Search - Richard Rodgers, Allyn Ann McLerie, Ann Sothern :: Words & Music

Another Instance of the Soundtrack Being Better Than the Fil

Theseus | US of A | 10/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a rich, important, surprising soundtrack.



Since Rodgers & Hart's work started in the 1920's, long before the age of the cast album, this disc captures some remarkable performances of important songs. (The film itself is a marginal at best: almost totally devoid of drama, with zero chemistry between leads Mickey Rooney and Tom Drake. But what does one expect of a mid-century Hollywood bio pic?)



Here's some good news: perhaps realizing that the screenplay was weak, MGM haphazardly threw all sorts of talent at this odd film (including Gene Kelly in a ballet.) Thus we have some highlights:



Lena Horne performing two numbers, including a sprightly, authoritative "The Lady is a Tramp"

Perry Como schmearing his way through a couple of songs

June Allyson nailing "Thou Swell"

an extended version of "Way Out West"

a Mickey and Judy duet (their last one in a film?) "I Wish I Were in Love Again"

Tunes from On Your Toes, Love Me Tonight, Peggy Ann, and The Boys from Syracuse



and, my favorite, Judy Garland's "Johnny One Note"

"