A very good, and very thorough, review by Tom Shales. I’ll start saving my diimes now.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42404-2003May26.html
Well, that’s lovely, but I wish someone would release CDs of his earlier work, like the shows The Gay Divorce, Anything Goes, The New Yorkers, Red Hot & Blue . . .
“Les Girls” (1957), Porter’s last score for the movies and Gene Kelly’s last starring musical for MGM, isn’t much of a film, but the print as restored here is a gem, from the very first growl of Leo the Lion. Taina Elg, the Finnish-born beauty who co-stars in the picture, hosts the 10-minute documentary and tells the haunting story of Kay Kendall, who also appears. Kendall was involved with Rex Harrison, who was then married and starring in “My Fair Lady” on Broadway. He learned, but did not tell her, that Kendall had contracted leukemia. He got a quick divorce and married her. They made “The Reluctant Debutante” together. And then, three years after “Les Girls,” she died.
—Jesus! Who do I have to blow at Turner to get them to plug my book?
I’m sure Ted would be most appreciative. I tried to find Tom Shales’ email address at the Post, in an effort to forward your offer to him, but, alas, he’s not listed. I think Ben Bradlee, former Executive Editor of the Post, is still alive. You might start with him, work your way over to Tom Shales, and then end up with Ted Turner. Hey, it can’t hurt.
Eve, are you familiar with You’re the Top: Cole Porter in the 1930’s? It was put out by the Indiana Historical Society to celebrate Porter’s 100th birthday. It’s a bit pricey ($55 for the three cd set), but it’s a remarkable collection. I especially like the way they include several renditions of the same tune. For example, Artie Shaw AND Xavier Cugat AND Tony Martin arrangements of Begin the Beguine. Ethel Waters AND Ella Fitgerald on Miss Otis Regrets. Porter himself performing Anything Goes and Don’t Fence Me In. You get the idea. And wait until you hear Louis Armstrong doing Just One of Those Things! Highly recommended!
Oooh, thanks, Labdad!
As for Turner, maybe now that he’s dumped Hanoi Jane, I’ll give him another try . . .