Frank Loesser's spirited Broadway musical, "Guys and Dolls," was given a serviceable presentation for the screen version.
In a most unusual piece of casting, Marlon Brando took on the singing-acting role of Sky Masterson. What I found commendable was the way he used his singing voice as a creative extension of his speaking part.
The result was most interesting: a pleasant, sweet quality emerged; yet he didn't shortcut halves and whole notes, rather sustained tones in a legato, musical manner. Likewise, Actress Jean Simmons nicely matched him in her specialty solos and their duets.
Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine and Stubby Kaye all added high quality to their respective roles, and Joseph L. Mankiewicz's direction was most adequate.
One omitted original score song, "More I Cannot Wish You," was Loesser at his most was classical and poetic. Probably considered too abstract for the film production, (and granted it requires an exceptional singer to put it across) it was still missed.
The production design was most colorful and the sets a nice carryover from the stage. All in all, a good presentation of a beloved musical.
In a most unusual piece of casting, Marlon Brando took on the singing-acting role of Sky Masterson. What I found commendable was the way he used his singing voice as a creative extension of his speaking part.
The result was most interesting: a pleasant, sweet quality emerged; yet he didn't shortcut halves and whole notes, rather sustained tones in a legato, musical manner. Likewise, Actress Jean Simmons nicely matched him in her specialty solos and their duets.
Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine and Stubby Kaye all added high quality to their respective roles, and Joseph L. Mankiewicz's direction was most adequate.
One omitted original score song, "More I Cannot Wish You," was Loesser at his most was classical and poetic. Probably considered too abstract for the film production, (and granted it requires an exceptional singer to put it across) it was still missed.
The production design was most colorful and the sets a nice carryover from the stage. All in all, a good presentation of a beloved musical.