Movie spotlight
Bells Are Ringing
Ella Peterson works in the basement office of Susanswerphone, a telephone answering service. She listens in on others' lives and adds some interest to her own humdrum existence by adopting different identities for her clients. They include an out-of-work Method actor, a dentist with musical yearnings, and in particular playwright Jeffrey Moss, who is suffering from writer's block and desperately needs a muse.
Insights
Plot Summary
Ella Peterson works at a mysterious answering service called 'Sides,' where she has a tendency to get a little too involved in her clients' lives. Her romantic fantasies and reality blur when she falls for one of her clients, a mysterious playwright named Jeff Moss, whom she has only spoken to over the phone. Ella embarks on a quest to meet him in person, navigating a series of humorous encounters and misunderstandings along the way.
Critical Reception
Bells Are Ringing was generally well-received by critics, who praised Judy Holliday's charming performance and the film's musical numbers. It was seen as a delightful and lighthearted musical comedy, though some found the plot somewhat predictable. Audiences also enjoyed the film's star power and infectious songs.
What Reviewers Say
Judy Holliday's effervescent performance is the heart of the film.
The musical numbers are lively and memorable.
A charming, if somewhat predictable, romantic musical comedy.
Google audience: N/A
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Judy Holliday).
Fun Fact
The film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, for which Judy Holliday also starred in the leading role, winning a Tony Award for her performance.
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