Guys and Dolls has been one of my favorite movie musicals since I was a kid. It's how I discovered that Marlon Brando was once (really, really) hot.
Guys and Dolls is the story of Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) who, in order to secure a location for his crap game, makes a bet with Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) that he can't take Sergeant Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) on a trip to Havanna. Sgt. Sarah is the leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission, but Sky is able to convince her to go to Havanna with him. Once there, he gets her drunk and acts all surprised when she turns out to be loose. Then there's Adalaide (Vivian Blaine), Nathan's long-suffering girlfriend who works as a showgirl or stripper, or something. She has developed a chronic cold because of their relationship. Nathan and Adalaide have been engaged for fourteen years, which is okay with Adalaide as long as Nathan doesn't run a crap game. Which he does. So . . .yeah.
Once I examined the plot more thoroughly, the chicks really looked like losers. But, somehow, this whole scenario works and it's all quite charming. The music is fantastic (unless Marlon Brando is singing it) and the characters are delightful. I could watch Sky and Sgt. Sarah spar for hours. Or, like, almost that. Other than "Luck Be A Lady," the dancing consists mostly of synchronized standing up and sitting down. But these are hardened criminals who do not ever speak in contractions, so I would not expect them to be light on their feet.
Fast forward moment: Marlon Brando singing, the Havanna dance/fight scene, Sarah reading about Havanna . . Ah, heck. Just skip Havanna. Except "If I Were A Bell."
Grade: B
Rewind that! Moment: There are a lot of great songs in this musical, but this one sums things up nicely.
Champion
4 months ago
3 Wisecracks:
Super fun show! We did this last fall- agree about the loser women. But the music gets better and better the more you hear it. Look up Peter Gallagher singing My Time of Day- love it!
I got to play Adelaide in high school - SO fun! However, I did have to strip down to a skimpy leotard and then shake what my momma gave me during Take Back Your Mink (not sure if this song is in the movie). I thought my dad was going to march onstage and take me straight home.
One more reason to love Peter Gallagher. (Like I needed one!) I've never heard that song before. It's not in the movie.
Jill, you would be such a cute Adalaide! Especially shakin' what your momma gave ya. No, I'm not hitting on you.
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