'The Reluctant Debutante' is a 1958 comedy directed by Vincent Minnelli and starring Rex Harrison, Kay Kendall, Angela Lansbury, John Saxon, Sandra Dee, Peter Myers and Diane Clare. The film's screenplay is by Julius J. Epstein. The film was later remade as "What a Girl Wants" (2003) with Amanda Bynes. The film is set in London, 1958. 17 year old Jane Broadbent (played by Dee) arrives in London to live with her wealthy father Jimmy Broadbent (played by Harrison) and her stepmother Sheila Broadbent (played by Kendall). In order to compete with her "second cousin twice removed, and twice isn't far enough", Mabel Claremont (played by Lansbury), Sheila is determined to give Jane a coming out party to make her debut. Along the way, Jane falls in love with drummer David Parkson (played by Saxon), whom Sheila disapproves. Watch the trailer:
Musical program
The musical score features memorable MGM songs including "The Boy Next Door", "Easy to Love", "You Are My Lucky Star", "Love" and "How About You?". The contemporary "Rock Around the Clock" also makes an appearance.
Did you know...
This film was shot in Paris, as Rex Harrison was experiencing tax problems and was unable to stay in the US or the UK
This was the 12th most popular movie at the British box office in 1959
Closing remarks
Not a bad film but in comparison to the rest of Vincente Minnelli's body of work, this is somewhat a disappointment. That said, Angela Lansbury steals the show as the stuck up and snobby Mabel Claremont. Lansbury and Kendall play an amusing game of keeping up with the Joneses as their characters attempt to outdo each other throughout the film. Real life husband and wife Harrison and Kendall also make a great pair. Overall a below average, yet very predictable romantic comedy.
"Oh for Pete's sake Virginia, cut out the nonsense. This is a pre-arranged date and we all know it. I've got to get back on duty by eleven, so come on, let's shake our tootsies!" - Olivia de Havilland (as Amy Lind)
Olivia de Havilland as Amy shocks James Cagney as Biff with her modern way of thinking
The Strawberry Blonde is a good old fashioned jolly folly from 1941 starring James Cagney, Olivia de Havilland and Rita Hayworth with Jack Carson, Alan Hale, George Tobias, Una O'Connor and George Reeves. The film is directed by Raoul Walsh and written by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein.
Biff Grimes (played by Cagney) is infatuated by "the strawberry blonde" Virginia Brush (played by Rita Hayworth). Society girl Virginia chooses to give her affections to Biff's best friend Hugo Barnstead (played by Carson). Biff eventually marries Virginia's best friend, nurse Amy Lind (played by de Havilland).
Cagney returns to Warner Bros.
This was James Cagney's return to Warner Bros. after his 18 months contractual dispute. A clause in Cagney's new contract allowed Cagney to choose his own films. After showing his versatility in musical films such as 'Footlight Parade' and his ability play Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Cagney thought it fit to expand his repertoire with a nostalgic film set in the 1890s.
Musical program
As with all old fashioned jolly follies, 'The Strawberry Blonde' is jam packed with some great old fashioned jolly American songs from the 1890s such as "And the Band Played On", "Bill Bailey" and "Meet Me In St. Louis".
Watch a clip from the film:
Movie trailer I really like the movie trailer for 'The Strawberry Blonde'. I wasn't able to find it on YouTube, so here are some images I managed to find online.
Did you know...
James Cagney had wanted Brian Donlevy or Lloyd Nolan to play the role of as Hugo Barnstead, as he felt Jack Carson was too tall for him
John Garfield was considered for the role of Biff Grimes
Ann Sheridan was originally intended to play Virginia Brush, however she refused due to a contractual dispute
Brenda Marshall screen tested for the role of Virginia Brush
This film is believed to feature the only time Rita Hayworth is heard singing with her own voice - in her other films, her singing voice is dubbed
Award nominations
Academy Award nomination for Best Musical Score
Closing remarks
'The Strawberry Blonde' features an iconic Olivia de Havilland image where she cheekily winks at the camera. I like this film a lot, and there is only one thing I dislike about watching this film. Every time I finish watching it, I can never get the bloody song ("And the Band Played On") out of my head!!
