There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)

Director:

Walter Lang

Writers:

Phoebe Ephron (screenplay) and
Henry Ephron (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

16 December 1954 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance

Plot:

Molly and Terry Donahue, plus their three children, are The Five Donahues. Son Tim meets hat-check girl Vicky and the family act begins to fall apart.

Plot Keywords:

Hat Check Girl | Father Son Relationship | Automobile | Musical Revue | Reunion

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Ethel Merman	...	Molly Donahue
Donald O'Connor	...	Tim Donahue
Marilyn Monroe	...	Vicky
Dan Dailey	...	Terence Donahue
Johnnie Ray	...	Steve Donahue
Mitzi Gaynor	...	Katy Donahue
Richard Eastham	...	Lew Harris
Hugh O'Brian	...	Charles Biggs
Frank McHugh	...	Eddie Dugan, Vicky's Agent
Rhys Williams	...	Father Dineen
Lee Patrick	...	Marge
Eve Miller	...	Hat check girl
Robin Raymond	...	Lillian Sawyer

Also Known As:

Irving Berlin's There's No Business Like Show Business (UK) (complete title) (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

117 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (optical prints) | 4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording) (magnetic prints)

Certification:

Australia:PG | Iceland:L | Canada:G (video rating) | Finland:S | UK:U | USA:Approved (PCA #17074) | West Germany:12

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Marilyn Monroe was promised the lead role in The Seven Year Itch (1955) if she appeared in this film to boost its box-office potential. The role of Vicky was written especially for this purpose, and songs such as "Heatwave", originally intended for Ethel Merman, were assigned to her.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: In the "Heatwave" number, Marilyn Monroe actually accidentally pokes her finger in a dancer's eye, something you can see on the DVD on slow motion. The dancer is seen trying to hide behind the tree with his hand over his eye, but is enough of a trouper to continue with the number. Right after Marilyn pokes the dancer in the eye she performs a twirl, pokes her head between the branches of the fake tree and gives the dancer a kiss as an apology (it's quick but definitely a peck on the cheek to make up for the eye poke).

Quotes:

Molly Donahue: You start worrying about your kids the day they're born, and you never stop. Even after they bury you, I bet you never stop worrying.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Happy Days: There's No Business Like No Business (#10.9)" (1982)

Soundtrack:

Remember

Pushing the Limits

Two scenes surprise, both with Marilyn Monroe: her singing of the "After You Get What You Want..." number in a ultra-tight, combination flesh-colored/white gown. It's obvious that the image portrayed is that she could be nude, with the frilly white covering her talents. The second is the famous "Heat Wave" number, in a skimpy outfit, with her navel appropriately covered, yet below is a flesh-colored "window" for more erotic symbolism. In 1954 nudity could NOT be shown, but those scenes probably BARELY squeaked by the censors. The film depicts the traveling, singing/dancing Donahue Family, headed by brassy Ethel Merman and Dan Dailey, with sons Donald O'Connor, Johnnie Ray (who wants to be a priest), and daughter Mitzi Gaynor. It's obvious the Monroe character was an afterthought to boost the film's success; the actress really didn't want to do the part, the studio allegedly counteracted by upping her salary and promising her the lead in "The Seven Year Itch" (1955). Nevertheless, Monroe looks great and is unforgettable, comedically, dramatically and musically. O'Connor is great fun and Gaynor is a knockout dancer. Between some slow stages, musical numbers are expertly staged, with magnificent sets and superb color schemes all throughout. The finale is surprisingly touching with a rousing title tune reprise by all; only way to watch this is on the pristine-restored widescreem (2:55 to 1) DVD.