Is there anyway to see the 1958 TV Movie of "Wonderful Town?"

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 2:13pm

I have recently bought the CD for the 58 TV Movie of Wonderful Town. I love this show, and I really want too see this movie - but there isn't a video released or anything.

Does anyone have any info where it could be seen? Because the original production was NOT filmed - and this is our only tie to see Roz Russell in one of the most critically acclaimed performances of ALL TIME. In the booklet of this CD they state that Roz Russell's reviews probally stand as the best set of personal notices anyone has ever received in a musical. Now that is really saying something! For a woman who wasn't known for her singing, she really knew how too sell a song in a musical!

So - I really need too see Russell's Ruth - does anyone know where this TV Movie of WT can be seen?


Updated On: 7/24/05 at 02:13 PM

[magruder]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 2:21pm

Museum of Television and Radio screens it from time to time. When you do get to see it, Roz Russell will take your breath away. She's funnier in her throwaway moments than some people are in an entire performance. And "Conga!" is truly a workout for her - she gets thrown around like a ragdoll.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 3:07pm

i think the movie u r looking for is "my sister eileen" and u can get it online or at any store.

[magruder]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 3:11pm

No, that's not what he's looking for. He's looking for the kinescope of the 1958 TV version of "Wonderful Town," starring Roz Russell.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 3:27pm

it was a TV show?

[magruder]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 3:29pm

They did a two hour live version of the show, largely complete, except for "Pass That Football". Most of the original cast too, except for Sydney Chaplin replacing George Gaynes, and Jacqueline McKeever replacing Edie Adams.


Wonderful Town at IMDB.com

Updated On: 7/24/05 at 03:29 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 3:51pm

Check EBay. I bought a copy of it on there a while back.

[Marquise]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 4:15pm

I read somewhere that Edie Adams was pissed Russell passed her over for the TV version. She had casting approval. I think she even stopped speaking to her.

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:24pm

Yep. The booklet of the CD says Roz did not want Edie in the film - it say's most likely because Edie was popular with TV - and Edie might steal the spotlight. That's how I understand.

My God - I hope I can get a copy on ebay!

[RustyJusty830]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:33pm

I would love to see this- I think WT still stands as one of the greatest musicals of the 1950s.

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 6:34pm

Yes! There is a copy on Ebay!! Thanks for the idea Margo - for some odd reason I didn't think about looking on ebay.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 7:28pm

It's terrific - and the commercials are a scream!

[Natalie_Jemima]

Posted: 7/24/05 at 11:13pm

Thanks, IJay889!!!!!! I was wondering the same thing! You're my hero on this board!!!!! I'll try Ebay and see if they have the solution. LOL! If anyone has seen it, what's your favorite part that Ms.Rosalind Russell did? I'm SUCH a fan of hers! Again IJay889, thanx SOOOO much! $$$***Natalie_Jemima***$$$

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/3/05 at 5:15pm

Mine arrived from Ebay! I paid 28 dollars, more than I would've liked. But this seller was GREAT. He included it on VHS AND DVD! He also added in some Frank Sinatra "Outtakes" bonus CD.

I've watched half of it so far. The quality is ofcourse not so great, but it's 1958 Kinescope! I am so happy to own this. Roz and the cast is great so far!!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/3/05 at 6:18pm

For those of you in and around NYC, this version can be screened anytime at the Museum of TV & Radio.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/3/05 at 6:37pm

^ That is cool- you can screen it there.

But WT is one of my favorite shows, and I love Roz. So I am thrilled to own this.

Hah. And those commericals were great. That singing watch/clock lady. lol

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 8/3/05 at 6:43pm

I love Wonderful Town. I think the score is Bernstein's best! (And I'm a huge Gypsy fan!) JK, Styne wrote Gypsy.