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
Based onThe Belle of New York
1897 musical
by Hugh Morton and Gustave Kerker
Produced by Arthur 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 musical comedy film directed by Charles Walters. Set in New York City circa 1900, the film stars Fred Astaire, Vera-Ellen, Alice Pearce, Marjorie Main, Gale Robbins, and Keenan Wynn, with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

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, Angela Collins has been a lifelong member of the Daughters of Right temperance movement. Known as the "Belle of New York", Angela attracts attention for her beauty and singing talent from the clientele, which wealthy matron Mrs. Phineas Hill believes is a distraction. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hill's playboy nephew Charlie is hosting his bachelor party as he is engaged to Dixie "Deadshot" McCoy, a sharpshooter. Mrs. Hill arrives and disperses the party, not knowing of her nephew's engagement. Feeling glum, Charlie confesses he does not want to be married and steps out with his friend, Frenchie.

On a horse carriage, Charlie spots Angela leading the Daughters' band in song and falls in love with her. However, she scoffs at him telling him that if he were really in love, his feet would walk on air. After hearing this, Charlie imagines himself dancing in mid-air and later on top of Washington Square Arch. The next morning, Dixie storms into the Hills' mansion, distraught that Charlie did not arrive at his wedding. Mrs. Hill writes Dixie a $10,000 check to keep her quiet.

Charlie arrives at Angela's office and asks to join the movement. Angela however is skeptical and asks him to complete a honest day's work before joining. Charlie is unsuccessful at keeping a job as he is fired every time he sees Angela in her office. By nighttime, Charlie works as a streetcar driver, and at the end of the day, he offers Angela a ride to the car barn. When the streetcar is parked, Charlie finds Angela's feet has left the ground. He returns home and informs his aunt that he is love with Angela. Delighted at the news, Mrs. Hill agrees to pay for the wedding.

The night before the wedding, Angela's friend Elsie Wilkins holds rehearsals while decorations are being made. Elsewhere, Charlie holds to his sobriety, refusing to have a toast for his upcoming wedding. However, Charlie gives in and wakes up the next morning, realizing he is about to miss the wedding. Charlie returns home, where he finds Angela in her wedding gown. He apologizes and calls off the wedding, believing she deserves a better man. Angela nevertheless insists on the wedding, but when she kisses Charlie, she does not levitate.

Sometime later, Charlie approaches Elsie as the Daughters of Right are marching. Angela hides besides a drum, as Charlie inquires about Angela's whereabouts. Elsie lies, claiming Angela has left the movement. When Charlie leaves, Elsie suggests he and Angela should reunite. Both women adorn stylist clothes and arrive at the Webbers Casino, where Charlie works as a singing waiter. After Charlie performs a number, a male diner asks Charlie to hand Angela a note. Angela reads the note and decides to leave. Charlie reads the note and punches the diner. A brawl breaks out, just as Mrs. Hill arrives. As they attempt to sneak out, Charlie confronts Angela and as they are walking outside, they begin to levitate again. A crowd gathers outside and cheers, and Charlie and Angela marry and dance in mid-air.

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]

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.{{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
  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 "