Guys and Dolls (1955)

My wife and I have been tracing the history of stage musicals from Gilbert and Sullivan to Wicked this summer. We started with Pirates of Penzance, and I was personally looking forward to when we finally got to Oklahoma (Hugh Jackman over all others to this point) and other O&H Classics. Following in chronological order after some of the O&H (we are playing a little loose, having gone to 1951 and King and I), the best bets were Annie Get Your Gun (1946/1950), Brigadoon (1947/1954), Kiss Me Kate (1948/1953) (3D if you must), and finally, Guys and Dolls (1950/1955), given the stage/movie years. I have done some other reviews. This is Guys and Dolls on screen AND on Blu-Ray.I'll say this, Rodgers and Hammerstein held their aces on Hollywood (which they mistrusted) much longer than the others, waiting for technology to catch up. Fortunately Sam Goldwyn did the same with Guys and Dolls. First I'll address the film, then the Blu-Ray. Know that I am a music historian, although well-versed in 1890s to 1930s music more than any, and composer as well of some stage work, so have experience in this. Just the same I'd recommend looking up another valid POV - that of Richard Barrios, who has done some great work in this field.The film - Brando is the wild card here, or is he? Yes, Sinatra clearly felt he was the ultimate Sky Masterson, and to some degree, if you look at 1965 Sinatra (and a sumptuous YouTube video of him singing Luck be a Lady for a color broadcast with Nelson Riddle), you might also think so. But ultimately, at least the way this film was conceived, Sinatra was the better Nathan Detroit, and probably had better chemistry against Vivian Blaine, the stage Adelaide, who is totally ON for this performance. But looking at Sky Masterson, originated on stage by Robert Alda (father of Alda and great portrayer of George Gershwin in 1945), Sinatra was not quite so right for his role, and his performance of Luck be a Lady was in much different context than in the musical. So Gene Kelly was a choice, but ultimately, Sam Goldwyn wanted a fresh star, and he took Brando. OK, Brando was not "much" of a singer, but he did not suck, even considering that some of his performances were sewed together from multiple takes. He acted his songs (consider that he actually sang MORE than Rex Harrison during his entire career), and acted his dancing, which in the Cuba scenes is very competent and entertaining. Kelly would have been good as well, but expected. Marlon Brando was unexpected, and when you see his performance and try to put Sinatra in there... not quite so much for 1955.Then Sinatra - exquisite as Nathan Detroit. In fact, most of the cast was quite "poifect" for their roles. One of my favorites, Sheldon Leonard (later TV producer of I Spy and other fun stuff) as Harry the Horse. But, when talking Broadway, and this was, outside of the Cuba segment in Act II, shot as a Broadway show, the Michael Kidd choreography has to be regarded, and Stubby Kaye HIGHLY regarded. There are three pretty dynamic numbers which I call the 10:50, 10:55 and 11:00 numbers - mainly Luck be a Lady (OK, not Frank, but not terrible), Sue Me (Frank and Vivian, and great for its contrast - she is high strung, he is laid back), and Rockin' the Boat. If I ever do this on stage, I want Nicely Nicely, for no other reason than this number.We have been noting how others tried to meet the gauntlet than R&H threw down in 1943 with Oklahoma. Irving Berlin did his darndest with Annie, but lots of those pieces could have been taken out, and overall it was far from an R&H show, but still entertaining. Brigadoon - well, the movie has less oomph than the stage version (which I have done) but Lerner and Lowe came a bit closer to that R&H paradigm. Then, of course, there is Kiss Me Kate. Cole Porter very nearly met the challenge (talking about the stage musical - particularly the 2003 presentation, not the film) but some of the pieces can still be removed, and the association between music and plot is not so much. Well, it took Frank Loesser, four R&H musicals later, to meet the challenge and more or less equal the famous duo.In a couple of his choices, Sam Goldwyn, struggling to stay relevant in his seventies, did us few favors. For me, cutting Bushel and a Peck and replacing it with the provocative cat number, because he seemed to dislike Bushel and a Peck (not a great showcase for the Goldwyn Girls I suppose), was not the best choice. However, expanding the scope of the two love stories and slightly altering the Damon Runyan/Abe Burrows/Frank Loesser ending is actually a bonus. Joseph Mankiewicz obviously had a hand in this. So it is mixed.Now, the Blu-Ray. I was SPOILED by Oklahoma - particularly the Todd-AO disc. I have seen so many great films on Blu-Ray and can usually tell this from this. King of Jazz (eventually it will also be available) in the current roadshow is culled from both negatives and prints, and you can tell the difference. Same with the remaining elements of South Pacific in the roadshow version (highly recommended just the same). We have seen some Blu-Ray misfires in this genre as well, most notably the blue, blue, Blu-Ray of The King and I, where in some scenes Brenner looks like the Genie from Aladdin. All I can say about this is that, like with Singing in the Rain (which was well-done in spite of what they had), this very much looks like it was restored from a print, not a negative. On a 108" screen with 1080p projector the contrast was a bit stark, and some of the color a bit too subtle, which speaks of restored print. I have not seen any definitive information either way, so can't be sure, but this is why the four stars and not five. The sound is also clearly from 4-track Cinemascope magnetic tracks, not the great 6-track Todd-AO and later formats, so a little less than great, but still good. So you will instantly be aware that you have seen MUCH better restorations of 1950s films, and I believe this (like King and I and Carousel) deserve better. But overall, acceptable if a bit less than 1080 in appearance. Worth it for the experience.Go for it also because the features are very, very informative, and some pretty candid. I would like to have seen more on the set (how did they get a subway stop into a sound stage without building it up), but the information from Michael Kidd (as per 2005) is worth the disc alone. A Play All (something that even DVDs had more than a decade ago) would have been nice, but oh-well. What's another button push.If ya like musicals, this will make you smile, particularly at 11:00. Guys, just do it for your dolls!

But still fun to watch after all these years.

I grew up with the LP of the original stage production so the music of the show has always been in my veins, but I had never seen the movie until now. The movie differs from the stage production in that there are songs in the movie that are not in the stage show and vice versa. I cannot understand why My Time of Day, I've Never Been In Love, More I Cannot Wish You and Marry the Man Today were excluded from the movie - they are all wonderful songs. Had they been included the movie would have been way too long, but then the rather convoluted and often corny script could done with some generous cutting.Marlon Brando's singing and dancing abilities are a revelation (he's not dubbed) and his good looks and supreme acting abilities make him a magnetic Sky Masterson. His rendition of Luck Be a Lady is one of the highlights of the movie. Frank Sinatra is perhaps a little too smooth and confident as Nathan Detroit who needs to be something of a loser, but his legendary voice and charisma make him very watchable. Vivian Blaine recreates the role of Adelaide from the original stage production and she is spot on. In the delightful Take Back Your Mink she looks uncannily like Marilyn Monroe, who was considered for the role. Jean Simmonds, normally a dramatic actress, is a beautiful Sarah Brown and the necessary chemistry between her and Brando is palpable and she, like Brando, surprises with a wonderful singing voice.The script, based on the writings of Damon Runyon, contains some gems ("everybody's got psychology") but is overly long and I found myself wanting to fast forward to the next musical number on a couple of occasions.For lovers of Broadway musicals this is a must see, but if you already know the show be prepared to be disappointed by the omission of some of the best musical numbers.

Good production and best version of a fun musical that harkens back to a time when it was okay to call a woman a dame or doll. It might be insulting to some with overwrought sensitivities, and if you are a believer in the current mindless trend of attempting to right the wrongs of the past by simply erasing recorded history, this probably isn't for you. On the other hand, if you have a sense of humor and enjoy stories about the timeless complexities of male and female interaction, no matter the historical context, you'll like this. "When a lazy slob gets a good steady job and he smells of Vitalis and Barbasol..."

Marlon Brando is out of place

It's Stubby Kaye, Jean Simmons, Brando and Sinatra, what can I say? Absolutely fabulous. Brilliant songs, great dancing from all the cast. I love this movie, it takes me back to another time (before I was born!) and is just wonderful. If I had to pick a favourite song, I couldn't but I really love the one at the beginning with Stubby Kaye and Co, and the one near the end, Stubby & Co again! Marlon and Jean aren't such brilliant singers but they do a great job here. In my opinion, that is. Choreography is excellent, as is everything about it. Ten stars, at least!

GUYS AND DOLLS [1955] [Deluxe Limited Edition DigiBook] [Blu-ray] [US Import] Hollywood’s Starriest Musical! Samuel Goldwyn’s Greatest Musical!Gambler Nathan Detroit [Frank Sinatra] has few options for the location of his big craps game. Needing $1,000 to pay a garage owner to host the game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson [Marlon Brando] that Sky cannot get virtuous Sarah Brown [Jean Simmons] out on a date. Despite some resistance, Sky Masterson negotiates a date with her in exchange for bringing people into her mission. Meanwhile, Nathan's long-time fiancée, Adelaide [Vivian Blaine], wants him to go legit and marry her.FILM FACTS: Awards and Nominations: Academy Awards®: Nominated for Best Art Direction: Oliver Smith, Joseph C. Wright and Howard Bristol. Nominated for Best Cinematography: Harry Stradling. Nominated for Best Costume Design: Irene Sharaff. Nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture: Jay Blackton and Cyril J. Mockridge. BAFTA® Awards: Nominated for Best Film from any Source. Nominated for Best Foreign Actress: Jean Simmons. Golden Globe® Awards: Best Motion Picture for Musical/Comedy. Best Motion Picture Actress for Musical/Comedy: Jean Simmons. The musical numbers performed by Jean Simmons and Marlon Brando were sung by the actors themselves, without dubbing by professional singers. Stubby Kaye [Nicely-Nicely Johnson], B.S. Pully [Big Jule] and Johnny Silver [Benny Southstreet] all repeated their Broadway roles in the film.Cast: Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine, Robert Keith, Stubby Kaye, B.S. Pully, Johnny Silver, Sheldon Leonard, Danny Dayton, George E. Stone, Regis Toomey, Kathryn Givney, Veda Ann Borg, Mary Alan Hokanson, Joe McTurk, Kay E. Kuter, Stapleton Kent, Renee Renor, The Goldwyn Girls, Barbara Brent (uncredited), Noble 'Kid' Chissell (uncredited), Russell Custer (uncredited), Jann Darlyn (uncredited), Madelyn Darrow (uncredited), Larry Duran (uncredited), Rubén de Fuentes (uncredited), June Kirby (uncredited), Matt Mattox (uncredited), Matt Murphy (uncredited), Pat Sheehan (uncredited), Sandra Warner (uncredited), Sonia Warner (uncredited) and Harry Wilson (uncredited)Director: Joseph L. MankiewiczProducer: Samuel GoldwynScreenplay: Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Ben Hecht (uncredited), Abe Burrows (based upon the play), Damon Runyon and Jo Swerling (based upon the play)Composer: Frank LoesserCinematography: Harry StradlingCostume Design: Irene SharaffVideo Resolution: 1080p [Eastman Color]Aspect Ratio: 2.55:1 [CinemaScope]Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioSubtitles: English, French and SpanishRunning Time: 150 minutesNumber of discs: 1Region: All RegionsStudio: Warner Home Video / Metro-Goldwyn-MayerAndrew’s Blu-ray Review: After well over 60 years, 'Guys and Dolls' remains one of the most popular, oft-revived, and flat-out delightful shows in the Broadway canon, combining an array of clever, hummable Frank Loesser tunes with an irresistible blend of romance, comedy, and memorable Damon Runyon characters. All the ingredients for a classic musical are here, and though producer Samuel Goldwyn's big, brassy film adaptation tries its best to capture the unbridled joy of the stage original, it somehow falls short. Questionable casting and stilted direction surely contribute to the mediocre results, but there's still a lot to like about the film version of 'Guys and Dolls.' Unfortunately, the isolated bits of magic never quite add up to a satisfying whole.Runyon's milieu was Broadway, and he was a master at depicting the suave, streetwise gamblers, blustery thugs, and sassy babes that roamed the midtown New York streets. His colourful characters spoke like no others, spouting double-talk and shunning contractions, and the resulting formal, awkward speech patterns evolved into a unique, strangely lyrical dialect that could only be had with a film like 'Guys and Dolls' which is immortalises that world and Frank Loesser sets it to music, composing a marvellous array of catchy melodies enhanced by inspired lyrics that perfectly suit the material.The simple story of virtue, vice, and ultimate redemption is told like a fable, and chronicles the romantic travails of two couples. The commitment phobic Nathan Detroit [Frank Sinatra], who runs "the oldest established, permanent floating crap game in New York," has been affianced to marry to the charmingly ditzy Miss Adelaide [Vivian Blain], a sexy nightclub singer, for 14 years (yes, 14 years!). Nathan has deftly dodged the altar, but the stress of the interminable engagement has taken a toll on Adelaide, triggering a psychosomatic respiratory affliction. "In other words," she sings in her iconic musical lament, "just from waiting around for that plain little band of gold, a person can develop a cold." Nathan is sympathetic, but is preoccupied with acquiring some quick cash to front a game for out-of-town big shot Big Jule [B.S. Pully]. In a last-ditch effort, Nathan bets debonair gambler Sky Masterson [Marlon Brando] a thousand bucks he can't convince prim and proper Sarah Brown [Jean Simmons], the leader of the local Save-a-Soul mission, to accompany him to Havana for dinner. This sets in motion a typical opposite-attract romance that tests the will of both Sarah Brown and Sky Masterson, forcing them to accept each other's frailties and make critical concessions in the name of love, all amid lively songs and energetic choreography by Michael Kidd.From the film version of 'Guys and Dolls' raised eyebrows. Producer Samuel Goldwyn shelled out the then-record sum of $1 million for the show's rights, then bankrolled the rest of the $5.5 million budget himself. In other surprising moves, he hired OSCAR® winning director Joseph L. Mankiewicz for 'All About Eve,' who had never before, or, ironically, since, directed a musical, to adapt and film the material, and tapped Frank Sinatra to play the subordinate role of Nathan instead of the more dashing Sky Masterson, much to the actor-singer's dismay and disgust. Sky Masterson went to, of all people, Marlon Brando, who also had no prior musical experience. Reportedly, Frank Sinatra, unable to contain his resentment, sulked through the filming, causing strained relations on the set. The beautiful Jean Simmons, another non-singer, somehow landed the part of Sarah, while the only sensible casting choice allowed Vivian Blaine to reprise her portrayal of Miss Adelaide, which she originated to great acclaim on Broadway.And instead of shooting the film on location in New York City, which would have lent 'Guys and Dolls' a priceless authenticity, stylised sets were used, heightening the sense of artificiality and staginess that often permeates this film. Joseph L. Mankiewicz's screenplay beefs up the characters' personalities, but his straightforward shooting method are lacking the fluid motion and creative composition necessary to spark excitement. While it's impossible not to be entertained by the songs, dances, and characters, the material is that good! The film still tends to plod along at times, as if afflicted by a nagging malaise. 'Guys and Dolls' is a humdinger of a show, but this production lacks the oomph that has made this musical such a perennial favourite.Like many stage-to-screen adaptations, new songs were written for the film, replacing old standards. Unfortunately, the lilting “I've Never Been in Love Before,” bouncy “A Bushel and a Peck,” reflective “My Time of Day,” and spritely “Marry the Man Today” were all dropped in favour of three subpar melodies, all penned by Frank Loesser, that never seem to blend into the show's fabric. Thankfully, though, such favourites as “Luck Be a Lady,” “I'll Know,” the title song, “Adelaide's Lament,” “Take Back Your Mink” and “Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat” are all still here and performed with appropriate vim and verve by the cast, which includes a few holdovers, most notably the rotund Stubby Kaye as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, from the Broadway production.Many also decry Jean Simmons' portrayal of Sarah Brown, but I'm a huge fan of her work in this film. Sure, Samuel Goldwyn could have found a more competent singer, but Jean Simmons, one of the screen's classiest and most beautiful actresses, interprets the lyrics with such sincerity, it's easy to forgive any vocal shortcomings. In fact, my favourite scene in the film is when a drunken Sarah sings the effervescent “If I Were a Bell.” Jean Simmons performs the number with such charm and abandon; we finally feel that elusive sense of joie de vivre for which we've been pining since the brilliant film began.Blu-ray Video Quality – When done really well, musicals with their vibrant colour palette, splashy sets, and glamorous costumes can be a high-definition lover's dream, and 'Guys and Dolls' is a perfect example of just how good an Eastman Color classic can look in 1080p. I remember all too well watching faded, bad quality prints of 'Guys and Dolls' on TV when I was younger, so seeing Warner Bros. meticulous re-master of this eye-filling musical was a revelation. Possessing a strikingly palpable film-like feel, thanks to a layer of fine grain, this high-quality 1080p effort combines cosy warmth with bold accents to create an extremely satisfying visual experience. Crystal clarity and well-pitched contrast allow details to pop and lend the image a lovely sense of depth. Colours are beautifully saturated, with both luscious primaries and cool pastels emitting a nice sheen. The red carnations on the gamblers' jackets, their multi-coloured neckties, and the red uniforms of the mission workers pump up the picture's excitement quotient and are complemented by rich and inky black levels and natural, stable flesh tones. Patterns, from the intricate plaid of Nicely-Nicely's jacket to Frank Sinatra's muted pinstripe, are rock solid and resist shimmering, while the satin, feathers, and furs adorning the Hot Box Girls exude a fine array of textures. Close-ups are sharp yet never harsh, and background elements come through cleanly. And speaking of clean, not a single nick, scratch, line, or speck of dust dot the pristine source material, which really looks like it was minted yesterday. A few soft edges occasionally creep in, but they're never pronounced enough to disrupt anyone's enjoyment of this superior effort. Any digital doctoring also escapes notice, and no banding, noise, or other annoyances crop up. Fans of classic cinema will be thrilled with this excellent transfer, which pumps even more energy into 'Guys and Dolls.'Blu-ray Audio Quality – The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track pumps out clear, vibrant sound. Stereo separation is nicely pronounced across the front channels, with effects seamlessly dovetailing to the left and right, but rear activity is quite limited. Atmospherics, such as the din at Mindy's Restaurant, possess good presence, and accents like footsteps are crisp and distinct. Dialogue is always easy to understand, and a wide dynamic scale handles all the demands of the brassy score without a hint of distortion. The musical numbers sound great, filling the room yet remaining connected to the rest of the mix. Vocals are nicely prioritized, but instrumentals never receive short shrift. There are even some stellar instances of weighty bass enhancing various melodies and the fracas in the Havana bar. Best of all, any age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, and crackles have been completely erased. The 'Guys and Dolls' soundtrack won't blow anyone away, but for a well over a 60-year-old film, the audio will be music to even the most discriminating ears.Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:Special Feature: Guys and Dolls: The Goldwyn Touch [480i] [4:3] [24:00] Members of the Frank Loesser family, the son of Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and Samuel Goldwyn's biographer discuss the distinctive "Goldwyn Touch" that permeates the independent producer's work and how it relates specifically to 'Guys and Dolls' in this interesting and informative piece. The participants also talk about the production's genesis, Goldwyn's attraction to the property, and the changes Joseph L. Mankiewicz made to the original book, and share some entertaining behind-the-scenes anecdotes.Special Feature: Feature: Guys and Dolls: From Stage to Screen [480i] [4:3] [27:00] Equally absorbing, this feature concentrates on the similarities and differences between the original stage production of 'Guys and Dolls' and its filmed counterpart. Broadway transplants Blaine and Stubby Kaye are saluted, as are The Goldwyn Girls, a bevy of beautiful babes who supported Blaine in the nightclub numbers. The cut songs are also examined, and we hear of Frank Loesser's disappointment over their deletion, as well as their replacements, and choreographer Michael Kidd discusses in detail various dances and how they were adapted for the screen.Special Short Feature: More Guys and Dolls Stories [480i] [4:3] [8:00] This collection of five snippets, each running under three minutes, is comprised of outtakes from the above features, and covers all aspect of this film and they include: Adelaide [480i] [4:3] [00:51] Features Tom Mankiewicz talking about his father's secretary who was named Adelaide. Brando Dance Lesson [480i] [4:3] [1:34] has Michael Kidd talking about teaching Marlon Brando to dance. Goldwyn's Career [480i] [4:3] [2:38] offers biographer A. Scott Berg talking about the producer Samuel Goldwyn. On the Set [480i] [4:3] [1:12] brings back Tom Mankiewicz who talks about being on the set as a kid while the picture was being shot. Rehearsing Adelaide [480i] [4:3] [1:29] has Michael Kidd talking about the song Frank Loesser wrote specifically for Frank Sinatra for the film.Special Feature: Musical Performances [1080p] Six 'Guys and Dolls' numbers, but why not all of them? They are assembled here for easy access: “Fugue for Tinhorns,” “Guys and Dolls,” “I'll Know,” “Adelaide,” “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sue Me.” Sadly, Jean Simmons' marvellous rendition of “If I Were a Bell” is not included, nor is Vivian Blaine's pitch-perfect “Adelaide's Lament” or Stubby Kaye's rousing “Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat.” Shame on you, Warner Bros.Theatrical Trailer [480i] [4:3] [5:00] Impresario Ed Sullivan "hosts" this lengthy preview in his inimitable "really big show" style.Finally, 'Guys and Dolls' is far from the best Hollywood musical, but it possesses enough stellar moments to continue to merit our attention for more than 60 years after its initial release. Damon Runyon's irresistible characters and Frank Loesser's exceptional score more than compensate for the offbeat casting and sluggish direction that consistently threaten to sabotage this classic show. Despite such challenges, 'Guys and Dolls' still manages to entertain, and this top-flight Blu-ray from Warner Home Video showcases all the flash and dynamism of this colourful production. Excellent video and audio transfers make us forget the film's age, and a nice array of supplements adds essential historical context that any classic movie buff will appreciate. Shortcomings aside, 'Guys and Dolls' remains one of the all-time great American musicals and for that reason, as well as Warner Home Video superior Blu-ray package, it certainly earns my recommendation. Highly Recommended!Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate Film FanLe Cinema ParadisoWARE, United Kingdom

Ordered GUYS & DOLLS film on Blu-ray Disc .... I got the box sealed in cellophane ..... inside was a completely different film .... a new film in excellent condition but not GUYS & DOLLS. ....... was RADIOLAND MURDERSThis deserves NO stars ? ..... but it won’t process on zero stars so I had to do one ! I’m waiting for the non Amazon supplier to respond .... this my second case of a poor supplied item from other agencies via Amazon

Since we are in the UK and the original film is in English, I was not unnaturally expecting this Blue Ray DVD to be in English. It doesn't seem much to ask. But it appears that the only copies currently available are - believe it or not - in SPANISH!In the circs. it's not much use to me but I can't be bothered to send back and obtain the refund to which I am clearly owed.

It is studio bound and the star casting has its problems - Brando's singing voice is an acquired taste but he is otherwise pretty good, Jean Simmons looks lovely and apparently has a good singing voice - no suggestion she was dubbed, but it is made clear that Brando needed all the help he could get from the people playing with sound. Sinatra is fine as Nathan and Vivian Blaine repeats her stage performance beautifully although the numbers in the nightclub seem to be taking place on Drury Lane stage and not in any imagineable club and the Goldwyn Girls do tend to interfere with what she is doing. This is not a great musical film but it is a good film of the show - with omissions, some new songs and a slightly leaden touch over all.