Reviews

I go regularly to the Hayden Orpheum theater in Cremorne, Sydney. The theater has a live jazz session lasting about 90 minutes, then intermission and a movie linked by theme or genre to the live music. On Sunday last, the music was a tribute to Benny Goodman followed by the movie, The Gang's All Here. I loved the movie mainly because of Harry Warren's usual outstanding songs, seeing Benny Goodman live, Carmen Miranda, and Busby Berkeley's choreography.

The scene I most enjoyed was the opening one with that brilliant song "Brazil" which is rarely a vocal. To hear it sung in semi-classical style, in Portuguese, and then switch to the swinging, ebullient style of Carmen Miranda at dockside in New York was a great pleasure.

I saw Annie Get Your Gun at a special screening for lovers of music from the 30s to the 50s. I found it very entertaining with marvellous songs from Irving Berlin. In fact, while I am an admirer of Berlin, his songs from this movie exceeded expectations. However, the absolute star of the show is Betty Hutton whose dynamic rendition of Berlin's music just blew me away. She had enthusiasm and energy unrivalled in that genre with the possible exception of Ethel Merman. Yet Betty could sing softly and sweetly in songs such as "They Say It's Wonderful".

Howard Keel was perfect for his role as Frank Butler and the competition between Frank and Annie is the cornerstone of the movie.

I have to cringe at the patronising portrayal of the American Indians but, of course, together with black Americans, this was typical of the culture and attitudes of the time -- all of which was to change radically during the next 15 years.