CALL ME MADAM
The feature film for June is CALL ME MADAM, originally a Broadway smash hit Irving Berlin musical… filled with rollicking songs, lots of good cheer, and presenting Ethel Merman in one of her greatest roles. Merman, a brassy, sassy, grand dame if there ever was one, originated her role in the stage version. Famous for so many other musicals, this is the only one where she was asked by Hollywood to star in the film version, other than in Anything Goes, twenty years earlier. CALL ME MADAM is a book musical in the classic tradition of a big, if not huge, production. The stage version called for 46 different cast performers. This film version uses hundreds.
Merman is supported by Donald O Connor in perhaps his greatest role opposite Vera Ellen, a bright and perky addition to any film. The two dance so well together one can only wonder why MGM never paired them again. Then there is George Sanders, as charming a character as can be found in this film. He’s strong enough to hold his own with Merman, no mean feat.
The whole thing is one big spoof on the world of government, including Congress, the State Department, and international affairs. This is one film you shouldn’t miss. Berlin’s tunes are so magnificent you’ll want to get up and dance with O Connor and Ellen. It will run at Old City Hall on June 15th at 7 PM.