Guys and Dolls (1955)

Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz | 152 minutes | comedy, romance, crime, musical | Actors: Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Vivian Blaine, Robert Keith, Stubby Kaye, BS Pulley, Johnny Silver, Sheldon Leonard, Danny Dayton, George E. Stone, Regis Toomey, Kathryn Givney, Veda Ann Borg, Mary Alan Hokanson

This 1955 film adaptation of the Broadway show ‘Guys and Dolls’ splashes off the screen – and not just because of the dancing and singing Sinatra and Brandon. The singing, the music, the decor, in short, the entire atmosphere, takes you back to a nostalgic time interspersed with show and true romance.

The fact is nowadays not very original anymore: two men who like to gamble and bet for the love of a woman. Guaranteed that one of the two parties will fall in love with her, so here too. Sky Masterson, a stellar role played by the sexy Marlon Brando in his early years (which no doubt still makes many women’s hearts beat faster), makes a bet with Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) that he can win Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) . That should be easy, you think, but a little problem: Sarah is a missionary and doesn’t like men, let alone gambling addicts. Sky is not easy to catch and does everything to win, but in the meantime his love for her blossoms and he finds himself in a difficult situation. There is also a role for another love couple with their own problems: Detroit and his revue girl Adelaide (Vivian Blaine), who gradually longs for a little more certainty and preys on a marriage proposal.

On the silver screen, everything seems to be smooth sailing between the players: there is a lot of chemistry between everyone and the ‘feel-good’ feeling radiates from the screen. Everyone fits well into his or her role and seems made for it. However, there were some frictions during the shooting and the cast could have looked very different… The role of Adelaide was originally reserved for Betty Grable, but she never showed up for an interview with the director. Marilyn Monroe also preyed on the role of Adelaide, but Mankiewicz did not see a collaboration with her and in the end the role went to Vivian Blaine, who filled it in without merit.

And what do Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra have in common? Both tried their best to land the role of Sky Masterson. Unfortunately for them, inexperienced singer Marlon Brando made off with the loot, much to the anger of Sinatra who detested him afterwards. And because Sinatra didn’t get the part of Sky, Dean Martin canceled his role as Nathan Detroit out of revenge and loyalty. A salient detail is that Sinatra has taken that role (as well as Sky’s song from the film later in his career: “Luck be a Lady”). Last but not least, the role of missionary Sarah also didn’t go to director Mankiewicz’s original choice; he had his eye on Princess Grace Kelly first. So you see, nothing is what it seems and behind everything there is a long story.

Fortunately, this behind-the-scenes drama didn’t affect the quality of the musical; it is a pleasure to watch and to listen to. The songs are infectious as always and the fact of true love never gets old – also proven in the fact that ‘Guys and Dolls’ was recently (2002 and 2007) filmed again and the musical still draws full houses in New York, among others. and London. The star cast, good direction, choreography, beautiful costumes and catchy songs make ‘Guys and Dolls’ a must see for young and old.