From Amazon.co.uk
The 1956 screen adaptation of
Carousel, like its immediate predecessor
Oklahoma!, boasted then state-of-the-art widescreen cinematography, stereophonic sound, a starring romantic duo with on-screen chemistry, and the Rodgers & Hammerstein imprimatur. Adding to its promise was a source (the venerable Ferenc Molnar play
Liliom) that had already been filmed three times. Contributing to the lustre are the coastal Maine locations where 20th Century Fox filmed principal photography. Yet unlike the original Broadway production, and despite evident craft,
Carousel proved a box-office disappointment. Why? Hindsight argues that movie-goers of the 1950s may have been unprepared for its tragic narrative, the sometimes unsympathetic protagonist, and a spiritual subtext addressing life after death.
Whatever the obstacle, Carousel may well be a revelation to first-time viewers. The score is among the composers' most affecting, from the glorious instrumental "Carousel Waltz" to a succession of exquisite love songs ("If I Loved You"), a heart-rending secular hymn ("You'll Never Walk Alone"), and the expectant father's poignant reverie, "Soliloquy". Top-line stars Shirley Jones (as factory worker Julie Jordan) and Gordon MacRae (as Billy Bigelow, the carnival barker who woos and weds her) achieve greater dramatic urgency here than in the more successful Oklahoma!. MacRae in particular attains a personal best as the conflicted Billy, whose anxiety and wounded pride after losing his job are crucial to the plot. It's Billy's impatience to support his new family that drives him to an ill-fated decision, which transforms the fable into a ghost story. --Sam Sutherland, Amazon.com
Product Description
Six all-time classic movies form the pens of two of the greatest collaborators in movie history.
The Sound of MusicCelebrate Rodgers and Hammerstein's
The Sound of Music with the award-winning, much-loved film. The magical, heart-warming musical tells the story of a spirited young woman, Maria (Julie Andrews), who leaves the convent to become Governess to the seven children of the autocratic Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer).
The King and IAn English governess travels to Siam to teach the children of the King. Based on the biography "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret London.
South PacificWhen a young American nurse from Little Rock (Mitzi Gaynor) meets the handsome and mysterious French planter (Rossano Brazzi) on a South Pacific island during World War II, they find refuge from the battles around them as their romance blooms, in this finely crafted, Oscar®-winning musical.
Oklahoma!This joyous celebration of frontier life combines tender romance and violent passion in the Oklahoma territory of the 1900s, with a timeless score filled with unforgettable songs, such as "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'", "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top", "People Say We're in Love" and "Oklahoma!".
CarouselA swaggering carnival barker married to a a cotton mill woman tries to provide for ther coming baby by hijacking a payroll.
State FairFarm family Frake, with discontented daughter Margy, head for the Iowa State Fair. On the first day, both Margy and brother Wayne meet attractive new flames; so does father's prize hog, Blue Boy. As the fair proceeds, so do the romances; must lovers separate when the fair closes?