Beat Out dat Rhythm On a Drum

A Hollywood gem waiting to be rediscovered by today's generation.  I've always heard about this film, bought the DVD and it just sat on the shelf. Finally decided to watch it and what a feast for the eyes and ears!  Probably a little too un-PC for today's PC crowd, but what a piece of Hollywood history!  Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Pearly Bailey and directed by Otto Preminger!  Music by Georges Bizet and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, II!  Dorothy Dandridge was absolutely gorgeous; I can see why Halle Berry protrayed her in a tv biopic.  I guess for kids today, Miss Dandridge was the Miss Berry of her day.  And Harry Belafonte...very handsome.  And what can be said about Pearl Bailey...that wonderful comic actress and singer.   I know that Mr. Preminger directed The Cardinal and was a respected director in Hollywood.

     It took some getting used to seeing an entire African-American cast; even the extras- almost as if in a parallel universe.  Plus the fact that Carmen Jones was a player, of sorts.  She flirts with Joe and Joe's girlfriend, Cindy Lou is left alone- naive and innocent.  And what does Carmen's "rise" to the top get her?  The film mesmerized me and I can watch it again and again.  It's a great rainy day film.  I don't know if it was a critical success, but it is well worth the watch.  The music is universal and timeless.  Would such a film be successful today?  Oh, with major re-writes and it would be a non-traditional casting field day.  Visually a stunning treat.  The color- magnificent.  Orchestrations sound wonderful.  It is a shame that Miss Dandridge died at such a young age; who knows what she could have done in film, aside from films with an all black cast.  Check this film out and enjoy every frame!