> Earlier this week, WMM and I watched "South Pacific" on TV. We had already seen it on the stage and on the big screen. We know the story and the music very well. I'm pretty sure some of you saw it, so I'm wondering -- What did you think?
> Howard

Although I did watch a little of "South Pacific" the other night, I thought the big screen version had a little something extra because of Joshua Logan, the director of the big screen version. He too had been working with vocal director Ken Darby's singers, on dramatic interpretations. On the sound stages of 20th Century-Fox Studios in Hollywood, the songs were recorded with as much concern for their dramatic significance as for their vocal and orchestral performances.

As I recall, the principal actors were Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor, and John Kerr. The role of Bloody Mary was played by Juanita Hall, who gave a stunning performance as well. Although this picture was a big break for John Kerr, he got out of the movie business shortly afterward and went on to become a prominent attorney.

I have seen several local area college productions of this popular musical, and I must say there is a lot of good talent out there. In all my years of playing piano in restaurants, I always try to include at least one or two songs from this Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, which I must say has always been my favorite. I just wish Hollywood still made those big musicals.

Calvin