Madame makes history (s)

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Movie
German title Madame makes history (s)
Original title Call me madam
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1953
length 118 minutes
Age rating FSK 12
Rod
Director Walter Lang
script Howard Lindsay
Russel Crouse
Arthur Sheekman
production Sol C. Siegel
music Alfred Newman
camera Leon Shamroy
cut Robert Simpson
occupation

Madame makes history (s) (Original title Call Me Madam ) is an American comedy film from 20th Century Fox from 1953 directed by Walter Lang . Mrs. Sally Adams, played by Ethel Merman , is sent as ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Lichtenburg, the smallest state in the world, to represent the United States. Donald O'Connor , Vera-Ellen and George Sanders also play leading roles .

The film won an Oscar for "Best Film Music". The plot is based on the musical stage play Call Me Madam by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse , produced by Leland Hayward , to which Irving Berlin contributed music and lyrics, first performed on October 12, 1950 in New York . Ethel Merman was also cast there and won a Tony Award in 1951 .

action

In 1951, Sally Adams, a wealthy and capricious Oklahoma widow who lives in Washington, is sworn in as US ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Lichtenburg. Adams knew how to turn her luxury villa into a meeting place for influential people, and invitations to her parties are highly sought-after. Although Sally doesn't know exactly where Lichtenburg is, she is initially enthusiastic about her new job and takes this as an opportunity to hold one of her legendary celebrations. Everything of name and reputation has appeared, and America's television stations also join in when Sally gives her speech, the text of which she was actively supported by the journalist Kenneth Gibson. Since Gibson is apparently very well informed about European politics, Sally asks him to accompany her as her press attaché . When he accepts, she sends him ahead to Lichtenburg. In the US embassy in picturesque Lichtenburg, the charge of the charge, the snobbish Pemberton Maxwell, gives Gibson to understand that he thinks little of a female ambassador. At the grand ducal court in Lichtenburg, however, they are very impressed by Sally's appointment, as she has a reputation for being extremely generous and understanding. Since the small country is in great financial difficulties, it is hoped that Sally will find a way to help. The new ambassador makes it very clear to Maxwell that he will not be able to drive her away and demands that he call her Madam. Sally is determined to solve the tasks assigned to her in her own way.

At court they are currently negotiating whether to marry Princess Maria to Prince Hugo von Middledorf, who, however, makes a larger dowry from the princess a condition. This arranged marriage would be of political benefit to both countries. Prime Minister Sebastian and Treasury Secretary August Tantinnin assume that Sally will advocate an American loan , which she rejects because she is of the opinion that she should not interfere in such private matters. However, Sally's attitude changes when the extremely charming Foreign Minister Cosmo Constantine pays her an inaugural visit. In order to impress him, she wants to try to raise the necessary millions. As it turns out later, however, Cosmo does not value capital at all. During the act of officially handing over the credentials to the new ambassador, which takes place a few days later , Sally brings life to the event, which takes place after a strict ceremony, with her informal, charming manner and her special humor. Her press attaché Gibson meets Princess Maria again at the festival, whom he had met a few days earlier in a department store. Both were immediately drawn to each other. Sally thinks desperately how to deal with a possible marriage with Prince Hugo. When it comes to a deep kiss between her and Kenneth Gibson away from the party, she runs away confused.

However, Sally, who has open eyes and a heart for the young people, allows them to meet every now and then. Her own happiness, however, is clouded because Maxwell knows how to stir up insecurity in her by repeatedly claiming that Constantine, with whom the mature woman has seriously fallen in love, only flirts with her in order to get the loan for his state after all to obtain; his protest was only faked. This leads to the fact that their behavior towards Cosmo changes. The latter, in turn, is confused because he does not know what that means. But then the Senate investigative committee , which the Lichtenburg government has been eagerly awaiting, arrives . The gentlemen want to negotiate a bond with Cosmo Constantin alone. That in turn leads to a government crisis, as the ministers Tantinnin and Sebastian feel left out. After careful deliberation, the cabinet resigns and takes Constantine to the post of prime minister. He is happy about how things have developed, because he is determined to reorganize the state budget of Lichtenburg and makes it unmistakably clear that Lichtenburg is not for sale. The senators are impressed by his attitude and want to support him in the future.

However, Sally is suddenly dismissed from her post on the grounds that she interfered in the private affairs of the grand ducal family and thereby gambled away the trust of the Lichtenburg government. Sadly, she and her attaché Gibson begin their journey home to the USA. But Sally soon proves to be an excellent host again and expects the newly appointed ambassador Lichtenburg Cosmo Constantin for one of her parties. When he arrives, he is accompanied by a young lady - Princess Maria. The love for Kenneth was so great that she gave up her title to be his wife.

Cosmo has another surprise in store for Sally: In recognition of her services to Lichtenburg, he awards her the house order of the country, which is associated with the title "Lady" , as she can now call herself. When the two happily hug each other a little later, the misunderstandings between them are also cleared up.

Production and Background

Filming began on September 4, 1952, and continued until October 30, 1952, further recordings were made from November 19 to the end of November 1952 in Washington, DC. The film had its world premiere in New York on March 4, 1953, and was screened on March 25 then generally in US cinemas. In the Federal Republic of Germany the film was shown for the first time on December 25, 1953.

The studio promoted the film at the time with: "20th Century Fox presents Irving Berlin's Call Me Madam ." After the opening credits it was said: This story from the past takes place in two countries. One is fictitious and is called Lichtenburg and the other is the United States of America. Ethel Merman, for whom the role in Call Me Madam was written, received ten percent of the profits from the Broadway show and from the sale of the film rights. Besides Merman, Lilia Skala, who played Grand Duchess Sophie, was the only actress who also played her Broadway role in the film. Merman previously had great success on Broadway in the musical Annie Get Your Gun, and Lindsay and Crouse were hoping for a repeat. In fact, this stage play was crowned with success with 644 performances and three Tony Awards won . In addition to Ethel Merman for her performance as "Best Actress in a Musical", Irving Berlin was also honored with a Tony Award for his music .

Sources at the time stated that the musical was modeled on the life and career of Perle Mesta (1889-1975), a wealthy American and high society hostess. Mesta was sent in 1949 by the then American President Harry S. Truman as the first US ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg . Perle Mesta is said to have liked the musical very much and at a dinner that Mesta and Merman met, the women are said to have hit it off right away. Merman recalls this incident in her 1978 autobiography. Mesta then added Merman to the guest list of her famous parties. The musical or film title is said to go back to a saying by the former diplomat Mesta, who is said to have replied to the question of which form of address she prefers: "Call me Madam Minister", which was then shortened to Call Me Madame .

George Sanders made his singing debut in a film in Call Me Madam . For Merman it was her first film appearance since her appearance in 1943 in the film Stage Door Canteen produced by United Artists . For 20th Century Fox it was a risk to cast Merman with her Broadway role in the film version, as she had so far not had any noteworthy successes at the box office. Hollywood had not been able to get the immense talent that made her so successful on stage really come across in film. It was Irving Berlin who convinced 20th Century Fox boss Darryl F. Zanuck to transfer the role to Merman. George Sanders, who most recently made a name for himself with the Oscar-winning film Alles über Eva , had never appeared in a musical before, played his singing roles himself and surprised with his impressive baritone voice. Merman, who had worked well with Sanders, later stated in her autobiography that the actor was a hard-to-reach man who often locked himself in his dressing room and was probably quite unhappy because “otherwise he wouldn't have done that what he did, ”she wrote, referring to Sander's 1972 suicide.

For a long time, the film was not available on VHS or DVD, primarily because there were legal problems in connection with Irving Berlin's estate. A DVD from 20th Century Fox with a running time of 114 minutes in the original English version has been available since April 20, 2004.

Soundtracks

- Music and text each: Irving Berlin -

  • The Hostess with the Mostes , performed by Ethel Merman
  • Lichtenburg , sung by an offscreen choir
  • Can You Use Any Money Today , performed by Ethel Merman
  • Marrying for Love , performed by George Sanders
  • It's a Lovely Day Today sung by Donald O'Connor and Vera Ellen with the voice of Carol Richards
  • That International Rag , performed by Ethel Merman
  • You're Just In Love sung by Ethel Merman and Donald O'Connor
  • The Ocarina sung by Vera Ellen with the voice of Carol Richards
  • What Chance Have I With Love? , sung and danced by Donald O'Connor
  • Something To Dance About , sung and danced by Donald O'Connor and Vera Ellen with the voice of Carol Richards
  • The Best Thing For You Would be Me sung by Ethel Merman and George Sanders
  • Mrs. Sally Adams , sung by a telephone operator

In addition to the songs mentioned, short excerpts from the Lichtenburg Song and Washington Square Dance from Berlin can be heard. I Like Ike was the only song among the songs written by Berlin for the Broadway musical that was not included in the film. Instead, they chose Berlin's 1913 hit That International Rag . Man held I like Ike for too political because he has become a popular campaign song for Dwight D. Eisenhower had developed. What Chance have I With Love? was newly included in the film to better highlight the singing and dancing talents of Donald O'Connor. The song The Hostess With the Mostes on the Ball alludes to the nickname Mestas.

criticism

The criticism for the film was overwhelmingly positive, and Ethel Merman was able to repeat the success of her stage role in Call Me Madam . The news magazine Time enthused that 'Call Me Madam' had become a beautiful, hilarious and surefire hit movie, which Walter Lang's lively direction, Robert Alton's dances and first-class supporting actors would help to achieve a great show in the cinema. The film also focuses on the special talents of Ethel Merman, who already dominated the film with her powerful personality in the opening scene.

Also Bosley Crowther of the New York Times put down to Ethel Merman, praised her almost fanatical and was of the view that it would now also the spectators who watch the film the joy that they have given to the people in 644 performances on Broadway , give. With her dynamism, vitality and freshness, she makes 'Call Me Madam' a new kind of show (even if she isn't). Crowther also praised her vocal performance without reservation.

Also, Variety revealed by the movie very impressed and praised Merman that the film version as well speak like their role on stage . The fresh, inventive choreography by Robert Alton was also praised . The script by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse is imaginative and Merman is particularly good at her musical numbers . Her You're Just in Love duet with Donald O'Connor should also be highlighted .

The Lexicon of International Films was amused, but contradicted the views of the aforementioned reviews as far as the musical interludes were concerned and judged: “Certain customs of American foreign policy in the 1950s were targeted in an amusing and satirical manner, but the operetta-like interludes are weaker."

Awards

In 1954 , Alfred Newman was awarded an Oscar in the category “Best Score in a Musical Film” . In addition, Irene Sharaff was nominated for an Oscar in the category “Best Costume Design in a Color Film” , but could not prevail over Charles Le Maire and Emile Santiago with their costumes for the monumental film The Robe .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Call Me Madam (1953) Screenplay info at TCM - Turner Classic Movies (English).
  2. ↑ Call Me Madam (1953) Original Print Information from TCM - Turner Classic Movies (English).
  3. ↑ a b Madame makes history (s) at Zweiausendeins.de. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  4. ↑ a b c d e Call Me Madam (1953) Articles at TCM - Turner Classic Movies (English).
  5. ↑ a b c Call Me Madam (1953) Notes at TCM - Turner Classic Movies (English).
  6. ↑ Call Me Madam (1953) Triva at TCM - Turner Classic Movies (English).
  7. ↑ Call Me Madam at lariat.org (English). Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  8. ↑ Bosley Crowther: Call Me Madam (1953) "Ethel Merman ('Just Call Me Madam') Rocks the Roxy in Premiere of Movie" In: The New York Times, March 26, 1953. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  9. ↑ Review: 'Call Me Madam' In: Variety. Retrieved February 17, 2014.