Cast
View AllBetty Grable
as Yansci 'Jenny' Dolly
John Payne
as Harry Fox
June Haver
as Roszika 'Rosie' Dolly
S.Z. Sakall
as Uncle Latsie Dolly
Reginald Gardiner
as Tony, Duke of Breck
Frank Latimore
as Irving Netcher
Gene Sheldon
as Professor Winnup
Sig Ruman
as Ignatz Tsimmis
Trudy Marshall
as Lenora Baldwin
Fred Aldrich
as Soldier
Lester Allen
as Morrie Keno
Crew
Director
- Irving Cummings
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Dolly Sisters examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Irving Cummings brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1945, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Dolly Sisters took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1945, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Dolly Sisters shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dolly Sisters offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Little House and Without Prejudice explore similar territory, The Dolly Sisters stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 14, 1945
- Runtime: 1h 54m