Exactly. Ethel Merman was NEVER what anyone could call sexy. She was a foghorn-voiced belter, not a hot mama. During the period the show was on Broadway, Ginger Rodgers was a hot, sexy performer, Lois Moran was a hot ice blond, Clair Luce was a hot, sexy, shimmering dancer but the Merm was that strange-looking former secretary with a voice that could be heard a block away.
Now THIS was sexy:
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699