The film Rosalie was released by MGM on December 24, 1937, and was produced by William McGuire. The screenplay, also written by McGuire, was based on a musical comedy that McGuire had written in collaboration with Guy Bolton. The music and lyrics were by Cole Porter and the cast included tap dance artist Eleanor Powell, Nelson Eddy, and a small supporting cast. One of the finest songs of the score is the impassioned "In the Still of the Night," which has since become a classic. On its first hearing, Louis B. Mayer is said to have burst into tears at its poignant beauty. The title song, simply called "Rosalie," had an interesting evolution. Cole Porter wrote six different versions before settling on the one that he felt was the best, but when he took it into Louis B. Mayer, he was told it was no good. The film magnate said it was too high brow and asked Porter to compose yet another song. So Porter composed yet another title song, even though he felt that his sixth effort was by far the best. Number seven was accepted and became a huge popular hit, selling over half a million copies. ~ Rita Laurance, Rovi
