Billy Bigelow has been dead for 15 years. Now outside the pearly gates, he long ago waived his right to go back to Earth for a day. He has heard that there is a problem with his family: namely with his wife Julie Bigelow, née Jordan, and his child he hasn't met. He would now like to head back to Earth to assist in rectifying the problem; but before he may go, he has to get permission from the gatekeeper by telling him his story. Adapted from the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit Broadway musical.
Score
'Soliloquy'—an eight-minute emotional napalm drop.
Cinematography
Heaven as a sterile waiting room, Earth as oversaturated memory.
Acting
Gordon MacRae sells Billy's charm and rot simultaneously.
Director
Henry King
Gordon MacRae
Billy Bigelow
Shirley Jones
Julie Jordan
Cameron Mitchell
Jigger Craigin
Barbara Ruick
Carrie Pipperidge
Claramae Turner
Cousin Nettie
Robert Rounseville
Mr. Enoch Snow
Gene Lockhart
Starkeeper / Dr. Selden
Audrey Christie
Mrs. Mullin
Susan Luckey
Louise Bigelow
John Dehner
Mr. Bascombe
Jacques d'Amboise
Louise's 'Starlight Carnival' Dancing Partner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rodgers & Hammerstein considered this their favorite collaboration; it's also their most morally queasy, with domestic violence treated as star-crossed tragedy.
Shirley Jones was 22 playing a teenager opposite MacRae's 35; their prior 'Oklahoma!' chemistry was deliberately weaponized here for something far darker.
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