Guys and Dolls (1955)
Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra

Is Guys and Dolls the perfect musical?

I have heard Samuel Goldywn’s blockbuster film Guys and Dolls called the ‘perfect musical film’. Perhaps it is. The casting is brilliant, who would have thought to have actor Marlon Brando in the singing and dancing lead and Frank Sinatra as the second. However they are listed, Brando and Sinatra shine in this classic musical.

Guys and Dolls is the story of gamblers, sparkling night life in New York City vintage style, and a sucker bet. There is a great amount of dancing and singing. And yes, Marlon Brando does both quite nicely. The music score is filled with Frank Loesser songs you will recognize immediately, Luck Be a Lady and I’ll Know, are among the long list of songs. They don’t, perhaps can’t is a better word, make big movies like this anymore. This film is such fun. We are treated to more than two hours of pure escape as these smooth gamblers bet on any and everything. Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) organizes floating gambling spots for gamblers. But he needs money to make this one happen, he believes that a bet he makes with Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) will help to get his game in place. Detroit bets womanizing Masterson that he cannot convince a certain young lady to go to Cuba with him. Masterson, who does not doubt his powers of persuasion, takes the bet. Detroit then points out prim and proper Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons), a devout Salvation Army missionary. Nathan Detroit has other problems as well. His girlfriend Adelaide (Vivian Blaine) is laying down some rules. She wants Nathan to marry her; after all they have been engaged for fourteen years.

Meanwhile Sky Masterson does manage to get Miss Sarah to Cuba, but he falls in love her and complications set in. If you have not seen any of the old musicals this is the one to start with. You will be surprised to see a very trim and light on his feet, Marlon Brando. Remember this film was made in 1955, seventeen years earlier than The Godfather. It is said that Brando did his own singing and that will surprise you too; while he did not have a particularly good voice, it was just right for this part.

Originally a Broadway show, Guys and Dolls is based on Damon Runyon stories. Joseph L. Mankiewicz (Cleopatra 1963) wrote and directed it for the movie screen. Additional writing credits go to Abe Burrows (The Solid Gold Cadillac 1956) and Jo Swerling (The Pride of the Yankees 1942).

Sheldon Leonard who portrays Harry the Horse in this film is the same Sheldon Leonard who produced more than a dozen television shows. Actor and singer/dancer Jerry Orbach has a small unaccredited part movie classic.

Highly Recommended.

Not Rated.

-Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations.