All tagged Call Me Madam
An old school musical comedy that was not only a perfect star vehicle for an over-the-top leading lady, but also a fine example of a lost art of comedy filled with melody, romance, and pure joy, was the 1950 Broadway outing Call Me Madam. Starring the indelible Ethel Merman, and brimming with a parade of terrific Irving Berlin tunes, Call Me Madam may have had a corny plot, but it provided a night of carefree, escapist theatergoing.
There are many movie musicals that were not perfect. For one reason or another, they just don't delight audiences the way big hits like Singin' in the Rain, The Sound of Music, or West Side Story do. That's perfectly fine; not every outing is going to be a hit. There are, however, several movie musicals that may have missed the mark, but managed to still have moments of beauty and magic. Today's column explores eight movie musicals that deserve a second look.
A month ago, I wrote a piece on the anti-love song, exploring the bitter and the scorned characters of Broadway musicals. With Valentine's Day just a few days away, I suppose I should provide an antidote to all the vitriol and tears. Since the straightforward love song is not particularly my bag, I have decided to celebrate Hallmark's pay dirt by reveling in my ten favorite musical comedy duets about love. It's not as romantic a topic, but infinitely more sincere and satisfying.
