The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956)
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The Best Things in Life are Free is the tuneful if uninspired life story of popular composers DeSylva (Gordon MacRae), Brown (Ernest Borgnine) and Henderson (Dan Dailey). Pooling their talents, the trio rises from Tin Pan Alley to fame and fortune. The team's future is threatened when Buddy DeSylva becomes a big-time movie mogul, his ego expanding with his new responsibilities. But there's a happy ending, replete with a big, blow-out production number. Highlights include Sheree North and Jacques D'Amboise's dance deut to the tune of "Birth of the Blues"; this was North's first opportunity to play something other than a Marilyn Monroe type, and she acquits herself quite nicely. Other DeSylva-Brown-Henderson songs showcased throughout the film include "Button Up Your Overcoat", "Black Bottom", "Sunny Side Up" and the title number. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Gordon MacRae - B.G. "Buddy" DeSylva
- Sheree North - Kitty
- Tommy Noonan - Carl
- Phyllis Avery - Maggie Henderson
- Norman Brooks - Al Jolson
- Roxanne Arlen - Perky Nicholas
- Linda Brace - Jeannie Henderson
- Larry Kerr - Brewer
- Eugene Borden - Louis
- Paul Glass - Piano Player
- Don Dailey - Ray Henderson
- Ernest Borgnine - Lew Brown
- Murvyn Vye - Manny
- Tony Galento - Fingers
- Jacques D'Amboise - Specialty dancer
- Byron Palmer - Hollywood star
- Patty Lou Hudson - Susie Henderson
- Charles Victor - Andrews
- Harold Miller - Percy, Reporter
- Larry Keating - Sheehan
- Director(s):
- Michael Curtiz
- Writer(s):
- Phoebe Ephron, William Bowers
- Producer(s):
- Henry Ephron
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