Frankie Vaughan Movies
Frankie Vaughan enjoyed a prosperous career as both actor and recording artist during the 1950s and 1960s, and continued performing into the 1980s. He was an almost instantly recognizable performer because of his debonair sense of style, appearing frequently with a top hot and a cane. After he recorded the hit song "Give Me the Moonlight", he became known as "Mr. Moonlight," a nickname that would stick with him throughout his life. After he established himself as a musician, Vaughan tried his hand at film acting and achieved his greatest success with the 1960 George Cukor-directed Let's Make Love. Later in life, Vaughan worked in some memorable stage musicals, most notably 42nd Street. Vaughan died in 1999, at the age of 71. ~ Ryan Shriver, All Movie Guide- 1963
In this musical, a stagehand and his pal attempt to live out their dream of seeing all the London shows. Many popular British rock groups appear including The Hollies. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1961
This is a routine drama about Leo Mack (Frankie Vaughn) a good-for-nothing, aspiring actor who goes to Hollywood and then ruins one life after another. Based on a stage play by the late Garson Kanin and adapted by his brother, scripters Michael Kanin and his wife Fay Kanin, the story is one long series of disasters wrought by Leo. Alleviated by several pop songs, Leo first wrecks the relationships between five young men who had been living equitably together in a bachelor pad. He goes on to mess up his budding romance with Ursula (Juliet Prowse) and Anne (Martha Hyer) and continues in that way until fame is almost certain. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Juliet Prowse, Frankie Vaughan, (more)
Let's Make Love is a breezy comedy about an off Broadway musical production. Jean-Marc Clement (Yves Montand) is the richest man in the world and looking for someone who loves him instead of his money. He reads in Variety he is to be satirized in the new production and tries out for the part. The producers hire him, unaware of his real identity. He hires Bing Crosby, Milton Berle and Gene Kelly to coach him for the role. Amanda (Marilyn Monroe) is the poor aspiring actress who lands a part in the play. Her opening number is the classic "My Heart Belongs To Daddy". Unaware of his fabulous wealth, she falls for the playboy billionaire during the rehearsals for the show. Tony Randall plays Montand's fussy public relations agent and tries to keep his boss from embarassment. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marilyn Monroe, Yves Montand, (more)
- 1959
A musical and comedic bit of fluff without any other pretensions, The Lady Is a Square plays off the popularity of Frankie Vaughan to help carry the story as Johnny Burns, a young man with a passion for pop music. He insinuates his way into the home of the widowed Frances Baring (Anna Neagle) by pretending to be a piano tuner, in reality, he has fallen for her daughter Joanna (Janette Scott). He soon learns that the widow, dedicated to promoting a series of classical music concerts, has no cash. More than willing to help out, he takes on the job of butler and then sets his sights on getting his own hit recording out. In spite of the widow's aversion to pop music, and her aversion to his interest in her daughter, Johnny keeps at his goal of stardom. Notable in this stock storyline is the character of Johnny's brash manager, played by up-and-coming Anthony Newley, about to make it big with Stop the World - I Want to Get Off. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anna Neagle, Frankie Vaughan, (more)
- 1959
Herbert Wilcox wrapped up his long and prestigious film career as the director of Heart of a Man, which was produced by Wilcox' actress wife Anna Neagle. British teen idol Frankie Vaughn plays a sailor with a penchant for bursting into song. Vaughn has no intention of making a living as a vocalist, but a chance meeting with a whimsical hobo, coupled with a deepening relationship with nightclub thrush Anne Heywood, convinces Vaughn to go for the gold in the music world. In addition to enhancing the already successful career of Frankie Vaughn, Heart of a Man also gave a big boost to Anthony Newley, who popped up in a comic supporting role. As for producer Anna Neagle, this was the second and last of her Frankie Vaughn vehicles; after appearing in one more film (The Lady is a Square [59]) she followed her husband's lead and gracefully exited the British film industry. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frankie Vaughan, Anne Heywood, (more)
- 1958
Wonderful Things was one of two Frankie Vaughan vehicles produced in the late 1950s by actress Anna Neagle. The popular British recording artist is cast as a Gilbraltar fisherman named Carmello, who vies with his brother Mario (Jeremy Spenser) over the attentions of the beauteous Pepita (Jackie Lane). While on holiday in London, Carmello falls in love with society girl Anne (Jean Dawnay), leaving the field clear for Mario back home. Since this is essentially a romantic drama, Frankie Vaughan limits himself to a single ballad, but it's a good one. Wilfred Hyde-White offers the film's best performance as the debutante's dry-witted papa. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frankie Vaughan, Jackie Lane, (more)
- 1957
This British drama chronicles the exploits of a brutal Liverpudlian gang leader/would-be rock star who finds himself inducted into the army. The troubled youth undergoes basic training and emerges a man. Later his best friend from boot camp is killed by the camp bully. Courageously, he stands up to the bully and wounds him. Fearing retribution, he flees the barracks. Time passes and he eventually rights the wrong, matures, and marries his singing partner. Songs include: "Isn't It a Lovely Evening?" "These Dangerous Years," and "Cold, Cold Shower." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Baker, Thora Hird, (more)
- 1956
In this African adventure, a big-game hunting millionaire, attempts to track down and shoot his wife and her lover who is also a hunter. The thought of becoming prey is highly offensive to the lover who winds up shooting the millionaire. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1956
In this British parody of an American western, an Englishman travels to Canada to run the ranch he recently inherited from his grandfather, a crusty old sheriff. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
