Red Garters (1954)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

George Marshall

Writer:

Michael Fessier (writer)

Release Date:

12 April 1954 (UK)

Genre:

Musical | Western

Plot:

Reb Randall rides into town seeking the murderer of his brother, Rob Randall. Jason Carberry is the Mayor of the town.

Plot Keywords:

Girlfriend | Gunplay | Dead Brother | Beautiful Woman | Murder

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Rosemary Clooney	...	Calaveras Kate
Jack Carson	...	Jason Carberry
Guy Mitchell	...	Reb Randall
Pat Crowley	...	Susan Martinez De La Cruz
Gene Barry	...	Rafael Moreno
Cass Daley	...	Minnie Redwing
Frank Faylen	...	Billy Buckett
Reginald Owen	...	Judge Wallace Winthrop
Buddy Ebsen	...	Ginger Pete
Richard Hale	...	Dr. J. Pott Troy
Joanne Gilbert	...	Sheila Winthrop
Herb Golden	...	Townsman (as Herbert N. Golden)
Anthony Numkena	...	Indian Boy, Assistant to Dr. J. Pott Troy (as Anthony Earl Numkena)

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

France:U | Finland:S | Sweden:15

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

The film was originally released in 3-D which, combined with the stylized sets and "stagey" acting gave it the effect of a "Broadway" musical filmed in the theater.

Soundtrack:

Man and Woman

A Must for RC Fans!!

Rosemary Clooney was without a doubt at the peak of her young beauty and vocal skill when "Red Garters" was made. If you're an RC fan like me, then "RG" will be like a box of valentine candy for you. Much has been said about the minimalist Technicolor sets and "stagey" feel of this movie. It was surely intentional not only to spoof the western genre which was HUGE at the time. But I'm sure also it was intended to showcase the performances of the actors. Many surprises abound:

1.) Gene Barry's remarkable dancing ability. 2.) Joanne Gilbert (a beautiful Fairuza Balk look-alike) 3.) The adorable Pat Crowley who went on to fame on TV in "Please Don't Eat the Daisies". 4.) Buddy Ebsen's charming scarecrow-like dance number. 5.) Hunky Guy Mitchell ('nuff said!) 6.) Jack Carson's delivery that seems somewhere between Clark Gable and W.C. Fields. 7.) The Agnes DeMille-style choreography by Nick Castle. 8.) Gorgeous costumes by Edith Head (who else?)

Yes, it's corny. Yes, it seems like a ripoff of Oklahoma at times. Yes, the Native American racial stereotypes are horrendous!

Truly this film is about Rosie. When she looks directly into the camera and sings her heart out, it is truly a sight to behold!