Friday, August 31, 2018

favorite movie #32: guys and dolls

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #32 - Guys and Dolls (1955) - There is so much to love about this musical. Its New York City setting, the wise-racking Damon Runyon characters, the bright colors and costumes, the wonderful cast, and of course the great songs and dance numbers. But for me, what takes Guys and Dolls over the top is Marlon Brando, at his sexiest and most charming. He was at the peak of his popularity when this film was made, and Frank Sinatra couldn't talk the producers into giving him the role of Sky Masterson when Gene Kelly, their first choice, was unavailable. They wanted Brando. And thank goodness for that, as he was perfect for the role and even did his own singing. Sinatra was great as Nathan Detroit, but apparently was no fan of Brando during filming. Oh well. Any petty personality issues were definitely left in the dressing room, as this filmed version of the great musical is a joy to watch. Members of the Broadway cast were also on board, including Vivian Blaine as Miss Adelaide, Stubby Kaye as Nicely Nicely, B.S. Pully as Big Jule ("from Chicago!"), and Johnny Silver as Benny Southstreet. British actress Jean Simmons does a nice job as Sister Sarah Brown, Skye's love interest, and does her own singing as well.


When a guy wears tails with the front gleaming white Who the hell do you think he's tickling pink on Saturday night?
Pet Me Poppa
In other words, Just from waiting around, For that little band of gold, A person can develop a cold
Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) tries to convince Skye Masterson (Marlon Brando) to bet on Lindy's cheesecake
That bacardi flavor, it certainly makes a difference, doesn't it?
Your eyes are the eyes of a woman in love...
Luck if you've ever been a lady to begin with ...

I dreamed last night I was on the boat to heaven ...



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