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IMDb > Porgy and Bess (1959)

Porgy and Bess (1959) More at IMDbPro »


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Overview

User Rating:
7.7/10   577 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 13% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Dorothy Heyward (play)
DuBose Heyward (libretto)
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Contact:
View company contact information for Porgy and Bess on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 June 1959 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Introducing a new era in motion pictures!
Plot:
In this legendary Gershwin opera set among the black residents of a fishing village in 1912 South Carolina... more | add synopsis
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 8 nominations more
User Comments:
Excellent Musical. It begs to be on DVD. more (49 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Runtime:
138 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.20 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Stereo

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The Gershwin family was dissatisfied with the film, largely because it was not staged as a true opera with all the recitative performed musically, and also because the two leads had their singing voices dubbed. The film's original director, Rouben Mamoulian, wanted to film on location, but producer Samuel Goldwyn refused and insisted on using sound stages. When a mysterious fire broke out and destroyed the sets, Mamoulian again requested that the film be made on location. Enraged, Goldwyn felt that Mamoulian was taking advantage of a misfortune, promptly fired him, and hired Otto Preminger, who made the film on sound stages in Hollywood. The film is currently (Nov. 2002) withheld from release because of actions by both the Gershwin and Goldwyn estates, as neither Samuel Goldwyn nor the Gershwin family were satisfied with the film. more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
The Crap Game more

FAQ

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20 out of 20 people found the following comment useful.
Excellent Musical. It begs to be on DVD., 29 December 2004
10/10
Author: Dale Haufrect (dhaufrect@gmail.com) from Houston, Texas

"Porgy and Bess" is an outstanding production of George Gershwin's masterpiece. It is tastefully done in muted colors. The voices are outstanding. Although Sidney Portier's voice is dubbed for his singing portion, he gives a very touching performance. There is a remarkable performance by Sammy Davis Jr. as Sportin Life. There is yet no DVD available for viewing, and this piece begs for one. All intelligent movie goers who enjoyed it in 1959 will appreciate the release of this masterpiece on the new medium. The screen is filled with a dynamic presentation that rivals all other musicals including the outstanding ones by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Be sure to ask for it an your video supplier. Like "Songs of the South" by Walt Disney, it may be the assumption of racial overtones that is preventing the marketing of this cinema.

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more (49 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Porgy and Bess (1959)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
TCM Poll jrhodes84
Remake it with Fantasia Barrino as Bess ironbutterfly
Film no longer exists? zlestatz
National Film Registry jrhodes84
1959 Porgy and Bess Film nchjazzyjeep
Public Domain ? jean-no
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