Customer Reviews

Cole Porter - An All-Star Tribute (Bell Telephone Hour January 28, 1964)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

Excellent overview of standard Cole Porter songs performed by people of talent worthy to interpret such material. Such programming does not exist today except for PBS in their American Masters series. Did not realize that color taping was being done in 1964, albeit the fuzzy quality; however the colors were bright and strong. Hope they release more of the Bell Telephone Hour shows; we who appreciate standard popular muic sorely need this "alternative programming".

So pleased to have purchased a copy. Firstly I intend it as a gift to a friend who is unaware of its existence and who was, many years ago Ethels private Secretary so this will be a knock-out gift at Christmas when he comes to stay.

This DVD is performance based and how lucky we are to have a copy through VAI who seem to be releasing a lot of treasures that could have languished in vaults.

The orchestrations and charts are excellent and the show captures the medium of television production durin the 60's particularly that of Studio Variety.

The quality of the DVD is better than anticipated on reading other reviews but given the original format it is indeed extremly watchable.I have video tape on my shelves that are only 15 years old the quality of which have deterioted much worse than this DVD transfer

I rate this DVD a 5 for the purity of its performance content providing us with a great record of outstanding voices and tribute to cole Porter

This is an absolutely wonderful program, flawed only by the poor picture quality of the DVD. We have an opportunity to see Ethel Merman in all her glory. That's enough for me!!

While it's indeed difficult to fault any production of a Cole Porter tribute, there are two aspects of this DVD that deserve being brought to the attention of any prospective buyer.

First, and foremost, is the very poor quality of the video transfer. The great Ethel Merman and company certainly deserved better. This was my first and last purchase of any VAI DVD production.

Secondly, Cole Porter remains one of the worlds greatest composers of popular music. His beautiful Night and Day, as well as his lyrical I Get a Kick Out of You are only two of hundreds of showstoppers. The main reason is the simplicity of their melodies. Just hearing a few bars of any of his songs will immediately pop the name of the song into your mind...that is, unless Peter Nero is performing them. Even Ethel Merman had to forewarn the audience they must listen carefully before determining the name of the song. Cole Porter deserved better than Peter Nero's keyboard excursions highlighting his finger skills, rather than Cole's great melody.

With those two glaring flaws in mind, coupled with the inflated price of the DVD, I feel this only warrants only 2 Stars.

Loved seeing Merman at the top of her game. And to see Gretchen Wyler after discovering her in the film "Broadway: The Golden Age" was wonderful.

The bonus features are fun, too. There is a completely different full show of Merman on there. Although she doesn't say much, it is intereting to see when they have retakes.

Keep these great shows coming!