Remains to be Seen (1953) - Star of the month... Angela Lansbury

'Remains to be Seen' is a 1953 semi-musical comedy thriller murder mystery (or post-murder mystery) directed by Don Weis and starring June Allyson, Van Johnson, Louis Calhern, Angela Lansbury and Dorothy Dandridge. The film's screenplay by Sidney Sheldon was based on the play by Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay.

Waldo Williams (played by Johnson) is the manager of an apartment building who finds one of the residents Travis Revercombe (played by Stuart Holmes) dead on his couch. The death is put to natural causes, however things are complicated after a carving knife is later put into the already dead corpse. Among the chaos Williams finds himself smitten with Revercombe's estranged niece Jody Revere (played by Allyson).

The film becomes a post-murder mystery of "who stabbed the dead body with a carving knife".

Musical program

The film's musical program includes:

• "Toot Toot Tootsie (Goo'Bye!)" - June Allyson
• "Too Marvellous for Words" - Van Johnson
• "Taking a Chance on Love" - Dorothy Dandridge
• "Too Marvellous for Words" - June Allyson

Sadly, I was unable to find any musical clips on YouTube to share :(

Did you know...

• This was the last of 5 movies June Allyson and Van Johnson made together (last of 6 movies if you include 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946), where both stars appeared but not together)

Closing remarks

A very funny black comedy, far exceeding the expectations I originally had. The genres of comedy and thriller does not always tend to work, but in this film it does. A memorable and amusing scene shows June Allyson, who making dinner plans with both Van Johnson and Louis Calhern at the same restaurant switches from table to table much to the waiter's confusion.

June Allyson and Van Johnson have amazing chemistry in this film. Dorothy Dandridge has a memorable Lena Horne-style cameo, where she walks on, sings a song and leaves.  As much as I love Angela Lansbury, I feel her (as an already established star) her talent is wasted in this film, as she has a rather small appearance with very minimal dialogue. On a positive note, there is lovely polynesian decor featured in the deceased's apartment as well as a rousing swing soundtrack that will keep your toes tapping for the duration of the film.

My 3 reasons to watch this film:

• a very unique murder mystery situation
• June Allyson and Van Johnson's chemistry
• Dorothy Dandridge singing "Taking a Chance on Love"

White Cliffs of Dover (1943) - Star of the month... Elizabeth Taylor

'White Cliffs of Dover' is a patriot 1943 war-drama directed by Clarence Brown and starring Irene Dunne with Alan Marshall, Frank Morgan, Gladys Cooper, Van Johnson, Dame May Whitty, Roddy McDowell, Peter Lawford, C. Aubrey Smith and Elizabeth Taylor.

The film's screenplay was written by Claudine West, Jan Lustig and George Froeschel, and his based on the Alice Duer Miller poem "The White Cliffs", with additional poetry by Robert Nathan.


Susan Dunn (played by Dunne) travels to England with her father (played by Morgan) for two weeks, however Susan decides to stay permanently after she meets and marries Englishman Sir. John Ashwood (played by Marshall).  

Narrative structure

The first act in the film is a delightful romance, with hints of comedy. The second act if the film is set with the break of World War I and becomes a little more serious. The third act is even more serious as World War II begins.

The White Cliffs of Dover...

The White Cliffs of Dover are cliffs which form part of the English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France.The cliffs reach a height of 350 feet or 100 metres.

The white cliffs of dover

Award nominations

• Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography - Black & white

Did you know...

• Tom Drake appears in the film uncredited as a dying American soldier
• Ronald Colman owned the rights to the Alice Duer Miller poem, but sold them to Clarence Brown, who then sold them to MGM in order to make this film

Closing remarks

A beautiful, tender and powerful film boasting a wonderful cast whom all deliver fantastic performances. As usual Frank Morgan is a delight, Gladys Cooper is perfectly cast, and Dame May Whitty steals every scene she is in. With the current war in Iraq still continuing, this film is still as relevant today as it was in 1944.


My three reasons for watching this film are all related to actors within the film:

• Elizabeth Taylor in one of her first movie appearances
• Supporting actors stealing the film (Frank Morgan, Gladys Cooper and Dame May Whitty) 
• An amusing cameo appearance from Van Johnson

Brigadoon (1954) - Star of the month... Gene Kelly

Brigadoon is a 1954 musical fantasy directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse. It is based on the successful musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe.

Two New Yorkers, Tommy Albright (played by Kelly) & Jeff Douglas (played by Johnson) travelling in Scotland stumble across Brigadoon, a hidden village while hunting. Brigadoon is a magical village in the Scottish countryside, which comes to life once every one hundred years, for only one day. Whilst in Brigadoon, Tommy falls in love with local lass Fiona Campbell (played by Charisse). Tommy must decide before sundown whether he should stay in Brigadoon with Fiona, or return to New York.


Watch the trailer:

Musical program

Gene Kelly & Van Johnson put their 
best foot forward in 'I'll Go Home With
Bonnie Jean'

• "Once in the Highlands/Brigadoon/Down on MacConnachy Square" - Eddie Quillan, Villagers & MGM Chorus
• "Waiting for My Dearie" - Cyd Charisse & Dee Turnell
• "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean" - Jimmy Thompson, Gene Kelly, Van Johnson & Villagers
• "The Heather on the Hill" - Gene Kelly (with Cyd Charisse)
• "Almost like Being in Love" - Gene Kelly
• "The Wedding Dance" - Jimmy Thompson & Virginia Bosler
• "The Chase" - The Village Men
• "The Heather on the Hill" (Dance Interlude) - Gene Kelly & Cyd Charisse
• "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean" - Jimmy Thompson, Cyd Charisse & Villagers
• "The Heather on the Hill" (Reprise) - Jimmy Thompson, Cyd Charisse & Villagers
• "Finale: Brigadoon" - MGM Chorus

Song: "The Heather on the Hill" - Gene Kelly with Cyd Charisse

Song: "Almost Like Being In Love" - Gene Kelly

Song: "I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean" - Gene Kelly, Van Johnson & 

Deleted songs

The following four songs were filmed, but cut from the final film. Only footage from the first three still survives today, with only a recording of Gene Kelly singing "There But For You Go I":

• "Come to Me, Bend to Me"
• "From This Day On"
• "The Sword Dance"
• "There But For You Go I"

Did you know...

• Howard Keel and Jane Powell were initially considered to play Tommy & Fiona
• Kathryn Grayson was originally planned to star as Fiona Campbell
• Gene Kelly had originally wanted Moira Shearer to play the role of Fiona
• Donald O'Connor, Steve Allen and Bill Hayes were all considered for the role of Jeff
• Alex Guinness and David Wayne were considered for roles in 'Brigadoon' 
• Cyd Charisse once said "Brigadoon" was her favourite of the films she made with Gene Kelly, and the pas de deux in "The Heather on the Hill" was her favourite dance with Gene Kelly
• MGM had originally wanted to film 'Brigadoon' on location in Scotland, however the film was filmed at MGM studios due to the unpredictable Scotland weather
• The Scottish highland backdrops were over 600 feet long, 60 feet high, and cost $382,280 to construct
• The Breen office wouldn't allow MGM to include two songs from the original stage play, "The Love of My Life" and "My Mother's Wedding Day", as the lyrics were considered to be too risqué - both songs were sung by the character Meg Brockie, and as a result Meg is a much smaller role in the film
• To get the effect of Brigadoon emerging from the mist, Vincent Minnelli filmed the sets with the fog being brought in, and then reversed the footage to make it appear as if the fog is moving away
• Cyd Charisse's singing is dubbed by Carol Richards

Awards and nominations

• Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction in a Color film
• Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Color film
• Academy Award nomination for Best Art Sound Recording
• Golden Globe winner for Best Cinematography in a Color film

Closing remarks

After 18 months on Broadway, MGM felt it appropriate to take the world of film on a trip to Brigadoon - a place you won't find in an atlas. 

'Brigadoon' starts very slow, although it does start to pick up after thirty minutes. All I can day is thank God for Van Johnson, who brings much needed comic relief throughout the film with a series of funny one liners.

With the exception of "Heather on the Hill" and "Almost Like Being In Love", the songs are boring and forgettable. It's difficult to comprehend the songwriters of such an awful Broadway musical would later bring the world the brilliant "My Fair Lady". 

Despite my criticism of the music and story, the film is an exquisite feast for the eyes with beautiful art direction by the great Cedric Gibbons and lovely costume design by Irene Sharaff.

Many people love 'Brigadoon', although I consider it to be highly overrated. I am very big fan of Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse and Van Johnson, however 'Brigadoon' is not a film I enjoy watching over and over. 

It's a Big Country (1951) - Star of the month... Gene Kelly

'It's a Big Country' is a  1951 anthology film, comprised of eight individual segments celebrating the beauty and diversity of America.

Directed by Clarence Brown, Don Hartman, John Sturges, Richard Thorpe, Charles Vidor, Don Weis and William A. Wellman, the film is narrated by Louis Calhern.

The actors (referred to as citizens) include Leon Ames, Ethel Barrymore, Keefe  Brasselle, Gary Cooper, Nancy Davis, Van Johnson, Gene Kelly, Janet Leigh, Sharon MacManus, Marjorie Main, Fredric March, George Murphy, William Powell, S.Z. Sakall, Lewis Stone, James Whitmore and Keenan Wynn.

I have structured this blog post into segments, according to how the film is structured, discussing each segment in turn.

Segment #1 - 

Whilst on a train to New York, New York, Mr. Stacey (played by Whitmore) meets a Professor (played by Powell), and tells him he loves America. The Professor asks "Which America?", and goes on to teach Mr. Stacey about the diversity of America. Mr. Stacey learns America is politically, religiously, and culturally diverse, and always evolving. The segment ends as Mr. Stacey walks into the dining cart, and meets an elderly woman (played by Elisabeth Risdon), who says she loves America. Mr. Stacey asks her "Which America?". Although the segment ends there, it is obvious Mr. Stacey will use this an opportunity to pass on the knowledge which he has just acquired.  This opening segment sets the scene for what is to come in subsequent segments.

Segment #2

Set in Boston, the city of great American tradition and Paul Revere. Mrs. Brian Patrick Riordan (played by Barrymore) travels to her local newspaper to meet with the Managing Editor, Mr. Callaghan (played by Murphy) to report she was not captured in the recent census. At 74 years of age, Mrs. Riordan is concerned she may not be alive for the next census in ten years time.  With the help of reporter Michael Fisher (played by Wynn), Mrs. Riordan is visited by a government official for inclusion in the census.

This segment focuses on the Irish American community of America, and also demonstrates the importance of participating in the census.

Ethel Barrymore delivers one of her finest performances in her brief appearance in this film.

Segment #3

We are then taken through a who's who of successful African Americans, athletes and entertainers including Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Eddie Anderson and Ethel Waters.

Gene Kelly as Icarus Xenophon

This segment is very different to the others, in that there is no storyline or plot. It is simply a patriotic narration with images of successful African Americans. Considering the degree of African-American segregation in the early 1950's, I would be very interested to have been a fly on the wall during initial screenings of this film to witness the audience reaction, particularly in the Southern states.

Segment #4

In the next segment we meet Hungarian American Stefan Szabo (played by Sakall) and his six daughters. Stefan has a prejudice against Greeks, which becomes an issue for his eldest daughter Rosa (played by Leigh), who has fallen in love with Greek American Icarus Xenophon (played by Kelly).

Janet Leigh as Rosa Szabo

This segment serves as a parable for immigrants, that they should leave any ancient grudges behind when they arrive in America. A message still relevant in today's society.

Everyone's favourite Hungarian American S.Z. Sakall is perfectly cast as Stefan Szabo. Even in a dramatic role, Sakall makes as laugh.

Segment #5

 Mrs. Wrenley (played by Marjorie Main), is visited by
Sgt. Maxie Klein (played by Keefe Brasselle)

a tour of the armed forces,  soldiers, sailors, marines and the airforce

Sgt. Maxie Klein (played by Brasselle) visits Mrs. Wrenley (played by Main), the  mother of his war buddy Jack, who was killed in action.

It is interesting seeing Marjorie Main in a serious dramatic role.

Segment #6

We travel deep in the heart of Texas, where we meet a cowboy named Texas (played by Cooper). In this very short segment, Texas talks about the state of Texas, and myth busts rumours and perceptions of the other 47 states. 

When watching this film, it's important to remember in 1951 there were only 48 states in the USA. In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state.

Segment #7

Rev. Adam Burch (played by Johnson) takes on a new congragation, and receives constructive feedback by a Church sexton (played by Stone). As a result of taking on this feedback, the Reverend becomes a greater pasteur.

Segment #8

Joseph Esposito (played by Bobby Hyatt) is told by his teacher, Miss Coleman (played by Davis) that he needs glasses. His strict Italian American father, Joe Esposito (played by March) refuses to believe his son needs glasses and opposes Miss Coleman's recommendation.

Closing remarks

Although the content of the eight segments are a little dated, not surprisingly the messages contained within each segment are still relevant in today's society of discrimination and segregation.

The only criticism I have on this film is the sugar coated endings to each segment are often unrealistic and difficult to believe, however I appreciate this is the intention of the filmmakers to convey the messages.

Pilot #5 - Star of the month... Gene Kelly

'Pilot #5' is a 1943 propaganda war drama directed by George Sydney and starring Franchot Tone, Marsha Hunt, Gene Kelly and Van Johnson.

When five pilots volunteer to fly the only remaining plane to bomb a Japanese aircraft carrier, the Dutch Commander Major Eichel (played by Steven Geray) must choose a suitable candidate. Pilot #5 George Collins (played by Tone) is selected for the dangerous mission. The rest of the film is told in flashback as the remaining four pilots reminisce on their memories of George Collins. 

Did you know...

• This was Gene Kelly's first non-musical dramatic role
• Peter Lawford appears briefly at the beginning of the film
• Ava Garnder is featured as an extra in the film

Closing remarks

Average war propaganda b-film. Fortunately a very short film, it has the ability to entertain but only just. Recommended viewing for fans of Gene Kelly and Van Johnson only.