I sort of knew some of the songs from Oklahoma! but missed one connection, which – ironically – led me to listen to the movie soundtrack.
I say ironically as the version (snippet) I heard was probably satire or even mocking. It was from Dave Warner; arch ocker satirist. The album was the biting Mug’s Game (1978). Alas, no on-line version of said song – simply called Oklahoma – exists. I remembered the lyrics:
Watch that fringe and see how it flutters
When I drive them high steppin’ stutters
Nosy folks will peep through the shutters
And their eyes will pop
I brought Mugs Game at Uni, so the late 70s or very early 80s. Someone older in my life (can’t remember who) loved Gordon MacRae and played the Oklahoma movie soundtrack (1955). Including him singing those very lyrics.
Aha, that song if from Oklahoma. I get it now.
Then the joy of discovering his movie love interest was Shirley Jones from The Partridge Family (1970s)!
I hadn’t seen the film but brought the soundtrack. And just fell for it. Years later I did see the film and was even happier to see that one of my favourite songs had been extended and was part of an almost surreal ballet.
Just last year the music – plus the stage show itself and even a song title – featured in the brilliant Watchmen series.
Oh What A Beautiful Morning
What a strong way to start a film. What a voice. Gordon – as Curley – is magical here.
Out of My Dreams
A beautiful song of longing from Shirley. Was extended, in the film, for the ballet bit.
Poor Jud is Dead
Two frenemies (rivals for Shirley’s character, Laurie?) – Judd and Curley – do a duet. With Curley gently mocking-with-feint-praise Judd, who may just want to end it all. This was the title of an episode of Watchmen.
How Could I Leave Out
I just love this one:
And back to where it started for me:
Oklahoma!
Start strong and end even stronger.