WHERE’S CHARLEY? Turns 70!

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Welcome to a new Musical Theatre Monday! This month, we’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of Where’s Charley?, the charming Frank Loesser musical adaption of Charley’s Aunt that starred Ray Bolger and the late Allyn Ann McLerie. Originally covered back on this blog here in 2014, Where’s Charley? has a dandy score — click on that link to sample some of its gems.

For the anniversary, I’m happy to share — with subscribers who comment below to alert me of their interest — access to the heretofore unreleased 1952 film adaptation of Where’s Charley? in which Bolger and McLerie reprised their stage roles. (I’ll also send an mp3 rip of the soundtrack.) This material is offered, as always, for the non-commercial interests of critics and scholars of vintage entertainment. Now for a taste… Having shared Bolger’s famous filmed performance of “Once In Love With Amy” in our previous look at the show, here I’ll instead take an excerpt featuring the aforementioned duo’s delightful “Make A Miracle.”

 

 

Come back next month for another Musical Theatre Monday! And stay tuned tomorrow for more NewsRadio!

41 thoughts on “WHERE’S CHARLEY? Turns 70!”

  2. Thank you for this! It’s always a pleasure to watch Ray Bolger. I’d love access to the whole film adaptation.

  4. Where’s Charley is the first live musical I ever say; done at my High School in Garden City NY in 1966! Would love access to the movie.

  6. I have this vague memory of seeing the movie version of “Where’s Charley?” once, perhaps when I was a little boy on Rita Bell’s Prize Movie out of Detroit. Thanks for sharing, Jackson. I’ve periodically looked to see if the power’s that be have made any inklings about releasing the rights, and we know how that’s gone! I’d love to see the whole movie.

  8. My Father made his Broadway debut in the original production of Where’s Charley? . I would love to see the movie. Thanks so much!

    • Hi, Mana! Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Please subscribe to this blog using your preferred email address so that I can send a digital copy your way!

  9. Hello Jackson! Where’s Charley is a show I have always wanted to do and would love to see the movie version! Thank you again for all the treasures you have given so unselfishly! You’re the Best!

  12. Jackson, this is a better transfer than the one I have. I wish someone would get to work and restore this before it’s too late!

  13. Thanks for a great post, Jackson. I don’t think Loesser gets enough credit for his excellent work on this show, even if the score is not quite on the level of ‘The Most Happy Fella’ or ‘Guys and Dolls.’ The film and its soundtrack are the closest thing we’ll ever have to an original cast recording for the show—I would love to be able to check them out. Could you please share if you have a chance? Thanks!!

  15. Hi Jackson! Just found your site. Awesome stuff! I would love to view Where’s Charley and it really is for academic purposes…my research is in early 20th century female impersonation! I’ve been looking for a copy of this film for years. You’re heavensent! Thanks G

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