The heroine of the show is an operator at an answering service who does more than just take messages for the clients. She solves problems for them. And she falls in love with one of them. She's never met him and has only heard his voice but she knows all about him from the messages she gives him and the binds she gets him out of. She decides that she has to meet him and madcap romance ensues.
You should rent the movie version if you've never seen it. (At least if you like musicals.) It's got fun songs and a zany story. Several of the songs are standards you can sing along with.
The main character of the show was based on a real answering service operator, Mary Printz, who recently died. Her obituary is one of those that makes me smile. It's the sort of obituary that is a mixed bag...while she's living there's no knowing about her, but on her death I'm happy to have heard of her.
In case you're interested, here are some of the songs from "Bells Are Ringing." If it hadn't been for Mary Printz, we might never have gotten to hear them. They're a delight (just as Ms. Printz seems to have been). Vincente Minnelli's direction is rather dull. It looks like a camera was put in a theater where the play was performed. Music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.
Judy Holliday — The Party's Over
3 comments:
Thanks for the memories, Chuckbert. I always felt a tug at the heart when I heard "The Party's Over." And I like "Just in Time" too. The other tune wasn't too familiar. Anyow, thanks.
I love "Bells Are Ringing" and Judy Holliday. My favorite song from the original Broadway cast recording is "Is It a Crime?"
I finally read the obit. She sounded like a fun lady.
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