Now... when will we see THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS: The Musical?

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 1:53pm

A few days ago I whipped-out and watched with a few friends Ida Lupino's 1966 gem THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS, starring Hayley Mills, Rosalind Russell and that never-again-seen June Harding.

It just aches to be musicalized on stage AND featuring a funky mid-60's rock-n-roll score (and lyrics) by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

[notabb]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 3:52pm

I'm trying to imagine the songs. There'd be SCATHINGLY BRILLANT and the tear jerking ballad LAST RACE FOR LIGURI .

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 3:55pm

Classic film! I ran into Hayley Mills at Gypsy this past May and all I could mumble was a cheesy "You're scathingly brillant" as she walked by. Not that I don't appreciate her in her other roles, yes I'm talking about "Good morning Miss Bliss".

I think a stage musical would be very interesting. Any casting ideas?

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 7:22pm

Just want to register as a GIGANTIC fan of this film.

In my adolscent world of 3 networks and a handful of other channels--no cable, no VHS--this was the ultimate Sunday afternoon movie for me. It had everything: laughs, heartbreak, widsdom, pret-teen smoking . . .

[madbrian]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 7:26pm

Someone once paid Roz Russell the highest tribute by saying that she made The Trouble With Angels seem like Shakespeare.

Ironic that Russell worked with both Gypsy Rose Lee in this film, as well as with June Havoc in My Sister Eileen, and also played their mother in Gypsy.

[nobodyhome]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 8:48pm

I've wondered for a long time why this hasn't been musicalized.

Has anyone here read the novel on which the film is based?

There might be rights issues standing in the way.

[gcal]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:18pm

I was just watching it last night. It would make such a great musical-- think of Rachel's showstopper "It Was a Blast! (I Hated to Leave New Trends)" And I think there's potential for a number where Mother Superior introduces all the sisters.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:37pm

Or the big fantasy dance number "Silent Piano" or "Marvel Ann's Soliloquoy" or Mother Superior's 11 o'clock number "Paris".

[gcal]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:42pm

Then, of course, there's "Take Off Her Binder"
And "How are the mumps, Marvel Ann"

[Peter]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 12:00am

Well Harriet Harris could play the Reverend Mother. I always thought she reminded me of Rosalind Russell.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 12:09am

Heh, when Mom saw this as a kid she keyed in on "Scathingly Brilliant Idea" and anytime she says it, we know we're in trouble.