Sinatra and Brando on the set of "Guys and Dolls"

When you watch the film version of Guys and Dolls, you sometimes get the feeling that Nathan Detroit and Adelaide (Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine) are in one movie, a hoot, while Sky Masterson and Sister Sarah of the Salvation Army (Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons) occupy an alternative universe, much more serious and deep and dramatic.

Sinatra and Brando were rivals. Brando, who did not have the better voice, got the best songs. Frank Loesser did write a serenade for Frankie boy to sing to Adelaide, but the lad must have eaten his heart out to hear Brando's thin nasal rendition of "Luck Be a Lady Tonight."

Brando on Sinatra in heaven: "That guy is going to give God an earful for making him go bald."

Sinatra on Brando, whom he called "Mumbles": "I hear they're making a movie of the Bible. They wanted Mumbles to play God but he held out for a better part."  

Audience participation portion: do you like the way Brando dances in the Cuba scene? Do you miss the songs dropped from the stage version -- such as "A Bushel and a Peck," "I've Never Been in Love Before," and "Marry the Man Today"? What do you think of "Your eyes are the eyes of a woman in love"? What's the best song in the show? Why do I think "G & D" is the consummate Broadway musical? Do you agree? -- DL

Comments

[David Rowe]

Please note that it was all inspired by the O. Henry of his age, viz. Mr. Damon Runyon...

David Rowe
"If you can't beat em: Poem."

[Laura Orem]

I love watching Brando in this. He's no Sinatra, but he's game - and his performance is a good reminder never to be afraid to try something new.

My mother used to sing "A Bushel and a Peck" to my brother and me when we were little. She too was game, but let's just say she was to Brando as Brando was to Sinatra, singing-wise.