For some unknown reason, everyone connected with this film wants to keep the fact that is a musical a secret. At least IMDb tells us that the songs were composed by Carl Sigman (music) and Bob Hilliard (lyrics), although no listing of the singers or even the song titles is provided. IMDb also tells us – in a roundabout way -- that the orchestra was conducted by Ray Heindorf and the dancing choreographed by LeRoy Prinz. None other than Norman Luboff handled "vocal arrangements", while Ray Heindorf, as well as David Buttolph and Howard Jackson handled "music cues".
Although this is a first-class musical, the books that allegedly home in on Hollywood's musicals don't bother to even list it, let alone discuss it. No doubt the songs were added because the movie would otherwise seem far too talky and far too stagey for comfort. Also, it was originally intended as a vehicle for Danny Kaye, but Danny and Jack Warner had a row and Danny – who wouldn't take advice from anyone, let alone the head of the studio – tore up his contract and walked out, leaving Jack to pick up the pieces. If this had happened at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B, Mayer would have just said, "To hell with it!" and moved on to something else. But right up until he made My Fair Lady, Jack Warner was never one to let money go to waste. The script was ready, the cast lined up, the sets were built, the costumes fitted, all that was needed was someone to play the lead. But every major star was tied up. Except one. Harry Cohn offered to lend Jack, Broderick Crawford. Desperate, Jack accepted Harry's offer. And as it turned out, Crawford was really excellent in the part and handled the singing and dancing as if to the manner born. The fact that he was obviously no professional actually added to the fun.
Anyway, director Roy Del Ruth and his cast of energetic players really enjoy themselves with all the musical treats. The singing is bright and breezy, while the spiritedly staged dance sequences turned out to be the most attractive features of a surprisingly attractive movie that was also glossily photographed and costumed. A top-rate roster of support players made the most of their opportunities – I loved the bit with Margaret Dumont skidding alone the floor! Oddly on first release, although the movie received very enthusiastic reviews, it did not draw the crowds. Naturally, it has rarely been aired on TV. I eagerly await an upcoming Warner DVD.
Although this is a first-class musical, the books that allegedly home in on Hollywood's musicals don't bother to even list it, let alone discuss it. No doubt the songs were added because the movie would otherwise seem far too talky and far too stagey for comfort. Also, it was originally intended as a vehicle for Danny Kaye, but Danny and Jack Warner had a row and Danny – who wouldn't take advice from anyone, let alone the head of the studio – tore up his contract and walked out, leaving Jack to pick up the pieces. If this had happened at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Louis B, Mayer would have just said, "To hell with it!" and moved on to something else. But right up until he made My Fair Lady, Jack Warner was never one to let money go to waste. The script was ready, the cast lined up, the sets were built, the costumes fitted, all that was needed was someone to play the lead. But every major star was tied up. Except one. Harry Cohn offered to lend Jack, Broderick Crawford. Desperate, Jack accepted Harry's offer. And as it turned out, Crawford was really excellent in the part and handled the singing and dancing as if to the manner born. The fact that he was obviously no professional actually added to the fun.
Anyway, director Roy Del Ruth and his cast of energetic players really enjoy themselves with all the musical treats. The singing is bright and breezy, while the spiritedly staged dance sequences turned out to be the most attractive features of a surprisingly attractive movie that was also glossily photographed and costumed. A top-rate roster of support players made the most of their opportunities – I loved the bit with Margaret Dumont skidding alone the floor! Oddly on first release, although the movie received very enthusiastic reviews, it did not draw the crowds. Naturally, it has rarely been aired on TV. I eagerly await an upcoming Warner DVD.