Saturday, May 24, 2014

FABULOUS FILMS OF THE '50S: THE PAJAMA GAME (1957)


The Classic Movie Blog Association is hosting a Fabulous Films of the '50s blogathon from May 22 - 26. This is my entry for the event - click here for links to all participating member blogs.
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Doris Day began to make her way as a big band singer in 1939. She scored several million-selling records during her singing career, beginning with "Sentimental Journey," her hit with Les Brown’s band in 1945. Her next million-seller came in 1948 with “It’s Magic,” but her biggest hits were songs from two of her popular mid-‘50s films, “Secret Love” from Calamity Jane (1953) and “Que Sera, Sera” from The Man Who Knew Too Much (1955). Day’s last hit single, Everybody Loves a Lover was released in 1959. Coincidentally, Pillow Talk, a frothy sex comedy, and a new direction in type for her, was also released in 1959 and it would change the course of her career. For the next four years she would reign as queen of the box office starring in bubbly romcoms, most often opposite Rock Hudson.

While she was still churning out hit records in the '50s, Day starred in a movie that was all but forgotten once her screen persona shifted and she became the super-feminine, stylishly gowned and bouffantly coiffed icon of the early ‘60s. The Pajama Game (1957) is an overlooked and underappreciated pièce de résistance of a musical that contains one of Day’s most captivating performances – along with 11 songs, quite a few of them show-stoppers…and more.

The story revolves around labor-management tensions at the Sleeptite Pajama Factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where union members are pushing for a 7½ cent per hour raise while management is steadfastly ignoring them. Brand-new and hunky factory superintendent Sid Sorokin (John Raitt) arrives just as workers are becoming more vocal about the wage increase. He and the head of the employees' grievance committee, “Babe” Williams (Doris Day), first glimpsed as a long, cool woman in a blue smock, become smitten. The labor dispute comes between them until Sid’s ingenuity paves the way for a compromise. That’s the story, but it’s in the telling that the tale comes to life.

"Babe" bites into the apple - and goes on singing "I'm Not at All in Love."

And this yarn is spun with verve and style, highlighted by a superb score and inventive, energetic dance numbers. 

The Pajama Game opened on Broadway in 1954. A Tony-winning smash co-directed by George Abbott and Jerome Robbins and, blessed with a score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross that included several songs destined for the Hit Parade, it was 27-year-old Bob Fosse’s first choreography assignment on the Great White Way. The show made his reputation and brought him the first of 9 Tony Awards. When the musical was adapted to the screen under the co-direction of Abbott and Stanley Donen, Fosse was tapped to choreograph his first film. The jazzy/sexy style, distinctive moves and costuming touches that are well known today as Fosse trademarks were introduced in a Carol Haney showcase, “Steam Heat,” a number that takes place at a gathering of Sleeptite's union members.

Signature Fosse in show-stopping "Steam Heat," angular moves with knees turned in - plus bowler hats. The song was a hit for '50s recording star Patti Page ("the singing rage") during the spring and summer of 1954.

Making their movie debuts with Fosse were leading man John Raitt and supporting actress/featured dancer and all-around dynamo Carol Haney who had originated their roles on Broadway. Haney, as Gladys, a Sleeptite secretary, became a stage star and won a Tony for her performance. Raitt, who may have lacked some of the onscreen ease of his contemporary, Gordon MacRae, seems to me perfectly cast as dedicated and sincere, he-manly but slightly unsure Sid. Just as crucial, his sweet baritone is a match for Day's sunny tones. Their duet on "There Once Was a Man," a rollicking ode to falling madly in love, is sheer joy for its exuberance -



That's two show-stoppers...and counting. There's another Carol Haney showcase, this one a long-measure tango, "Hernando's Hideaway"...

Just knock three times
and whisper low
that you and I
were sent by Joe

Then strike a match
and then you'll know
you're at
Hernando's Hideaway

Olé! 

...and there's the wistful ballad, "Hey There," sung first by Raitt and later reprised by Day, that became a pop standard.

Sleeptite's colorful factory floor

Oscar-winning (My Fair Lady, The Picture of Dorian Gray) cinematographer Harry Stradling, Sr., deserves much credit for The Pajama Game’s visual dazzle. Stradling got his start through his uncle Walter, one-time Mary Pickford cameraman, and worked his way up behind the camera, first in Hollywood and then in Europe. He returned to the U.S. and built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s top cinematographers noted for his fluid camera work, emphasis on high style and facility with color. Stradling’s 1950s films are emblematic of the glorious use of Technicolor during that decade, and he was Oscar-nominated for his work on both Guys and Dolls (1955) and Auntie Mame (1958).

Setting The Pajama Game’s scene and creating its rich, vivid look is the handiwork of art director Malcolm Bert. Oscar-nominated for A Star is Born (1954) and Auntie Mame, Bert’s other memorable projects of the ‘50s include East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause, both in 1955.

Sleeptite's secretarial offices
 
Hernando's Hideaway

Sleeptite workers hold a rally to demand their cents

Though The Pajama Game spawned three breakout songs, none were hits for Doris Day – the popular versions had been recorded by others while the show was still on Broadway, long before the movie went into production. Patti Page’s “Steam Heat” rose to #8 on the Billboard charts, Archie Bleyer’s “Hernando’s Hideaway” reached #2 and Rosemary Clooney’s version of “Hey There” climbed to #1.

What Doris Day brought to the movie was bigger than her apple pie sex appeal and a buttery voice capable of producing hit records. In his new book, Dangerous Rhythm (Oxford University Press, 2014), author Richard Barrios writes, “The Pajama Game gave definitive proof that movie-star casting can sometimes be the best thing to happen to a filmed version of a Broadway show…Day’s natural physicality enabled her to move from speaking to singing not only smoothly, but with a uniquely vigorous conviction…” She lights up the screen, delivering one of her best performances as strong, confident - and sexy - "Babe."

"there once was a woman..."

Had The Pajama Game been filmed just two years earlier, it might well have been a bigger box office success for, by 1957, Hollywood musicals were on the wane. No matter, it survives and endures, a high-spirited musical snapshot of post-war America in the fabulous ‘50s.
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30 comments:

  1. Great post, and a great choice for the blogathon. Interesting point about it's coming a tad too late in the decade to really profit from the heyday of movie musicals--which I supposed has continued to follow it, making "The Pajama Game" one of the lesser known and under-appreciated films of its era today. The stage version still seems popular though, in regional and community theatre. Those songs and great.

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    1. "The Pajama Game" was on Broadway and its songs were on the radio when I was a tot, so I have been aware of it, dimly, for years - but I only watched the movie for the first time last year. And was bowled over. As I understand it, there was a 2006 Broadway revival starring Harry Connick, Jr. - not exactly a big voice - I think it ran for less than 200 performances.

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  2. The last time I saw this film was in the early 60's when I was a kid. Don't remember much except for a song called 71/2 cents (at least I think that was the title). Surprisingly, I didn't remember all the other songs, that became well known standards, were from this musical. I always secretly liked Clooney's verison of "Hey There" which I am currently humming in my head!

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    1. "7-1/2 Cents" is, indeed, one of the songs from "The Pajama Game." I have always loved Rosemary Clooney's "Hey There" and remember hearing it (often) on the radio as a child - it was love at first listen. Just gorgeous.

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  3. "And this yarn is spun with verve and style..."

    Ain't it the truth? So much energy bounces of the screen that it will either boost you up or wear you down. Many fables surround the play and movie. Regarding Doris' casting I had read somewhere that in the search for a "name" the studio sought Frank Sinatra and if he had said "yes" then Janis Paige would get to recreate "Babe". If he said "no", they would try for Doris. Such is fate in Hollywood.

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    1. One of the biggest tales connected to "The Pajama Game" is its role in Shirley MacLaine's career. She was Carol Haney's understudy on Broadway. Haney apparently was exceptionally reliable and MacLaine very rarely stepped in for her. But on the night producer Hal Wallis came specifically to see Haney's performance, she was injured and MacLaine took the stage. Wallis was impressed and signed her to a contract. So...Shirley MacLaine went to Hollywood - with a very Carol Haney look, by the way. Carol Haney died young and is mostly remembered for her (amazing) work on Broadway. Shirley MacLaine, whose star continued to rise, kept the "Haney look" for many years and even included "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway" as staples in her nightclub act.

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  4. A beautifully written post (I like your description "long, cool woman in a blue smock"--so evocative!). Pajama Game is an overlooked musical - it's so bright and energetic and the songs are great; and Day is at her best in it. I think it brings out her best qualities, particularly her spunkiness, bright charm, and athleticism. The film itself is really due for a major revival/second-look.

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    1. I agree with your take on Doris Day in "The Pajama Game" on all counts. For me, she hits just the right balance between her tomboyishness and her femininity. I think of neon when I think of "The Pajama Game," so colorful and so enchanting.

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  5. Lady Eve - I must admit I haven't seen this one in ages but your review has me worked up to order the DVD. I had a crush on Doris Day as a tween, and I saw all of her movies I could find. Thanks for selecting this fab film of the 50s and writing about it so gloriously.

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    1. I first saw "The Pajama Game" in 2013. So glad I finally found it. I'm not sure what I thought of Doris Day in my tween years - mostly I knew that sunshine voice and, later, admired her soft-focus bouffant look. Soon enough, I thought her passe. But I came back around to her. What a talent.

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  6. I've heard of this movie, but knew nothing about it. I love how lush and colourful it looks!

    I adore Doris Day. She was sooo talented, and I'd love to see her in this film. Thanks for recommending! :)

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    1. If you adore Doris Day, lush color and exuberance, you will enjoy "The Pajama Game." I can't imagine you won't love the score with all those amazing songs...

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  7. An impeccable post about an appealing film adaptation of a Broadway hit. I'm not sure why it's not shown as often as Doris' other musicals. John Raitt had a great voice (ditto for daughter Bonnie). And, as you noted, Fosse's dynamic choreography was outstanding and foreshadowed great things to come.

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    1. I like that word "impeccable," Rick. Thank you! "The Pajama Game" is special in so many ways, and though underappreciated it surely qualifies as a classic. Nnot sure why it isn't shown more often. In fact, it's curious that TCM doesn't air it since it is, after all, a Warner Bros. film.

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  8. Fantastic choice and write-up! It's been quite a while since I see this but it seems it was always playing on our local PBS station when I was growing up. Have loved it for a long time. Thanks for the memories!

    Aurora

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    1. I envy you, Aurora, it was never playing on our local PBS station when I was growing up. So I came to it very late and have loved it only for a year or so.

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  9. Hi, Patty,
    Sorry I'm late to the Pajama Game party.
    I'm glad Doris is getting so much love during the Blogathon. What would the 50s be without Doris entertaining us? No, I haven't seen this one because of that whole not liking 50s, 60s musicals thing but from your description I can see why you chose to write about it.

    This really is a shame for Doris. I feel bad after reading this. "Though The Pajama Game spawned three breakout songs, none were hits for Doris Day – the popular versions had been recorded by others while the show was still on Broadway, long before the movie went into production. Patti Page’s “Steam Heat” rose to #8 on the Billboard charts, Archie Bleyer’s “Hernando’s Hideaway” reached #2 and Rosemary Clooney’s version of “Hey There” climbed to #1."

    I do recognize Hernando's Hideaway because it was Jessica Lange's show number in the film Blue Skies. I've seen the movie so many times and now I have that dang song stuck in my head again.

    I'll give Pajama Game a try the next time it airs. Sure you can't wait to get my thoughts on it. ha ha
    I always enjoy your reviews and this one didn't disappoint.
    Thanks again for all your help lately.
    See ya soon,
    Page

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    1. I think "The Pajama Game" might just be your cup of tea, Page. I was very pleasantly surprised by it - so much fun and high spirits - it's energy is infectious. Hope you will check it out.

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  10. Hooray for Doris Day! Thanks for a great post highlighting this superb film. It is one of her best.She was a great screen star who rarely got a chance to strut all of her stuff. This film was a great showcase for her.

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    1. Hi Chick...Doris Day totally struts her stuff in this movie. I think it's the best all-around showcase of her talent there is on film. I hope someone convinces her to appear at next year's TCM film festival...lotta love out there for her these days.

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  11. I like this one a lot too, but John Raitt doesn't quite do it for me, I'm afraid. I know it was his only movie and what works on the stage sometimes doesn't translate to film. I've always thought he was a bit stiff and not the least bit comfortable. Maybe if he had done a small role in a film he would be more comfortable in front of the camera.

    I still like the film very much, with that one caveat. The "Once A Year Day" number is one of my favorites. I run the number every Fourth of July for myself.

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    1. John Raitt grew on me after a couple of viewings and now I like him just fine as Sid. Love "Once a Year Day," Kevin, and can totally see why you'd watch it on July 4th (you'll be watching it again soon).

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  12. Boy oh boy, are you singing my tune, Patty! How much do we love Doris Day? You know I'm a huge fan. She's fascinating to watch in the evolution of her career and how her look evolves, too. She's so close in time to what really established her look--the costume design of Jean Louis in 1959's PILLOW TALK. I've only seen PAJAMA GAME once a long time ago, so this has definitely made me want to watch it again. What a great team that they've got behind it. I mean, Bob Fosse is amazing. And art director Malcolm Bert is beyond talented, too. Though it's not my favorite Doris style, it is still fascinating to look at it all. Thanks for including this in the blogathon!

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    1. Hi Kimberly, Your so right about how fascinating the evolution of Doris Day's career and look is to behold. She really went through an amazing transformation. I particularly like her '60s look - "The Thrill of it All" (1963) to pinpoint the exact film/moment. But I also like her "Pajama Game" look - the short, "ducktail" hairdo, the little scarves knotted at the throat (very popular in the late '50s). There's an outfit she wears in a picnic scene I think you'll love - turquoise scarf, white summer dress, turquoise heels (who wore heels to a picnic?!?). I hope you have a chance to watch "The Pajama Game" again soon.

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  13. I really enjoyed this movie and share your affinity for Steam Heat (one of the highlights of the movie for me) and Hernando's Hideaway. I also loved the costumes designed by the husband and wife team, William and Jean Eckart especially the colorful dresses. Great review!

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    1. Ginny, Thanks for mentioning the costumes! The colors and patterns of the different outfits - dresses, ensembles, men's shirts, etc., are amazing. So bright - even brash - and such a wild mix, at times. The costuming really added to the spirit of the movie.

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  14. I'm sure you know this, but Doris Day was from Cincinnati. As such, she was a big hit in my family. We watched all her films, which were mostly musicals, so, of course, we grew up with a fondness for musicals. Whether a film was good or bad, Day's bright personality always made it better. Nice choice for the blogathon--often overlooked Day vehicle.

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    1. Kim, You're right, Doris Day's presence warmed up the screen, no matter what the film. And when she was in a good one, look out!

      Cincinnati is one of my favorite "birthplaces" - Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney, plus two of my childhood crushes, Roy Rogers and Tyrone Power (still have a crush on him)...impressive!

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  15. Although the soundtrack album stared out from me from library music bins since I was a chiId, i never got around to actally seeing the film into well into adulthood. It became one of my all time favorites, chiefly due to the songs, choreography, Miss Doris Day, who is marvelously tomboyish in this. The plot has always kind of made me head for the fast forward button (the Foy/Haney relationship wears me out), but happily, there is precious little of that what with the fullsome score. Reliving some of my fave moments in you wonderful post has given me a craving to see it again. Thanks for the memories!

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    1. Hi Ken! It's interesting, I listened to "Hey There" and "Hernando's Hideaway" on the radio often as a child and adored both songs. I also knew Fosse made his name with "The Pajama Game" and that Shirley MacLaine got her Hollywood break because a producer was in the house when she went on for Carol Haney one night...and still, I didn't manage to see the movie until last year. Now it's one of my all-time favorites, too. Agree about the Foy/Haney thread, though I love her "drunk scene" at Hernando's Hideaway.

      Good to hear from you, Ken, and to know we share "Pajama Game" love.

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