Main Cast: Ethel Merman, Donald O'Connor, Vera-Ellen, George Sanders, Billy De Wolfe
Release Year: 1953
Country: US
Run Time: 114 minutes
Plot
Ethel Merman reprised her role as a socialite turned diplomat in this screen adaptation of Irving Berlin's hit Broadway musical. Sally Adams (Merman) has made it her business to know everyone worth knowing in Washington D.C., and her penchant for parties pays off when she's appointed United States Ambassador to Lichtenburg. Once she is installed in her new position, she falls in love with suave Foreign Minister Cosmo Constantine (George Sanders), while Princess Maria (Vera-Ellen) has her head turned by Sally's press attaché, Kenneth (Donand O'Connor). Call Me Madam is a showcase for Merman's roof-raising musical comedy style, and here she gets to sing a handful of Berlin tunes, including "You're Just In Love," "Can You Use Any Money Today?" and "Hostess With The Mostes' on the Ball." Vera-Ellen's singing was dubbed by Carol Richards. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
Call Me Madam gave Ethel Merman one of only two chances (the other being Anything Goes) to re-create one of her stage triumphs on film, and Madam is a much more faithful and successful adaptation than Anything Goes. Merman is in top form here, demonstrating why she was a legend on-stage and at the same time why she was rarely used to good advantage in Hollywood. Merman's persona, as outsized as her clarion voice, was too difficult to capture on film. It's not that she overplayed, it's that she overexisted. Fortunately, even on film, Madam's Sally Adams demands an actress that can't help but dominate the proceedings. Merman's inimitable belt is in solid form, punching home "The Hostess With the Mostess' on the Bell" and "Can You Use Any Money Today." Her duet with Donald O'Connor, "You're Just in Love," is a showstopper. O'Connor is a delight throughout, as is Vera Ellen as his love interest. Their duets, "It's a Lovely Day Today" and "Something to Dance About," are highlights. O'Connor has often called Ellen his favorite dancing partner, and they are indeed a perfect match. Much more surprising is George Sanders, who carries off his change-of-pace musical leading man part with considerable aplomb. The film is marred by rather pedestrian direction and the fact that the script is strained and often silly, but the cast and the score make it fine, undemanding entertainment. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
The film, with a screenplay by Arthur Sheekman, starred Merman, Donald O'Connor, Vera-Ellen, Billy DeWolfe, George Sanders, and Walter Slezak. The film replaced "Washington Square Dance" with the older "International Rag", and added a new song by Irving Berlin, "What Chance Have I With Love?" (sung and danced by Donald O'Connor). A soundtrack album was released by Decca as a 10-inch LP, and was released on CD in 2004 by Hallmark. The numbers "The Hostess with the Mostes'" and "You're Just in Love" are included on the Rhino RecordsCD set Irving Berlin in Hollywood. The film was out of circulation for many years but was issued on DVD in 2004.
