Laura Pierpont Movies
- 1956
Paul Douglas repeats his Broadway stage role as corrupt, bombastic scrap-metal tycoon Harry Brock in this Hallmark Hall of Fame production of Garson Kanin's Born Yesterday. Taking over from Judy Holliday in the role of Harry's dimwitted mistress Billie Dawn is Mary Martin, while Arthur Hill is seen as Paul Verrall, the bespectacled Washington DC reporter whom Harry hires to instill "refinement" in the brash and unschooled ex-chorine Billie. Anxious to organize a covert business cartel with the help of a few bought-off politicians, Harry realizes that Billie's stupidity and tendency to say whatever pops into her head might queer the deal--thus, he engages the services of Verrall. What Harry doesn't count on is that Paul will "educate" Billie to the point that she develops a conscience, and a sense of patriotism that causes her to rebel against Brock's disreputable tactics. As in the original play and the 1950 film version, the highlight of the proceedings is the classic gin-rummy game between Harry and Billie, though running a close second is Billie's blockbuster response to Brock's brutishness: "Do me a favor, will ya Harry? Drop dead." Garson Kanin himself directed this production, which originally aired live and in color. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1950
In this musical comedy with dramatic touches, Jack and Molly Moran (Dan Dailey and Betty Grable) are a show business couple who, after hosting their own radio show, have just been given a deal to star in a TV series. They're also thrilled to discover that Molly is expecting a baby, but their joy turns to sorrow after she loses the child in an auto accident, and her doctors tell her that she may not be able to conceive again. When they see how happy their friends Walter and Janet Pringle (David Wayne and Jane Wyatt) are with their five children, the Morans decide to adopt, but they discover that show people are not generally regarded as fit parents, regardless of their success or stability. However, good fortune eventually shines on Jack and Molly, as they find themselves with not one but two adopted tykes, and a big surprise around the corner. My Blue Heaven marked the film debut of musical star Mitzi Gaynor. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Betty Grable, Dan Dailey, (more)
- 1936
The titular colleen is Ruby Keeler, hired to manage a dress shop by wealthy Dick Powell. Keeler is the replacement for slatternly Joan Blondell, who'd been assigned the job by Powell's philandering father (Hugh Herbert). With Powell and Keeler at the helm, it's no time at all before the musical numbers proliferate, though none of the songs have the staying power of those in such earlier Warners musicals as 42nd Street and Golddiggers of 1933. The best number, "Boulevardier from the Bronx", is familiar to modern viewers thanks to its constant use in Warner Bros. cartoons. A lesser Powell/Keeler outing, Colleen contains what many film buffs regard as the definitive performance of character comedian Hugh "Woo Woo" Herbert. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, (more)
