In this 1954 live TV production of Cole Porter's classic musical Anything Goes, Ethel Merman reprises the role of Reno Sweeney, which she originated on Broadway 20 years earlier (she also played the character in a 1936 feature film, but a number of her songs and scenes were cut). Costarring Frank Sinatra, Bert Lahr, and Sheree North, this mounting was scaled down to fit within the Colgate Comedy Hour time slot, yet still managed to restore those deleted numbers thanks to a streamlined story. In fact, the production moves at an all-out sprint, jumping from song to skit and back again as Harry Dane (Sinatra) stows aboard a luxury liner to woo nightclub singer/soon-to-be heiress Sweeney. Meanwhile plenty of distractions are provided by Reno pal and wanted gangster Moonface Martin (Lahr), who sneaks on disguised as a missionary minister, along with girlfriend Bonnie (North). Merman is undeniably the center of attention, right down to the final curtain call, as she once again sings the title tune. This edition is mastered from a black-and-white kinescope recording (a 16mm film print shot from a TV monitor during the original broadcast) from Merman's personal collection and looks fine, especially considering the primitive technology. DVD extras include a new interview with musical director Buddy Bregman and a 20-page booklet with a terrific essay by musical theater scholar Stephen Cole. A slice of live TV history and a minor treasure in the realm of the performing arts, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Anything Goes
eOne, 53 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99 June 20, 2011
Anything Goes
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