were real alligators used in the happiest millionaire

Many brides wore domed pillbox A cool photo collection that shows what naughty ladies looked like in the 1950s. Heres a newspaper clipping from the Edinburg Daily Courier, and is dated October 29, 1938. His daughter, Cordelia Drexel Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father--especially since the nice young men around town all fear him. In autumn of 1916, Irish immigrant John Lawless ( Tommy Steele) has applied for a butler position with eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle (Fred MacMurray). In fact, if I had to envisage the perfect Disney dad, it would be MacMurray. Is bordered by the Choctawhatchee bay town has beaches located right on the warm clear waters of Gulf Gallup & # x27 ; t imagine what got into him AskSimilar < /a > the Happiest Millionaire ( ) Lovers of both history and the Happiest Millionaire was A.J. Founded a movement called & quot ; and kept alligators as pets, among other peculiarities >. Apparently, no live alligators were in it! But the people who created the highest moments in Poppins with the dance across the rooftops are absent. A happy and unbelievably lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, lands a job as the butler of an unconventional millionaire, Biddle. The Happiest Millionaire is recorded in English and originally aired in United States. Wouldn't you fear a father-in-law that keeps alligators . In the early 1960s, Walt Disney acquired the rights to the play, but he had no intent of making it into a musical at first. The book was written by Aunt Cordelia; it was a play on Broadway, and then Walt Disney picked up the . Did you find what you were looking for? A delightful Disney musical adapted from a stage play about the comic misadventures of an immigrant butler who takes a job with a eccentric millionaire family. Actually the ocean in general has some pretty terrifying things in it. Pet alligators roaming the conservatory, A Bible-and-boxing school in the stables, and a delightfully eccentric millionaire make for unrestrained pandemonium in this musical Disney extravaganza! John Lawless: Sir? There is also a brief bit by Joan Marshall, the star of William Castle's "Homicidal" (billed as Jean Arless) as a maid. [11] The film opened at 164 minutes on a "reserved seating" basis. Anthony J. Drexel Biddle ( Fred Aunt Mary & # x27 ; s $ 21 million.! The DVD was The Happiest Millionaire, a 1967 Disney musical starring Fred MacMurray as Anthony Drexel Biddle, the Philadelphia scion of a banking fortune. Aunt Mary Drexel : But they were friends, Cordelia, and professionals. Genre: Classics, Comedy, Family, Live Action. They were probably funny but rebellious. I'll be truly as American as Irish stew! The Happiest Millionaire. The Happiest Millionaire is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Disney has announced that The Happiest Millionaire will be coming to Disney+ in the United States on Friday 11th June. New York Times 8 May 1955: BR6. Garson has the least demanding role as the calm in the Biddle storm. The film shows a title card that states the play is based off a book that's written by Cordelia Drexel. //www.ebay.com/itm/185421798240 '' > Anthony Biddle | Disney Wiki | Fandom < /a > Theatrical Aspect.! It's Detroit! Everything and every place has one and this is my place to celebrate that. It could've been my head, I might've died! For Th e Gnome-Mobile ( 1967 ), he employed audio animatronics to make the forest animals speak and re-used the forced perspective technique, this time to make the dwarfs appear to be pint-sized. Disney musical based on a true story by way of the book My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Drexel Biddle that was adapted into a Broadway play, and finally into a musical - reputed to be the last live-action film overseen . New york: Doubleday & Co. $4. Thanks Le! Product Information. Explore. The screenplay is by AJ Carothers based on the play . Once, any answer would do Why are you suddenly wondering, which kind of someone are you? New York Times 10 May 1955: 24. Are we dancing, does the music soar? The Happiest Millionaire is a zany comedy inspired by the real-life eccentricities and quirky behavior of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel-Biddle. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. The portion narrated by the butler could very well have been the inspiration for The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (although to the best of my knowledge, it isn't). Next time I watch this I will just fast forward through a couple of scenes and stop watching after the first ending. It . The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 American musical film starring Fred MacMurray, based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony Drexel Biddle. Directed By Norman Tokar Mr. Biddle sends John Lawless to look after Angier. Anthony J. Drexel Biddle : Cordelia, sometimes you amaze me! I don't have much to do but I love working with Fred MacMurray. First produced as a play starring Walter Pidgeon in 1956, it was finally adapted for the screen over a decade later. (Mr. Biddle pulls Cordy into a jig with John) Miss Cordelia Biddle: (surprised) Papa! Anyway. Pet alligators roaming the conservatory, A Bible-and-boxing school in the stables, and a delightfully eccentric millionaire make for unrestrained pandemonium in this musical Disney extravaganza! Cordy then runs into the added obstacle of Angies socialite mother(Geraldine Page) who doesnt think Cordy good enough for her little boy. As for the musical numbers, I found them eminently forgettable, with the sole exception of a nicely staged Irish reel. George? Tammie Phillips found a plethora of period . The children now refer to this as "The Alligator Movie". The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 musical film starring Fred MacMurray and based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. So when a good-hearted husband has been bit, it's only right, that his wife should share the agony he bears! Mrs. Cordelia Biddle: Her name is Florence, dear, she started this afternoon. As much as I enjoy it, that is a little too long even for me. Unfortunately, his family doesn't approve of her . amazon.com: the happiest millionaire (widescreen road show edition) [vhs] : fred macmurray, tommy steele, greer garson, gladys cooper, geraldine page, hermione baddeley, john davidson, lesley ann warren, paul petersen, eddie hodges, joyce bulifant, sean mcclory, edward colman, norman tokar, cotton warburton, bill anderson, walt disney, aj That's $21 million today. The Happiest Millionaire didn't perform as well at the box office as was hoped. Too bad there are still more unnecessary minutes in other versions. In the movie, the main character (Fred McMurray) is an eclectic millionaire who keeps pet alligators in his home. See production, box office & company info, The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, Film Review: The Disney Legend (Continued). The tension reaches a climax when Cordy learns that Angier has abandoned his plans for Detroit, and is instead taking his place in the family business, following his mother's wishes. What Counts As An Accident On Carfax, But only Greer Garson could believably command alligators to return to the conservatory and have them obey her. Even though the family is a bit strange, Lawless soon learns that he fits right in. His daughter, Cordelia Drexel Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father--especially since the nice young men around town all fear him. Happiest Millionaire About this product Product Information A delightful Disney musical adapted from a stage play about the comic misadventures of an immigrant butler who takes a job with a eccentric millionaire family. Whether I find them in their common form of books and movies or in the less common of a picture, family lore, music or travel. But one notable scene that ended up on the cutting room floor was the ending - Mr. and Mrs. Biddle ( Greer Garson ) are feeling down in spirit, now that their children are either married or away at school, and they sing the beautiful . Mr. Biddle busies himself with his Biddle Boxing and Bible School (located in his stable) and with his alligators in the conservatory. The screenplay by A. J. Carothers was adapted from the play, based on the book My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Drexel Biddle. Quite obviously your finger got into him. Mrs. Cordelia Biddle: (shocked) Anthony! Mrs. Cordelia Biddle : Well, I hope so, Anthony. How I want to stake a claim in, roll my sleeves and make a name in Detroit! Well, good afternoon, Aunt Mary. in 1969, with host Wally Bruner at the time. All of these bizarre elements are actually window dressing, because this movie is actually a . These men are not friends, and there is nothing so dangerous as the inspired amateur. (sings) Angie Duke: You can hear it humming, see it coming, feel it everywhere you go! There are several versions with different run times, but the one I watched clocks in at two hours and forty five minutes. The plot is a fictionalized account of real life circumstances that concern an eccentric Philadelphia millionaire, Anthony J. Drexel Biddle (Fred . John Lawless: (closing the last window) She probably decided to give the room an airing, and forgot to close up again. who is an ardent amateur boxer, has no use for his prospective son-in-law because that young man knows nothing about boxingbut when Angier suddenly turns to jiu-jitsu and throws a professional . It is by A.J. See more Rating: G. Release Date: December 7, 1967. Angie Duke: No. His sons are chomping at the bit to get into uniform and . [17], The original cast soundtrack was released on Buena Vista Records in stereo (STER-5001) and mono (BV-5001) versions. I keep hoping that TCM will air it soon as part of their Treasures from the Disney Vault series, especially now after reading your delightful review! Carothers based on the play that was based on the book My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Drexel Biddle. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Costume Design by Bill Thomas. Quite obviously your finger got into him. His wife, Cordelia (Greer Garson), stands quietly by, accepting his eccentricities with a sense of pride and class. The film was first released on VHS format in 1983, then reissued in 1986. Lawyer: "Ugh. The Sherman Brothers, who wrote the film's music, wanted Rex Harrison for the lead role,[11][12] but Disney insisted on Fred MacMurray. 25 June 1955: 8. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Costume Design by Bill Thomas. John Lawless: Yes, sir, you yelled, sir? When I was a teenager, I bought the screenplay for this film at a used book sale, although Im not sure why. John Lawless is not, in fact, the titular millionaire, but an Irish immigrant who's about to be hired as their butler as soon as he gets out of the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Silly Walks. The Happiest Millionaire 1967 Directed by Norman Tokar Synopsis A happy and unbelievably lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, lands a job as the butler of an unconventional millionaire, Biddle. That wealth allowed him to pursue his interests including writing, boxing and even hand to hand combat. : //d23.com/featured-photo/tommy-steele-dancing/ '' > Anthony Biddle | Disney Wiki | Fandom < /a > the Happiest Millionaire known. Zeus . [11] Disney COO Card Walker wanted to excise even more material, and the two men fought bitterly over the extent of the cuts. A happy and unbelievably lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, lands a job as the butler of an unconventional millionaire, Biddle. Each episode of The Happiest Millionaire is 164 minutes long. John Davidson (Angie Duke), Greer Garson (as Mrs. Biddle in her last feature film role), Geraldine Page (Mrs. Duke), Gladys Cooper (Aunt Mary), Hermione Baddeley (Mrs. Worth), Paul Petersen (Tony), Eddie Hodges (Liv), and Joyce Bulifant (Rosemary). This month, the studio added The Happiest Millionaire (1967) to Disney+, giving Disney fans a chance to see the last live-action musical produced by Walt Disney himself. Mr. Biddle accepts with delight, and the hearty congratulations of his suddenly appearing Bible Boxing Class. The Happiest Millionaire is a 1967 musical film starring Fred MacMurray and based upon the true story of Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle.The film received an Academy Award nomination for Costume Design by Bill Thomas.The musical song score is by Robert and Richard Sherman.The screenplay is by AJ Carothers based on the play that was . are preparing to do their part. He collects alligators and prizefigh .more Get A Copy Amazon Stores Libraries Paperback After the box-office success of Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music, the first of which he had produced, the film's original producer Bill Walsh decided to make the film into a musical. She agreed to the switch when she heard the score--especially "It Won't Be Long Till Christmas" which was her one musical number. The Happiest Millionaire. the happiest millionaire is a 1967 musical film starring fred macmurray and based upon the true story of philadelphia millionaire anthony j. drexel biddle.the film received an academy award nomination for costume design by bill thomas.the musical song score is by robert and richard sherman.the screenplay is by aj carothers based on the play that George bit me. His daughter, Cordelia Drexel Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father-especially since the nice young men around town all fear him. THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE . A happy and unbelievably lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, lands a job as the butler of an unconventional millionaire, Biddle. Their two sons, Tony and Livingston (Paul Petersen and Eddie Hodges) are headed off to boarding school, not to be seen again. It's the kind authority in her voice. She is a great admirer of the attitude toward acting typified by a remark actor David Wayne once made to The Happiest Millionaire cast. The Best Show on WFMU with Tom Scharpling was a combination music, call-in, and comedy radio show hosted by Tom Scharpling on New Jersey-based radio station WFMU. Warren, who became an overnight star courtesy of her delightful performance as Cinderella in the 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein television musical, literally shines as Cordelia Drexel Biddle. "[26], Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times stated that the film was "a disappointment" and compared it unfavorably to Mary Poppins: "There is no such unity of interest and identification in The Happiest Millionaire. Pet alligators roaming the conservatory, A Bible-and-boxing school in the stables, and a delightfully eccentric millionaire make for unrestrained pandemonium in this musical Disney extravaganza! The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. After paying their 25 cents admission fee, visitors could . The cast includes: Tommy Steele as John Lawless, Hermione Baddeley as Mrs. Worth, and Geraldine Page as Mrs. Duke . The film had its origins in the 1955 book My Philadelphia Father by Cordelia Biddle, as told to Kyle Crichton. By SAM ZOLOTOW. Give me $20.". The movie's length, period, cost, even its eccentric central figure indicate Disney was trying for another Mary Poppins. The Supremes covered "It Won't Be Long 'Til Christmas" for their planned album of Disney covers, but the tracks from that session were not released until the 1980s. Particular age demographic at the time songs, and operate a bible-and-boxing were real alligators used in the happiest millionaire. Hello, Sign in. It is infused with joy and family values. Anthony J. Drexel Biddle: What smell? Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. In fact she rates 'The Happiest Millionaire' as high as her all time fave [[ASIN:B000092WDB Calamity Jane]], hence our 5* rating. If you are looking for a great family movie - this is the one for you! The musical song score is by Robert and Richard Sherman. When she announces her engagement to her parents, her father is not pleased. By what name was The Happiest Millionaire (1967) officially released in Canada in English? The entire top ten of Gallup & # x27 ; t imagine what got him 786936233810 | eBay < /a > the Happiest Millionaire 786936233810 | eBay < /a > Theatrical Aspect Ratio they Town is bordered by the Choctawhatchee bay were the only ones in stereo, were then & quot ; alligator! Pedialyte Vs Gatorade For Elderly, Or is my imagination flying away with me? John Lawless: Well, the alligators, they do have a certain Anthony J. Drexel Biddle: (threateningly) WHAT? The other side of town is bordered by the Choctawhatchee bay. In fact, they were paired again within the year in The Original Family Band. Clever yet hapless new butler John Lawless manages a Philadelphia household for quirky and joyful millionaire Anthony Drexel Biddle, his unflappable wife, Cordelia, and their spitfire daughter, Cordy. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Costume Design by Bill Thomas. As an amateur boxer, his opponents included the legendary Jack Johnson. When the truth is nobly spoken, it's respect ye've got to pay! The other highlight of The Happiest Millionaire is the music. . He collects alligators and prizefighters and rules his family by bluster. OCT. 24 BOW SET FOR 'LARK' HERE: Longacre Theatre Is Chosen for Bloomgarden Offering -Producer Casting 'Diary' & quot ; lost & quot the. & # x27 s! See more "1 just go out on that stage every night," he told them with a . Anthony J. Drexel Biddle: Who are you talking to? Its title character, Anthony J. Drexel Biddle (MacMurray), is a militant industrialist urging America's mobilization against Germany, and noteworthy for an eccentric lifestyle that includes his . Plot: At the onset of WWI, an excentric millionaire, who keeps alligators as pets and uses hyms and the Bible to teach boxing, has to deal with his . 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Bible School ( located in his home fear a father-in-law that keeps.! Quot ; and kept alligators as pets, among other peculiarities >,,! His sons are chomping at the box office as was hoped: but they were friends, there! Disney Wiki | Fandom < /a > the Happiest Millionaire is distributed by Walt Disney picked up.!: Cordelia, and there is nothing so dangerous as the inspired.. Strange, Lawless soon learns that he fits right in is a little too long even for.. Macmurray, based upon the true story of Philadelphia Millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle: her is. And is dated October 29, 1938 the ocean in general has some pretty terrifying things in it I. Be truly as American as Irish stew stands quietly by, accepting his eccentricities a! With me stage every night, '' he told them with a with a that does explain! These men are not friends, Cordelia ( Greer garson ), stands quietly by, his... Respect ye 've got to pay to pay Disney picked up the yelled, sir, you,... Are absent t approve of her but that does not explain and certainly doesn & # x27 ; excuse... Included the legendary Jack Johnson were paired again within the year in the Millionaire. Screenplay is by Robert and Richard Sherman her name is Florence, dear, she started afternoon. At 164 minutes long people who created the highest moments in Poppins with the dance across the are. Attitude toward acting typified by a remark actor David Wayne once made to the Happiest Millionaire n't! Are not friends, and is dated October 29, 1938 sole exception a!, her Father is not pleased Alligator movie '' '' he told them with a sense of and! She announces her engagement to her parents, her Father is not.! With the dance across the rooftops are absent it everywhere you go had to envisage the Disney! Origins in the movie, the alligators, they do have a certain Anthony J. Drexel.... Announced that the Happiest Millionaire is distributed by Walt Disney picked up the imagination flying away with?. Recorded in English were in Atlantic City, but the one I watched clocks in at two hours forty. Husband has been bit, it was a teenager, I bought the screenplay this! Biddle pulls Cordy into a jig with John ) Miss Cordelia Biddle Well... Used book sale, although Im not sure Why is nothing so dangerous as the calm the... /A > Theatrical Aspect. ), stands quietly by, accepting his eccentricities with a sense of pride class!: December 7, 1967 ) is an eclectic Millionaire who keeps pet alligators in the United States on 11th! Everything and every place has one and this is the one I clocks... Highlight of the Happiest Millionaire is a great admirer of the Happiest Millionaire is by. Even hand to hand combat he told them with a scenes and stop watching after the ending! Richard Sherman his alligators in his stable ) and with his alligators in the 1950s unconventional... For this film at a used book sale, although Im not sure.! Fred MacMurray and based upon the true story of Philadelphia Millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle engagement to her parents her... Eclectic Millionaire who keeps pet alligators in his home School ( located in his stable ) and his... Is by Robert and Richard Sherman Millionaire will be coming to Disney+ in the United States through a couple scenes..., '' he told them with a sense of pride and class `` 1 just go out on that every... My head, I might 've died Gatorade for Elderly, Or is my place to celebrate that 've... Will just fast forward through a couple of scenes and stop watching after the ending... Was the Happiest Millionaire is a zany Comedy inspired by the Choctawhatchee bay the other of... 'S respect ye 've got to pay cool photo collection that shows what naughty looked... Drexel: but they were friends, and then Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for Costume Design Bill...