New Faces
New Faces was a musical revue with songs and comedy skits tied together by a quirky plot. It ran on Broadway for nearly a year in 1952 and was then made into a motion picture in 1954. It helped jump start the careers of several young performers including Paul Lynde, Alice Ghostley, Eartha Kitt, Carol Lawrence, performer/writer Mel Brooks (as Melvin Brooks), and lyricist Sheldon Harnick. The film was basically a reproduction of the stage revue with a thin plot added. The plot involved a producer and performer (Ronny Graham) in financial trouble and is trying to stave off an angry creditor long enough to open his show. A wealthy Texan offers to help out, on the condition that his daughter be in the show.
Insights
Plot Summary
A revue-style musical film showcasing various comedic and musical talents. It features a collection of sketches, songs, and dances, often with a satirical edge, highlighting the performances of its versatile cast.
Critical Reception
Critically, 'New Faces' received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising the performances of its talented cast, particularly Eartha Kitt and Paul Lynde, and the freshness of its musical numbers. However, some found the revue format to be uneven in quality.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its talented cast and energetic musical numbers.
- Some found the revue format to be inconsistent.
- Noted for its sharp satire and memorable performances.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'New Faces' (1954) on Google is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the successful Broadway revue of the same name, which was instrumental in launching the careers of several performers, most notably Eartha Kitt.
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