I really want to see this movie! The Affairs of Dobie Gillis. I caught the end of it on TCM the other day so now I know how it ends... but I'd like to see the whole thing! I mean, it's got Bob Fosse and Bobby Van together in a movie! That's just magical!
Showing posts with label Bobby Van. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Van. Show all posts
Monday, October 10, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Were there more than 24 hours a day...
I really liked that comparing covers of songs in movies post I did a little while back, so I'm going to do another one today. This one is going to be kind of funny (well, I think it's funny) because I'm comparing "All I Do Is Dream of You," sung by Debbie Reynolds to "All I Do Is Dream of You".... sung by Debbie Reynolds! Okay, so I have an odd sense of humor. Nothing you didn't already know.
The first version is from Singin' In the Rain and is sung by Debbie Reynolds and a chorus of girls. This one is, by far, the more famous of the two versions. (Just click on the picture and it will take you to the video. YouTube wouldn't let me embed.)
I love this scene because it really sounds like a 1920's song. It's so raucous and crazy and I love the dancing in it! And ever since I was little, I've loved the "cat's meow" part. Anyway, you can't hear the lyrics very well in this version which works with the scene because no one is singing it with feeling - they're nightclub performers singing at a party. Their voices reflect this too as they all have that raucous nightclub-y type of voice. This isn't a scene to show off the girls' singing pipes; it's to show off their dancing style and their nice bodies in those cute little outfits. The song works as a vehicle to show what kind of a job Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds) has in this film and acts as a comedic foil to the highbrow way in which she treats Gene Kelly in the previous scene.
Now, for the second version. This one is from The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, which was released a year later, and it's sung by Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van:
I find it kind of funny that one of the first comments below the video is "what an innocent time." But it really does explain the feel for this version of the song. It's very laid-back, very quiet, and much more intimate than the other version. It's sung in a way where you can actually hear the lyrics and it sounds more like a love song than in the previous version. There's nothing to distract you from the song (except the awesome harmonizing of Bobby Van - I love that!). This version is far from raucous and acts as a message to the audience on what kind of a relationship this couple has. In fact, it kind of makes me want to have a boy to go on a boat with, who'll play the ukulele and harmonize while I sing...
There was actually a third version of this song that was filmed but suffered as an outtake in Singin' in the Rain. Gene Kelly sang it and it's very different from both versions, although it's a little more similar to the second version. You can preview it here at last.fm. The song is, to me, a good deal sexier than either of the other two versions, probably because Gene Kelly is singing it and Gene Kelly is just sexy all-around, his voice not excluded. I know that somewhere, somewhere is a picture of Gene holding a pillow and I'm pretty sure it's from this scene. If that's the case, then that adds an extra bit of romance and whatnot to the scene as he's really thinking of her right before he goes to bed. Furthermore, this scene (which sadly, of all of them, never made the cut) best emulates the song. If I'm not mistaken, the scene was supposed to fit just after Kathy leaves Don at the party, after the cake throwing incident. It's a shame that the song didn't make it and also a shame that I can't find a video clip or photo of it anywhere! Ah well.
The first version is from Singin' In the Rain and is sung by Debbie Reynolds and a chorus of girls. This one is, by far, the more famous of the two versions. (Just click on the picture and it will take you to the video. YouTube wouldn't let me embed.)
I love this scene because it really sounds like a 1920's song. It's so raucous and crazy and I love the dancing in it! And ever since I was little, I've loved the "cat's meow" part. Anyway, you can't hear the lyrics very well in this version which works with the scene because no one is singing it with feeling - they're nightclub performers singing at a party. Their voices reflect this too as they all have that raucous nightclub-y type of voice. This isn't a scene to show off the girls' singing pipes; it's to show off their dancing style and their nice bodies in those cute little outfits. The song works as a vehicle to show what kind of a job Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds) has in this film and acts as a comedic foil to the highbrow way in which she treats Gene Kelly in the previous scene.
Now, for the second version. This one is from The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, which was released a year later, and it's sung by Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van:
I find it kind of funny that one of the first comments below the video is "what an innocent time." But it really does explain the feel for this version of the song. It's very laid-back, very quiet, and much more intimate than the other version. It's sung in a way where you can actually hear the lyrics and it sounds more like a love song than in the previous version. There's nothing to distract you from the song (except the awesome harmonizing of Bobby Van - I love that!). This version is far from raucous and acts as a message to the audience on what kind of a relationship this couple has. In fact, it kind of makes me want to have a boy to go on a boat with, who'll play the ukulele and harmonize while I sing...
There was actually a third version of this song that was filmed but suffered as an outtake in Singin' in the Rain. Gene Kelly sang it and it's very different from both versions, although it's a little more similar to the second version. You can preview it here at last.fm. The song is, to me, a good deal sexier than either of the other two versions, probably because Gene Kelly is singing it and Gene Kelly is just sexy all-around, his voice not excluded. I know that somewhere, somewhere is a picture of Gene holding a pillow and I'm pretty sure it's from this scene. If that's the case, then that adds an extra bit of romance and whatnot to the scene as he's really thinking of her right before he goes to bed. Furthermore, this scene (which sadly, of all of them, never made the cut) best emulates the song. If I'm not mistaken, the scene was supposed to fit just after Kathy leaves Don at the party, after the cake throwing incident. It's a shame that the song didn't make it and also a shame that I can't find a video clip or photo of it anywhere! Ah well.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Take me to Broadway!
I made a decision today at work. Last week, I put my Netflix account on hold because I just can't quite squeeze it in budget-wise right now. I figured I'd rather wait a few months and then pull it back up again. Today, I realized that what I should do in the meantime (to keep from getting withdrawals) is thoroughly watch my current dvd collection. I have around 200 movies (give or take). There are some that I've only seen once or twice, some that I haven't seen at all, some with which I've only seen the movie or part of the movie. I intend to remedy that in the coming months. My goal is to have seen my entire dvd collection, from top to bottom. Now, that's not saying I'm going to rewatch everything because that would take forever. But I want to make sure I've seen all of the special features. For example, there's a documentary on George Cukor in my Philadelphia Story dvd that I haven't seen yet. And there are several vintage cartoons on my Disney dvds. I have a habit of taking on a few too many projects (my current ones: writing a book, learning Portuguese, writing a blog) but I'm going to give this one a try just the same. I'll keep you posted if I come across anything stellar.
On with the list!
8. Bobby Van
Favorite dance: "Take Me To Broadway" from Small Town Girl
This number has long been a favorite of mine. It's such a happy song to watch! I would dare you to watch it and not be happy at the end of it, but it seems simpler to just say, "Watch it! It's such a happy number!" instead. The movie it comes from is very cute, although I haven't seen it in years. I'm trying to add it to my collection, but it's hard to come by. There's a version for sale on Amazon for $33! whoo. I think I'll wait a little while on that one. They feature the number in one of the That's Entertainment! (#2, I believe) You can hear Gene Kelly introducing the number in this video. This number really is impressive, the way he jumps the entire time. It's a single take, so you can tell he's jumping for over three minutes straight. It tires me out just to watch it!
I think Bobby Van is so cute! When I was younger, my sisters and I picked out our favorite suitors in Kiss Me Kate. Mine was Bobby Van for a long time. Recently, I've shifted focus, and changed my mind on that, but he still remains close to my heart! And though I'm trying not to do this because the multiple favorites goes only in the top three of my list, I'm going to throw in a runner-up Bobby Van number, just because. I discovered this number when my mom sent me the links to a couple other The Affairs of Dobie Gillis songs. I think this one is so cute and is probably the happiest rendition of "I'm Through with Love." You can view it here.
On with the list!
8. Bobby Van
Favorite dance: "Take Me To Broadway" from Small Town Girl
This number has long been a favorite of mine. It's such a happy song to watch! I would dare you to watch it and not be happy at the end of it, but it seems simpler to just say, "Watch it! It's such a happy number!" instead. The movie it comes from is very cute, although I haven't seen it in years. I'm trying to add it to my collection, but it's hard to come by. There's a version for sale on Amazon for $33! whoo. I think I'll wait a little while on that one. They feature the number in one of the That's Entertainment! (#2, I believe) You can hear Gene Kelly introducing the number in this video. This number really is impressive, the way he jumps the entire time. It's a single take, so you can tell he's jumping for over three minutes straight. It tires me out just to watch it!
I think Bobby Van is so cute! When I was younger, my sisters and I picked out our favorite suitors in Kiss Me Kate. Mine was Bobby Van for a long time. Recently, I've shifted focus, and changed my mind on that, but he still remains close to my heart! And though I'm trying not to do this because the multiple favorites goes only in the top three of my list, I'm going to throw in a runner-up Bobby Van number, just because. I discovered this number when my mom sent me the links to a couple other The Affairs of Dobie Gillis songs. I think this one is so cute and is probably the happiest rendition of "I'm Through with Love." You can view it here.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
What's his crest? A hamburger smothered with onions?
Now, for the next movie in my countup:
#11: Kiss Me Kate (1953)
This movie was one of the first films I owned (on VHS, that is). My grandparents bought it for me without watching it first (and a good thing they didn't, because they disapproved of it when I later showed it to them). I love everyone in it. Howard Keel and Kathyrn Grayson are both on top 20 lists and Ann Miller, Bobby Van, Bob Fosse, and Tommy Rall are all on future lists! This movie has so much great dialogue ("All right. I give up. What is it? The headlight of a locomotive?") and so many wonderful songs by the great Cole Porter (it took me years to realize that it's not actually Cole Porter playing a cameo), and some lovely dresses. Not to mention that the dancing is terrific! The movie shows that you get magic when you put 6 incredible dancers together (you'll find the link to the dance later in the post) and that Kathryn Grayson looks good as a blonde and a redhead!
Now, usually at this time of the week, I give you the poll results. But the polls are still going, so I'll wait until Thursday. Despite the fact that I already have 2 polls up, I'm going to add a third (wow! 3 polls! that's intense!) as I usually do with my Tuesday posts. Which of Bianca's suitors is your favorite? In the original Shakespeare play, it's pretty clear which suitor the audience should be rooting for. But in the musical, they complicate things by making them dancers - and dancers with different styles at that. So, which do you like best? Gremio (Bobby Van), Hortensio (Bob Fosse), or Lucentio (Tommy Rall)? You can choose them based on wooing style:
Gremio: "to give a social lift to thy position"
Hortensio: "if thou wouldst attain the upper brackets"
Lucentio: "if on love unending thou art pining"
...or dancing style or on simple good looks:
(from top to bottom: Bob Fosse, Tommy Rall, Bobby Van)
It doesn't matter how or why you make your decision, I'm just curious to know which is the favorite of the suitors. I have two sisters and, growing up, we all favored a different one, so I want to know what you think. Have fun voting!
#11: Kiss Me Kate (1953)
This movie was one of the first films I owned (on VHS, that is). My grandparents bought it for me without watching it first (and a good thing they didn't, because they disapproved of it when I later showed it to them). I love everyone in it. Howard Keel and Kathyrn Grayson are both on top 20 lists and Ann Miller, Bobby Van, Bob Fosse, and Tommy Rall are all on future lists! This movie has so much great dialogue ("All right. I give up. What is it? The headlight of a locomotive?") and so many wonderful songs by the great Cole Porter (it took me years to realize that it's not actually Cole Porter playing a cameo), and some lovely dresses. Not to mention that the dancing is terrific! The movie shows that you get magic when you put 6 incredible dancers together (you'll find the link to the dance later in the post) and that Kathryn Grayson looks good as a blonde and a redhead!
Now, usually at this time of the week, I give you the poll results. But the polls are still going, so I'll wait until Thursday. Despite the fact that I already have 2 polls up, I'm going to add a third (wow! 3 polls! that's intense!) as I usually do with my Tuesday posts. Which of Bianca's suitors is your favorite? In the original Shakespeare play, it's pretty clear which suitor the audience should be rooting for. But in the musical, they complicate things by making them dancers - and dancers with different styles at that. So, which do you like best? Gremio (Bobby Van), Hortensio (Bob Fosse), or Lucentio (Tommy Rall)? You can choose them based on wooing style:
Gremio: "to give a social lift to thy position"
Hortensio: "if thou wouldst attain the upper brackets"
Lucentio: "if on love unending thou art pining"
...or dancing style or on simple good looks:
(from top to bottom: Bob Fosse, Tommy Rall, Bobby Van)
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