Guys and Dolls – Musicals generally are not my preference for entertainment (I can name many I’ve refused to see), but the more I reflected on how many movie musicals I’ve seen and actually enjoyed – Camelot, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Westside Story, most of Stephen Sondheim’s works, several Disney animations – I have to admit an appreciation for this American invention. I can add this one to those I’ve enjoyed.

In this 1955 cinema of Damon Runyon’s New York gamblers and their gals, high-stakes sportsman Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando – Was this his only role in a musical?) accepts a bet from a knight of the elbow, Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra), that he can’t romance Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons), a Salvation Army lady. Frank Loesser’s songs – especially “Luck Be a Lady” and Stubby Kaye’s singing “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” – provide a pleasurable, intoxicating punch without getting in the way of the action.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2007 Patrick Ivers. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

Patrick Ivers can be reached via e-mail at .