Fictionalized story of the songwriting partnership of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
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Title: Words and Music (1948)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| June Allyson | ... | ||
| Perry Como | ... | ||
| Judy Garland | ... | ||
| Lena Horne | ... | ||
| Gene Kelly | ... | ||
| Mickey Rooney | ... | ||
| Ann Sothern | ... | ||
| Tom Drake | ... | ||
| Cyd Charisse | ... | ||
| Betty Garrett | ... | ||
| Janet Leigh | ... | ||
| Marshall Thompson | ... | ||
| Mel Tormé | ... | ||
| Vera-Ellen | ... | ||
| Jeanette Nolan | ... | ||
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Encomium to Larry Hart (1895-1943), seen through the fictive eyes of his song-writing partner, Richard Rodgers (1902-1979): from their first meeting, through lean years and their breakthrough, to their successes on Broadway, London, and Hollywood. We see the fruits of Hart and Rodgers' collaboration - elaborately staged numbers from their plays, characters' visits to night clubs, and impromptu performances at parties. We also see Larry's scattered approach to life, his failed love with Peggy McNeil, his unhappiness, and Richard's successful wooing of Dorothy Feiner. Written by <[email protected]>
Taglines:
14 Stars! 22 Songs! 2 Love Stories! 14 Spectacular Scenes! See more »Certificate:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
31 December 1948 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Ena tragoudi, mia zoi See more »Filming Locations:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USABox Office
Budget:
$2,799,970 (estimated)Company Credits
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company contact information
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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Lorenz Hart: You will after you've known me ten or fifteen years.
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Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
From the musical "On Your Toes" (1936)
Sung by Betty Garrett
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Cut from the film was the Perry Como rendition of "Lover." However, in the movie trailer, Mr. Como partially sings the waltz. The MGM Studio Orchestra plays "Lover" as the movie's opening credits run. Bonuses on the 2007 DVD, issued by Warner Home Video, include the trailer and footage of Mr. Como's two deleted songs, "Lover" (in a reconstruction of the film's opening) and four takes of "You're Nearer." Audio-only numbers on the DVD include Betty Garrett's complete rendition of "Way Out West (On West End Avenue)," which was shortened in the release print; "My Funny Valentine," sung by Miss Garrett; "My Heart Stood Still" and "I Feel at Home With You," sung by Mr. Como; "Falling in Love With Love," sung by Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen (probably dubbed by Anita Ellis); an extended version of "Manhattan," sung by Mickey Rooney, Tom Drake and Marshall Thompson; plus an extended version of the sequence comprised of "On Your Toes/The Girl Friend/This Can't Be Love," sung by Eileen Wilson (who dubbed Cyd Charisse), Dee Turnell and chorus. See more »Goofs
At the Hollywood party at Hart's home, he and Judy are singing a duet. Her dress is cinched with a belt in that scene, however, when she sings a solo just after that, the dress is beltless and her waist is a bit wider. Her hair is also longer than the previous scene. See more »Quotes
Peggy Lorgan McNeil: I don't think I quite understand.Lorenz Hart: You will after you've known me ten or fifteen years.
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Soundtracks
There's a Small HotelMusic by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
From the musical "On Your Toes" (1936)
Sung by Betty Garrett
See more »
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If you have the patience to sit through one of Mickey Rooney's most frantic and hyperactive performances in which Larry Hart becomes a caricature, you'll be rewarded by some typically stylish MGM musical interludes with stars like Judy Garland, Lena Horne, June Allyson, Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen. Perry Como and Mel Torme both have a chance to warble a couple of Rodgers & Hart tunes too.
The musical numbers have the glossy MGM touch but the main storyline is diminished by allowing Rooney to chew so much scenery that he ends up resembling a frantic wind-up toy--and he's less than convincing when he attempts the heavier melodramatics of the final scenes. He throws the whole picture off gear and makes us yearn for the music to start so we can see cameo turns by MGM's roster of stars. His only good moment is a song routine with Judy Garland that he does in typical Rooneyesque manner.
By contrast, the restrained and natural performances of Tom Drake (as Richard Rodgers) and Janet Leigh (as the girl who becomes his wife Dorothy) are a welcome relief. Betty Garrett does well to in a supporting role as Rooney's highly fictional girlfriend.
The only musical number which failed to charm me was the routine given Ann Sothern for the Garrick Gaieties number. A weak song with even weaker choreography. All of the other numbers are done in high style, especially Judy Garland's solo on the "Johnny One-Note" song and June Allyson's delightful "Thou Swell". Lena Horne also gets a chance to strut her stuff with "The Lady Is A Tramp".
Fans of MGM musicals will love this one--with reservations, perhaps, about its inaccuracies and Rooney's sledgehammer acting. A more serious attempt to play Hart is sorely needed--preferably with another actor in the part.