Product Details

• Actors: Ethel Merman, Peter Nero, John Raiit, Martha Wright, Gretchen Wyler
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Video Artists Int'l
• DVD Release Date: October 26, 2004
• Run Time: 86 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0002VEX4G
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,912 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historic Merman once again from the folks at VAI Thank You!, October 18, 2004

By 

George Dansker "rossini2" (New Orleans, La United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cole Porter - An All-Star Tribute (Bell Telephone Hour January 28, 1964) (DVD)

Please run -- don't walk --- to your nearest video store to get this DVD. You will be thrilled beyond belief. To have another vintage and rare television program with the Merm is one great thing -- and to have it in vivid color and great sound is another -- and to have bonus tracks from still another great tv show featuring the Merm, well if you have read this far without ordering this title -- go do it now!

This is a fine television show, also featuring John Raitt and Martha Wright in superb voice. Other excellent contributions are from Peter Nero, Gretchen Wyler and Jillana. The production values are fine, with typical 60s colors and costuming throughout. It is nothing short of a miracle that this program exists in such beautiful color, as so much classic tv was only preserved in black and white.

The Merm looks terrific on this 1964 television program -- very relaxed and happy -- no doubt as she was still joyfully anticipating her marriage to Ernest Borgnine. Her two Medleys of Cole Porter songs are incredible and emotional. Her voice is captured in full cry and speaks right to the heart.

The bonus tracks, which include alternate takes, are also fascinating. They gives us a glimpse of what Merman looked and sounded like in "Gypsy" as this show was recorded during the original broadway run in 1960. Merman looks and sounds great and sings some Ragtime songs that are not often associated with her (Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, and After You've Gone) for example).

The out-takes are fascinating and they are a sterling tribute to the Merm's incredible dedication and professionalism as she jumps right into the next take with all the verve and gusto she could muster.

If I haven't yet mentioned that this DVD is a must have for any theatre buff and fan of classic popular vocalism -- please let me do it now! Cole Porter's music never sounded better. Happy viewing and listening.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Vintage Musical Performaces - In Living Color!, August 15, 2005

By 

D. Wingate "TV Music Nut" (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cole Porter - An All-Star Tribute (Bell Telephone Hour January 28, 1964) (DVD)

Don't pay any attention to the reviewer who complained of the poor video transfer - they do not know what they're talking about. This is a prime example of NBC low band color from the early 1960s - it cannot be compared against the hi band format widely adapted later. To have a program of this vintage survive at all on color tape is something to celebrate. Then to have actual alternate un-aired takes from 1960 in color is worth the price of the disc alone. Thank you VAI for releasing this gem.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars cole porter tribute, June 27, 2005

By 

K. Potts (durham, N.C.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cole Porter - An All-Star Tribute (Bell Telephone Hour January 28, 1964) (DVD)

This is a great dvd what makes it great you say? Well first you have Ethel Merman being Ethel Meman. Cole Porter tunes anything better I think not! You have the fabulous voices of John Rait, Martha Wright(a singer extraordinaire that is largely forgotten,Gretchen Wyler Who played Peggy In Porter's Silk Stockings. The print is quite good for it's age. As a bonus you see seveal incomplete versions of Miss Meman on another Bell Telephone special(wich after
viewing did cause me to have nightmares. I hope that there will be more of these great programs isued latter