Ann appeared on Ed Sullivan's popular television variety show on February 14, 1954, to not only publicize her recent film The Student Prince (1954), co-starring with Mario Lanza, but to showcase individually her magnificent singing talent. Here is an excerpt from my book, Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.:
Ann
got a chance to sing “Deep in My Heart” without Mario, in an exquisite solo on
live television a few months before the film’s release. Along with an array of other MGM stars, she
appeared on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the
Town, February 14, 1954. The episode
was a salute to the thirtieth anniversary of MGM. Sullivan and studio head Dore Schary, both in
tuxedos, discussed MGM’s past history of films, showed clips of current movies,
and showcased some splendid live performances that were highlights of MGM’s
recent films, including a spirited rendition of “Sobbin’ Women” from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with
Howard Keel and the actors who played his brothers in the film. Ann and Edmund Purdom performed a brief scene
from The Student Prince, where they
slip away from the ball and plan to run away together, but must part, possibly
forever, when the prince is called away.
Then Ann, dressed in her serving Mädchen
dirndl sings “Deep in My Heart,” though without the blonde wig. Her dark hair is cut in a short pageboy bob
style of the day. Her rendition is
splendid, delivered with astonishing power and loveliness, with the hat tip of
the high note at the end, we may think, “Mario who?”
**************************
Looking for a gift a classic film fan?Have a look at my book -- Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.
For more on my other books and plays, please see my website: JacquelineTLynch.com
"Lynch’s book is organized and well-written – and has plenty of amusing observations – but when it comes to describing Blyth’s movies, Lynch’s writing sparkles." - Ruth Kerr, Silver Screenings
"Jacqueline T. Lynch creates a poignant and thoroughly-researched mosaic of memories of a fine, upstanding human being who also happens to be a legendary entertainer." - Deborah Thomas, Java's Journey
"One of the great strengths of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. is that Lynch not only gives an excellent overview of Blyth's career -- she offers detailed analyses of each of Blyth's roles -- but she puts them in the context of the larger issues of the day."- Amanda Garrett, Old Hollywood Films
"Jacqueline's book will hopefully cause many more people to take a look at this multitalented woman whose career encompassed just about every possible aspect of 20th Century entertainment." - Laura Grieve, Laura's Miscellaneous Musings''
"Jacqueline T. Lynch’s Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. is an extremely well researched undertaking that is a must for all Blyth fans." - Annette Bochenek, Hometowns to Hollywood
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