Why the Gershwin estate won't allow this great movie to be released on tape or DVD is beyond me. I guess that in some liberal minds this is considered as racist. Stupid!!!
I don't know what right-wing glasses you view the world through, but "liberal minds" have nothing to do with it. No one has the money to do the restoration necessary to release the film.
I remember watching this on the Late,Late,Late night show back in the day. Too bad Otto chose not to air it anymore bcause of his feelings for Dorothy, but I can understand and respect his decision. Still. ..it remains a great piece of ART!!!!
Thanks for posting this I have also been looking for a copy of Porgy & Bess. I really enjoyed it. I remember watching with my mom years ago. You did a good job with the audio.
I can't stop listening to Bess you is my woman now, its just BEAUTIFUL! The melodies, the strings, the lyrics.... haha I've even come to the conclusion I want some sort of version of this to be played at my wedding, i don't know how the story turns out (I think Porgy dies) but whatever.... this opera is just fantastic
Hi.... I saw the one with Sammy Davis Jr. when i was young. I never forgot it!! I had two parents who met in opera classes. My parents sang duets as i grew up. I had music appreciation in high school..a prep school. But never have i been inspired as much as this , . Plus i may add Rhapsody in 'blue...etc...by George Gershwin. Love this. Wish they would allow us Sammy Jr the ,one i saw when young. Thanx for sharing, it is a great piece of our heritage.
@Maribee1CD Watched the PBS special last night...brought back strong memories of times when music was produced in ways that effected how I learned to appreciate life. Reading 1st Kings account of Elijahs trials and how God was able to speak to him through them, brings true hope for all who accept it in preparation for The greater day.
@nellie1megson Thank you nellie... I love God greatly or at least as we on earth can. I hope for a better day too.. 2012 has a few concerns for many. Hope in the Lord.. .
Glad you enjoyed the clips. But they are in stereo only because I replaced the sound with tracks from the CD for youtube. All the bootlegs have poor mono sound.
okay, Thanks tigereyes, that pretty much answers my questions.. I understand that actors not just black actors.. but all actors were dubbed during the time this movie was made.. but they were not with the voices of the artists themselves.. and your explanation that although both Diana and Dorothy Dandridge could sing very well, they could not meet the Operatic range as the singers who's voices were used in the Dub.. not my next question would be who were these singers?
@usrawesome Dandridge could sing as well yet her voice was also dubbed in Carmen Jones. I heard it was quite common for black actors to have their voices dubbed during this time.
Not just blacks - it was common for all actors to be dubbed. Dorothy could sing, but did not have the operatic range this role required. Diahann Carroll, who could definitely sing, was also dubbed because "Summertime" was too high for her.
@chapdoc1 Believe it or not, it's Robert McFerrin (Bobby's dad), whom after Marian Anderson, was only the second colored singer to perform at the Met as a contract performer in the late 50's.
I saw the movie as a little boy I think about 1959 - 1960 loved the music then love the music to this day. later on y dad bought the sound tack through time life records. somewhere along the line I lost the records damn this is good music. I shur beatd he hell out of that hip hop crap/
Great video. The singing is absolutely first-rate. This is the most hauntingly tender "Summertime" I've ever heard. The musical arrangements are superbly handled by Andre Previn.
I'm fine with adaptations - they're common on Broadway. This is not an adaptation. ALL of Gershwin's gorgeous music, except tor the basic melodies, has been scrapped - the chords, the arrangements, the orchestrations, everything - and replaced with garbage.
My greatest privilege was to meet and spend an wonderful 18 holes of golf with Sidney Poitier.... And this medley sums up my feelings for my family. I'm a lucky man... and my family is blessed to have this summation of our life... God bless all who come after me... DG.
@Motownman100- You also have to understand that during this particular time in history, not just Blacks, but all of Hollywood was being prosecuted with what was known as McCarthyism, now since black actors in Hollywood had no where near the numbers as did white Hollywood, actors were recycled in greater numbers. The fact is that during and directly after this period, all of Hollywood actors recycled more. If you made the pamphlet "Red Channels" you we not considered available to work?
The movie of Porgy & Bess has a long history and was controversial when it was first released, both for its depiction of black life and its musical shortcomings. The movie replaced much of the opera singing with spoken dialogue and musical "numbers." The Gershwin's weren't happy. The production was plagued with actors boycotting the production, and a suspicious fire that burned down the sets.The film played poorly and was soon withdrawn and shelved.
Yes, so true. I'm aware of that and I know that is not diahann carrol who's actually singing summertime. My comment was to make sure others knew who she was (identity purpose). In most tv musicals back in the day (ie. West Side Story, Porky and Bess, Oklahoma, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Annie, Carmen, etc) the actresses didnt do their own singing. But to just let you know though Sidney wasn't off the record a singer, Dorothy Dandridge and Miss Diaham Carrol were singer in their time.
Great musical and a classic. I haven't seen this since I was a teen back in the 70's. Wish they would air this on tv. So many talented black stars, sidney pointier, dorothy dandridge, diahann carrol (who's singing summertime) who herself had a wonderful tv show I grew up watching called Julia. Just Classics. Thanks for posting
@pharrisbaritone William Warfield did sing this role, but not for the soundtrack of this movie. This singer is actually Robert McFerrin . . the father of Bobby McFerrin. Warfield was in the company that toured with this opera to Russia (during the cold war) along with Leontyne Price)
Ditto. Saw this on TV once as a child and it was one of the peak musical experiences of my life. I became a jazz singer, and still do three songs from this. Love it.
Where did you find this? I saw the original release and an ABC showing over 30 years ago. Every time a public showing is announced its later canceled. I had read that both Goldwyn and the Gershwin estate refused to show the film. Apparently it exists but where can it be seen?
Just imagine they do a hip-hop version of Porgy and Bess. The part of Bess could be played by Beyonce or Janet Jackson, and the part of Porgy can be played by either Denzel Washington or Wesley Snipes.
@sheltv100 No not Beyonce. Please I beg you anybody but Beyonce. Don't get me wrong I love her but she already did a re-make of Carmen and it was awful IMO. Janet would be interesting though :-)
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
joecapaldi 1 day ago
Why the Gershwin estate won't allow this great movie to be released on tape or DVD is beyond me. I guess that in some liberal minds this is considered as racist. Stupid!!!
rcbrammer 3 days ago
@rcbrammer
I don't know what right-wing glasses you view the world through, but "liberal minds" have nothing to do with it. No one has the money to do the restoration necessary to release the film.
boinx1234 2 days ago
OMG Just WOW I'm speechless this is some of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard in my life omg I could cry right now
sarafranco100 4 days ago
Wow this Porgy looks alot like a young Sidney Poitier.
TooCuteMiss 4 days ago in playlist Porgy and Bess Clips
@TooCuteMiss
You're joking, right?
boinx1234 2 days ago
Wonderfully done.
JJRockit 1 week ago
The beauty of Dorothy Dandridge takes the music to a higher level.
The woman is lovely.
equalrights2 1 week ago
And i had never seen/heard this b4, it's wonderful
thecolaratlady 1 week ago
I remember watching this on the Late,Late,Late night show back in the day. Too bad Otto chose not to air it anymore bcause of his feelings for Dorothy, but I can understand and respect his decision. Still. ..it remains a great piece of ART!!!!
jayjoejus 3 weeks ago
great! your work is fantascio I love it... THERE IS LOVE IN THIS WORK! THIS WORK WILL ALWAYS KEEP ON GIVING.
Bonivino8 1 month ago
Splendido capolavoro che amo, da sempre!
Grazie :)
SalMessina39 1 month ago
Loved the video...you did a great job!
Nevermore1953 1 month ago
GOT TICKETS TO SEE THE BROADWAY PRODUCTION OF PORGY!!!!! Can't wait to see it...!!!!
bpacfoh 1 month ago
Thanks for posting this I have also been looking for a copy of Porgy & Bess. I really enjoyed it. I remember watching with my mom years ago. You did a good job with the audio.
MSTRISHI 1 month ago
I can't stop listening to Bess you is my woman now, its just BEAUTIFUL! The melodies, the strings, the lyrics.... haha I've even come to the conclusion I want some sort of version of this to be played at my wedding, i don't know how the story turns out (I think Porgy dies) but whatever.... this opera is just fantastic
DivaGlamFabxoxo 1 month ago
@DivaGlamFabxoxo Check out Ray Charles & Cleo Laine's "Porgy&Bess.
kbswzawl0 1 month ago
I would like to buy a copy My parents took me to see this in 1959 when I was 9. how can I get a copy and the music?
10Lexii 1 month ago
@10Lexii
Just google porgy and bess 1959 dvd - you can find a bootleg for under $20. It has never been commercially released on DVD or VHS.
boinx1234 1 month ago
@10Lexii You don't have to get a bootleg, I just brought 2 from ebay. And there real go look! Peace!
ednoroirika 1 month ago
donde puedo conseguir esta vesión? es mu bella, no dvd, quiero cd
cedta1966 2 months ago
Hi.... I saw the one with Sammy Davis Jr. when i was young. I never forgot it!! I had two parents who met in opera classes. My parents sang duets as i grew up. I had music appreciation in high school..a prep school. But never have i been inspired as much as this , . Plus i may add Rhapsody in 'blue...etc...by George Gershwin. Love this. Wish they would allow us Sammy Jr the ,one i saw when young. Thanx for sharing, it is a great piece of our heritage.
Maribee1CD 2 months ago
@Maribee1CD Watched the PBS special last night...brought back strong memories of times when music was produced in ways that effected how I learned to appreciate life. Reading 1st Kings account of Elijahs trials and how God was able to speak to him through them, brings true hope for all who accept it in preparation for The greater day.
nellie1megson 2 months ago
@nellie1megson Thank you nellie... I love God greatly or at least as we on earth can. I hope for a better day too.. 2012 has a few concerns for many. Hope in the Lord.. .
Maribee1CD 1 month ago
best rendition of "bess you is my woman now" i've ever heard
Diatommy554 3 months ago
I bought a bootleg copy - and it is HORRID -- and in MONO. At least YOUR clips are in stereo - and clean! as is your print. sekjr@juno.com
stainless0521 3 months ago
@stainless0521
Glad you enjoyed the clips. But they are in stereo only because I replaced the sound with tracks from the CD for youtube. All the bootlegs have poor mono sound.
boinx1234 3 months ago
How can I get a copy of the DVD? I have a horrible copy. Also - I didn't know Lost Horizon was available???
stainless0521 3 months ago
@stainless0521
Unfortunately, it's never been officially released on DVD or VHS. Only poor bootlegs are available.
For information on the new "Lost Horizon" DVD, see my clip of "The World is a Circle".
boinx1234 3 months ago
VG good job in syncing audio.
clarification007 4 months ago
okay, Thanks tigereyes, that pretty much answers my questions.. I understand that actors not just black actors.. but all actors were dubbed during the time this movie was made.. but they were not with the voices of the artists themselves.. and your explanation that although both Diana and Dorothy Dandridge could sing very well, they could not meet the Operatic range as the singers who's voices were used in the Dub.. not my next question would be who were these singers?
usrawesome 4 months ago
@usrawesome
I've listed all the dubbers in the notes beneath the clip.
boinx1234 3 months ago
I remember this recording when I was a child, I played it all day. For some reason it gave me comfort.
cookietwosweet 4 months ago
I just don't get it.. diane carroll could sing.. why not hear her voice?
usrawesome 4 months ago
@usrawesome Dandridge could sing as well yet her voice was also dubbed in Carmen Jones. I heard it was quite common for black actors to have their voices dubbed during this time.
tigereyes5 4 months ago
@tigereyes5
Not just blacks - it was common for all actors to be dubbed. Dorothy could sing, but did not have the operatic range this role required. Diahann Carroll, who could definitely sing, was also dubbed because "Summertime" was too high for her.
boinx1234 4 months ago
This is synched very well.. thanks for posting
usrawesome 4 months ago
Damn. They should release this on DVD. Who's singing for Poitier?
chapdoc1 5 months ago
@chapdoc1
Read the notes beneath the clip.
boinx1234 5 months ago
@boinx1234
D'oh! I forgot the "show more" button. At least Pearl Bailey sings.
chapdoc1 5 months ago
@chapdoc1 Believe it or not, it's Robert McFerrin (Bobby's dad), whom after Marian Anderson, was only the second colored singer to perform at the Met as a contract performer in the late 50's.
Carvinter 4 months ago
I saw the movie as a little boy I think about 1959 - 1960 loved the music then love the music to this day. later on y dad bought the sound tack through time life records. somewhere along the line I lost the records damn this is good music. I shur beatd he hell out of that hip hop crap/
frogeyeful 6 months ago
just amazing!
ballandchain25 6 months ago
The music is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing. They haven't shown this on T.V. in many years.
afrogurl 7 months ago
They used to play this on television many years ago.
afrogurl 7 months ago
oh my thank you for this...i have tears
laurawhitetail 7 months ago
Thank you so much for posting this! I've been looking for this version for years and years!
csong808 7 months ago
that's the smallest red dislike bar i've ever seen. this is stunning
egmies 7 months ago
Great video. The singing is absolutely first-rate. This is the most hauntingly tender "Summertime" I've ever heard. The musical arrangements are superbly handled by Andre Previn.
Brahmsfourth 8 months ago
American Repertory theatre Boston Ma (Cambridge) Revival of P & G August 2011
Audra McDonald David Allen Grier Nathan Lewis
viewerinawe 8 months ago
@viewerinawe
I've heard it. They've completely scrapped Gershwin's gorgeous orchestrations, and replaced them with rewritten garbage. It's a travesty.
boinx1234 5 months ago
@boinx1234, it's not a travesty, it's called adaption ;)
ElachimArtist 4 months ago
@ElachimArtist
I'm fine with adaptations - they're common on Broadway. This is not an adaptation. ALL of Gershwin's gorgeous music, except tor the basic melodies, has been scrapped - the chords, the arrangements, the orchestrations, everything - and replaced with garbage.
boinx1234 4 months ago
@boinx1234 i heard it is fine audra must win the tony
AdamEfimoff 4 months ago
@AdamEfimoff
Audra is great. The changes suck.
boinx1234 3 months ago
My greatest privilege was to meet and spend an wonderful 18 holes of golf with Sidney Poitier.... And this medley sums up my feelings for my family. I'm a lucky man... and my family is blessed to have this summation of our life... God bless all who come after me... DG.
IMLinzack 8 months ago
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tati2638 8 months ago
release this film!
bmobaggins 8 months ago
ive watched this video probably 100 times in the passed few days
grungegirl84 9 months ago
This si so beautiful...have no words to describe it!
dearmalika 9 months ago
Voor dit soort TV bleef je met plezier thuis en was je niet thuis had je pech want het werd niet meer herhaald! XD
Roselien2 11 months ago
Lol why did they make a cast re-make of Carmen Jones ?
Carmen had :
Dorothy Dandridge
Diahann Carholl
Pear Bailey
Otto Preminger (as director)
the only difference is , instead of Harry Belefonte , they have Sidney Poitier
Motownman100 11 months ago
@Motownman100
Probably because they were the top black actors of the day.
boinx1234 11 months ago
@Motownman100 Because all those people wanted to work.
RandiSierra 9 months ago
@Motownman100- You also have to understand that during this particular time in history, not just Blacks, but all of Hollywood was being prosecuted with what was known as McCarthyism, now since black actors in Hollywood had no where near the numbers as did white Hollywood, actors were recycled in greater numbers. The fact is that during and directly after this period, all of Hollywood actors recycled more. If you made the pamphlet "Red Channels" you we not considered available to work?
crhed 5 months ago
I wish Dorothy could have done a movie where they let her do her own singing because she was a great singer.
4realjimmy 11 months ago
@4realjimmy
Interesting, I thought she was mediocre, but she was mesmerizing to see, I'm sure. She was a better actress.
gplus46 9 months ago
The movie of Porgy & Bess has a long history and was controversial when it was first released, both for its depiction of black life and its musical shortcomings. The movie replaced much of the opera singing with spoken dialogue and musical "numbers." The Gershwin's weren't happy. The production was plagued with actors boycotting the production, and a suspicious fire that burned down the sets.The film played poorly and was soon withdrawn and shelved.
efischsocal 11 months ago
Yes, so true. I'm aware of that and I know that is not diahann carrol who's actually singing summertime. My comment was to make sure others knew who she was (identity purpose). In most tv musicals back in the day (ie. West Side Story, Porky and Bess, Oklahoma, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Annie, Carmen, etc) the actresses didnt do their own singing. But to just let you know though Sidney wasn't off the record a singer, Dorothy Dandridge and Miss Diaham Carrol were singer in their time.
bassfima 1 year ago
@bassfima
Well, some of those - the stars in "Oklahoma!" and "7 Brides" did their own singing.
But "Porky and Bess" is the film I'd love to see! = )
boinx1234 1 year ago
@bassfima Sidney Poiter's singing voice was actually supplied by none other than Bobby McFerrin's Dad, Robert McFerrin Sr.
kaptainkerby 10 months ago
Great musical and a classic. I haven't seen this since I was a teen back in the 70's. Wish they would air this on tv. So many talented black stars, sidney pointier, dorothy dandridge, diahann carrol (who's singing summertime) who herself had a wonderful tv show I grew up watching called Julia. Just Classics. Thanks for posting
bassfima 1 year ago
@bassfima
Unfortunately, neither Diahann, Dorothy, nor Sidney are singing here.
boinx1234 1 year ago
went to amazon to buy album but there 1959 version doesn't sound like this?
grp9748 1 year ago
@grp9748
Sounds the same to me.
boinx1234 1 year ago
you did a great job sound is great
grp9748 1 year ago
wow these people can SING!! So beautiful!!! I have never heard of this movie, no other version comes close!!
marym499 1 year ago
@marym499 Unfortunately, both of them are dubbed :/
xLizLemonx 1 year ago
@pharrisbaritone William Warfield did sing this role, but not for the soundtrack of this movie. This singer is actually Robert McFerrin . . the father of Bobby McFerrin. Warfield was in the company that toured with this opera to Russia (during the cold war) along with Leontyne Price)
kacourse 1 year ago
The soundtrack from THIS VERSION of Porgy and Bess can be purchased on ITUNES!
QueensLadyDay 1 year ago
Ditto. Saw this on TV once as a child and it was one of the peak musical experiences of my life. I became a jazz singer, and still do three songs from this. Love it.
elfpagesmusic 1 year ago
I need this movie....Anyone know where I find it? A beautiful movie with amazingly talented african american actors and actresses.
Nefa05 1 year ago 2
great job on this post, many thanks.
slyme1711 1 year ago
@pharrisbaritone
.
Nope. Porgy was sung by Robert McFerrin in the film.
boinx1234 1 year ago
Where did you find this? I saw the original release and an ABC showing over 30 years ago. Every time a public showing is announced its later canceled. I had read that both Goldwyn and the Gershwin estate refused to show the film. Apparently it exists but where can it be seen?
efischsocal 1 year ago
Just imagine they do a hip-hop version of Porgy and Bess. The part of Bess could be played by Beyonce or Janet Jackson, and the part of Porgy can be played by either Denzel Washington or Wesley Snipes.
sheltv100 1 year ago
@sheltv100 No not Beyonce. Please I beg you anybody but Beyonce. Don't get me wrong I love her but she already did a re-make of Carmen and it was awful IMO. Janet would be interesting though :-)
4realjimmy 11 months ago
@sheltv100 NO!!
ohsnapiam59 1 month ago
These songs still give me chills to this day. Nice job, Mark.
deanguy66 1 year ago