This is a channel dedicated to my love of musicals and movies from the 40s through 70s, be they classics, B-movies, or rarely seen clips from those classics. No matter what, they've entertained me (and you!).
The great Harve Presnell. He left a burgeoning opera career for musicals, mostly onstage. I was lucky to see him as a young kid in Annie Get Your Gun, New York, 1978. A very powerful stage performer! Sadly, we lost him to pancreatic cancer at a young 75. Rest in Peace, Mr. Presnell.
I remember before I saw the movie of the musical with my family I was already familiar with the music from the Broadway cast CD I borrowed from the library. I remember I was initially disappointed when I first saw the movie due to the fact that only a small amount of songs from the Broadway show made it into the movie. This show stopping number definitely makes up for the large percent of the songs that were cut.
The sun was shining brightly over the grand estate as Janelle Monae stood on stage, surrounded by the Beethoven Academy Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Schmidt. The air was filled with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaited the performance of "It Might As Well Be Spring," a fusion of Napoleonic corporate pop and 19th-century regency era fantasy. As the music began, a delicate piano melody filled the air, creating a tense and emotional atmosphere. The airy piano notes were soon joined by warm and elegant strings, pulsating rhythm, and suspenseful drum beats. The combination of these elements created a dangerous yet poignant vibe, setting the stage for what was to come. Janelle's powerful voice soared over the music, adding a quirky and unique touch to the performance. The synth and guitar blended seamlessly, adding an extra layer of depth to the already intricate composition. The audience was captivated, unable to tear their eyes away from the stage. As the song reached its climax, the tension in the air was palpable. The haunting and epic percussion added a sense of urgency to the music, building towards the inevitable climax. The clash of cymbals added a sense of finality to the piece, signaling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Just when it seemed like the music couldn't get any more intense, a smooth and gently guitar riff added a new dimension to the song. The anthem-like quality of the music filled the air, creating a sense of majesty and nobility that was impossible to ignore. The audience was on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what was to come next. As the song reached its triumphant conclusion, the timpani and melodic strings came together in a crescendo of sound. The imperial and triumphant beats resonated throughout the venue, filling the air with a sense of victory and triumph. The noble and regal quality of the music was undeniable, leaving everyone in awe of the talent on display. As the final notes faded away, the audience erupted into applause, unable to contain their excitement. Janelle Monae and the Beethoven Academy Orchestra took their final bows, a sense of accomplishment and pride washing over them. The performance had been a masterpiece, a true testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift. As Janelle Monae and Walk The Moon took the stage for the reprise of "It Might As Well Be Spring," the energy in the air was electric. The fusion of corporate pop with modern indie alternative created a sound that was both familiar and unique, a blend of past and present that resonated with everyone in the audience. The performance was nothing short of magical, a reminder of the power of music to transport us to another time and place. As the final notes of the song faded away, the audience was left feeling inspired and motivated, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. As Maestro Schmidt took his final bow, a sense of gratitude washed over him. The performance had been a success, a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved. As the audience filed out of the venue, the music of "It Might As Well Be Spring" lingered in the air, a reminder of the beauty and power of music to unite us all.
Betty hutton does it a million times better. Judy Garland looks like a theatre performance to entertain, amaze and past time. Betty Hutton feels like the character and feels real, a life story rather than a performance
Hutton did a decent job and acquitted herself well in a tough situation, but the film is not memorable or “magical” because Hutton was super hammy and over the top. Garland had the right idea: play Oakley as a real human being (with songs inserted). At the time, though, Garland was visibly ill and off her game. The score deserved a superb singer like Garland. Hutton was fun but had none of Garland’s charisma or vocals. A healthy Judy, with five more pounds on her frame? The film would have been one of her classics like Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade, Harvey Girls, Girl Crazy, For Me and … well, anything. She was not fit to tackle this, abuse or no abuse, but Hutton did well. Few remember or praise the film, though.
Judy Garland was just not right for this role. Annie was this brash, in your face, rough and tumble character that was just not suited to Judy Garland's talents. Plus she was not in any shape to take on this demanding part. She also had a phobia of guns and horses in a movie that featured them both prominently. It was so wrong to expect her to carry this off. At any rate, Betty Hutton seemed the perfect choice for Annie. I don't think any actress could have done better than her in that role.
First time for me watching any part of this movie. Music by Meredith Wilson (the Music Man)? I can hear that. Also, somehow this reminds me of Oliver. Even though I've no familiarity with this film, it seems so familiar. I was 10 in 1964 - watched early musicals and Hayley Mills films.
Let's not forget that I read where the studio offered it to Betty Garrett but she balked at signing a seven year contract. Betty was really good in the films she did do.
Incredible vocal. I understand this was cut from the Original Broadway Show. We are blessed it was inserted back to the film version to hear the glorious baritone of Harve Presnell.
I learned this song in middle school chorus class. Over 50 years later I can still sing all the words. Living on the west coast, every time I’ve met an Iowan I’ve sung this song to them. Not a single one’d ever heard it before 😂
My opinion is that Judy was never taught how to play through method acting. She used to waste herself emotionally to the null instead of using acting techniques to spare herself. And of course "they" should have cared of her better by giving her vacations and asking her what she wants to play ones in a while.
The tune"I Ain't Down Yet?" later became the theme song for The Sonny Fox and Bob McAllister versions of WNEW TV Ch.5 NYC's popular sunday morning kids tv variety show:"Wonderama!".
Betty did an amazing job, it couldn’t have been bettered, it may have been different. Try showing some acceptance that both were brilliant and it’s not a competition. Betty was Annie… simple as that
Ever since I was little this song has been a favorite. Thank you for posting this in it's entirety. Most people leave out the "great whore invasion" thank you for leaving it in!
This is one of two songs that were written especially for the movie. The other one as he's my friend. They only use the small amount of songs from the original show in the movie. I remember I was initially disappointed about the small amount of songs from the Broadway show included in the movie but I was blown away by he's my friend.
I'm sure this song was in the original show at one point but was cut, maybe before the opening. It is not on the cast album or the printed script, but is included in the full vocal score.
I play this song for my cat, because she's my best friend. She's my only friend actually. A weird old lady and her cat. You've heard the story a million times. I love this song.
This is such a sweet movie. It makes me sad that our world is so jaded and cynical and Godless that this movie would not be considered relevant or entertaining today.
I wish i would fall in love with bear,Tutter,Treelo,Ojo and pip and pop from Jim Henson's bear inthe big blue house uh maybe it is grand day for big blue house almost❤