Something for the Boys--film on DVD

This is another example of a fine Cole Porter show being drastically changed in the process of becoming a film. Some of it is understandable as a film is a different medium and needs to fit the talents of the film cast. The stage version starred Ethel Merman--again one of her signature roles given away in the film version. Poor Mr. Porter seems not to have had one of his shows filmed in earnest by Hollywood. Earnest, Hollywood, what am I thinking?

The film version of Something for the Boys is in that classic WWII-era mold--with lots of soldier boys, and sweet young things wondering how they can help the war effort. In this case they help out by fixing up an old Georgia plantation house and puttin' on a show or two.

This is the first entry in my Year with Carmen Miranda. A unique talent, perhaps not given adequate material in this film. One of the DVD extras is an interesting (if overly long) profile of Carmen Miranda's career. I knew nothing about her except the silly accent and hats. There is a lot more there, and quite a bit of it is sad, particularly her death at age 46 after having a heart attach on live TV!

This is the second appearance in my Year for Perry Como, although he was only was in three for four films. I can see why he was best experienced on the radio--he has a lovely voice, but looks very awkward on film (what do I do with my hands?). He really doesn't have a character in this film, his song seems just dropped in. He's a crooner, as is Vivian Blaine here, although I will forever think of her as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls.

The score is rather forgettable, although the only Cole Porter song that seems to be in both film and stage versions is the title song, so I'm forgetting songs not by Cole Porter but by Jimmy McHugh. There are several cast albums of the real Cole Porter show, so I will need to seek them out.

Something for the Boys
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter, well only for one song, the rest are by Jimmy McHugh
Opened on stage in 1943, film released in 1944
Cast: Carmen Miranda, Phil Silvers, Perry Como, Vivian Blaine. Michael O'Shea