90 Of My Favorite Musicals
Some may disagree with my choices, but these are the ones I grew up watching and enjoying. I have not listed them in any particular order but only put the ones I really like on the list.
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- DirectorH. Bruce HumberstoneStarsKathryn GraysonGordon MacRaeSteve CochranShiek Yousseff, poses as a friend of the French while secretly plotting to overthrow them. Apposing Yousseff are the Riffs, whose secret leader, The Red Shadow, is Paul Bonnard, a professor who is studying the desert, and whose attacks on the supply trains intended for Yousseff keep the Riff villages in food. Foreign Legion General Birabeau arrives to conduct an investigation, accompanied by his daughter, Margot. Birabeau hires Bonnard to tutor her, and she is attracted to a Legionaire captain, Claud Fontaine. While the general, Bonnard and Fontaine pay a visit to Yousseff, an American newspaper man, Benji Kidd, discovers a secret way in and out of Yousseff's palace, with the aid of Azuri, a dancing girl in love with Bonnard. The latter is forced to resume his role as the Riffs leader, and kidnap Margot until he can convince her of Yousseff's treachery. But Yousseff's men attack the Riff camp and take Margot prisoner.Originally a play with music by Sigmund Romberg this movie has been remade several times. The desert chief who sweeps a beautiful girl off her feet, brings down an evil sheik and brings peace to the desert. What's not to like? Featuring the songs "The Desert Song", "One Alone", "The Riff Song" and "One Flower", this is a keeper.
- DirectorStanley DonenGene KellyStarsGene KellyDonald O'ConnorDebbie ReynoldsA silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood.This look at early Hollywood, with outstanding performances by Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds and Jean Hagen has to be one of the funniest and most appealing musicals ever made. The adoption of sound into films ended the careers of many of Hollywood's top actors because of accents or odd voices. This film is both sympathetic and funny about the whole thing. Features the title song, "All I Do Is Dream Of You", "Good Morning" and the hilarious "Make 'Em Laugh."
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsAnn BlythEdmund PurdomJohn EricsonA prince has a romance with a barmaid before he must give up personal happiness for duty.Another of Sigmund Romberg's plays brought to life by the beautiful Ann Blyth and Edmund Purdom. The stuck-up and socially inept Prince goes to Heidelberg to attend college and learn to "play well with others". He meets the barmaid Kathy and they fall in love. But it is to be unrequited since he is a Royal and she is a commoner. Though not a big hit at the box office and rarely seen today it features a number of beautiful songs including "Drink, Drink, Drink", "Golden Days", "I'll Walk With God" and my all time favorite "Serenade."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStanley DonenStarsHoward KeelAnn BlythDolores GrayA roguish poet is given the run of the scheming Wazir's harem while pretending to help him usurp the young caliph.The story of a man who, through the use of his wits, goes, in one day, from being a starving beggar to an Emir. Featuring the music of Alexander Borodin (along with some original songs), the ever beautiful Ann Blyth, Howard Keel, sexy Dolores Gray and Vic Damone it is a fun film. Features "Stranger in Paradise", "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" and "This is My Beloved."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsFred AstaireCyd CharisseOscar LevantAn aging movie star uncertain of his future teams up with a top ballerina to headline a new Broadway musical, but the pretentiously artistic goals of its director threaten to change it beyond recognition.Take one down-and-out dancer, add a gorgeous ballet star, toss in a couple of comedians, stir in some great music (including the show-stopper "That's Entertainment") and you have the Band Wagon. Filmed at a time when Fred Astaire's career was going nowhere it gave the lovely Cyd Charisse her first big movie break. Nanette Fabray and Oscar Levant brought in a lot of laughs. A box office smash it helped rekindle Fred's career and launched Cyd as a dancing star. Features "Triplets", "I Love Louisa", "Louisiana Hayride" and "Dancing In The Dark."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy HollidayDean MartinFred ClarkA Brooklyn answering service operator becomes involved in the lives of her clients, including a struggling playwright with whom she begins to fall in love.Starring Judy Holliday, who recreated her Broadway role, and Dean Martin, "Bells" tells the story of the telephone operator who works for the "Susanswerphone" telephone answering service and uses her knowledge of her customers to help them out. She meets and falls in love with "Plaza Oh, double four, double three" (Dean Martin) and, through a set of hilarious circumstances saves the day. Features the title song, "I Just Met A Girl", "The Party's Over", "A Simple Little System" and "Drop That name."
- DirectorPeter H. HuntStarsWilliam DanielsHoward Da SilvaKen HowardA musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence.This highly dramatized version of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence is gripping. Even though you know that the Declaration will get signed the tensions and infighting are intriguing. Add in some stirring music and you have a good show. Features "He Plays A Violin", "Mama, Look Sharp", "Cool Considerate Men" and "Do You See What I See?"
- DirectorWilford LeachStarsKevin KlineAngela LansburyLinda RonstadtAfter a young man leaves a band of pirates, hilarity ensues.This version of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic is full of good music. Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith all do a great job and you get the feeling that every one involved had fun while making it. Features "The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General", "A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One", "Poor Wandering One" and "I Am The Pirate King."
- DirectorTay GarnettStarsBing CrosbyRhonda FlemingCedric HardwickeA singing mechanic from 1912 finds himself in Arthurian Britain.This heavily rewritten version of the Mark Twain tale is long on music and humor and short on heavy drama. Bing as the singing time-traveling Yankee romances the gorgeous "Lady Alisande" (Rhonda Fleming) while William Bendix, as the bumbling Sir Sagramore and Sir Cedric Hardwicke as King Arthur add laughs. Features "When Is Someday?", "Busy Doing Nothing" and "Once And For Always."
- DirectorMark SandrichRobert AllenStarsBing CrosbyFred AstaireMarjorie ReynoldsAt an inn which is open only on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.This holiday classic needs no introduction. Starring both Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire there is something here for everyone. Loaded with Irving Berlin songs, including the first time Bing sang "White Christmas" it is both tuneful and fun. Features the title song, "Be Careful, It's My Heart", "Happy Holidays" and "Kissing The Old Year Out."
- DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczStarsMarlon BrandoJean SimmonsFrank SinatraIn New York, a gambler is challenged to take a cold female missionary to Havana, but they fall for each other, and the bet has a hidden motive to finance a crap game.This tale of the two gamblers who are reformed by their ladies is fun all around. Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine and Stubby Kaye are in full voice with Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando doing a creditable job as well. Features "A Woman In Love", "Luck Be A Lady Tonight", "The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game" "Fugue For Tinhorns" and "Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsMichael DouglasTerrence MannMichael BlevinsHopefuls try out before a demanding director for a part in a new musical.Differing considerably from the play, due to the staging and the use of movie tricks, it still captures the essence of the story and almost all the music. The background stories of the performers give you an insight into just how much work, worry and effort go into becoming a Broadway star. Features "I Hope I Get It", "I Can Do That", "What I Did For Love" and "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three".
- DirectorGeorge SidneyJoseph BarberaWilliam HannaStarsFrank SinatraKathryn GraysonGene KellyA pair of sailors on leave try to help a movie extra become a singing star.Starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and the ever beautiful Kathryn Grayson this is a fun romp with a lot of good music thrown in. This is the one where Gene Kelly dances with Jerry the Mouse of Tom and Jerry fame. Two sailors on leave in California meet a girl and her orphaned nephew. One (Frank) falls in love with her but is too shy to let her know. The other (Gene) also falls in love with her but defers to his buddy. One of the several teamings of Frank and Gene. Features "Jealousy", "She Begged Me" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily."
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsAileen QuinnAlbert FinneyCarol BurnettA spunky young orphan is taken in by a rich eccentric, much to the chagrin of the cantankerous woman who runs the orphanage.This almost makes you believe the sun will come out tomorrow and everything will be OK. Aileen Quinn does a credible job as Annie but it is Carol Burnett who steals the show. Albert Finney makes a good Daddy Warbucks and the rest of cast fit right in. Differing from the stage play in a number of ways it is still fun to watch. Features "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow", "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile" and "Little Girls."
- DirectorHenry LevinStarsPat BooneShirley JonesDolores MichaelsA young man visiting his relatives' farm in Kentucky falls in love with their neighbor.Pat Boone was a much better singer than an actor but this film was tailored to him and he does a good job. A "Juvenile Delinquent" who is sent to live with his uncle and aunt on the farm, the city kid learns to fit in in the country. Mix in the ever lovely Shirley Jones and some decent music and you have a movie straight out of the heart of the 1950s. Features the title song, "You've Got to do it Yourself" and "Bentonville Fair."
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsGene KellyVan JohnsonCyd CharisseTwo Americans on a hunting trip in Scotland become lost. They encounter a small village, not on the map, called Brigadoon, in which people harbor a mysterious secret, and behave as if they were still living two hundred years in the past.A magical Scottish village that only appears for one day every hundred years is discovered by two American hunters (Gene Kelly and Van Johnson). During the course of the day they save the village from disaster and Gene falls in love with the beautiful Fiona (Cyd Charisse) but he can't stay in the village as its day ends. A good, old fashioned love story with good music. Features the title song, "Go Home With Bonny Jean", "The Heather On The Hill" and "What A Day This Has Been."
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsJudy GarlandFred AstairePeter LawfordA nightclub performer hires a naive chorus girl to become his new dance partner to make his former partner jealous and to prove he can make any partner a star.Another of the films loaded with Irving Berlin songs this one is a lot of fun. When a dancer (Fred Astaire) loses his partner (Ann Miller) he, like Pygmalion, picks a girl (Judy Garland) at random and sets out to make her a star. Lots of Berlin songs and Astaire dances. Features the title song, "I Want to Go Back to Michigan" and "Drum Crazy."
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsDick Van DykeAnn-MargretJanet LeighA rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his "farewell" television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted.This spoof of the furor that arose upon the drafting of Elvis into the US Army is loaded with laughs. Dick Van Dyke and Paul Lynde reprise their stage roles to great effect while Bobby Rydell and Ann-Margret add plenty of teen-age angst. Janet Leigh is beautiful as ever but she seemed out of place. This is a fun movie with several songs that became standards. Features the title song, "One Boy", "Kids" and "Put On A Happy Face."
- DirectorStanley DonenStarsJosé FerrerMerle OberonHelen TraubelBiographic movie about the American composer Sigmund Romberg.This is a biopic of the life of Sigmund Romberg and is, as such, full of his music. There are a number of short segments taken from his shows, including "The Desert Song", "Maytime", "The Student Prince" and others. José Ferrer does a good job and performs one of the funniest routines I have ever seen in the "Jazza Jazza Doo Doo" segment.
- DirectorNorman JewisonStarsTopolNorma CraneLeonard FreyIn pre-revolutionary Russia, a Jewish peasant with traditional values contends with marrying off three of his daughters with modern romantic ideals while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village.Starring Topol in the role that Zero Mostel originated on Broadway this look at the life of a Jewish community in Pre-WW2 Russia is wonderful. Touching, funny and sad in turn it is an emotional roller-coaster with some beautiful songs including "Sunrise, Sunset", "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Tradition".
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsFred AstairePetula ClarkTommy SteeleAn Irish immigrant and his daughter move into a town in the American South with a magical piece of gold that will change people's lives, including a struggling farmer and African American citizens threatened by a bigoted politician.Starring Fred Astaire in his last musical this movie will offend many people with its looks at racism, cigarettes and other hot button issues. Ably aided by Petula Clark as his daughter, Fred is Finian McLonergan who has stolen a pot of gold from a Leprechaun in Ireland and brought it to America. As the Leprechaun tries to get his gold back there are all sorts of complications and laughs. Features "Look To The Rainbow", "The Idle Rich" and, my favorite, "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?"
- DirectorDavid SwiftStarsRobert MorseMichele LeeRudy ValleeArmed with the titular manual, an ambitious window washer seeks to climb the corporate ladder.Robert Morse and Rudy Vallee reprise their Broadway roles in this tale of a window washer who rises to the chairmanship of a company thanks to a little book full of instructions and the incompetency of his co-workers. Features the songs “I Believe In You”, “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” and “Rosemary.” One of the funniest musicals ever.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsKathryn GraysonAva GardnerHoward KeelThe daughter of a riverboat captain falls in love with a charming gambler, but their fairy tale romance is threatened after his luck turns sour.In this first teaming of Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson, Keel plays riverboat gambler Gaylord Ravenal who woos and wins the heart of Magnolia Hawks (Grayson). He takes her away from her parents who run the show boat and, when his luck turns bad, he abandons her, not knowing that she is pregnant. Plenty of Jerome Kern music including “Make Believe” and the haunting “Old Man River.”
- DirectorGeorge AbbottStanley DonenStarsTab HunterGwen VerdonRay WalstonA frustrated fan of the hopeless Washington Senators makes a pact with the Devil to help the baseball team win the league pennant.Joe Boyd is an avid baseball fan and makes a deal with the devil, played by Ray Walston, to become young and to be the best ballplayer that ever lived. The devil, helped by the sexy Lola (Gwen Verdon) has some dirty tricks in mind. Includes “Heart” and “Two Lost Souls” in the song roster.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsKathryn GraysonHoward KeelAnn MillerAn ex-husband and wife team star in a musical version of 'The Taming of the Shrew'; off-stage, the production is troublesome with ex-lovers' quarrels and two gangsters looking for some money owed to them.In this second teaming of Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson they play divorced (but still somewhat in love) actors Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi who, in this play within a play, are attempting to put on Shakespeare’s “The Taming Of The Shrew”. Lots of good Cole Porter songs including “Wunderbar”, “So In Love” and “We Open In Venice”. Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore as bumbling hoodlums have some of the best lines while Ann Miller does a tap dance that has to be seen to be believed.