Jenny Bowman or Jenny Stewart, that is. Both are legendary Broadway divas, very used to getting their own way. Joan Crawford is Jenny Stewart and TORCH SONG is Joan's first in colour, in 1953, and is a camp riot of garish colour, particularly with Joan in "tropical makeup" for the bizarre "Two Faced Woman" number. One feels sorry for the chorus boys Jenny terrorises and Michael Wilding as the blind pianist who is the only man who can stand up to her. Very odd too is her pack of teenage fans crowding the stage door to meet her .... I have reviewed this Camp Classic several times, as per Crawford label, so these are just a taster: love her party where she is the only woman. Joan truck gold again the following year with the equally bizarre western JOHNNY GUITAR, the first movie I saw, aged 8; again see label.
I COULD GO ON SINGING is more serious fare, with Judy Garland's final role, a decade after her A STAR IS BORN, where she plays Jenny Bowman, a version of herself, superbly aided by Dirk Bogarde. The numbers are great and Judy is caught here at a good moment for her in the early sixties. The shoot though was a nightmare, as per Dirk's memoirs. Lots more at Judy label,
I've seen I Could Go On Singing. Very Good Film.
ReplyDeleteIn this particular contest it's gotta be Judy and I Could Go on Singing.
ReplyDeleteTorch Song is fun in a train wreck, beyond over the top sort of way but as an entertainment Singing is the real deal and Judy is so good in it.
The justly famous hospital scene is a highlight but she has strong moments throughout. She's in terrific latter day voice as well and it's a great swan song for her, leaving the stage in an appropriate manner. The title tune isn't the best song she was ever handed by far but it's a very Judy song and that last shot of her-feet firmly planted while she sings to the heavens-is just great.
I was being playful of course - SINGING is essential Garland (she and Dirk wrote that hospital scene), capturing her early 60s peak (as A STAR IS BORN did with her 50s) - while the Crawford is a camperama of delirious trash moments - as "gypsy madonna" Jenny sashays around in those creations while spitting out lines like "and spoil that line" or to look for her manager "in any dark bar".
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