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Pal Joey
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Pal
Joey
If you read the review for Falling From
Grace, you already know that this is
Music Stars Who Want to be Movie Stars Week
on WaffleMovies.com.
Frank Sinatra was one of the few successful crossover stars. After becoming
a singing sensation with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, he starred in several
musicals throughout the 40's, but shied away from "serious acting" until
1952, when his vocal chords hemorrhaged and he was dropped by his talent
agency, MCA. Facing what could have been the end of his career, Sinatra begged
Columbia to give him an opportunity to star in From
Here to Eternity (You might remember a fictional telling of this
story in The Godfather). He was paid
a measly sum, but the sacrifice was worth it. Sinatra was given the Oscar
for Best Supporting Actor and went on to a successful film career.
In Pal Joey, Sinatra plays the lead
character, Joey Evans, a charming, conniving, womanizing, smooth talking,
cocky, talented crooner. Sounds like a role Sinatra could handle. After
"entertaining" the Mayor's underage daughter in New York, Joey is forcibly
placed on the next train to San Francisco. Finding work is difficult, since
many of the clubs feature dancing girls instead of singers, but he meets
up with his old friend and band leader, Ned Galvin (Bobby Sherwood).
Ned incorporates Joey into the act, but trouble is soon brewing. Joey starts
moving in on Ned's girl, Linda (Kim Novak) and promises the owner of the
club he can bring in classier clientele. Soon, Joey is taking up with one
of the new customers, Simpson (Rita Hayworth), and convinces her to bankroll
a new nightclub with Joey in charge.
It seems Joey has achieved his life long dream of running his own club, but
who really is in control - Joey or Simpson? Does Joey love Linda? Does Joey
love Simpson? Does he love anyone?
The first half of the film is light hearted and full of wonderful musical
numbers (The Lady is a Tramp,
My Funny Valentine), but Sinatra shows
his acting ability in the second half, when he reveals his distaste for the
sad life he leads. Sinatra strips away the cockiness to reveal a man who
is desperate to be a "somebody". Tired of working for unappreciative and
cruel club owners, Joey dreams of creating a place where he and the talent
matter. It is a wonderful turn for Sinatra.
It was a long and winding road to the screen for Pal
Joey. The character of Joey, a dancer, was created by John O'Hara
in a series of letters written for The New
Yorker. He would sign the fictional letters about the trials and
travails of night club life from 'Your Pal Joey'. The letters inspired a
wildly successful Broadway musical starring Gene Kelly. Seeing the possibilities,
Columbia picked up the rights to a big screen version.
Columbia wanted Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth to star in the film version,
but Kelly was under contract to MGM, which wouldn't allow him to make the
film for Columbia. Pal Joey languished
for a few years, even drawing the attention of famed director Billy Wilder
who wanted to make the film with Marlon Brando and Mae West. However, Columbia
passed on Wilders' proposal and, finally, made this version.
Beginning this week, Pal Joey is available
on DVD. Check it out at your local video store.
Grade: B
Director: George Sidney
Writer: Dorothy Kingsley
Music by Nelson Riddle
Cast
Frank Sinatra
Joey Adams
Rita Hayworth
.. Prenta Simpson/Vera
Vanessa
Kim Novak
... Linda English
Bobby Sherwood
.. Ned Galvin
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