Call Me Madam
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Movie Reviews of Call Me Madam
Movie Review: A musical treasure
Summary: 5 Stars
Sure, this is not the best musical ever, but it deserves to be a classic. Ethel Merman gave a loud and stagey performance that works oddly well in this film, perhaps due to Walter Lang's direction. Her Golden Globe win for this film is more than deserving. "The King and I" may be Lang's most acclaimed film, but I think "Call Me Madam" is his best work.
This may not be Irvin Berlin's best work, but the score is constantly listenable and the songs are delightful. The witty script alone is enough reason to recommend this film. Adding to the film is the great dancing duets by Vera-Ellen and Donald O'Connor.
Many people rates "You are just in Love" as the highlight of the film, but my favourite musical number is "The Ocarina", featuring Vera-Ellen in her only dance solo here and an energetic ensemble. Though it is a small-scale performance, the choreography is lovely and the cinematography makes it spectacular to watch.
Another musical number to take note is Donald O'Connor's solo "What chance Have I". Though best known for his show-stopping solo "Make Them Laugh" in "Singin' in the Rain", this number is equally(If not, more) impressive. Wrecking havoc in wine cellar in such an elegant manner, and not to mention his wonderful dancing. I also felt that his best performance was in "There's No Business Like Show Business". With that, O'Connor(along with Ethel Merman) is probably one of the most under-rated actors ever to work in Hollywood.
This film also give George Sanders a rare opportunity to play a Mr. Nice Guy, and he is surprisingly just as charming as the boyish O'Connor. I am not too sure if he did is own singing, but either way, it is still good. I highly recommend this musical to any musical lover.
Movie Review: Donald O'Connor and Ethel Merman...Great Chemistry!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the kind of quality film I'd kept hoping to see Donald O'Connor in after his bravura performance in "Singin' In The Rain." In whatever vehicle Donald appeared, whether it was his movies as a child or teenager, or as an adult, he always shone brightly ("A glittering, glowing star in the cinema firmament," to quote Lina Lamont!), even if the material was not top notch -- and unfortunately, much of his material was beneath his great skill. In "Singin' in the Rain" he proved he was worthy of great "A" material -- and he proves it again here. At the risk of gushing too much, a documentary on O'Connor says that his name spelled backwards was Talent! Amen to that. Here, he proves it. One is tempted to irreverantly murmer, "Fred and Ginger WHO?" when he and Vera-Ellen dance together. And O'Connor and Ethel Merman are absolutely wonderful together, too. The duet they perform, "You're Just In Love" is already being worn thin on my DVD from repeated viewing! Ethel Merman is an acquired taste, usually, but in this film she's just plain fun from beginning to end. Funny note: Donald O'Connor had to wear ear plugs during this scene and others with Merman because of her sterophonic lungs! Great movie, well worth the long wait for its release...don't miss it!Movie Review: LOvED IT
Summary: 5 Stars
I am SO happy that it is on DVD! I can't wait to get it! This is one of my personal favourite musicals of all time.There is SO many GREAT songs in this musical! I loved the performances of everyone in it! It's quite rare to have SUCH a perfect cast.. I'm sure you'd all agree when I say that I wouldn't change ANY one cast member.
Although Ethel (God Bless good old Ethel); is the 'main character', Donald O'Conner has probably got the best songs! So he has probably got the best role, although billed second.
One of my favourite scenes is the dance that Vera-Ellen and Donald O'conner do (she wears the most BEAUTIFUL dress!!!) It is a stunning number. Vera-Ellen is just gorgeous.
Another memorable moment is when Ethel's character (Mrs Sally Adams) is presented to 'his highness' at a ball. She walks perfectly to his throne and goes to bow.. then she falls over. It's the most hilarious thing I've ever seen.
If you are thinking of getting this DVD but arent quite sure, just GET IT! It's a beautiful musical. Don't want to ruin the movie for anyone who hasnt seen it but, I assuse you, you won't be dissapointed! A great family film with lots of comedy, romance and som of the greatest songs of our time!
Movie Review: The brassiest and just about the best!
Summary: 5 Stars
A huge hit on the Broadway stage, "Call Me Madam" was brought to the screen with Ethel Merman allowed to recreate her role of Sally Adams, legendary Washington hostess, named as American Ambassador to a fictional European duchy. The Irving Berlin score is endlessly melodic and listenable and performed with panache by the leads (Vera-Ellen's songs are dubbed by a well-matched voice double), including George Sanders revealing a surprisingly lyrical bass-baritone. Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen deliver with some of the best dance duets since Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire's halcyon days at RKO, and both get a chance to shine in solo dance numbers, including a spectacular "Orcarina" production extravaganza with Vera and a fantastically well-rehearsed chorus of colorfully costumed dancers.Twentieth lavished class "A" production values on this delight and Alfred Newman's Oscar for Best Adapted Musical Score was eminently well-deserved. What a pleasure to welcome this back from its long exile in the vaults of favorite movie musical memories!
Movie Review: To Answer the Format Quesation
Summary: 5 Stars
I had been looking forward with anticipation for the release of CALL ME MADAM and now it is here. Like many fans of this movie we may wounder why this DVD is in Full Screen Format. Well some investagating on my part found the answer. While Cinamascope was the widescreen format of choice for 20th Centry Fox the stdio that made CALL ME MADAM. it was for some reasion Not shot in WIDESCREEN, in fact it is the last NON-Cinamascope Musical made by FOX n the 50's. The year folling the release of Call Me Madam the studio Released There's No Business Like Show Business, also staring Ms Merman and that was in WideScreen photographed by the same cinamatographer. But we have this new DVD. It is a good time and is fun and full of energy. And it is one of only two roles Merman had played on Broadway that she was given the opportunity to Play on the screen, the other film is ANYTHING GOES made in the 30's. So if you are a fan then you will want to get this DVD.