Pal Joey 1957 (film version)
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Re-used
Music by Richard Rodgers
Produced by Columbia
Directed by George Sidney
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Kim Novak
Screenplay by Dorothy Kingsley
Academy Award Nomination for best art direction, Sound Recording and Film Editing.
For the screen version of Pal Joey that finally made it to the screen Columbia Pictures first wanted Marlene Dietrich or Mae West to play Vera. When that didn't work out Rita was offered the role of Vera, which she eagerly accepted. Frank Sinatra would play Joey and Kim Novak was given the plum role of Linda English. Rita would be playing the older woman but she was actually three years younger than Frank. At the time Frank was at the height of his success as a movie star so there was question as to who would receive top billing, Rita or Frank. Rita was given star billing and Frank said, "Who else but Rita should get top billing? After all, in my mind, she always was and always will be Columbia Pictures! The studio may have built her into a star but just remember it was Rita Hayworth who gave Columbia status."
Another thing people thought would be a problem was the casting of Kim Novak as the younger girl. People thought there'd be some sort of feud between Rita and Kim because Kim Novak was the actress Columbia Pictures was building up as Hollywood's new "love goddess", but there was no such rivalry. The two actresses got along well during filming. Years later, Kim remembered Rita fondly, saying, "she was always charming and gracious."
Concert Cast 1995
Studio Cast 1950
London Revival - 1980
Revival Cast Members - 1952
Studio Cast - (1957)
Film Cast
Pal Joey by Kenny Drew (Trio jazz )
Pal Joey Suite (Phil Wilson & the NDR Big
Bannd)
Sheet music:
Cds: