Merry Andrew

Director: Michael Kidd Michael Kidd

Overview

Though Merry Andrew is more subdued than earlier Danny Kaye efforts, it's still a lot of fun. Kaye is cast as Andrew Larabee, a mild-mannered but highly unorthodox archeology professor at a British boy's school. While on an expedition in Italy, Andrew allows a traveling circus to pitch camp on his archeological site. Falling in love with Selena (Pier Angeli), the acrobat daughter of carnival owner Antonio Gallini (Salvatore Baccaloni), Professor Larabee soon finds himself participating in their show as a clown, ringmaster, and (accidental) lion-tamer. When time comes for Andrew to return to his stuffy academic existence -- not to mention his equally stuffy fiancée (Patricia Cutts) -- he chooses instead to hit the sawdust trail in the company of the fair Selena. The five Saul Chaplin-Johnny Mercer songs are enjoyable, but the engaging "patter numbers" written by Kaye's wife, Sylvia Fine, are sorely missed.

Product Details

Release Date:	05/16/2011
UPC:	0883316330647
Original Release:	1958
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Mono]
Language:	English
Time:	1:43:00
Sales rank:	33,973

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Danny Kaye	Andrew Larabee
Pier Angeli	Selena
Salvatore Baccaloni	Antonio Gallini
Robert Coote	Dudley Larabee
Noel Purcell	Matthew Larabee
Patricia Cutts	Letitia Fairchild
Rex Evans	Gregory Larabee
Walter Kingsford	Mr. Fairchild
Peter Mamakos	Vittorio Gallini
Rhys Williams	Constable
Tommy Rall	Giacomo Gallini
Saul Chaplin	Composer

Technical Credits

Isobel Lennart

I.A.L. Diamond

Michael Kidd	Director
Isobel Lennart	Screenwriter
I.A.L. Diamond	Screenwriter
Sol C. Siegel	Producer

Editorial Reviews

Merry Andrew has the distinction of being the only film directed by the uniquely gifted choreographer Michael Kidd. The bottom line: Kidd is a great choreographer. This is not to say that his direction is bad, but the contrast between the breezy confidence he gives to the film's musical numbers and the tentativeness that surrounds many of the dialogue scenes is striking. On the other hand, Andrew does feature one of Danny Kaye's finest -- and more relaxed -- performances. Keeping himself in check and modulating his comedy schtick more than in most films, Kaye is a delight throughout, whether deftly navigating the sometimes-too-precious "Everything Is Tickety Boo" or delighting in the memorable "The Square of the Hypoteneuse." The Saul Chaplin-Johnny Mercer score is pleasantly engaging, if not one for the ages, and Kidd knows how to take advantage of his performers' strengths. He gives dancer Tommy Rall some nice showcase moments, especially in "Salud,"and helps Pier Angeli come off quite nicely. Merry Andrew is bright and energetic enough that most viewers will forgive its occasional lapses in pacing and tone, as well as its tendency to veer into the saccharine.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler