roadlt
Joined Feb 2000
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roadlt's rating
This TV series lasted only half a season, despite having many things going for it-the cast including Harry Guardino and Gary Merril and shooting on location in New York City like another series of the same era-Naked City. The scripts were uneven, but the show was likeable. One of the most memorable elements was the closing titles showing dissolving multiple exposures of New York skyscrapers accompanied by the lush and beautiful theme written by Kenyon Hopkins. It was one of the most beautiful love letters to New York ever done.
In the mid-1960's, there were several television series set and shot on location in New York City including-Naked City, East Side/West Side, The Reporter, Trials Of O'Brian, and this one. Only Naked City lasted very long. Mr. Broadway looked like a can't-miss with the original idea, a series about the theater and show business, developed by Garson Kanin, produced by David Susskind, Craig Stevens, fairly fresh from his success in Peter Gunn in the title role, music by Dave Brubeck, and often the use of big name guest stars like Lauren Bacall. But miss it did, lasting only a season, as I recall. Too bad, as this was a well made, intelligently written series.
Follow The Boys was one of several "entertaining the troops" films made during World War II. The plots often revolved around personal conflict for the characters that is war related. The films usually pat show business on the back for what it's doing for the troops. Finally, there are lots of speciality numbers by popular performers of the day. Follow The Boys stays true to the formula, but with some interesting touches. First, it provides some background on the organization necessary to put entertainment units together. Second, some footage was shot at actual performances before audiences of service men and women.
George Raft plays the main character, a dancer turned show organizaer. His dancing makes us realize he is better at organizing shows. As is often the case in these films, the high spots are the speciality numbers, particularly Loius Jordan, Dinah Shore, and amazingly enough, Arthur Rubenstein here. Orson Welles does a fascinating magic act. Jeanette McDonald does a number in a hospital ward singing to injured soldiers. It's contrived, yet moving. Follow The Boys is an interesting, if uneven, WWII artifact.
George Raft plays the main character, a dancer turned show organizaer. His dancing makes us realize he is better at organizing shows. As is often the case in these films, the high spots are the speciality numbers, particularly Loius Jordan, Dinah Shore, and amazingly enough, Arthur Rubenstein here. Orson Welles does a fascinating magic act. Jeanette McDonald does a number in a hospital ward singing to injured soldiers. It's contrived, yet moving. Follow The Boys is an interesting, if uneven, WWII artifact.