Cast
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Danny Kaye
as Hobart Frisbee
Virginia Mayo
as Honey Swanson
Benny Goodman
as Professor Magenbruch
Tommy Dorsey
as Tommy Dorsey
Louis Armstrong
as Louis Armstrong
Lionel Hampton
as Lionel Hampton
Charlie Barnet
as Charlie Barnet
Mel Powell
as Mel Powell
Ford Washington Lee
as Buck
John 'Bubbles' Sublett
as Bubbles
Page Cavanaugh
as Page Cavanaugh
Al Viola
as Al Viola
Lloyd Pratt
as Lloyd Pratt
Orlandus Wilson
as Orlandus Wilson
Henry Owens
as Henry Owens
Crew
Director
- Howard Hawks
Producer
- Samuel Goldwyn
Reviews
CinemaSerf
After two minutes you will spot the obvious similarity with "Ball of Fire" (1941). Swap Gary Cooper with Danny Kaye and Barbara Stanwyck with Virginia Mayo then add some fantastic musicianship from the likes of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Sonny Burke et al, and we have a gently amusing story of a professor (of music this time) who falls for the gangster's moll. "Honey" (Mayo) takes refuge from the pursuing FBI with a bunch of dithery professors creating an over budget dictionary of music and soon the hapless "Prof. Frisbee" (Kaye) is eating out of her hand. The gangster elements of the plot are just a little too contrived: her boyfriend "Crow" (Steve Cochran) maintains this new situation to keep her from testifying against him - until, that is - he can make arrangements to marry her, but in the meantime might she start to fall for poor old "Frisbee"? Neither lead are on great form here, Kaye seems oddly distracted from his role and Mayo always was quite a sterile performer, but there is still enough chemistry between them and, alongside a fun effort from Esther Dale as their somewhat puritanical housekeeper "Miss Bragg" this works ok. Essentially, it's an excuse for some great toe-tappers with a gently simmering romance and some slightly slapstick humour. It's fun to watch and to listen to, and though I still preferred the original it is diverse enough from that to stand well enough on it's own.
Jul 9, 2022
Thematic Analysis
A Song Is Born represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Howard Hawks 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1948, 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 A Song Is Born took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1048 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1948, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Song Is Born shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Mating of Millie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Song Is Born subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ladies' Day and La Vie en Rose explore similar territory, A Song Is Born stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 19, 1948
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Budget: $2,400,000
Where to Watch
