Oklahoma Movie

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:17pm

Anyone ever see the movie version of Oklahoma? I watched some of it today. One thing...I didn't like some of Agnes de Mille's choreography. Some of the hand movements were weird during some of the scenes, especially in the Ballet at the end of the first act of the movie. I liked Stroman's choreography better.

Also, another thing that bothered my a bit: the girl who played Ado Annie. When I saw the Oklahoma tour, the girl who played Annie was smiling, bouncy and full of life. However, the Ado Annie in the movie (played by Gloria Grahame) seemed to just stand there, most apparantly in "I Cain't Say No." She didn't even open her mouth much when she sang.

I understand this movie was made back in the 50's, so the movie wasn't really flashy.

Updated On: 7/29/04 at 07:17 PM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:21pm

I loved Gloria Grahame as Ado Annie. I mean, she isn't the greatest singer, but I loved how she portrayed the character. I love it when Ado and that girl who tries to take Curly away from Laurie (Can't remember her name right now) gets in that fight because Will tries to give her an "Oklahoma hello." It's great.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:22pm

I have the DVD. LOVE IT... but I have a really bizarre obsession with Oklahoma! to begin with. I saw the original movie when I was a kid, and really enjoyed it. I've always loved Rodgers and Hammerstein. The first time I saw it when I was older was just after the recent Broadway revival had closed, and I was really, really upset (I was severely attached to that show). That said, I didn't love the movie so much, just because... well, I was sad, and it was different. But, it was all I had, so I kept watching it. I love it now. Millie, you're right about Gloria Grahame as Annie, though. She wasn't spunky or bubbly like Annie seems like she should be. I also have the London DVD with Hugh Jackman. It's great as well. As for the choreography, I think I like Stroman's ballet a little bit better, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I dislike DeMille's. Regardless, DeMille is a legend.

Updated On: 7/29/04 at 07:22 PM

[mominator]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:26pm

I got to play Ado Annie in highs school. I love Ms Grahame's take on her. I think the entire cast was playing their roles cardboard because it gave the movie a certain charm.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:31pm

when i played ado annie and laurey in different productions i watched the original movie and the dvd with hugh jackman. I HATED the original movie (maybe it was because i hate shirley jones)and i loved the london dvd. i'm more of a on stage musical kinda gal i guess.

[Plum]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:41pm

How do cardboard portrayals give a movie charm? I haven't seen the movie in years, but I do remember that it turned me to the "Shirley Jones makes me want to break things" school of thought. And it's a shame they changed the lyrics to comply with the movie code back then.

[beacon1]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:54pm

Emcee...

Any particular reason you became "attached" to the revival of Oklahoma a couple of years ago... ;o)


:o)

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 7:56pm

That's ONE of the particular reasons!!!
But really, I didn't just fall for Patrick. I've always enjoyed Broadway, but that was the ONE show that really got me hooked, so it's pretty special to me.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:01pm

I personally do not see how anyone can not like this musical. It has great songs and changed the face of musical theatre forever.

[beacon1]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:04pm

Emcee...

Oh, I know. You really are a Broadway fan and I love all your reviews. Your take on The Producers made me think that it might be worth seeing in Toronto. I was kinda reluctant. I love your insights...

But this time I just couldn't pass up a chance to have you mention "our" Patrick. :o)

Adam, Raul, Patrick...you're getting quite a collection!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:07pm

haha, thanks beacon!!
Said "collection" would be QUITE nice right about now. What can I say? I'm easily won over... you know, by unattainable men.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:13pm

i saw patrick as curly and he was GREAT!! he's cute too. his voice was amazing and he had great chemistry with the rest of the actors. he's a great performer.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:15pm

"I personally do not see how anyone can not like this musical. It has great songs and changed the face of musical theatre forever."

I appreciate what it did for musical theatre. But I don't like it as a show.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:16pm

Oh well. To each his own, right.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:17pm

"i saw patrick as curly and he was GREAT!! he's cute too. his voice was amazing and he had great chemistry with the rest of the actors. he's a great performer."

Amen, ponine. I ADORE PW. I just wish he'd get his cute little butt back to Broadway.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:18pm

me too. he should play raoul on broadway. switch from the screen to broadway!

[MusicMan]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:20pm

"I didn't like some of Agnes de Mille's choreography compared to Stroman's..."

Dear, sweet Jesus....

[mominator]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:21pm

Plun because all the roles in this show are so flat it makes them all the more comical. I mean "Oh the farmer and the cowman should be friends." Just too funny. My brother-inlaw was also in a production as Curly, and even in his they couldn't keep a straight face. The movie and show were just part of an era.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 8:21pm

LOL

[NoDayButToday2]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 9:04pm

yea i absolutely loved the movie... then again the only thing i have to compare it to is a highschool production of the show...

[Plum]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 9:04pm

I don't know. There's a difference, for me, between having a two-dimensional character and having a cardboard portrayal of that character. The London revival video shows how it can be improved, in the cases of Curly and Jud at least.

[jo]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 9:44pm

I echo your comments, Plum. I also think the new take on the Laurie character in the London revival is interesting. The chemistry between Curly and Laurie drew more sparks as portrayed by Hugh and Josefina compared to the interpretations that Gordon and Shirley had given us in the movie

I actually developed more respect for the show after I had seen the London revival in 1999 and saw it captured on film years later. I initially thought OKLAHOMA! was a bit more of fluff compared to the more poignant and more dramatic CAROUSEL. But now I understand why this show became the landmark musical on Broadway.

[marincrazy11]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 10:03pm

I love the movie...it was the first musical movie I ever saw on t.v. and it was an instant click. I've been hooked ever since.

[Jon]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:23pm

But Eddie Albert as Ali Hakim? That's just WRONG!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/29/04 at 11:27pm

I looked up some of the characters online. Did you know the guy who played Jud was the same guy who played the doctor who owned a little country shop in both Shiloh movies?