Reviews (27)

ALOHA, HAWAII! Elvis loved it there.
If I had to summon up the content of this whole movie in one word, it would be: "exotic". Why I say that is because of the scenery, the palm trees, the Waikiki beach, the beach boys and girls, the Hawaiian music, the ukeleles, the luau, EVERYTHING! Elvis is a returning G.I. who does not want to go into his family's pineapple business. Instead, he works for a tourist guide service, and his first customers are a pack of gorgeous-looking girls and a beautiful chaperoning schoolteacher (Nancy Walters). Beautiful Hawaiian wedding scene at the end when Elvis marries Joan Blackman. Angela Lansbury is perfect for Elvis' mother in this picture. She enjoyed working with Elvis. "Blue Hawaii" is quintessential and Elvis' top picture and
his best '60s musical next to "Viva Las Vegas", and "G.I. Blues".

Tour Hawaii with Elvis!!!
Tour Hawaii with Elvis Presley!!! That's a pretty good description of this musical, the success of which marked the end of the singer's attempts at being a serious actor. For what it is--a travelogue with music and a slight plot--it isn't bad at all. But "King Creole," "Flaming Star," and even "Follow That Dream" demonstrated that Elvis could indeed act when given half the chance. That's all "Blue Hawaii" is, though: half a chance. The songs aren't exactly rock and roll, but most provide pleasant listening, and, of course, this is the movie that introduced the lovely "Can't Help Falling in Love," the song with which he would end all of his concerts in the 70s. Angela Lansbury is on hand as Elvis' mother, even though she was only a few years older than him (just as she was only a few years older than Laurence Harvey when she played his mother in "The Manchurian Candidate" the next year, a movie in which Elvis might just as well have been cast considering his apparent manipulation at the hands of Colonel Parker), and, of course, there are plenty of luscious babes about for those who don't consider Angela a turn on. "Blue Hawaii" is a real mixed bag. It is, perhaps, the very definition of "fluff," and as fluff it is attractive, but it would ultimately lead to dozens of execrable imitations that would make Presley's movie career one of the most lamentable in history. The writing was on the wall and, more importantly, in the grosses.

Can't Help Fallin' In Love With This Movie
Mr Presley certainly wasn't a great actor, but this movie shows him off to his best advantage. The music isn't the usual bad Elvis movie music and the scenery is to doe for. The storyline could come from any family - a son trying to be independent, a father who wants son to follow in his footsteps, a dropdead gorgeous girlfriend who just isn't what HIS folks had in mind, outrageous friends and an airhead, over-protective mama dead-set on embarrassing the son at any given chance. The plot is easy to follow and even makes sense. OK, not everyone breaks into song on a horseback ride, but what the Hell ! The wedding scene ( oops, gave it away ) makes up for any gaffes.

Blue Hawaii
I think this movie was above and beyond Elvis's usual movies. It has a cute plot and the scenery is unbelievable. If you are not a Elvis fan you will fall in love with the scenery.

Wonderful Postcard
I re-watched this just before going to Maui last November on my first trip to Hawaii. The story may not be much, but the scenery is "spot on" and this is a nostalgia trip for the "older Hawaii" of the 50's. What a great postcard, and Elvis thrown in, doing his 60's Elvis thing, with more style and good grace than later films would exhibit. He seemed to enjoy himself and you'll enjoy the music. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Spencer Tracy won an Oscar for his portrayal of Father Flanagan, who opens Boys Town and dedicates himself to helping juvenile delinquents go straight. Mickey Rooney plays one of the tougher kids, figuring out early on that Flanagan is nobody's fool. Warmhearted and inspiring, the film's inevitable sentimentality is nicely cut by Tracy's performance and a smart script by Eleanore Griffin and Dore Schary (who also won Oscars). A good film for all ages, directed by Norman Taurog (Adventures of Tom Sawyer). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (13)

PRIME TRACY PERFORMANCE.
Father Flanagan takes in abandoned boys between the ages of 12 to 18, regardless of race or creed, and fights to raise money, to feed and teach and mother his friendless charges. Mickey Rooney - bless him - runs the gamut of emotions from the tough, poker-playing gangster kid, through the tear-choked, made over youngster, to the final noble youth who becomes mayor of Boys Town. The film manages - in spite of its embarrassing sentimentality of its closing scenes - to be a consistently interesting and frequently touching movie. A burning desire to help his fellowmen and a belief that there is no such thing as a "bad boy" inspired and assisted the Reverend Edward J. Flanagan to found "Boy's Town". Spencer Tracy's sincere portrayal of the role of the priest Father Flanagan was truly an outstanding performance in his career, it even ranks above his Father Tim in SAN FRANCISCO; Tracy simply IS Father Flanagan! As a footnote, in real life, Tracy donated the Oscar he won for his portrayal as Father Flanagan TO Father Flanagan himself; Tracy had it inscribed thusly: "To Father Edward J. Flanagan, whose great human qualities, kindly simplicity and inspiring courage were strong enough to shine through my humble efforts. S/Spencer Tracy".

great movie
This is a movie that is still good even after all these years. Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney give two of the greatest performances of their career. It should have one best picture for 1938, It was far better than "You cant take it with you". "Boys Town" is one of the best fims of all time.

Good Movie
I don't like Spencer Tracey all that much, but he is wonderful in
this movie. Mickey Rooney is excellent too. Very heart warming, good movie to watch around Christmastime.

An inspiration
I had watched this movie on TV a few years ago and was moved especially as it was based on the true story of Fr. Flanagan.
Movies like these uphold human values and dignity and give hope in a world were these values are getting blurred and ambiguous as is reflected in today's 'sensational' hollywood movies most of which promote superflous and artificial lifestyles and senseless action which please the senses but leave a vacuum in the soul. Of course, movies like Men of Honor and Jerry McGuire are an exception. Also it is commendable that there also exist producers like Mel Gibson who has the courage to produce "The Passion" in Aramaic (the language spoken by Christ) though it does not make much commercial sense.
All of this makes me think, is Hollywood reflecting contemporary life or is life reflecting Hollywood.
Wonder why no movie is made on the life of Fr.Maximilian Kolbe who resisted the Nazis in Poland and ultimately sacrificed his life in the Gas Chamber in exchange for another inmate in the Nazi Auchwitz camp in WWII. It could make a real good drama movie.
Hope the DVD that comes out on Boystown will have a special feature on the life and times of Fr. Flanagan.

My Favorite show
Boys town and sequael(Men in Boys Town) are the by far my most favorite films. I watch them on an old VHS copied from TV in Holland in the PAL format. I had to buy a special muti-system TV and VCR just to watch them. I hope when the DVD comes out they will come together as a 2 disk packet. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO USE A GRENADE THAT WONT WORK
JUMPING JACKS is a great film-I've watched it twice since I rented it-its so funny-like when Jerry falls out of the plane at the end-and when he lands on Deans parachute-hilarious!

JUMPING JACKS is about a nightclub entainter who mistakenly gets
a letter to join the army and takes someone elses name-and also
is afraid to parajump!

One of my favorite scenes is when Dean is singing the parachute jump and when Jerry is running on the beds-and-actually any scene with Jerry is enjoyable!

Another great scene is the start-with Jerry and a dame singing
I cant resist a boy in a uniform-that trick uniform was great!

I hope that my video store will let me have the rented one-since its christmas!

Great movie!
I have always loved this movie, of course I have always been a Jerry Lewis fan. I have never been to crazy about Dean Martin and his singing but I guess without him in some of these movies Jerry wouldn't have been so funny. Even though Jerry carries himself well without Dean in alot of movies. My kids love Jerry Lewis now! This one is the best one that they made together in my opinion! Very funny!

A good performance
Really really like the paratroopers dancing around Dean Martins Singing. It's like where they left off on At war with the army. I would buy these two movies together.

Martin/Lewis' best film together (I think so, anyway)
Watch this movie and look around the jump towers at Fort Benning and you'll SEE NO BUILDING 4 INFANTRY HALL which wasn't built until 1964! One thing we should remember about films like this, though they be comedies, they are often filmed on location, with help from the U.S. Army and in so doing, they capture rare moments (like a jump tower mound with no Building 4 behind it!) that are lost forever. For example, at the film's end you see Martin/Lewis take part in a mass tactical parachute jump where you see C-82 aircraft with their rear clam shells removed to airdrop jeeps and artillery pieces...this footage alone makes this video worthwhile....where else can you find it?

O, yes its a very funny movie!

Airborne!

Martin and Lewis shine in the "Funniest" movie ever made!
My sister and I both agree that "Jumping Jacks" is our favorite movie! I fell in love with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin the first time I saw them on the screen! Jumping Jacks will keep you 'laughing out loud' from the moment it begins, to its ending credits! Watch it, and enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

After Elvis Presley got out of the army in 1960, he was instantly ushered into this Paramount movie about an Oklahoma singer who (surprise) gets out of the army and wants to open a club. Making a potentially lucrative bet that he can seduce a cabaret singer (Juliet Prowse), Elvis instead falls in love. Refurbished from his rockabilly roots into a slicker model for early-'60s pop, the Elvis of this movie is the one who made almost 30 more just like it. The songs include the title track, plus "It's Not Good Enough for You," "Tonight Is So Right for Love," and "Wooden Heart." Directed by Norman Taurog, a studio veteran who made his first film in 1928 and worked numerous times with Presley as well as Jerry Lewis. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A very entertaining, feel good comedy/musical starring Elvis
This is one of Elvis's earlier films and it was filmed just right after his honorable discharge from the Army and believe me...it's one of his best work in Hollywood! The soundtrack is equally special as Elvis and the rest of the cast deliver excellent performances. Sure it's another love story of how Elvis's character falls for Juliet Prowse's character but having the story involve the U.S.Army and Germany as the backdrops add a special touch to this "Elvis Flick". It's a great ensemble cast as other characters are well written in the plot. The music is of Elvis at his best in Hollywood and the songs flow perfectly with the story (not cheesy or korny as in many musicals!). Note a special moment in the movie is when Elvis sings "Wooden Heart" to a puppet at a puppet show. Anyways, I've watched G.I.Blues many many times and it definately is an entertaining movie for the whole family. I'm in the military and this is a top 10 favorite movie of all time in my list!!!

Elvis Presley's first film after the army
G.I. Blues has to be the only Elvis Presley film that his name appears more than the opening and end credits (if there are any). And that happens when a man who during Elvis Presley's 2nd song in the movie decides to play an Elvis Presley song on the jukebox. Tulsa McCauley (Elvis Presley) dreams of opening his own nightclub in America with his two army buddies Cookey (Robert Ivers) and Rick (James Douglas). The songs that Elvis Presley sings include G.I. Blues, Tonight is So Right For Love, Wooden Heart, and Blue Suede Shoes. Even though, he got out of the army, a few months before filming this movie. And he had to get back into an army uniform. This was the first of 9 movies that Elvis was directed by

G. I Blues
Fantastic movie if you are an Elvis fan.
If you are not an Elvis fan, why bother?
I'm not really sure why so many people insist on giving a synopsis of the film since we all know the plot, we just want to know what people think of it.
I think the female role could have gone to someone else, as I never rated Juliet Prowse, no sparks there at all (the woman could dance, though, I'll give her that!) Ann Margret and Elvis were wonderful together, for obvious reasons and were a joy to watch. Nevertheless, GI Blues remains my favourite Elvis film, nonsense though it may be!

G.I. King
I enjoyed this film. Sure Elvis sings a number of songs, some good, some just plan silly. He plays the same good-hearted character after the girl. His buddies help him along the way. He gets the girl. If you love Elvis it's worth the rent, if you only want to watch a story with fewer songs I would recommend Change of Habit.

First post-Army film was a box-office smash!
"G.I. Blues" was #2 on the top grossing films at the box office when it was released. The storyline is Elvis plays Tulsa MacLean. Him and his Army buddies are about to get out of the army and look forward to opening up their own nightclub back in Oklahoma. Along the way, Tulsa is caught up in a bet that sees if he can date the enticing and cold-as-ice Cafe Europa dancer Lili (Juliet Prowse). Tulsa and Lili go further than that: they take a modest cruise to across the river to a puppet show where Tulsa sings "Wooden Heart". They both ride above a vineyard in a cablecar where again he breaks into "Pocketful of Rainbows." Then Tulsa is asked to baby-sit for a buddy who ran away to get married, and he's caught in a tight situation. Him and Lili reunite and spend the night with each other baby-sitting "Tiger". The bet is easily won. When Lili finds out, she's steamed! Little does she know that Tulsa really was Marla and Rick's baby-sitter. Tulsa and Lili come back together after an unexpected proposal, and following is an all-American Armed Forces Show finale where Tulsa and the rest of the memebers of the armed forces sing "Did'ja Ever?". ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Delightful ghost story based on a classic tale
Based on a short story by non other than the legendary Oscar Wilde this version of the "The Canterville Ghost" makes really delightful viewing boasting top notch production values, a superb cast in fine form, and a terrific look that gives the film an appealing and enjoyable appearance.

Being in theory a ghost story the story is full of much well seasoned comedy and really is a film suitable for the whole family to enjoy. I tend to watch this film around Christmas each year and never fail to enjoy the high spirited carryings on of Charles Laughton in what I feel is one of his most appealing roles. "The Canterville Ghost", set in one of those far off misty castles that only MGM could cunger up, tells the story of how Sir. Simon de Canterville through an act of cowardice is walled up in a room of the castle and is doomed to walk the face of the earth for all eternity unless a relative can commit an act of bravery to lift the curse from him. The story jumps ahead a few centuries to the present (1944) where the castle is occupied by visiting soldiers involved in the war. Among them is Sir. Simon's distant relative Cuffy Williams (Robert Young at his most endearing) who is the one selected to perform the brave deed to free his ancestor from his ghostly imprisonment. The tale is an amusing one as Laughton's character first tries to scare and then win over his cynical relative to help him. Charles Laughton is wonderful as the cowardly ghost appearing out of nowhere, screaming, rattling chains and showing his own failings only too obviously. He is surrounded by a terrific supporting cast beginning with gifted child actress Margaret O'Brien as Lady Jessica de Canterville the present owner of the castle. O'Brien, at the peak of her career around this time with triumphs in "Journey for Margaret", and "Meet Me in St. Louis", is a cute delight as the spunky little girl who is not afraid of Laughton's over the top bellowing and corny scare tactics. Robert Young in his last MGM film is also in top form as the young soldier who first is in danger of falling into the same habits as Sir. Simon but who in the end comes through to succeed in freeing his ancestor from his ghostly sentence by an unselfish act of bravery.

"The Canterville Ghost" is about as English a tale as you can get and came along during the war years when all things British were revered in Hollywood. Keeping company with such British outings as "Mrs. Miniver", and "The White Cliffs of Dover", "Canterville' also boasts a superb supporting cast of stalwart British performers so popular in Hollywood during these years. Headed by Laughton himself the film contains great work by the likes of Reginald Owen, Una O'Connor and Peter lawford who give just that right British feel to a production which because of the war had to be filmed in the USA. Technically the film is a superb achievement with Laughton's ghostly special effects a remarkable effort. The sight of Laughton disappearing through walls and flying across a room remind one of that great 1930's ghost story "Topper". Being a product of MGM the film boasts top flight production values in every department and has superb settings with the castle interiors appearing wonderfully spooky and beautiful on the eye.

Among the many versions filmed of "The Canterville Ghost", I feel this is by far the best. Centred on Charles Laughton's unforgettable ghost the production is enjoyable and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Before computers created all the special effects this film proved what the old Hollywood was capable of achieving. A totally delightful film to be enjoyed by the whole family.

A Charming Bit of Hollywood Fluff
Very, very loosely based on a short story by Oscar Wilde--so loosely that he is probably turning in his grave--THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is nonetheless a charming bit of 1940s Hollywood fluff about an English ghost who runs afoul of American pragmatism. In the film version, the Americans arrive in the form of WWII soliders, including Robert Young, who are billeted at a notoriously haunted castle where they encounter a legendary spectre much given to theatrical materializations.

Although the story is very, very slight, the cast makes it enjoyable. Child star Margaret O'Brien gives a typically enjoyable performance as the unwilling heiress to the castle, and Robert Young and his fellow actors mug their way through the script with entertaining aplomb. The greatest pleasure, however, is Charles Laughton as the ghost, which he plays most delightfully. The emphasis is on comedy rather than ghostly thrills, and although the comedy is quite mild it is expertly done. THE CANTERVILLE GHOST will never make any one's short list of "great cinematic art," but both grown-ups and kids alike will have a good time with it; recommended for an old fashioned family night.

How could it miss?
This is a movie that could cure a rainy day. Great story, great cast, fun SFX (even by modern standings). I think this is the kind of movie they're trying to make again, with mixed success. Funny without being coarse, outrageously sentimental without being cloying, and, my goodness--the "chemistry"! Entertainment you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying.

Very Enjoyable!
By far the Best version of the many made of Canterville Ghost! Robert Young plays his part so well! And the little girl is an inspiration! Many laughs! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Talk about cultural curios. That's exactly how Tickle Me wasregarded when it was released in 1965, the same year as the Beatles'Help! There was a musical revolution going on, but you wouldn't have known it from this would-be comedy, in which the King plays a rodeo championforced to take a job on a combination dude ranch/fat farm. Naturally, all of the women tumble at his feet; even when he's pitching hay, he's liable to burst intohip-swiveling song. What little plot there is deals with his romance with the ranch's exercise instructor (Jocelyn Lane), who happens to hold the key to afortune in gold hidden in a nearby ghost town. Nary a recognizable Elvis hit isto be heard in the score, and as for his acting, well, Elvis looks as though hehappened to be wandering past the set and was pressed into service at the last minute. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Pure Elvis delight!
"Tickle Me" might be underrated by movie censors, but it's funny, full of good songs, beautiful women, and some good fight scenes. Elvis is singing rodeo rider Lonnie Beale who, until the next rodeo season starts, is hired by Vera Radford (Julie Adams) who owns a spa/dude ranch called "Circle 'Z'". Lonnie takes an interest in the aerobics instructor Pam (Jocelyn Lane). Pam has a will that thugs are looking for because it is linked to $100,000 in gold left to her by her grandfather that is stored in a nearby ghost town. Lonnie is caught kissing the boss which upsets Pam. The next rodeo season begins. Lonnie can't keep it straight. After a long rodeo season, she still isn't speaking to him. Lonnie, Stanley (Jack Mullaney), and Pam end up at the ghost town and have to spen the night in the hotel. All night guys in goon masks, beast masks, a ghost in a rocker try to frighten away the hapless trio. They soon take down these thugs and learn they were from the ranch and were the suspicious ones. They find the money, and take down the sheriff who was behind it all. Lonnie and Pam marry in the end...with Stanley accidentally getting a free ride in the back of the jeep in the washtub. Elvis looks handsome and tough in "Tickle Me" and something you should see at least once. Go for more if you enjoy it!

Elvis Presley works at a ranch in Tickle Me
The company of this movie is Allied Artists. During the 60's, Allied Artists was in the red. And they figured if they could make thier own Elvis Presley movie, they might get out of the red, and keep making movies.

Lonnie Beale (Elvis Presley) is a rodeo cowboy. He hits a town and gets a job at a dude ranch. He was disovered by a woman named Vera Radford (Julie Adams). She puts him in with a man named Stanley Potter (Jack Mullaney). Lonnie falls for another worker named Pam Merritt (Jocelyn Lane).

The staff complains to Vera when Lonnie starts singing and takes away the girls away from working with them. But when Pam catchs Lonnie kissing his boss, she gets mad with him. Turning the rodeo season, Lonnie calls Pam and hangs up on him. When Stanley shows up, he asks Lonnie why he hasn't been writing her, and Lonnie says "What is this a ham sandwich?" The letter got marked Return to Sender. But when Lonnie and Stanley find Pam they check into a hotel. The late Gene Siskel aways loved to ask, "Is this movie better of a documentary of the same actors having lunch?" Watch out if somebody askes you what you are watching, and if you say Tickle Me, you might get tickled. I recommend this film if you have resevations.

The `Butt' of the Elvis Filmography
If you want the primest footage of the posterior of the lovely Merry Anders, who appears in tight hot pants [about 7 years before such pants got into vogue} then get this film. Her plush, plumeflous backside is the only reason for the one star! Otherwise, this is one the dorks on Mystery Science Theater 3000 will never get a hold of, even thought it's perfect for them, because Priscilla will never, ever let them!

Tickle Me...Usual Elvis Fare with a Slight Twist.
To paraphrase an Elvis quote about his movies..."I'm sick of singing to the guys I beat up...." A mindless, forgettable Elvis flick with forgettable songs. The title itself is mindless! However, it is entertaining nontheless. The Pelvis plays a rodeo star(Lonnie Beale) who is hired as a part-time ranch hand/entertainer at a western health resort with lots of women running around in tight half-tops and skimpy shorts. He befriends one of the health instructors, Pam Merritt (Austrian actress,Jocelyn Lane) who is involved in a search for hidden treasure at a nearby ghost town. Her great-grandfather has left her a letter/treasure map and certain baddies want that letter. There are the usual Elvis-movie type fistfights and the usual segues into song with girls oggling Elvis and guys green with envy. The plot is atypical Elvis boy-gets-girl, gets-her-mad, and has-to-win-her-back storytelling. However, the last part of the movie which involves the search for treasure at the ghost town could have been the inspiration for the all the plots of the SCOOBY-DOO cartoons. Overall, a fun forgettable Elvis movie, with good comedic moments, lots of pretty girls,fisticuffs, decent songs, and the usual Elvis charm.

Presley and "Tickle Me" Stink
I know not why Elvis Presley is big star. He look silly with big sideburns and very tall hair on head. He sings very stupid songs. This movie "tickle me" is very ridiculous. Me from Japan and I dont understand why Presley so popular. He is what Americans call hick. Me think he stinks very large. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The plot is a hokey whitewash of the careers of Richard Rodgers andLorenz Hart, with characters talking in stilted phrases ("Gee, Larry, that's marvelous, really and truly") and complexities reduced to ground zero. But Rodgers and Hart comprised one of the greatest song-writing teams of the 20th century, and Words and Music (1948) is an excuse for a gang of Hollywood's top performers to have their way with the tunes. Mel Tormé croons a melancholy "Blue Moon," June Allyson twinkles through "Thou Swell," and a climactic ballet to "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" features Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen in slinky, kicky form. As is often the case in MGM musicals of this period, Lena Horne steals the show with a self-contained sequence (so it could be snipped out in theaters in the U.S. South), here contributing stunning versions of "The Lady Is a Tramp" and that most mysterious of American pop songs, "Where or When."

The film's sense of time is deranged:Perry Como plays an early friend of R&H, then decades later, himself; Garbo's Camille is shown as a silent film, although it was released 10 years after sound came in; and the grown-up Judy Garland plays herself in a period when she would have been a child. The upside is that Garland romps through "Johnny One Note," one of many examples of Lorenz Hart's lyrical dexterity. Tom Drake is a dull Rodgers, but Mickey Rooney's buzz-saw energy and crazed appetite might have made a brilliant Larry Hart. In a better movie, that is. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (16)

This is Mickey Rooney's movie!
I never realized what a bundle of energy a youthful Mickey Rooney was. He completely steals the show as musical theatre composer Larry Hart (the other half of Rodgers and Hart). Mr. Rooney brings such exuberance to his role that you actually feel sorry for what his character becomes by the end of the film.

Granted, this is a somewhat fictionalized account of the songwriting partnership of Rodgers and Hart, the film contains many a classic tune and musical number performed by many of the greatest MGM stars, including June Allyson, Perry Como, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Ann Sothern, Cyd Charisse, Vera-Ellen, and Judy Garland, all making cameo appearences.

Not to be completely outdone by Mr. Rooney, equally impressive are Tom Drake as Richard Rodgers, who was the "solid" one of the partnership, Janet Leigh as Dorothy Rodgers, and Betty Garrett as a girlfriend of Hart.

Anyone who appreciates the pomp and circumstance that MGM put into their musical films will find this film a treat for the senses.

An Unforgetable Evening
I'd just returned from the Berlin Air Lift with my honorable discharge papers and a purple heart proudly pinned on my chest. It was the most wonderful years of my life.

I worked in the mess hall, but I got injured while delivering a cup o' Joe, as we called in them days, to General Lucius Clay. The danged driver let the clutch pop and the Jeep ran over my foot.

I'd seen that General Clay any number of times and was most impressed. Did you know he was the durect descendant of ole Henry Clay, the man who said he'd rather be goldanged right then president. Now there's a man who shoulda been president instead of that danged old Eisenhower. The General, not Henry.

I seen Ike, as we called him, numerous times too, always pouring sugar and creamer in his Joe. Never trusted a man who used both.

Anyway, my foot was getting better and I decided to get out of the house. Ma, God rest her soul, was always telling me go rake this, go pick this and go milk that and she was getting on my nerves, although it warn't her fault. She missed Pa since his tractor rolled in '39. He was drunk acourse, but we all missed him all the same.

I was going to the Strand and figured I'd call my old buddy Bob Eshbach about going. Well, his sister CeeCee was home from college (not many women went then, no need for more educated fools in the world) and we got chatting and I asked her out despite the fact she musta had a real bad cold because her voice all husky.

I picked her up in the Model A I'd bought for $5. She looked elegant in her green and orange komono, covering her kabukied up white-as-snow face with that little pink fan, a' batting her eyes at me.

I was enamoured and said the first word that came to my mind: "Golly." I was going to follow up with "Am I mistaken, CeeCee, but have you grown about seven inches and beefed up since we last met," but a gentleman never asks a gal if she's beefed up. It ain't polite. Pa taught me that with a whipping.

We rode along quiet for a while, both bursting with anticipation for the evening when I said "We're going to the Strand. That okay? Have youu seen the movie? Shucks, I don't even know what's playing."

"Tom, it's 'Words and Music.' Do you know anything abour it?" she replied.

"It's about them musical brothers, the Strausses or something, ain't it?"

"Rogers and Hart. Lorenz Hart was gay, you know. Does that bother you?"

That peeved me some, asking a question like I was rube or something. "Gay! Bother me? Hecks bells, no. Any feller who wrote about the corn being as high as an elephant's eye or an all decked out surrey ought to be gay. Them's wonderful, happy songs, especially to farm people like me. CeeCee, sometimes I'm gay. Not around, Ma of course. She wouldn't approve. In Berlin I was gay any number of times."

Why I could see her blush through her pancake make up as she fluttered her fan, cocked her head and cooed in a gravelly sort of way, "Oh really."

Well we got there on time and settled in with pop corn and pops. I didn't think Mickey Rooney was gay at all in his portrayal of Hart...just Academy Award level acting. While watching all the wonderful technicolor singing and dancing about small hotels and mountain greenery, I drank a big RC Cola so about half way through when Lena Horne started to pipe up, I excused myself for the little boys room.

When I returned, CeeCee had our box of pop corn on her lap and right away tilted it toward me and asked "Want some, hun." Well I reached in there and there warn't a lot of popcorn left, but a surprise at the bottom like the Cracker Jacks has.

It was a real eye opener.

We dated the rest of the summer, until she was drafted and sent to Korea and mysteriously disappeared from the ship taking her there.

Whenever I see "Words and Music" (And it's daily since I bought it at Amazon) I think of my poor CeeCee.

It is a wonderful movie, just right for them that's four to them that's 104, and I ain't referring to no sick bed temperature. Buy it today. You'll love it.

COOL movie!
Judy, Mickey, Vera-Ellen, Gene, and an ever-so-cute June Alyson in "thou swell"! She, along with all her cast members give a spectacular performance!

Good Film... ONLY THE ACTOR'S DESERVED BETTER THAN THIS!
First-Rate Celebs Deserve More Than This! I Feel Bad For Those People In This Film. BUT FOR SOME REASON, I LOVE THIS FILM! This Is Fun, Romantic, Song-Filled, And Dramatic! So If You Love A Good Time And A Good Cry, You'll Love This Film! WARNING: YOU WILL NEED KLEENEX! LOTS OF IT IF YOU GET SAD EASILY!

Master of melodrama.
Don't watch WORDS AND MUSIC for biographical accuracy; watch it for the musical numbers (they'd be called music videos today). Its book is no more proper than the one concocted for Jerome Kern in TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY. But there are isolated gems: Judy Garland playing grown-up with Mickey Rooney for the first time in their last screen appearance with the sarcastic duet "I Wish I Were In Love Again," as well as the "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue" dance and the massive ballet of "On Your Toes"/"This Can't Be Love." Some productions border on corny, like Perry Como's "Mountain Greenery" or the perenially perky June Allyson singing "Thou Swell," but the wit and charm behind the songs is timeless. This is one of those film enigmas of which you just accept the premise (it never could decide what period of time it's supposed to be set in) and let it wash over you. It still has the charm of Ann Southern and the smolder of Lena Horne and Cyd Charisse- even if its finale is completely melodramatic and hand-wringing!! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

INCONSISTANT IMAGE QUALITY - A REAL LET DOWN!
"Broadway Melody of 1940" was MGM's final film in a series that began with the original Oscar-winning movie from 1929/30. After nearly a decade of big time hits with Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire made the trek from RKO to MGM to star opposite the best tap dancing lady of them all - Eleanor Powell. The two hoofers are ably assisted in the comedy portion of this fun-loving movie by costar George Murphy and the inimitable Frank Morgan (the wizard from "The Wizard of Oz"), here, playing a bumbling Broadway producer. The plot, generic by any standards, has Astaire mistaken for Murphy and falling in love with Powell. What sets the production apart is a series of mind-boggling dance routines capped off by a mesmorizing set piece to the tune of Cole Porter's evergreen hit, "Begin The Beguine".
Warner's DVD suffers from an inconsistently rendered picture. The opening credits are clear as a bell. So is the opening musical number "Please Don't Monkey With Broadway". But then we get into scene upon scene of low contrast, bad shadow and shutter flickering that creates a distraction impossible to overlook and made all the more evident by more than a hint of edge enhancement and shimmering of fine details. Contrast levels are particularly bad during Astaire's solo "I've Got My Eye On You" as well as Murphy and Powell's art decco dance number "I Concentrate On You". The one saving grace on this disc is that none of the above mentioned problems intrudes on the film's climactic show stopper "Begin The Beguine". It remains an untainted spell-binding display of tap dancing from two professionals at the top of their game. The audio on this disc is mono, as originally recorded, but extremely well represented with low background hiss and little distortion.
Extras: A toss-away featurette hosted by Ann Miller and a theatrical trailer are the only things worth mentioning.
Bottom Line: Disappointing - considering Warners usual sterling efforts for classic movies on DVD. Let's hope that this disc, along with "High Society" and "Kiss Me Kate" are flukes and not what is going to become the norm for a studio with such a rich film heritage, worthy of great pains in preservation.

Nice story, great dancing, good movie.
I admit to being no fan of overblown musicals, but I love this film.

A wonderful little movie, with some big production numbers, Broadway Melody of 1940 revisits the old 'mistaken identity' premise. Our hero Johnny Brett (Fred Astaire) briefly assumes his partner, King Shaw's identity (George Murphy) and misses the opportunity of a lifetime to dance with the wonderful Claire Bennett (Eleanor Powell).

When King is chosen to star in the big new Broadway show instead of Johnny, he gets only support from his slighted partner.

Will Ms. Powell and Mr. Astaire get together in the end? I leave that for you to find out. Look for Frank Morgan (The Wizard of Oz) as Bennett's skatter-brained talent agent, and great dance numbers from all the principals.

A feel good-er, and it's timeless.

The only teaming of the King and Queen of Tap!
One of the last, big B&W musical extravaganzas, BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940 is a joy from start to finish. The incomparable Fred Astaire and the unforgettable Eleanor Powell only made this one film together, but it's one for the ages!

Terrific tunes by Cole Porter make up a nifty score, which comes to a thrilling conclusion featuring Fred & Eleanor's amazing BEGIN THE BEGUINE.

A must-have for film musical fans!

Underappreciated
The art direction in this movie is incredible. It is one of the ultimate "New York as nightlife fantasyland" films (like the 1936 Melody, and Astaire's own "Swing Time"). The DVD replicates the silky B&W images just fine, especially the finale, which looks incredible on a big screen TV. Though Astaire tended to blow this off as "one of those big Metro things", it is a fun movie with a cool Big Band feel and a dream soundtrack, and Eleanor Powell is a revelation--it's too bad she isn't as well known today. Though the silly harlequin ballet doesn't really belong, I'll still take this over the pretentious MGM musicals of the 50s.

if you have a tapper at home; don't miss this movie
Right after watching this, my wife and I called our (now) 14 yo dancer in to see it. She in turn had her dance buddies watch it the next time they were over. The look of amazement on ALL of our faces as we watched some of the best there ever was worth the price of admission. Like the commercial says; DVD player; $200, DVD; $15, Watching your daughter work ten times harder on her tapping-priceless. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good fun for Jane Powell fans
I saw this film several years ago, so my memory's a little rusty, but since there are no other reviews for "Rich, Young and Pretty" yet I'd thought I'd give a quick synopsis for those of you just browsing.

Jane Powell stars as a young Texan who is taken to Paris by her father, played by Wendell Corey. While there, she runs across her mother (Danielle Darrieux) , who is working in a night club with her boyfriend (the oh-so handsome Fernando Lamas). This turns out to be a problem, since Powell had been told by her father that her mother was deceased. Oops! Hilarity ensues. I wouldn't say this film is in the first or second tier of Powell pictures ("Two Weeks with Love" and "A Date With Judy" are my faves) and it does drag a bit in spots, but Jane is always a delight to watch and it does have it's bright spots. Among them is a charming rendition of "We Never Talk Much" , a fun song I really like.

You might want to check out "Rich, Young and Pretty" if you are a fan of Jane or old Technicolor musicals. Grade: B- ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Above average Elvis vehicle
This picture is a great improvement over the movies of the previous three years (especially when compared to EASY COME, EASY GO and CLAMBAKE).

In this more adult-oriented comedy, Elvis plays a photographer who gets stalked by a rather eccentric woman, who gets him fired from his job and moves him out of his own home. How does she do it? I can't tell you, you have to buy the picture. He, he.

Anyway, you'll have fun watching Elvis juggle between two jobs, and the songs in this picture are actually GOOD (especially "Edge of Reality" and "A Little Less Conversation"). The "Edge of Reality" sequence is actually pretty psychedelic, an Elvis film highlight, indeed.

Finally, Elvis was getting more quality scripts in this period. Unfortunately, his movie contract was almost up, so that's probably the reason for it.

Buy this picture, you'll be glad you did.

No Cookie Cutter Elvis vehicle.
By '68 the 1930's approach to Presley movie-making was finally over. Although Mr. Taurog did some nice work with Elvis, it seems that his work with Bing Crosby somehow became his main reference point in presenting "The King of Rock and Roll". (Indeed, even in this progressive entry, another '20-'30s icon, Mr. Rudy Vallee, has a part). Anyhow, this picture tried to be mod, hip, current, whatever. and missed the mark. Not that it doesn't have some entertaining sections, with our man dealin' with an inscrutable bohemian lass. All the songs are good, especially "Edge of Reality", presented in a well-choreographed waking dream sequence. Another contemporary song, "A Little Less Conversation" was also well-presented. (Alright, Elvis historians, how about my idea that the later-recorded "Let's Forget About The Stars" was possibly the original tune for that scene involving the lady deep into astrology - it doesn't make sense that it was cut for "Charro"...). Since several of my friends at that time who were not Elvis fans told me that picture was okay, I'll rate it a 2-PLUS. A true "oddball" in the Presley film collection. (By the way, why didn't someone insist that two of the biggest names in American music history, Elvis Presley and Rudy Vallee, do a duet, or something?). [Low Embarrassment Factor of 2].

Downright depressing.
I purchased this film with the knowledge that it features Elvis singing "A Little Less Conversation." I love that song, so I figured, no matter how bad the movie was, I would still be glad to own it.

This movie came very close to proving me very, very wrong.

Let's start with Elvis. His hair, normally his crowning glory, is dyed inky blue-black and is poorly cut. His foundation, which I suppose was applied to make him look healthy and tanned, only makes him look orange. He somnambulates his way through the film. I watched this immediately after _Jailhouse Rock_ and it is saddening to see the light and fire completely extinguished from his eyes. The only times Elvis seems to come to life in _LaL,LaL_ are when his character is pursuing a woman. In these moments, a wolfish intensity animates his face, reminding me a bit of his performance in the '68 Comeback Special.

That said, I can hardly blame Elvis for a less-than-fully-committed performance here. The script is shockingly bad. Nothing happens for minutes at a time. The movie is an hour and a half long, but one imagines the story ought not to have taken more than twenty minutes to tell. The editing is miserable, but one can hardly blame the folks in the cutting room--they had to include lots of boring, extraneous footage just to get this movie to feature-film length.

Also remember that the movie was made in 1969, and it was his 28th film. By that time, Elvis had absolutely zero desire to be making movies. Even if he weren't so obviously pained during this film, it would be sad to watch, knowing that Elvis was trapped in his studio contracts and that was the sole reason for his doing the movie.

Still and all, "The Edge of Reality" and "A Little Less Conversation" are both very cool songs, and the production numbers are enjoyable. The video only costs ten bucks, so Elvis fans may still want to make this a part of their collections. Casual fans should stick to Elvis's earliest films, like _Jailhouse Rock_ and the brilliant _King Creole_. Elvis's acting in the latter movie is particularly good.

Becoming more and more psychadelic.
"Live A Little, Love A Little" is as close to '60s themed as it can get. This picture finds Elvis juggling between two magzine photographer jobs, and it looks sort of compliacted. He takes his leisure time out especially later for girls and Michele Cary. This film is a little cautionary to younger viewers. "Live A Little, Love A Little" focuses more on sex and tries to keep up with the ever-changing times. "Live A Little, Love A Little" features the low "Edge Of Reality" sequence which is very psychadelic in a sense, and "A Little Less Conversation" which became a hit this summer. By the way, pick up "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits", too. Suprising, this film can be enjoyable in some ways.

Mad COOL
This film is not only weird, but mad cool. The direction of the film, by Norman Taurog, is great. Don't believe me? Watch the fight in the newspaper plant. Jackie Chan has used the SAME gags in his film, and this was 1968, when Jackie was still at opera school. It is short, but very well done for an old fight scene.
Then, there is the EVER SHY GORGEOUS Michele Carey. My oh My, this girl is sooooooooo beautiful in this film, and her voice is to die for. (she does not sing, i am talking her speaking voice here!)
The party scene, where they use the song popular again today, A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION, has great panning Hero shots of Elvis, in a mod blue suit, strutting though a party, hunting and catching his prey, a blonde bombshell. This vignette, is awesome, and worth watching the film alone.
Finally, there is the TRUTH. Can't tell you more, cause it would ruin the film.
Lots of hot chicks, weird cool 60's dialogue, parties, and events, and Elvis being the coolest mofo on the planet.
Watch it!
AS soon as it is on DVD, it is MINE! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Elvis is chased by girls in Spinout!
"I'm not going to marry you, I'm not going to marry her, I'm staying single, single, single, single, single." That is what Mike McCoy (Elvis Presley) is tring to do. Mike has 3 girls wanting to marry him. (The 3rd person will start later on in the film).

An author named Diana St. Clair (Diane McBain) wants to marry Mike McCoy. She writes books, like Ten Ways to Trap a Bachler and the mating habits of the single male. While that a millionairess name Cynthia Foxhugh (Shelly Fabares) wants to marry him too.

Her father (Carl Betz) wants her to marry his worker named Philip (Warren Berlinger). Like Girl Happy, Elvis sings with a combo. This time the combo is made up of Les, Curly and Larry, (Deborah Walley, Jack Mullaney, Larry Hawkins, Girl Happy).

Cynthia claims she gets everything she wants. She even gets her old man to pretend to kick Mike and his combo out of town. A police officer (Will Hutchins) shows up.

Mike asks if they can leave in the morning, and the police officer replies, "Sure, who does he think he is kicking people out of town in the middle of the night."

He is Cynthia's old man.

But soon thier is trouble when Les makes a move on Mike. But does he stay single or marry one of the 3 girls? Watch to find out.

The music's better than the movie
SPINOUT is another hard movie to sit through, thanks to the weak dialogue and even weaker storyline.

Elvis plays a singing race car driver (for the second time), who is being chased by three women. These include a spoiled brat (Shelley Fabares), an erotic author (Diane McBain), and his own drummer (Deborah Walley).

The music is actually listenable in this picture. Highlights include "Stop, Look, and Listen" and "I'll Be Back".

Elvis appears to be sleepwalking through this one. His appearance is also disturbing: slightly overweight and his hair looks like a big black ball on his head.

Again, not QUITE the worst, but far from the best. Buy something more worthwhile first.

THANK YOU WARNER BROTHERS!
This cover is EXCELLENT! Glad someone smart at WARNER BROTHERS decided to use the original poster art! ENTERTAINING film with a GREAT Soundtrack! ELVIS looked GREAT and the supporting cast did too!

FLUFF, BUT FUN
This movie was not and will not be remembered as great cinema... but one of the 50 worst films of all time? Terrible? You have got to be kidding.
Simply put, if you don't like Elvis, you won't like this movie. If you are a fan of modern movies containing gratuitous violence, nudity, foul language and etc, you should avoid this movie because I guarantee you will not like it. BUT, if you want a innocuous, family film with fun music and a star who could charm the birds right out of the trees, you will enjoy this movie.
Was Elvis out of touch in the mid and late 60's? YES. And I for one am glad he was and appreciate the fact that he made music and movies that were entertaining, light-hearted and able to be played in the same room with children. In the 60's, Elvis' movies helped to create an escapism from a world that seemed to be falling apart and represented a gentler, more innocent time.

CORNY?...YES!, COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?...DEFINITELY!, but a bad movie...NO! Compared to other star vehicles of the day (Frankie and Annette, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin's Matt Helm films, Don Knotts, and etc) it is a very good movie.

Who else would have three beautiful women after him?
"Spinout" has Elvis playing a singing race car driver with three beautiful women who want to race him down the aisle to marriage. They are Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain, and Deborah Walley. Looks like Elvis has a tough decision. I can't decide myself. In "Spinout" you'll find two veteran stars in the height of their stardom: Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel in one of her last roles. Also, the man who plays Shelley Fabares' father is Carl Betz who also starred with her as her father on "The Donna Reed Show". So, try to not to knock this movie. It's got great songs and the title tune was a top 40 hit by just that much. So, treat yourself to a swinging film that you just can't understand why Elvis wants to stay single. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Entertaining Golf the Comic Italian Way
This is more of classic Martin & Lewis! They play off each other so well. Here the goofy caddie (read Lewis) becomes the star golfer.

Songs are good, with That's Amore the headliner. Never realized that this song came from this movie.

Lighthearted stuff that is so pleasing a contrast to today's shocking, revolting plots. Very entertaining for the family.

Buy this one!
Really enjoyed Dean Martin's singing! Their acting was more believable in this movie. The 2 comedians looked like they really had fun on this film.

Terrific
Another one of my personal favorites.Along with The Stooge and Cinderfella.I love it when Dean sings That's Amore.But my favorite part is when Jerry's in the store on roller skates with all the dishes and stuff on the shelves!you just know it will all end up on the floor somehow.Hilarious!!

Yet another Martin&Lewis Classic!!
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis have done it again with this timeless classic of a would-be pro golfer seeing what it's like on the pro tour. This film has some of the most timeless tunes ..."That's Amore" first appeared in this movie...

Buy it today....and enjoy it for a lifetime... ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A light hearted fun Elvis movie....
If you haven't seen this movie I would recommend you give it a try! Elvis is very funny in this movie his great sense of humor really shines through. The story line is also very close to how generous he was in his own life. The song performed "Let your self go" is very entertaining. I also enjoyed watching the chemistry between Elvis and Nancy!
The only reason I didn't rate this 5 stars was because I personally didn't enjoy all the racing scenes. Defiantly in my all time top ten favorite Elvis movies!

Bring your groovy selves on home and let yourselves go!
Everything about "Speedway" is as groovy as Elvis always performs. I just love the way Nancy Sinatra performed the song "Your Groovy Self" and the way she moved around as she sang. Nancy's really hot! Bill Bixby was quite hilarious. Elvis' song "Let Yourself Go" is super cool. The scene where Elvis sang "Your Time Hasn't Come Yet, Baby" to the little girl was kind of cute. And the sounds of those roaring engines in the race were very much electrifying. Some of the plots really did show off Elvis' real-life self as the generous and giving person he was. He buys for a friend and his 5 little girls a brand new station wagon, also helps out a troubled waitress with her upcoming wedding. Unfortunately Bixby's character messes everything up for Steve Grayson (Elvis), by betting Steve's money on the horses, instead of paying for those things Elvis bought for his friends, and besides makes an outrageous tax claim form for Steve, with deductions such as perfumed record albums and [money]for air? Oh yes! Lucille Ball's "Mr. Mooney" was kinda funny too and was excellent for the role of the head IRS agent R.W. Hepworth. When I first saw this movie in the theater I cracked up at the "He's Your Uncle, Not Your Dad!" sequence. It was funny it was cool. Just everything about "Speedway" is superbly exciting. But what else could you expect out of a movie that starres the king of rock and roll! And lets not forget Nancy Sinatra who is more than just the icing on that cake. It's not everyday you see such a gorgeous tax collector. I give this film a perfect A+. It's just loaded with the stuff! "Speedway" is an honest to goodness must see.

A cool movie!
ENTERTAINING film with a GREAT looking cover! LETTER-BOXED and restored! I love reading all of the negative reviews here on AMAZON...shows it takes all kinds of people to make a world. These films were made for ELVIS fans and to be ENTERTAINING...I have no idea how someone could even compare ELVIS and NANCY SINATRA to BEN and JENNIFER LOPEZ?

Ok guys, This is a groovy, cool and sexy movie
If Austin powers were really in the groovy 60's. he'd be in this movie. with that said, yeah Elvis was embarrassed here and there but you can't get over how incredibly cool Elvis is in nearly every scene. Sinatra is a bit miscast cus Elvis blows her out of the water. but she adds a little somethin sweet here and there but Elvis is still the victor.

Bill Bixby you guys!! he is great in this movie as Elvis's manager and he is funny from start to finish and his chemistry with Elvis is the best i've seen from an Elvis movie (Ever) not overestimating.
"Your time hasen't come yet baby" is great and "let yourself go" is very cool and Elvis is enjoying himself as if he knows he's making cool look good again since pappa sinatra.
this is one of if not the best Elvis movie during the last 3 years of his films next to a dramatic and very surreal Change of Habbit.

Your Groovy Self
OK, people, we are talking 1968 here. Granted, this movie isn't War and Peace, but was never intended to be. Elvis, by the time this movie was filmed, knew there was no chance of being considered a serious actor, although that was his dream.

The chemistry between Elvis and Nancy Sinatra is very evident...on and off the screne. Great friends and they had a blast making this movie. I recall Nancy saying they would ride around the MGM lot on a bicycle built for two when tour buses would come around and the heads would turn. That sounds like an enjoyable experience to me. The film is enjoyable, funny, and for its time, the racing scenes are action packed.

It doesn't get any better than Nancy singing "Your Groovy Self" with the blonde hair, [lightened around her face more for the movie] and those smokey, almond eyes. WOW!

BTW, Nancy was the only performer to have a solo song included on a Presley album. Impressive and enjoyable.

SPEEDWAY, is a fast paced, fun loving, Elvis flick that just happens to "tickle me". Sorry, couldn't resist. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The promise of "One Hundred Beautiful Girls on Horseback" and a personalappearance by the Tommy Dorsey orchestra are among the enticements of this 1943MGM musical, a typical installment in the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland let's-put-on-a-show genre. Not typical is the quality of the songbook, which trots outsome sublime George and Ira Gershwin tunes: "Embraceable You," "FascinatingRhythm," and a meltingly plaintive Garland solo on "But Not for Me." The plothas rich kid Rooney, energized as usual, sent away to a boys' school in the WildWest as a way of containing his mania (see title). The only gal in town isJudy, the granddaughter of the school's dean. The stars are affectionatelymatched, and musical fans will enjoy the young June Allyson belting out a spunky"Treat Me Rough." Rooney's comedy routine, imitating various radio personalities(including boxing champ Joe Louis), is one of those topical bits that willalmost certainly puzzle viewers today. The director is Norman Taurog, an MGMworkhorse who would later helm many of Elvis Presley's desultory vehicles. BusbyBerkeley staged the rave-up finale to "I Got Rhythm," but the most beguilingproduction number is "Bidin' My Time," sung by Garland and some cowpokes--adroll performance with surrealistic flourishes. Girl Crazy seems nobetter or worse than the average musical of the era, but it was a huge hit, andRooney would never reach this pinnacle of box-office success again. --RobertHorton ... Read more

Reviews (10)

FAST AND FUNNY
In GIRL CRAZY, Rooney and Garland finally grow up, despite the best intentions of a formula which saw them as kids on stage in film after film. Judy plays Ginger Gray, the daughter of a college president. The character Garland once described as "Dorothy Adorable", once given free rein in BABES ON BROADWAY (1941), BABES IN ARMS (1939) or the Andy Hardy movies, has, however, grown more complex. Ginger Gray shows the contradictory and ironic charm of the latter Garland characters, both vulnerable and quick to laugh at herself in a way that the roles as "Dorothy Adorable" hardly suggest. Berkeley films such as BABES IN ARMS & BABES ON BROADWAY had used the familiar "let's put a show on" theme as a glorious excuse for Garland, Rooney and dozens of other chorus folk to concoct variety shows. Although Norman Taurog's (he was Jackie Cooper's uncle) direction and staging of the musical numbers reflected the beginnings of a new style in film musicals, the plot of GIRL CRAZY is completely conventional. Not only are Rooney and Garland featured in virtually every scene, but they usually dominate the frame in Taurog's composition. Tommy Dorsey's orchestra provides the swingy ambience and the musical score is outstanding: "But Not for Me", "I Got Rhythm" "Embraceable You" "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Bidin' My Time" along with 7 others!

Isn't this great!!!!
This CD just came in the mail today. Just popped it in the player and I love it already! Judy's major numbers on this disc are featured on several of her Decca studio recordings, which is where I heard them first. But the original soundtrack performances, as heard here, are the best yet! This is, without a doubt, the best recording of the fabulous Gershwin score (although the 1952 Mary Martin cast album, now the only version in print, is good too). Garland and Rooney always worked so well together. The sound on the disc is wonderful - you'd never know it was made in 1943! All selections are in STEREO (except the Main Title, in monaural), thanks to the (as always) wonderful remastering and remixing job by Rhino/Turner. Unfortunately this disc is out of print, and its a shame that it is (I got my copy via Ebay). Keep an eye open for it, though. No faults with this one; it's great! As another reviewer states, these are quite possibly some of the greatest numbers ever put on film and disc!

One song in particular makes this movie special
I'm giving this film 5 stars based on one particular song in the film: "Bidin' my time". This performance by Judy just knocked my socks off when I caught it some time ago on late-night television. The rest of the film is fine too, but I'm a nut about music (all music from classical to rock) and after hearing this particular rendition I just had to own it. There's something different about how she and her group perform this song. I don't quite know how to describe it but it caught my interest immediately. It seems somehow ahead of its time. Anyway, that particular performance is just a joy to watch. I noticed that the commercial review had also picked up on this particular song.

Some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here
I ignored this movie for years thinking it was just another over-exuberant essay in the over-abundant MGM collection of sappy adolescent musicals. I'm glad that listening to an English revival of the original musical finally motivated me to watch it, because some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here. Busby Berkeley started as the director but was replaced for supposedly tyrannical behavior. His production numbers appear at the end and are quite amazing, choreographing "I've Got Rhythm" with guns and bullwhips. All the numbers on this movie are quite exceptional, in particular "Biding My Time" one of the Gershwin brothers' finest and most surprising tunes, but also "Treat Me Rough" and "Could You Use Me". And the arrangements are some of the best I've ever heard, anticipating the harmonies of the Hi-Los and the Four Freshmen by a decade and a half. Judy has never looked prettier nor sung as purely and Mickey pulls out all the stops without (well, almost) going over the top. He even plays a terrific piano solo, with Tommy Dorsey! I never get tired of watching this movie. It's an explosion of pure pleasure.

The fun never stops...
This is Mickey and Judy's best film together. They play off each other wonderfully and Judy's laughter is infectious. But it's the GREAT musical score that makes "Girl Crazy" a movie to go crazy about. This was their last starring feature together (she went on to bigger things in the years following) so get it, tuck it away and keep it for a rainy day when you need a reminder of how talented this screen duo was. ... Read more

Description

Mistaken identity and crossed heart strings result when a cheerful, out-of-work salesgirl is mistaken for the mother of an abandoned infant.Although she tries to explain the situation at first, she is soon singing a different tune when the baby helps her win back her job, win over the boss's son and discover her own maternal instincts.This musical version of Ginger Rogers' classic, Bachelor Mother (1939), is the only film to team America's favorite newlyweds of the 1950s, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Year: 1956 Director: Norman Taurog Starring:Eddie Fiher, Debbie Reynolds, Adolphe Menjou, Tommy Noonan, Nita Talbot, Una Merkel ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A not so funny musical comedy
This movie aired recently on TCM. It was a remake of Bachelor Mother which starred Ginger Rogers. Bachelor Mother was considerably better than this dud.

Basically the script is quite poor and not very funny. Eddie Fisher, while possesing a nice voice, just doesn't cut it as an actor. Debbie Reynolds does her usual good job but she simply can't carry this movie out of its mediocrity.

I feel I was quite generous in giving this movie two stars.

loved it, it was joyful
Bundle of Joy (1956) 98 minutes

Director: Norman Taurog Studio: Turner Home Video
Adolphe Menjou, Una Merkel, Tommy Noonan, Debbie Reynolds, Eddie Fisher

Debbie Reynolds playing as Polly Parrish has a job at a department store and gets fired for selling too much merchandise. People end up bringing the merchandise back the next day. When she got fired she was walking home looking at the hiring agencies window for a job. When she proceeded down the street she found a baby on the steps of a foundling agency. The people walked out and saw that she had left the baby, so they thought. The people at the agency talked to the big boss at her job and explained why she needed her job back. She tried to tell the people that this was not her baby, but no one would listen. She took the baby in and loved him like only a mother would. The boss, Dan Merlin got involved and wanted to help her.

Everyone she tried to tell the story too did not believe her or she would just stop because it sounded crazy that something like this would happen to anyone.

This was a fairytale of sorts, kind of like Cinderella. This movie was in color, but was in black and white before. Bundle of Joy is a classical and a musical in one.

Dan fell in love with the fact that she was able to do such a selfless act. Polly and Dan got married so she did not have to work anymore. I thought this movie was great and had a lot of heart and soul to it. It was a feel good movie. It makes me want to think that good thing do happen to people.

I give this movie , because it had so much to give to the audience. It would be a great movie to take to you Grand-mothers house and enjoy with her.

Not just for "little" girls
This is a great movie. Some romance, but not so it's overwhelming. You'll get some good laughs out if it too. I believe in some other reviews they tell you the plot, so I won't give that away here. This isn't just a good movie for "little" girls. I'm a "mature" teen, (heh, ask my mom) and I loved it. I saw it on TCM and thought it was wonderfully done for the fifties. Unfortunately I missed the first 10 minutes or so...but hope to see it sometime in the future. It's a great buy, even though the price is rather high. (I rhyme!^_~) I definitely reccomend this movie!

Great movie for little girls!
I fell in love with this movie as a young girl. It has been one of my favorites ever since and is now one of my 10 year old sister's favorites. It's a great movie that I'll definitely share with my kids.

delightful comedy classic
A remake of the 1930's BUNDLE OF JOY, this also bears simularity to film BABY BOOM, made decades later, about a woman who dosen't want a child but ends up raising one anyway. Debbie Reynolds plays a woman who is fired from her job at a department store around Christmas time, who finds a baby boy in a basket at the door of a shelter. She takes the infant in, expecting the workers to take care of it, only to find, much to her dismay, that they think she is the mother.(This film was made before women could simply give an unwanted child up for adoption.) Convincing them it's not hers is made all the more difficult by the fact that, when in one of my favorite scenes, she gives the baby to a woman working at the shelter, saying,"This is NOT my baby!" and the baby starts crying and screaming when he's taken away from Debbie Reynolds, but imedietly calms down after being put back into Reynold's arms. She finally manages to leave the child and walk out before they can give him back to her, thinking she's gotten off the hook, but they soon find out where she worked, and, beliving that she'd abandoned the child as a result of losing her job, they convince her boss to rehire her. Reynolds is delighted at first when she finds out she's got her job back, but not when she finds out the baby comes with it, and that she's going to be his new mother whether she likes it or not. Definetly worth seeing. ... Read more