I don't know why so many critics gave Johnnie Ray such a bad review - he WASN'T the worst thing in the film, as described by someone. His character's heart wasn't really in show business, which would explain some of his less than enthusiastic acting. In my book Marilyn Monroe (and her character) were shallow and her voice really annoys me. Why she seems to be highlighted over the rest of the cast is a mystery.
shareMarilyn Monroe is the best thing in the film.
Maturity. The very staple of the IMDb message boards.
JOhnnie Ray was THE worst thing in this film. But who cares? This movie was what a Hollywood musical should be - big, bold, full of wonderful music by an iconic songwriter, the story of a theatre family, and...Ethel Merman.
It's got it all! And that scene at the end where Donald O'Connor is backstageand surprises Ethel while she's belting her signature anthem onstage - and she sees him - and she gasps - and every fiber of her being is telling her to rush offstage without finishing the song and hug her long lost son to her = and she ALMOST does - BUT - SHE FINISHES THE SONG!
Now THAT's show business! THAT's Show People!!!
Johnnie sux as an actor, but - I LOVE this movie! Seriously, everyone, what's not to love about this movie???
Johnnie sux as an actor, but - I LOVE ...... HIS music!
And that scene at the end where Donald O'Connor is backstageand surprises Ethel while she's belting her signature anthem onstage - and she sees him - and she gasps - and every fiber of her being is telling her to rush offstage without finishing the song and hug her long lost son to her = and she ALMOST does - BUT - SHE FINISHES THE SONG!Yes yes yes yes!!!!!!!!! Man I love that scene so much, for me this and the last moments when the whole case sings the title song make the movie. THE highlights.
Now THAT's show business! THAT's Show People!!!
Because shes Marilyn Monroe duhhh im watching it now the movie is boring as hell only reason one would watch it is on the count of her.
Johnny never aspired to be an actor and his hearing problems made it difficult for him. When this was made he was one of the top singers with "Cry", "Just Walkin' In The Rain" and "The Little White Cloud That Cried" all on the charts. So far as Marilyn goes I guess I am in the minority because I never thought she was particularly sexy or that good an actress. The only movie I ever saw her really fit her part was in "Some Like It Hot" and she was just Marilyn playing Marilyn.
share[deleted]
You must be lonely, to be one of the only people who cannot appreciate what Marilyn Monroe brought to the all to few projects she was in. Do we remember Ray, no?
shareJohnny Ray couldn't act his way out of a paper bag and he sang off key. He was the weakest link in the movie and I can see why his so-called career tanked. Almost anyone professional or amateur, besides Lassie, could have done a better job than he did. MM was fine given the extent of her role.
shareI do not know how many of the contributors to this thread know that Johnny Raye was deaf. He sang and acted, but was unable to hear. Back in the fifties he was a major recording star, a singer not an actor with more talent than many of today's shallow movie stars.
I met him when I was a very young child on the beach in Atlantic City, NJ. Atlantic City was a very different place back then. It was a family resort with many hotels both middle class and upper class. People dressed up at night, suits for men and dresses and high heels for women. Johnny Raye was a headliner at Steele Pier. Very upscale. I met him while I was on the beach with my family in the afternoon. He was relaxing there. My father and I walked up to him and we had a chat. He was very nice and a real gentleman. He was able to have this conversation because he wore hearing aids.
How about a little respect for a man who overcame his disabilities?
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Ignorance is the enemy of civilization
Great post!! Thank you.
shareYou are very welcome. Johnnie Raye was a real treasure and a role model at the time. Just look around at the no talent people who are idolized today for their skanky behavior and do nothing lives. Mr. Raye had real talent and overcame hi disability to share it. He was respected by hi colleagues and the public.
Lest we forget this was the 1950's not the 2010's. It was a different mindset.
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Ignorance is the enemy of civilization