Girl Crazy question

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 7:45pm

I'm writing a paper on the different use of the song I Got Rhythm in the films Girl Crazy and An American in Paris, and I was wondering about the origins of the song. I know Ethel Merman sang it in the 1930 production - in what context?

Thanks!

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 8:03pm

The song came near the end of Act One. Merman had already electrified the first nighters with the bluesy "Sam and Delilah" but the uptempo "I Got Rhytm" was the number that made her a star. In fact in her obituaries it stated she had only one song in GIRL CRAZY but in fact she had three.

The ONLY recording that attempts to take the number down the way it was done on stage is the studio cast disc of GIRL CRAZY with Lorna Luft on Nonesuch. The notes in the booklet with give you details on how it was done.

Don't forget that Gershwin also took the song and created variations for Piano and Orchestra. (I Got Rhthm Variations - there are many recordings of it.)

[wildcat]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 8:04pm

Kate Fothergill, the wife of gambler Slick Fothergill, manages and provides the entertainment at Danny's gambling room in Custerville, Arizona. With his wife busy at the bar, Slick flirts with two available girls, but when Kate catches him in the act he assures her that no woman can match her assets. Kate is more than convinced ("I Got Rhythm")

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 8:10pm

Thanks so much!

[Katurian2]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 8:38pm

Your paper sounds very interesting! The way it is performed in "American in Paris" is one of my favorite movie musical moments. Gene Kelly showing the kids different dance steps is absolutely priceless!

[allofmylife]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 8:47pm

The story goes that a small crowd would gather on the street most nights around nine thirty in front of the Alvin Theater (now The Neil Simon) to see if they could hear the incredibly loud, un-amplified voice of Ethel Merman belting out "I've Got Rhythm" from inside the theater. And they weren't disappointed.

Gershwin loved to play this song at lightning speed. Nobody could play it as fast, except his protege Oscar Levant. The fact is, he loved to perform and no party in New York was complete without George jamming at the piano (many hosts simply rented a piano and invited George, hoping - no - expecting he'd play. Who needs to pay for a band when you have Gershwin?). For a brief glimpse of Gershwin playing the song, go to this link:

http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9809/25/gershwin/index.html

Updated On: 4/29/06 at 08:47 PM