Have always loved Shirley Jones and Rodgers and Hammerstein movies. Loved her as Laurie and especially Julie. I have never been able to watch carousel[and i am 57] without crying.
There was no more beautiful a woman in the theater than Shirley Jones AND her beauty matched her lovely voice. I could listen and look at her in those plays all day long. Jack Cassidy was a lucky man to have married her.
Shirley Jones has the acting chops, a great voice and is magnetically beautiful. IR & H knew talent and recognized. Gordon McRae, like John Raitt, was born to play Billy Bigelow.
Shirley Jones in Carousel, Oklahoma and The Music Man was terrific. Too bad there weren't more movie vehicles for her. Beautiful voice, gorgeous woman, superb actress.....should have had at least 3 Oscars. Her scene with If I Loved You was her finest moment. [love Frank, I was his valet for a couple weeks when he toured, but he was too skinny to be Bigalow. MacRae was perfect.]
Love both Gordon and Frank and I have to admit Gordon was the absolute best choice. So you were the Chairman's valet? Lucky guy, bet you have some great stories!
This is my all time favorite musical ever and Shirley Jones had it all, She was so talented and beautiful and just the right amount of sensitivity and delicacy for the part with a bit of pluck! Thank God Sinatra didn't do this, it would never have had the tenderness and heart Gordon McRae gove it, he was pefrect.
For me and to be honest there is no other Billy Bigallow than Gordon MacRae he was the best and sound it much better than Sinatra. Forma me Sinatra was too skinny. Thank you Shirley Jones for sharing the memories.
My favorite "Carousel" is the 1967 television production that featured Robert Goulet and Mary Grover. The "bench scene" from that telecast is on UA-cam.
As I write this, Shirley is now 90. Here she is almost 80 and as beautiful, bright, insightful, and delightful as ever. She is one of those few iconic, one-of-a-kind people like Doris Day, Barbra Streisand, etc. who are special and carry that unique "something" - "kissed by God" quality that sets them apart no matter where they are or what they do. People know it and instinctively respond to that charasmatic gift.
The way Shirley tells the story about Ava Gardner in Africa doesn't ring true. Mogambo was filmed 2/3 years before Carousel. It's true Frank Sinatra had serious problems still with Ava, according to Nancy Sinatra's book, 'An American Legend' but I can't see this being accurate. Still, I'm glad he left because as much as I idolise Sinatra, I think Gordon MacRae was so good in this part, as he had been the previous year in Oklahoma! that Frank's voice and stature wouldn't compete.
Indeed really : with Sinatra, Carousel would never have been worth watching that movie. That Gordon Mc Rae made it all. Absolutely ! Shirley was also perfect !
I agree about Gordon. Actually Frank would have been perfect for the role Cameron Mitchell played, but it would not have been a starring role. I cannot begin to imagine Frank in the role of Billy!
Sinatra would've been such a MISCAST as Billy. He was a scrawny, thin kid. At least MacRae could give the essence of being a braggart but a lost soul. ANd I don't know if anybody's pointed this out...but w/ both Sinatra and MacRae, "Billy" and Shirley/Julie ended up with 2 guys from New Joisey. Sinatra's from Hoboken, and Gordon was from East Orange. Startling coincidence, huh??
Steve you don't know what you are talking about. Did you forget Sinatra won the Oscar for Maggio, and was nominated for Best Actor in The Man With The Golden Arm. Give me a break !
This story just confirms what a jerk Frank Sinatra is. So unprofessional. He also sings flat. Terribly overrated singer. He just had the best songs, the best arrangers and the best musicians.
Sinatra never sang flat. You just don't like him. I think Sinatra would've been fine in the role, but Gordon MacRae was very good. It's too bad, after he left they actually wound up not needing the two different versions, which is what they had done on "Oklahoma!" Such a strange turn of events.
The story about Sinatra going to Africa to be with Ava Gardener did not fit the time line. Mogambo started filming November 1952 Carousel was about 3 yrs later. So maybe it was a different movie she was in.
I wished Sinatra would have stuck with Carousel and played Billy Bigalow.He would have given Billy Bigalow a ROUGH EDGE to the part.And sung the great numbers for the film.But Sinatra only wanted to do one take in films.Sinatra was simply made to play that role.
I loved Oklahoma very much and both Shiley and Mc Rae were marveleus;*Ididnt like them in Carousell because I think that although they sang beautiflly their acting wasnt as good as their singing. Curly and Laurie were diferent than Billy and Julie a more mature caracters.Sinatra wasnt the right actor for it.Maybe John Raitt,who was the original Billy could have been better.But the worse casting was of the Barbara Ruick as Carrie.She was the musician John Williams wife and she wasnt right for the role.Barbara Cook had done Carrie few years before with Raitt and Jo Sullivan as Julie and she could have been better with her Candide Robert Rousenville the Mr Snow of the film. She was always a marveleus singer and we know that she would have been a better Carrie too. I like both Mc Rae and Jones very much specially in Oklahoma.. In Carousell they werent as good as in Oklahoma. although they sang beautifully in both films.
@@richardmayora1289 He would’ve been outstanding. He’s a tough SOB but sensitive enough to bring his excellent interpretive powers, pathos to some of the music..He would’ve really improved the film..IMO
@@mylesgarcia4625 Did I say she was? Although Cassidy was half-Jewish and Marty was Jewish by both parents. Hammerstein himself might have been a convert to Christianity. His adopted daughter is still alive. I think she went to a Catholic school.
Am glad R&H did not consult you re Shirley Jones. You would've been laughed out of the theatre. Also, Jones wasn't chosen to be a theater-singer/belter (like, say Ethel Merman). Jones was picked and groomed by R&H because they saw her as the perfect, fresh-faced Laurey for their upcoming screen version of OKLAHOMA! Whomever was cast didn't need a particularly glorious voice because it was going to be a film. And Jones also had a perfectly adequate, pretty voice which went with her personality. She was the complete package for Laurey; and then later translated to Julie; then later to Marian Paroo.
Have always loved Shirley Jones and Rodgers and Hammerstein movies. Loved her as Laurie and especially Julie. I have never been able to watch carousel[and i am 57] without crying.
There was no more beautiful a woman in the theater than Shirley Jones AND her beauty matched her lovely voice. I could listen and look at her in those plays all day long. Jack Cassidy was a lucky man to have married her.
I sat through 9 showings of Carousel and bawled my way through all of them. Shirley and Gordon were Brilliant!
Cheaper than seeing a therapist.
Shirley Jones has the acting chops, a great voice and is magnetically beautiful. IR & H knew talent and recognized. Gordon McRae, like John Raitt, was born to play Billy Bigelow.
True
Shirley Jones in Carousel, Oklahoma and The Music Man was terrific. Too bad there weren't more movie vehicles for her. Beautiful voice, gorgeous woman, superb actress.....should have had at least 3 Oscars. Her scene with If I Loved You was her finest moment. [love Frank, I was his valet for a couple weeks when he toured, but he was too skinny to be Bigalow. MacRae was perfect.]
Love both Gordon and Frank and I have to admit Gordon was the absolute best choice. So you were the Chairman's valet? Lucky guy, bet you have some great stories!
I love you Shirley.....thank you for sharing your amazing gift of music....blessings to you😀❤️🎭🎶🎶❤️😀
This is my all time favorite musical ever and Shirley Jones had it all, She was so talented and beautiful and just the right amount of sensitivity and delicacy for the part with a bit of pluck! Thank God Sinatra didn't do this, it would never have had the tenderness and heart Gordon McRae gove it, he was pefrect.
A serendipitous beginning to a wonderful career and frankly, my life just wouldn’t have been the same without her beautiful movies.
She looked great at 'almost 80' and, as of this date, still going strong at 90.
Carousel was the first musical I ever saw - at age 9. Still at the top of my list of favorites.
What a great 'discovery' story!
Thank you very much!
A terrific singer and actor, as well as a gracious person. I just looked her up online: still alive at age 88!
Glad Gordon got the part
Shirley Jones was and still is one of the most pure beautiful woman in the world and the figure to go with it❤ classy classy lady
Gordon aced it. Don't think Sinatra could've delivered the emotion needed.
I totally agree Ian he has that beautiful opera voice & Shirley did it well with Gordon McRae.
Frank had won an Oscar and been nominated for another. He’s of been fine. But it all worked out.
I purchased the book awhile ago it was good book.
I loved the way Shirley Jones & Gordon McRae sang if I loved you,they did a better job in the movie compared to the Broadway version.
Thank God Frank pulled out...the part was made for Gordon McRae...he is one of only a few singing hero’s I have
For me and to be honest there is no other Billy Bigallow than Gordon MacRae he was the best and sound it much better than Sinatra. Forma me Sinatra was too skinny. Thank you Shirley Jones for sharing the memories.
Sorry for the misspelled :)
I totally agree cause he has more of that opera voice,Sinatra is more or a jazz singer and I can't picture him playing as Billy Bigalow.
Richard and Oscar sure knew what they were doing. Shirley knocked it out of the park everytime.
My favorite "Carousel" is the 1967 television production that featured Robert Goulet and Mary Grover. The "bench scene" from that telecast is on UA-cam.
That TV production of CAROUSEL aired on ABC. I saw the special and enjoyed it.
As I write this, Shirley is now 90. Here she is almost 80 and as beautiful, bright, insightful, and delightful as ever. She is one of those few iconic, one-of-a-kind people like Doris Day, Barbra Streisand, etc. who are special and carry that unique "something" - "kissed by God" quality that sets them apart no matter where they are or what they do. People know it and instinctively respond to that charasmatic gift.
The way Shirley tells the story about Ava Gardner in Africa doesn't ring true. Mogambo was filmed 2/3 years before Carousel. It's true Frank Sinatra had serious problems still with Ava, according to Nancy Sinatra's book, 'An American Legend' but I can't see this being accurate. Still, I'm glad he left because as much as I idolise Sinatra, I think Gordon MacRae was so good in this part, as he had been the previous year in Oklahoma! that Frank's voice and stature wouldn't compete.
Ava & Frank mess of a relationship - story rings true
@@MTknitter22 But not the Africa with Clark Gable part. It was more likely Stewart Granger in India, (Bhowani Junction).
@@MTknitter22 It's the TIMING where Shirley's story is off.
Gordon filled the vest filled the being and the voice of a barker he was a XX large guy, Frankie was not !
Indeed really : with Sinatra, Carousel would never have been worth watching that movie. That Gordon Mc Rae made it all. Absolutely ! Shirley was also perfect !
Yes - - Slim Symes Gordon FAR BETTER than Frank for that role
I agree about Gordon. Actually Frank would have been perfect for the role Cameron Mitchell played, but it would not have been a starring role. I cannot begin to imagine Frank in the role of Billy!
I had no idea Frank was died to be in this movie. I’m sure he was sorry. It’s my favorite too. I got to play it in high school. Thanks Shirley. ❤❤
Does anyone have the TV show duet of Sinatra and Jones singing If I Loved You in full please. It was up at one time but seems to have disappeared.
she's a goddess
Gordon MacRae was a better Billy Bigelow than Sinatra would have ever been. I love Sinatra as a singer but as an actor he was such a ham.
Mr. MacRae had a legitimate singing voice, as did John Raitt (Bonnie's father, lest you forget), who did it on Broadway.
She was my first crush when she did P-fam. Total class act.
Sinatra would've been such a MISCAST as Billy. He was a scrawny, thin kid. At least MacRae could give the essence of being a braggart but a lost soul. ANd I don't know if anybody's pointed this out...but w/ both Sinatra and MacRae, "Billy" and Shirley/Julie ended up with 2 guys from New Joisey. Sinatra's from Hoboken, and Gordon was from East Orange. Startling coincidence, huh??
My favorite "Carousel" is the 1967 television production that featured Robert Goulet and Mary Grover. The bench scene from that telecast is on UA-cam.
@@rexlex1736 I've seen the whole thing on UA-cam.
Can you say STAR ?
Mogambo was made in 1953 though.
Florence Henderson was under contract I thought with Rogers & Hammerstein
elmer gantry
Steve you don't know what you are talking about. Did you forget Sinatra won the Oscar for Maggio, and was nominated for Best Actor in The Man With The Golden Arm. Give me a break !
Thank goodness for Eva Gardner! 😂
Oklahoma is about sex. Carousel is about love.
This story just confirms what a jerk Frank Sinatra is. So unprofessional. He also sings flat. Terribly overrated singer. He just had the best songs, the best arrangers and the best musicians.
Sinatra never sang flat. You just don't like him. I think Sinatra would've been fine in the role, but Gordon MacRae was very good. It's too bad, after he left they actually wound up not needing the two different versions, which is what they had done on "Oklahoma!" Such a strange turn of events.
The story about Sinatra going to Africa to be with Ava Gardener did not fit the time line. Mogambo started filming November 1952 Carousel was about 3 yrs later. So maybe it was a different movie she was in.
I wished Sinatra would have stuck with Carousel and played Billy Bigalow.He would have given Billy Bigalow a ROUGH EDGE to the part.And sung the great numbers for the film.But Sinatra only wanted to do one take in films.Sinatra was simply made to play that role.
I loved Oklahoma very much and both Shiley and Mc Rae were marveleus;*Ididnt like them in Carousell because I think that although they sang beautiflly their acting wasnt as good as their singing. Curly and Laurie were diferent than Billy and Julie a more mature caracters.Sinatra wasnt the right actor for it.Maybe John Raitt,who was the original Billy could have been better.But the worse casting was of the Barbara Ruick as Carrie.She was the musician John Williams wife and she wasnt right for the role.Barbara Cook had done Carrie few years before with Raitt and Jo Sullivan as Julie and she could have been better with her Candide Robert Rousenville the Mr Snow of the film. She was always a marveleus singer and we know that she would have been a better Carrie too. I like both Mc Rae and Jones very much specially in Oklahoma.. In Carousell they werent as good as in Oklahoma. although they sang beautifully in both films.
Too bad Sinatra would have aced the role. Much better actor and no one sings Soliloquy like Sinatra's Concert Sinatra version. Ava problems... ..
Yes, his "Soliloquy" was the best. He loved those songs, and it's too bad he didn't finish the movie.
Sinatra would have been awful. Physically he was all wrong for the part.
@@richardmayora1289 He would’ve been outstanding. He’s a tough SOB but sensitive enough to bring his excellent interpretive powers, pathos to some of the music..He would’ve really improved the film..IMO
Shirley, Rodgers and Hammerstein were Jews. Jews were can have the luxury of taking ourselves too seriously.
Huh? Whakinnda dumb comment is that? Shirley is not Jewish.
@@mylesgarcia4625 Did I say she was? Although Cassidy was half-Jewish and Marty was Jewish by both parents. Hammerstein himself might have been a convert to Christianity. His adopted daughter is still alive. I think she went to a Catholic school.
@@sandrashevey8252 Here's your quote: Shirley, Rodgers and Hammerstein were Jews. So, right there, you said it.
@@mylesgarcia4625 Depends if you read it as I intended to write it. Shirley......Rodgers and Hammerstein were Jews....`
@@sandrashevey8252 NOW, you clarify it.
What a thin indistinctive forgettable voice she had
Am glad R&H did not consult you re Shirley Jones. You would've been laughed out of the theatre. Also, Jones wasn't chosen to be a theater-singer/belter (like, say Ethel Merman). Jones was picked and groomed by R&H because they saw her as the perfect, fresh-faced Laurey for their upcoming screen version of OKLAHOMA! Whomever was cast didn't need a particularly glorious voice because it was going to be a film. And Jones also had a perfectly adequate, pretty voice which went with her personality. She was the complete package for Laurey; and then later translated to Julie; then later to Marian Paroo.
@@mylesgarcia4625 Perfect answer.