Has anyone else noticed the diversity in the cast of extras in this film -- especially the "Simple Little System" scene and the "Saying hello to strangers" scene. The one scene that is strikingly devoid of diversity is the party scene at Larry Hastings' house. I wonder if Minelli did this intentionally to make a point?
shareWhere do you come up with these insane ideas? In 1960, a party on Sutton Place wouldn't have been very diverse, unless you were Mame Dennis. The subways and the race tracks were filled with all diverse types, and still are, and the scenes made sense. At least he didn't diversify "Gigi" with visiting Samoans at Maxim's and the skating rink. Diverifying those scenes certainly make sense and I don't think Minnelli thought anything of it when it was cast. BTW - The name of the song is "Hello, Hello There". It is not that "saying hello to strangers" scene.
shareFirst of all, the ad hominem attack was quite unnecessary. I can assure that my ideas and I are far from insane. Secondly, in the era of the film version of "Bells Are Ringing" racial diversity in film was not commonplace. That Vincente Minnelli included non-white people as extras in the film was a departure from the norm. Thirdly, the song "Hello, Hello There" was not sung in the film version of "Bells Are Ringing", although it may have been used as background music (can't remember at this point if it was, and would have to re-watch the film to know for sure).
sharePlease rewatch the film and let us all know.
shareLady, I rarely stoop this low, but you are an arse. Get over yourself.
shareI disagree. I can't believe that. I'm sure you've stooped pretty low on many an occasion. Try being nice and learn to properly respect others opinions.
shareLady, I rarely stoop this low, but you are an arse. Get over yourself.
Ad hominem attacks?
Tsk tsk
Shame on you
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Haha, I noticed that, too. I was expecting them to eventually get to them as the song progressed, but it never happened. I remember thinking it strange because they even bothered to greet the people behind them but not the two black women who were standing right next to them.
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Diversity was not a common theme in the 60s movies. Hope you enjoyed your film class.
shareWhat do some people expect to see in a film shot in 1960 - or 1940 - or whatever regarding diversity? Why can't we just enjoy the film on it's obvious merits?
shareI'll second that motion!
When you see a film made prior to the 1970s containing actors of all of one race, keep in mind that there was nothing sinister or racist involved. It's simply that no one, neither black or white, thought anything racist of being with people of their same background and culture. "Birds of a feather flock together". as the attitude at the time.
If the "diversity police" will do their homework and read some history besides what the "culture vultures" have spoon-fed them, they will know that black people specifically had their own culture and preferred to be with their own people. Being treated equally by all was certainly a desire, but to go out of their way to mix with white people as not the desire of blacks at the time.
Harlem, Bronzeville, Paradise Valley and many more black communities in metropolitan areas were yes, created because of redlining but the silver lining was that black-owned businesses were at their peak and the sense of community at a geographic center. They hired black employees and had black customers and no one bat an eyelash.
Blacks prior to the 1970s enjoyed being with their own people and endured "diverse" situations only when they had to. School was about the only place where blacks and whites could be friends, if that occurred. Otherwise, everybody enjoyed their own culture, their own people and went their own way. No big deal.
That said, enjoy the film, or perhaps, explore the films of vintage black cinema (with little if any "diversity"): <a href="http://www.fesfilms.com/public-domain/black-heritage.html">http://www.fesfilms.com/public-domain/black-heritage.html</a>;
Diversity as far as black people being in the street corner scenes where she is encouraging Dean to introduce himself to strangers? Sure.....but no more so than black people being used in movies from silents to the early '60's as maids, train conductors, and such as that. Just look on the faces of the black people in this scene! Their expressions convey the message loud and clear: "They won't introduce themselves to ME." And they don't. So not much diversity using black people for 'background' in scenes, really.
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