewhat of a box office disappointment this hugely budgeted film stars Rex Harrison in the title role as the man who can talk to animals. He is ably assisted by Samantha Eggar and Anthony Newley. Several good songs including “Talk To The Animals” and “The World Is Full Of Beautiful Things.”
- DirectorH. Bruce HumberstoneStarsAlice FayeJohn PayneJack OakieIn turn-of-the-century San Francisco, an ambitious vaudevillian takes his quartet from a honky tonk to the big time, while spurning the love of his troupe's star singer for a selfish heiress.Vaudevillian Johnny Cornell (John Payne) takes his quartet from the honky tonks to the big time in turn-of-the-century San Francisco. Ignoring the fact that his leading lady, Trudy Evans (Alice Faye) is in love with him he goes after a spoiled heiress with the idea that she can get him accepted by San Fancisco’s “upper crust”. In the end Trudy, now a super star, helps him get back on his feet. Several good songs but the real winner is the lovely “You’ll Never Know”.
- DirectorRoy RowlandStarsJane PowellTony MartinDebbie ReynoldsThree sailors come ashore and take the city by storm, but can they win the hearts of three women by song?Sailor Danny Smith (Russ Tamblyn) tries to rescue his sister, Susan (Jane Powell) from the clutches of a philandering wolf by beating him up. The wolf brings charges against Danny and his friends Chief Boatswain's Mate Bill Clark (Tony Martin) and Rico Ferrari (Vic Damone). Facing a court martial they try to stay a few steps ahead of the Navy Shore Police. The most memorable song is “Hallelujah” but the whole movie is fun.
- DirectorStanley DonenGene KellyStarsGene KellyDan DaileyCyd CharisseThree soldiers meet ten years after their last meeting in New York, and find out that they have little in common now.Three Army buddies survive WW2 and agree to meet at a New York bar exactly 10 years later. Ted Riley (Gene Kelly) was going to be a success but 1955 finds him as a small-time hustler who is more than a little crooked. Doug Hallerton (Dan Dailey) wanted to be a painter but he is working in advertising and hating it. Angie Valentine (Michael Kidd) who wanted to be a gourmet chef has only managed to run a hamburger stand. When they meet they can’t believe they were once best friends. Thanks to the help of Jackie Leighton (Cyd Charisse) it all works out in the end. No really big hit tunes but I like “The Time Has Come For Parting.”
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsFred AstaireJane PowellPeter LawfordA brother and sister dance act encounter challenges and romance when booked in London during the Royal Wedding.Written so as to take advantage of the actual Royal Wedding of Queen Elizabeth this movie had Fred Astaire and Jane Powell as a brother and sister dancing team who go to England to put on their show. There they meet and marry an English Lord and a dancer. This is the one where Fred dances on the ceiling and the walls. The main song is “Too Late Now”.
- DirectorMichael CurtizBusby BerkeleyStarsJack CarsonJanis PaigeDoris DayRomantic misunderstandings abound when spouses suspect each other of being unfaithful, and a nightclub singer takes a cruise under a false identity.Elvira Kent (Janis Paige) and her husband Michael (Don DeFore) suspect each other of cheating. For their wedding anniversary, Elvira books an ocean cruise to Rio de Janeiro but her husband claims that unexpected business will prevent him from going. Elvira pretends to take the trip alone but, instead sends singer Georgia Garrett (Doris Day) in her place and under her name. By doing this and secretly staying behind, Elvira hopes to find out if Michael is sneaking around behind her back. Michael is, in turn, suspicious over Elvira's supposed willingness to go on the trip alone. He hires private detective Peter Virgil (Jack Carson) to keep an eye on her. Lots of complications and confusions but it all works out in the end. Features the songs "Put 'em in a Box, Tie 'em with a Ribbon and Throw 'em in the Deep Blue Sea", "It's You or No One" and the hit "It's Magic"
This was Doris Day’s first film. - DirectorStanley DonenGene KellyStarsGene KellyFrank SinatraBetty GarrettThree sailors wreak havoc as they search for love during a whirlwind 24-hour leave in New York City.The first big budget musical to be partially filmed on location this is still a joy to watch. Three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin) arrive in New York with only one day to spend. Along the way they meet Ann Miller, Betty Garrett and Vera-Ellen and it all works out in the end. Features "New York, New York, It's A Wonderful Town" as well as “I Want A Caveman” and several others.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsEthel MermanMarilyn MonroeDonald O'ConnorMolly and Terry Donahue, plus their three children, are The Five Donahues. Son Tim meets hat-check girl Vicky and the family act begins to fall apart.Terence and Molly Donahue (Ether Merman and Dan Dailey) are vaudevillians who tour the country. Along the way they have three children Tim (Donald O’Connor), Steve (Johnnie Ray) and Katy (Mitzi Gaynor) who follow in their footsteps. As they grow up the children cause problems when Steve wants to leave show business to become a priest and Tim falls for vampish Vicky (Marilyn Monroe). Some great Irving Berlin hit including the title, “A Boy Chases A Girl (Until She Catches Him)”, “Remember” and “All Aboard For Alabam.”
- DirectorMichael CurtizFriz FrelengStarsJack CarsonDoris DayLee BowmanAn agent must search for a new personality to replace a popular singer who refuses to renew his radio contract. He finds one in the form of a single mother, but complications soon occur.When conceited singer Garry Mitchell (Lee Bowman) refuses to renew his radio contract agent Doug Blake (Jack Carson) sets out to find a new personality to replace him. In New York he stumbles upon Martha Gibson (Doris Day), a single mother with a great voice. He moves her to Hollywood but has a problem trying to sell her to the show's sponsor. Doug tries every trick he can think of to make Martha a star and begins to fall in love with her. To make matters worse, Martha meets and falls for Garry. This is the one where Doris and Jack sing and dance with Bugs Bunny. Features the title song, “I’ll String Along With You” and “Canadian Capers”.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsRosemary ClooneyJack CarsonGuy MitchellA man visits a frontier town seeking to avenge his brother's murder.In this hilarious spoof of western movies (which were really big at this time) Reb Randall (Guy Mitchell) rides into town to find that his brother Robin has been killed and the whole town is celebrating his death. He wants to find the man who did it and, over the objections of Mayor Jason Carberry (Jack Carson), sets out on his hunt. Though ostensibly a movie about Reb Randall the real star of the show is Rosemary Clooney at the peak of her career. Lots of laughs and extremely tongue in cheek. Features the songs “A Dime And A Dollar”, “The Code Of The West” and “It Was Closer Than I Thought.”
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy GarlandMargaret O'BrienMary AstorYoung love and childish fears highlight a year in the life of a turn-of-the-century family.It is St. Louis in 1903 and everyone is excited that the World’s Fair will be held there in 1904. The well-off Smith family is looking forward to it and daughters Esther (Judy Garland) and Tootie (Margaret O'Brien) are especially excited. 17-year old Esther has fallen in love with John, the boy who has just moved in next door, who doesn’t even seem to know she is alive. The family is devastated when father Alonzo Smith (Leon Ames) announces that they are moving away since he has taken a new job in New York. Features the songs “The Boy Next Door”, “Clang, Clang, Clang Went The Trolley” and the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsJune AllysonPeter LawfordPatricia MarshallGolden Globe winner June Allyson and Peter Lawford star in this enjoyable musical about a football hero who falls in love with his French tutor.Rah, rah, rah and sis-boom-bah. This is considered to be the definitive “college” film. Hard working and studious Connie Lane (June Allyson) is assigned to help playboy type “big man on campus” Tommy Marlowe (Peter Lawford) pass his French language class so that he can play in the big football game. He is lazy and fun-loving and almost drives her crazy. Features the songs “Be A Lady’s Man”, “Smoke That Peace Pipe”, “The French Lesson” and the perennial “The Best Things In Life Are Free”.
- DirectorRobert Z. LeonardStarsJudy GarlandVan JohnsonS.Z. SakallIn turn-of-the century America, Andrew and Veronica are co-workers in a music shop who dislike one another during business hours but unwittingly carry on an anonymous romance through the mail.A musical remake of “The Shop Around The Corner” the story revolves around a “pen pal” romance between Veronica Fisher (Judy Garland) and Andrew Larkin (Van Johnson). They are in love with the person they are writing to but, when they meet face to face, there is instant dislike. Features the lovely “Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland.”
- DirectorDavid ButlerStarsDoris DayGene NelsonS.Z. SakallA showgirl returns to her New York home to visit her alcoholic mother, where she catches the eye of a Broadway producer.Melinda Howard (Doris Day) returns from Europe where she has been singing with a musical troupe. She believes that her mother is a successful Broadway star with a mansion in Manhattan and wants to surprise her. What she doesn’t know is that her mother is actually a burned-out alcoholic cabaret singer. It all turns out in the end with the help of dancer Tom Farnham (Gene Nelson). Features the songs “Zing, Went The Strings Of My Heart”, "Just One Of Those Things", "You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me" and the title.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsJeanne CrainDana AndrewsDick HaymesEach member of the Frake clan has his/her own reason for attending the annual Iowa State Fair.The Frake family goes to the Iowa State Fair with high hopes. Daughter Margy (Jeanne Crain) wants to have a more exciting life than that which is offered by her fiance. Brother Wayne (Dick Haymes) meets and falls for a singer at the fair. Father Abel (Charles Winninger) want his boar hog to win the blue ribbon and Mother Melissa (Fay Bainter) wants to win the contest for the best mincemeat. Lots of good songs including “It’s A Grand Night For Singing” and the award winning “It Might As Well Be Spring.”
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsJudy GarlandGene KellyEddie BrackenA small-town farmer, down on her luck, finds her homestead invaded by a theatrical troupe invited to stay by her ne'er-do-well sister.Hard working but down on her luck farmer Jane Falbury (Judy Garland) goes to town to buy a tractor, when she arrives back at her farm to find that her ne'er-do-well sister, Abigail (Gloria DeHaven), who ran away to be an actress, has invaded her farm with a whole troupe of actors. They want to use her barn to put on a show and live, rent free, in her house. The troupe, led by Joe Ross (Gene Kelly), almost ruin her farm before everything is worked out. Features the song "Get Happy" which was Judy’s swan song to MGM.
- DirectorBusby BerkeleyStarsFrank SinatraEsther WilliamsGene KellyTwo turn-of-the-century baseball players, who work in vaudeville during the off-season, run into trouble with their team's new female owner and a gambler who doesn't want them to win the pennant.Another pairing of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, this time as baseball players at the turn of the century. Aided by Esther Williams as the team’s owner and Betty Garrett as a woman infatuated with Frank’s character it is a lot of fun. The most memorable song is the title though “O’Brien To Ryan To Goldberg” is fun.
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsFred AstaireVera-EllenMarjorie MainPlayboy Charlie Hill meets beautiful Angela Bonfils, a mission house worker in the Bowery. He genuinely falls in love, so, dedicated to winning her over, Charlie cleans up his act and even gets a job as a driver to impress her.In New York at the turn of the century, playboy Charlie Hill (Fred Astaire) falls in love with beautiful Angela Bonfils (Vera-Ellen), a mission house worker in the Bowery. To win her love he tries to do an honest day’s work with mixed results though his love does enable him to walk on air. Features the songs “I Want To Be A Dancing Man”, “The Belle Of New York” and “Baby Doll.”
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsBing CrosbyGrace KellyFrank SinatraWith socialite Tracy Lord about to remarry, her ex-husband - with the help of a sympathetic reporter - has 48 hours to convince her that she really still loves him.A musical remake of “The Philadelphia Story.” C.K. Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby) tries to win back his ex-wife Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly in her last movie role) before she marries another man. Toss Mike Connor (Frank Sinatra) into the mix and things get confused and fun. Features the songs “True Love” and “Well, Did You Ever?”