The happiest memories in the life of a child of the 50s would have been the experience of going to a movie with his/her parents and enjoying the grandeur of the cinema, housed in a very large hall with long ceiling fans, hanging and twirling above, throughout the show.
Pulling mother's hand, the trip to the Capitol Cinema at North Bridge Road, was a thrill as the screen unfolded to reveal, Hans Christian Andersen, the movie. Then again, could the cinema be the Cathay?
Today it's taken for granted, as children of all ages can just view movies at home from the TV, DVD, UTube or in the glamorous movie theatres in air-conditioned comfort.
Today it's taken for granted, as children of all ages can just view movies at home from the TV, DVD, UTube or in the glamorous movie theatres in air-conditioned comfort.
Personally, one of the greatest movie stars in the 50s was a man who could do almost anything. He was a dancer, a singer, an actor, a great comedian but most of all he was loved by the younger audiences all over the world when they watched him in action on the 'silver screen'.
In this particular movie, Danny Kaye took on the role of Hans Christian Anderson (above), one of the greatest storytellers in the 19th Century. He wrote The Ugly Duckling, Emperor's New Clothes, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and Thumbelina and many others. These stories had been weaved and transformed into songs by Danny Kaye on screen and they are just as attractive as the stories.
Danny Kaye - "Thumbelina"
He starred in many movies but Hans Christian Andersen, released in 1952, was one of the best-loved. Ah yes, the early 50s, way, way back when movies were movies and songs were songs. Find out more if the reader wishes, from the websites about Hans Christian Andersen and the man who played this wonderful storyteller from Northern Europe. There are nearly one million hits on the net if the name DANNY KAYE is keyed in.
This particular movie was one of the earlier musicals to hit the cinemas in Singapore and like many of his movies, Danny Kaye displayed his numerous talents and skills as a showman. Some of the best children's songs come from this movie, Wonderful Copenhagen, Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling and I'm Hans Christian Andersen. So if you are a parent check Mr. Kaye on UTube.
Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
3 comments:
An interesting account to be sure. LULU GOH
Danny Kaye was a reason for long queues at the movie houses in Singapore in the 50s because there were not many attractions and places to go to for an afternoon or evening outing.
Imported Hollywood song and dance acts were so popular and were lessons in vaudeville for local shows at the Great World, Happy World and New World amusement parks by our own singers and dancers.
These shows are part of the influence the West has on Singapore music before the 60s
Andy
As a younger person, I watched HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON, one of the greatest story tellers who wrote THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES, THE UGLY DUCKLING and THUMBELINA. These were composed into songs and hit the top in the 1950s.
Stephen Han
I love the three lovely songs sung by Danny Kaye namely “The Ugly Ducking Thumbelina and the beautiful “Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen”I can still remember the tunes and a little of the words
Andy Young
You're a professional with nostalgia Stephen. Thanks so much for your contribution to make the blog a richer place. I doubt many people know this musical and the songs. :-)
Andy Young Thanks, Rose and Jim. I'm sure you can connect with Danny Kaye and Hans Anderson.
Freda Hanum
Y
es I did watch Danny Kaye shows that showed on TVs in the early 60s, real good entertainer, singer and dancer same goes with Gene Kelly, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra and many others in all their musical story movies. loved that movie "Singing In The Rain" the singing and dance scene really beautiful, I was thinking that was Danny Kaye with Gene Kelly guess I'm wrong. Your grandson Joshie is so cute and surely must be talented like you too Andy. 👍😊
Andy Young
Thanks, Freda for your comment. And Stephen too. Yes I guess unless readers are familiar these shows are only popular with people keen in music those years and later as the films are distributed on TV.
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