Plot: What’s it about?
Terence Donahue (Dan Dailey) and his wife Molly (Ethel Merman) have a history of performance works, which they have since involved their three childen in. The parents are veteran vaudeville performers and since they’ve trained their kids also, it means the entire process has become a family affair over the years. The sons Tim (Donald O’Connor) and Steve (Johnnie Ray) and daughter Katy (Mitzi Gaynor) have all turned into competent artists, but sometimes slip here and there. And since this has turned into a family business, the Donahue clan has to succeed together, or else fail in most miserable form. This means each member must be up to the task and the unit has to be in synch, or else all of them are doomed in the end. It seems to run in smooth order however, until Tim meets Vicky (Marilyn Monroe) and then, things begin to break down. The Donahue family has been through some tough times together, but Vicky’s ambition to be a starlet could prove to be their final curtain call, or their push them toward their most shining moment.
I think this is the weakest link in The Diamond Collection of Marilyn Monroe releases, but I am still pleased to see it given a nice treatment. I don’t think much of There’s No Business Like Show Business, but it is fun at times and has a good performance from Marilyn, which makes it worth a look. I am unsure if I’d pick this up solo, but since it has been released within The Diamond Collection, I’ll add it to my collection. I do like the visuals and how the screen is loaded with stuff to soak in, but the lack of in depth characters and storyline seem to sink this one a shade. I didn’t expect a world of character development and what not, but I did expect than what is found here and I was a little let down. But while the film falters on that level, it delivers as far as fun and entertainment, with some large scale musical numbers and other sights & sounds to take in. So if you can overlook the weak direction and writing here, then I think there’s some worthwhile elements to tune in for. I think a rental is in order for first timers, but fans of Marilyn or wide scope musicals should think about picking this up, especially since it comes within The Diamond Collection.
If you want to see Marilyn Monroe at her most glamorous, then this is the movie you’ll want to view, as she is radiant here. She always looks gorgeous of course, but in There’s No Business Like Show Business, she is dolled to the nines and simply shines on screen. As usual, her acting leaves a little to be desired, but since this film is more focused on entertainment value, her work never seems out of place in the least. She delivers her lines and reacts well enough, which is enough to supplement her stunning good looks, to be sure. In the end, I think she turns in the most memorable effort in this picture, a nice little comedic role that serves as one of the film’s finest points. You can also see Monroe in such films as All About Eve, The Seven Year Itch, Hometown Story, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Some Like It Hot, and Bus Stop. The cast also includes Ethel Merman (The Art of Love, Strike Me Pink), Johnnie Ray (Rogue’s Gallery), Donald O’Connor (Singin’ In The Rain, Francis the Talking Mule), and Mitzi Gaynor (South Pacific, Three Young Texans).
Video: How does it look?
There’s No Business Like Show Business is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This film has never looked better on home video, thanks to restoration efforts enacted, just as with all the movies in The Diamond Collection. The image looks terrific and much cleaner than expected, with much, much richer colors hues than I ever imagined. The hues look very vivid and lush, but never get too much so, while flesh tones are natural and warm also. With well defined black tones and good detail, the contrast is also up to task, leaving me to score this one on the higher end, very good work indeed.
Audio: How does it sound?
This one has all sorts of musical numbers and as such, I had high hopes for the included 4.0 surround track. In the end, I wasn’t let down in the least and the surrounds really come to life well, very solid mix all around. Of course, it isn’t on the same level as more recent, explosive mixes, but this one more than covers the materials, no worries there. The music sounds terrific and the sound effects come through well also, although a shade thin in a couple instances. No problems with dialogue at all, clean and crisp vocals from start to finish. This disc includes an English stereo track, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes theatrical poster artwork, a restoration comparison, and three theatrical trailers.
