The Belle of New York (1952 film)

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The Belle of New York
The Belle of New York movie poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Charles Walters
Screenplay byRobert O'Brien
Irving Elinson
Chester Erskine
Based onThe Belle of New York
1897 musical
by Hugh Morton and Gustave Kerker
Produced byArthur Freed
Starring Fred Astaire
Vera-Ellen
Marjorie Main
Keenan Wynn
Cinematography Robert H. Planck
Edited by Albert Akst
Music by Alexander Courage
Adolph Deutsch
Conrad Salinger
Color process Technicolor
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date
  • February 22, 1952 (1952-02-22)(U.S. release)
Running time
82 minutes
Country United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$2,563,000 [1]
Box office$1,982,000 [1]

The Belle of New York is a 1952 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Hollywood musical comedy film set in New York City circa 1900 and stars Fred Astaire, Vera-Ellen, Alice Pearce, Marjorie Main, Gale Robbins, and Keenan Wynn, with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The film was directed by Charles Walters.

Contents

This whimsical (even by Astaire's standards) musical failed at the box office and impressed few critics at the time, mainly due to the nature of the plot which empowers lovers to float free of the influence of gravity - a conceit reprised in the 1999 film Simply Irresistible . Astaire was reluctant [2] to take the project - he was originally supposed to play the role in 1946 but had avoided it through retirement. Clearly stung by its failure[ original research? ], Astaire later claimed that the dance routines - of which there are more than usual - are of a particularly high standard - a rare verdict from such a notoriously self-critical artist. Vera-Ellen is generally viewed [3] as one of Astaire's most technically proficient dance partners, and this was a factor [2] in his readiness to expand the dance content of the film beyond its traditional proportions.

Plot

Set in turn-of-the-century New York, wealthy playboy Charles Hill is causing difficulties for his guardian, Aunt Lettie, and lawyer, Max. Prone to fall in love then ditching his showgirl brides-to-be at the altar, the compensation bills are mounting. After the most recent episode, he hears Angela leading a Salvation Army band in song. He falls in love at first sight and when she scoffs at him, telling him that if he were in love his feet would leave the ground, he promptly floats high into the air. He pursues her, even vowing to do an honest day's work for the first time in his life. After various attempts to convince her, Angela's feeling finally cause her feet to leave the ground. After a couple of misunderstandings are resolved, they float dancing into the air together, to a chorus of well-wishers below as the film ends.

Cast

Production

The film was in development since 1943. Producer Arthur Freed had asked Rodgers and Hammerstein to write the music.

It was then slated to be filmed in 1945 with Astaire and Judy Garland. Due to Garland’s busy schedule she dropped out.

Apparently Mae West was considered for the role of Mrs. Hill. However she was considered too expensive. Beatrice Lillie was also considered.

Musical numbers

The choreography makes play [3] with ideas of lightness, of floating on air [2] and on ice, and the use of platforms, with Astaire consciously avoiding his usual love of noise-making in his solos. Vera-Ellen's lithe and waif-like figure (she allegedly suffered from anorexia nervosa in real life) facilitated this concept. This also marks choreographer Robert Alton's last collaboration with Astaire.

Reception

According to MGM records the film earned $1,340,000 in the US and Canada and $642,000 elsewhere, resulting in a loss of $1,576,000. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 The Eddie Mannix Ledger, Los Angeles: Margaret Herrick Library, Center for Motion Picture Study.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Astaire, Fred (1959). Steps in Time. London: Heinemann. pp. 299–300. ISBN   0-241-11749-6.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mueller, John (1986). Astaire Dancing - The Musical Films. London: Hamish Hamilton. pp. 332–347. ISBN   0-241-11749-6.
  4. ↑ Thomas S. Hischak The Oxford Companion to the American Musical: Theatre, Film, ... 2008 "The new score by Harry Warren (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics) included the hit song “Baby Doll "
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