# New! Improved! Musical Lovers' Salon and Debating Society **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 4, 2005, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308 "2005-05-04T01:07:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2005, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/1 "2005-05-04T01:07:56Z")
As discussed [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=263036&page=5), we’re going to take the MLSDS in a slightly new direction. A self-appointed steering committe of **Archive Guy, Lamia** , and me put together a list of 24 classic musical films, which **Archive Guy** has further organized into four six-film “sets” based on a series of themes. He will post the full set list at once, so people can look ahead for films they might have a problem finding, and we’ll start threads at two-week intervals. (BTW, of the four people who were “owed” picks when we took staged our coup, two ceded their choices, one expressed a choice – **1776** , which has been added to The List; and one person couldn’t be found.) **Lamia** is letting her active membership lapse for a while (due to pressures of school), so **Archive Guy** and I will be writing OPs. _If anyone wants to write an OP, either for a film you particularly want to talk about or for any film that comes up, pls. post in this thread._ We are not trying to hog the OP glory – just take that burden off people, since not everyone likes to do it. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2005, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/2 "2005-05-14T00:34:15Z")
Okay! This time I really mean it! **breaks bottle of Diet Dr Pepper over the bow of the new SDMBMLSDS** We are now going to embark on a series of films picked by a self-appointed gang (er, committee) of three. These films will be grouped into sets of four, based on theme, and we’ll start discussions at two-week intervals. Here’s the first set (in order): **Tha Pajama Game Dancer in the Dark Love Me Tonight 8 Women Gold Diggers of 1935 Cabaret** And the theme is – Headstrong Women. The discussion of **The Pajama Game** will begin on Monday, May 30th – oh, wait, that’s Memorial Day. Okay, Tuesday, May 31st. See y’all then! ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2005, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/3 "2005-05-14T00:39:02Z")
Thanks for posting, twickster. I’ll write the OP for **The Pajama Game** (aka the Best Musical you’ve never seen). Unfortunately, the DVD leaves something to be desired in terms of the color values (this is true, from what I understand, even about the recent “Collector’s Edition”)–not nearly as vibrant and gorgeous as it should be. Still, a terrific film, and one due for a little restorative work. And Diet Dr. Pepper couldn’t have been more appropriate (just as a personal fave). See everybody on the 31st! ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2005, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/4 "2005-05-14T06:57:05Z")
I _knew_ it was Pajama Game. Which, as you said, though I know the songs, and like many of them - I’ve never seen. Looking forward to it. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/5 "2005-05-16T11:53:00Z")
**bump** for the weekday crowd ---
**Author:** ![Kizarvexius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kizarvexius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kizarvexius)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/6 "2005-05-16T20:13:58Z")
Uh-oh. I haven’t seen _any_ of them all the way through. I guess I’d better get busy. ---
**Author:** ![MidnightRadio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@MidnightRadio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MidnightRadio)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/7 "2005-05-16T23:04:00Z")
I missed getting on board before, so now that the SDMBMLSDS is beginning it’s new incarnation, I’d like to be a part of it. So, how does this work, exactly? On May 31, someone will start a thread about _The Pajama Game_ and we all come in and discuss it? Sorry if that’s a stupid question. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2005, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/8 "2005-05-16T23:28:59Z")
> [@MidnightRadio](#): > > I missed getting on board before, so now that the SDMBMLSDS is beginning it’s new incarnation, I’d like to be a part of it. > > So, how does this work, exactly? On May 31, someone will start a thread about _The Pajama Game_ and we all come in and discuss it? > > Sorry if that’s a stupid question. Yup, that’s pretty much it. There’ll typically be someone designated to create the thread and write the OP, but if it’s a particular favorite of yours, you can volunteer to do so. Welcome to the club! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2005, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/9 "2005-05-17T12:55:30Z")
I just want to point out that **The Pajama Game** is _not_ the best musical I’ve never seen. I don’t know what is, but I did see **The Pajama Game** probably sometime in the past year. And I saw the Golddiggers one in the past month and a half. and **Cabaret** in the past 5 years, but never any of the others. Looking forward to them. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2005, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/10 "2005-05-19T13:44:13Z")
Swung by the library last night to get **The Pajama Game** – which I know they have, because I borrowed it about a year ago. That was out (good lord, is there another SDMBMLSDS member in NW Philly?) – but they did have **8 Women** , which I’d assumed I’d have to pay money to rent. (Which I’ve also seen – in the theater, when it came out. 🆒 ) Gotta start looking for **Love Me Tonight**. I think it would help if I’d write down the damn title, though; I was wandering around the library last night thinking “ **Love Me or Leave Me**? No, that’s not right…” ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2005, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/11 "2005-05-27T14:23:59Z")
Watched _The Pajama Game_ last night in giddy anticipation of the discussion next week. I enjoy reading reviews and commentary after watching a movie, and with current films, the IMDb links suffice – but for older films, blah, there’s nothing. Does anyone have a favorite site about movie musicals for (current or contemporary) write-ups, reviews, etc.? ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2005, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/12 "2005-06-02T12:18:28Z")
The discussion of **The Pajama Game** has commenced [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=319248). Next film up is **Dancer in the Dark** – I’ll write an OP on that in two weeks (Wednesday, June 15th). Bit of a warning for those who haven’t seen it – it’s rather a dark movie. Very powerful, and very, very good – but also dark. If you prefer your musicals on the frothy side, you may want to skip this one. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2005, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/13 "2005-06-15T13:43:14Z")
**Dancer in the Dark** discussion has commenced [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=321244). The next film up is **Love Me Tonight** (hm, gotta get serious about looking for a copy) – discussion to commence in two weeks, on Wednesday, June 29th. ---
**Author:** ![LindyHopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@LindyHopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LindyHopper)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2005, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/14 "2005-06-15T17:39:16Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > The next film up is **Love Me Tonight** (hm, gotta get serious about looking for a copy) – discussion to commence in two weeks, on Wednesday, June 29th. I probably won’t be participating in this, since I’m new to musical-liking, but Netflix has _Love Me Tonight_; I saw it a few weeks ago and it’s great. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2005, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/15 "2005-06-15T17:46:05Z")
No experience required to participate – check out the thread once it’s started, and if you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so. Sometimes the conversation is all at the level of who liked which songs, etc. – it’s not necessarily a sophisticated critical exegesis of the postmodern subtext. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![LindyHopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@LindyHopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LindyHopper)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2005, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/16 "2005-06-15T21:02:05Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > No experience required to participate – check out the thread once it’s started, and if you have anything to contribute, feel free to do so. Sometimes the conversation is all at the level of who liked which songs, etc. – it’s not necessarily a sophisticated critical exegesis of the postmodern subtext. 😉 Heh. Well, there’s also the issue that I have a list of movies to see, and it’s long, and I _insist_ on seeing them in chronological order by release date, and…I’m just a bit anal that way. But I’ll stop by when you’re discussing ones I’ve already seen (probably only a few for now, but more later), and I may even participate. No thread-starting for me, though…I’m too much of a musical noob. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2005, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/17 "2005-06-30T00:41:09Z")
Just got an email from **Archive Guy** – he’s swamped at work, hopes to do the OP tomorrow or Friday. Since I haven’t gotten around to watching the movie yet, I’m okay with that. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2005, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/18 "2005-07-06T00:29:04Z")
**Love Me Tonight** is being discussed [here](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=324182). Next up: **8 Women** , with an OP on Tuesday, July 19th. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2005, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/19 "2005-07-20T18:39:02Z")
**clears throat** Haven’t watched it yet. Probably won’t watch it tonight. I did finally take it out of the library on Monday, though, so I’m moving in the right direction. Sorry! ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2005, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308/20 "2005-07-20T18:56:03Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > **Tha Pajama Game > Dancer in the Dark > Love Me Tonight > 8 Women > Gold Diggers of 1935 > Cabaret** **Gold Diggers of 1935** is _unwatchable_ except for the brilliant “Lullabye of Broadway” number, its only redeeming feature . . . If you’re going to catch one of the early Busby Berkeleys, go for **Footlight Parade, Gold Diggers of 1933** or **42nd Street**. . . [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-improved-musical-lovers-salon-and-debating-society/302308.md?page=2)