Word: merman
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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Perry Como Show (Sat. 8 p.m., NBC). Guest: Ethel Merman (color...
Added to the three carryovers are three new musicals that rely heavily on lively, lavish productions and name stars: Happy Hunting offers the unmuted brass of Ethel Merman, Bells Are Ringing the smart dumb-blonde antics of Comedienne Judy Holliday, and Li'l Abner the howling hillbillies of Dogpatch plus a display of a lot of a few girls. "There has been a return to the old form of musicals," says Oscar Hammerstein II, looking back over the season to date, "shows with irresponsible, gay books that are fast and lively...
...increase their chances of hitting a homer, producers are relying more than ever on advance ticket sales. By far the best way to peddle tickets before opening night is to hire a name star, e.g., Ethel Merman, whose cult is large and enthusiastic. Twelve backers, including NBC, coughed up $450,000 to provide Merman with Happy Hunting. As anticipated, she drove her sputtering vehicle to solvency before the first-night curtain. The advance sale: $1,500,000. Part of this take came from theater parties, a growing force on Broadway, which trade tickets for contributions to charity. (Happy Hunting drew...
Louis Sobol Show (Mon. 9:30 p.m., ABC). Jimmy Durante and Ethel Merman kick off a new variety series...
Hers is a real triumph in Happy Hunting, but-as Merman triumphs are measured-a minor one, what with a book that has at best a routine brightness, and a score that sometimes lacks lilt even where it seems reminiscent. There is just one really good song, Mutual Admiration Society, and one lively ditty, Every One Who's "Who's Who." The dancing, except for a tango number, suggests the hotcha of a generation ago. The romantic lead, Cinemactor Fernando Lamas, has a voice and good looks; the Jo Mielziner sets have lightness and good looks...