"Would You Like A Souvenir" from NORA PRENTISS (1947)

"Would You Like A Souvenir" was introduced by Ann Sheridan in the 1947 film noir classic, NORA PRENTISS. Co-starring Kent Smith and Robert Alda, Ann Sheridan (known in the '40s as "The Oomph Girl") portrays a San Francisco nightclub singer toughing it out in a joint near the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf. Rare shots of The City are a part of the film's curious appeal. Singer Janet Roitz works with vocal coach Sean Martinfield on "Would You Like A Souvenir?" -- the first of Nora's more sophisticated band numbers. Composed by M.K. Jerome with lyrics by Jack Scholl and Eddie Cherkose, the song was never published or recorded. Jerome and Scholl collaborated again on "The Wish That I Wish Tonight" featured in CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT starring Dennis Morgan and Barbara Stanwyck. Eddie Cherkose (aka, Eddie Maxwell) wrote lyrics for the pop hit "Pico and Sepulveda" which was covered by Lee Press-on and the Nails in 2002. Janet and Sean explore the musical quirks of "Would You Like A Souvenir" -- the location of Sheridan's low-pitched tones, her almost see-through gown, and the challenge presented by the Studio's team of song writers . "Would You Like A Souvenir?" is a sweet spin on '40s-style nightclub chic. Its addictive melody suits the plot and flatters the Star. Enjoy!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Ann Sheridan as Nora Prentiss
• Kent Smith
• Bruce Bennett
• Robert Alda
• Rosemary DeCamp
• Vincent Sherman
• M.K. Jerome
• Jack Scholl
• Eddie Cherkose
• Jack L. Warner
• Franz Waxman
• James Wong Howe
• Paul Webster
• Jack Sobell
• N. Richard Nash
• Janet Roitz singer
• Sean Martinfield vocal coach
• Amanda Egron filmmaker
• films shot in San Francisco
• the Embarcadero
• Fisherman's Wharf
• showbiz
• photography
• hollywood

[eugenechen1017]

Yes, I would definitely like a souvenir of that!

[seanmartinfield]

@eugenechen1017

Thank you!

Stay tuned for Ladies of the Nightclubs, Track 2: "My Silver Dollar Man" from MARKED WOMAN starring Bette Davis.

Best regards,

Sean Martinfield

[bchfront]

Many thanks for this! My grandfather M.K. (Moe) Jerome did the melody, and he would have been so pleased! (Hello, Toni!). Among his papers I found a neatly typed page with what had been the original lyrics (by Jack) called "Would You Like My Autograph". For whatever reason they changed it and had Eddie do it. Moe liked this assignment and loved working with Ann. Thank you so much for acknowledging the writers! If you look closely, in the opening shot, you'll spot James Wong Howe, the cameraman.

[Tonidoesit]

Eddie Maxwell was my grandfather. That is odd that the song was not recorded, all his stuff was. He passed away in 1999. rsamanthawilliams@yahoo.com.

[treadman26]

What's with all the talking? Let Anne sing the song, already!