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Musical Masterpieces

Musical Masterpieces (1946)

Apr 20, 1946 10m Music

Performances of three well-know compositions. An orchestra plays Flight of the Bumblebee. Carlos Ramírez sings The Donkey Serenade with a boy on penny whistle. Finally, Ramírez and Lucille Norman sing lyrics to Tales from the Vienna Woods. (This film appears in its entirety within MGM's short feature, "The Great Morgan")

Directed by Merrill Pye

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Merrill Pye
Producer
  • Sam Baerwitz

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Thematic Analysis

Musical Masterpieces represents a fascinating example of 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 Merrill Pye 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 1946, 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 Musical Masterpieces took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 10 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 67 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 197 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1946, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 20, 1946
  • Runtime: 10m

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