Sua Excelência, a Embaixatriz

I came across this thrilling 1953 Fox musical last night by accident and I was immediately hooked. Actually, it became an instant favorite. "Call Me Madam" is loud, sumptuous, indescribably glorious screen version of Irving Berlin's stage musical, directed with luminous extravagance by Walter Lang. The Technicolor is breathtaking! Ethel Merman as the eccentric socialite turned US diplomat to Lichtenburg, is sometimes hard to take. Her romance with the heavily accented Foreign Minister named Cosmo, played by George Sanders, is slightly forced.

Still, the highlights are the captivating Berlin songs - "Hostess With The Mostes", "You're Just In Love", "Something to Dance About", "It's a Lovely Day Today" - not to mention the glorious dancing by the young couple in love, Donald O'Connor and Vera-Ellen. They were a joy to watch.

Call Me Madam is an excellent film, that I don't think is as appreciated as much as it should be. One of the film's main merits is that it is beautifully designed, with stunning cinematography, and Ethel Merman's dresses especially were to die for. The only things that let it down that let it down were its length and that one or two scenes could have simplified. However, these are fully compensated by the marvellous Irving Berlin songs and the dazzling choreography, evident in Donald O'Connor and Vera Ellen's dance routines. Now for the performances-Ethel Merman lends her big brassy personality to the character of Mrs Adams and does a highly commendable job. Whether she gave the best performance of the film is up for debate, personally I think not, for Donald O'Connor is a sheer delight as her assistant, and Vera Ellen looked beautiful and danced a dream. Though special mention should go to George Sanders as Cosmo Costantine, who not only shone with his charm and charisma, but also his singing was absolutely beautiful. Overall, a very well done musical, where the performances, songs and choreography shine through considerably, and fully compensate for the film's minor flaws. 8/10 Bethany Cox

There's been a long wait to revisit the delights of this brassy film recreation of a big Broadway hit, but now we can once again enjoy it, fairly bursting from the screen, with its several lively production numbers, John DeCuir's classy production design, Irene Sharaff's flattering costumes, plus Robert Alton's absolutely first-rate choreography. Check out Vera-Ellen and an ultra-well-rehearsed chorus of dancers in "The Orcarina" number, as well as her amazing dance duets with Donald O'Connor, who smoothly displays his exceptional terpsichorean ability, so well showcased two years earlier in MGM's "Singin' in the Rain." George Sanders's singing is a wonderful surprise, holding his own with leather-lunged Madame Merman, who had triumphed on Broadway with this votive offering to her stardom, so cleverly crafted by Irving Berlin. Alfred Newman's Oscar for his endlessly inventive musical direction was more than well-deserved. For anyone who thinks that M-G-M was the only studio to adequately mount a film musical, this one might convince fans of this genre otherwise. (The DVD, by the way, is a very nice transfer, and boasts a quite informative commentary by "Musical Film Scholar" Miles Kreuger.)

Thanks to the Fox Movie Channel one can rediscover forgotten things that don't show on television these days. It was a royal treat to have this film play the other night. We had seen the film years ago, but one forgets how much fun it was and how it still can delight anyone at all.

It helps a great deal this musical score was written by Irving Berlin, perhaps one of the most talented American composers of all times. The music of "Call Me Madam" can't be considered his best, but it pleases the viewer when it plays on the screen. The direction by Walter Lang also was an asset; even though it's filmed musical theater, it doesn't feel claustrophobic.

Ethel Merman was a magnificent star of the New York Broadway stage. She was a legend in the way she could sing a song and she could be heard in the whole theater; no mikes for Ms. Merman!. She was an original who was a consumed entertainer; she graced many musicals during her lifetime. It shows how foolish Hollywood was in not letting Ms. Merman repeat some of the same roles she created for the theater. It's sad, but it's a great loss.

Donald O'Connor does some of his best work in films in the movie. He plays well against Ms. Merman, as well as against Vera Ellen, his love interest in the film. Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Ellen are charming in their roles.

A great surprise was to see George Sanders, a man who played heavies, or cynical characters on the screen, singing and acting with enough suavity to charm Ms. Merman. Also in the cast, Walter Slezak, Billy DeWolfe, who are also effective in their supporting roles.

This is a film that will delight anyone looking for a pleasant time watching a delightful musical.

is an acquired taste. Apparently enough folks developed it enough to keep Ethel's shows running for a couple of decades.

One of the "Queens of Broadway" (with Mary Martin) Ethel Merman's brassy voice belted through many a record-breaking run, thrilling thousands.

What a rare treat to see her in a role she made her own! "Call Me Madam" is a dandy musical, rich with a great Irving Berlin score and lively performances.

Equally rare is the excellent singing performance of George Sanders. His beautiful baritone is heard in "It's an Old-fashioned Idea" and other lovely ballads. As he played Gen. Constantine, I couldn't help but wonder how his reported troubled private life might have gone had he done more light, musical fare.

Sanders' whole demeanor is different: he's warm, relaxed, sincere and fun-filled--what a departure from the cynical cads he was almost always engaged to portray! [N. B. History shows he was signed to star in a stage production of "South Pacific," and his recording of solo ballads, "The Sanders Touch: Songs to the Lovely Lady"--released five years after this film--has become one of the hottest collectors' items around.] All I can say is, his singing is gorgeous in "Call Me Madam."

If this Fox musical has the somewhat look and feel of an MGM production, there's Donald O'Conner and Vera-Ellen lending their aura from the latter studio. Director Walter Lang, an old-hand at Fox musicals and light comedies, keeps things on track, while Bob Alton's dances really hit-the-mark.

"Call Me Madam" is a most delightful diversion, and a lasting testament to the gifted Merman--the "hostest with the mostest."