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Alfred Hitchcock: "Cary Grant is the only actor I ever loved in my whole life."
Billy Wilder: "Happiness is working with Jack Lemmon."
Stanley Kubrick: "There are very few directors, about whom you'd say you automatically have to see everything they do. I'd put Fellini, Bergman and David Lean at the head of my first list, and Truffaut at the head of the next level."
William Friedkin: “Just watch the films of Alfred Hitchcock. That’s all you need to know about how to make films. It’s what I did.�
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Shooter (2007)
A Reluctant Patriot
Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) lives in a remote mountain cabin with only his dog for company. Though he was patriotically dedicated to his work as an expert marksman for the marines, he left that life after becoming disillusioned with the military. Three years earlier, he was abandoned when a mission went awry.
Though he now spends some of his time reading online allegations of conspiracy, he listens when a Colonel Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover) comes to call with a request for his services. Swagger doesn't realize that Johnson is representing the CIA, among others.
Swagger throws himself into the mission, but he is ignorant of the big picture, so he comes to regret that decision.
This is one of those impossible odds stories. At various times, it looks like Swagger cannot extricate himself from the pervasive lie that haunts his life. It's a fairly common story: a man against the machine. But this story is well-detailed, so it holds together with few plot holes.
Wahlberg is a perfect match for the role---a physical presence who can convincingly play the part of a badass. Some of the other actors are excellent, but their parts are rather brief, like Kate Mara, who plays the girlfriend of Swagger's former partner, now deceased. And Michael Pena, who is a hapless victim of the plot, but begins to question the motives of his superiors.
This film deserves a sequel, especially if they can sign Mara and Pena; their characters deserve more development.
Christmas on Call (2024)
Two Tales Of Romance
This Hallmark holiday romance takes place in Philadelphia, where a paramedic's job brings him into contact with a hospital physician. Wes (Ser'Darius Blain) is a native son of the City of Brotherly Love, and unattached. Hannah (Sara Canning) is new to the city. They both have demanding jobs with difficult schedules. When sparks fly between them, they have difficulty finding time to socialize, but they persevere.
There is a second story, about two cops who lost track of each other after a promising New Year's connection. Sanjay (Erik Athavale) says that he texted her later, only to be ghosted. Danielle (Reena Jolly) says she was ghosted by him. When work brings them together again, things are frosty for a while, but they warm up as they spend time together. Eventually, they solve the mystery of their earlier estrangement.
Though all four main characters have jobs that entail some stress, the film has a light tone. And it never feels like there is a lot of pressure to bring the couples together. The easy-going tone makes this an enjoyable film. And the surrounding cast fits well into this narrative.
Young People (1940)
From Stage To Stonefield
Joe and Kitty, a couple who perform on the vaudeville circuit, take in an orphaned baby named Wendy (Shirley Temple), who they raise as their own and eventually incorporate into their act. Eventually, she becomes the star of their trio, The Ballantines, until Joe and Kitty decide to quit the business and put down roots in New England. Their timing is prompted somewhat by the fading of Vaudeville, caused by the popularity of films.
Jack Oakie and Charlotte Greenwood capture the spirit of vaudeville extremely well. He is a perfect "second banana" and she is the prototypical specialty act. When Joe and Kitty arrive in the New England town of Stonefield, their show biz bluster makes them fish out of water. Daughter Wendy, always the upbeat optimist, helps them negotiate with some social situations. But Stonefield is a town of staid citizenry who like tradition; those in power resist any concessions to modernity. In the end, circumstances arise that demonstrate that the Ballantines are valuable citizens of the community.
Miss Temple carries this film and provides the center of the story. And due to some remarkably edited sequences, we see her performing from ages six to twelve, roughly.
As a musical, this film is not a tremendous success, but it is worth seeing due to Shirley.
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
Steamboat Willie
Buster Keaton plays the estranged son of a steamboat captain, Steamboat Bill (Ernest Torrence), who owns a dilapidated boat in Mississippi. Before son Willie arrives from Boston, his father is hoping for a strapping young man who can revitalize the business and take charge, especially since his main competition is J. J. King (Tom McGuire), the richest man in town, who owns a beautiful new steamship.
But Willie is the antithesis of Bill's dream: a shrimp-sized wimp whose tastes run to ukulele playing and stylish clothes. Things are further complicated when Willie realizes that King's daughter is the beautiful Kitty (Marion Byron), who happens to be in town.
Keaton opens his bag of tricks, performing a raft of stunts that entertain, including one that is famous for its audacity and precision.
The ending surprised me, but once I caught on, it brought a smile.
Jingle Bell Run (2024)
Two For The Road
This Hallmark holiday rom-com stars Ashley Williams as Avery, an elementary school teacher, and Andrew W. Walker as Wes, a former pro hockey player.
Wes signs up for a holiday-themed, cross-country reality competition that begins in Chicago. Avery had no intention of joining the competition, but she decides to compete anyway to inspire her students. They are both chagrined when they learn they are paired as a team, but they make the best of it, and discover that their complementary talents make them a formidable twosome.
The two stars have good chemistry, though the story downplays the romance side of things. But the ending is predictable. And so is the obligatory relationship "hiccup" that must be overcome in the final ten minutes.
The Pajama Game (1957)
An Uneven Musical With Notable Moments
When Sid Sorokin (John Raitt) is hired as supervisor for a garment factory, he must battle Babe Williams, the tough union rep who turns out to be Doris Day. Sorokin is a no-nonsense kind of guy, who reveals a tender heart. Williams has a reputation for facing off against management, but she eventually softens under the attentions of Sorokin.
This story seems a little strange for a musical, but Adler and Ross wrote the tunes, Bob Fosse designed the choreography, and Stanley Donen co-directed with George Abbott.
The title song gives this film a lackluster start, and the factory setting is somewhat claustrophobic, but eventually the action escapes the confines of the shop and we get to hear the wonderful "Hey There" and some other noteworthy songs like the rousing "There Once Was a Man." Fosse's stalwart dancer, Carol Haney, in her final film appearance, plays Gladys Hotchkiss---the plant manager's secretary---with notable pizzazz and dances in the classic number "Steam Heat."
Doris is, in fact, a babe, but Raitt comes up short. His voice is a revelation, but he doesn't provide the magnetism necessary to carry the romantic lead.
Watch for Eddie Foy Jr. As Vernon Hines, the efficiency expert who watches over the workers, especially girlfriend Gladys. Foy teams with Reta Shaw for the funny song "I'll Never Be Jealous Again."
"The Pajama Game" updates the musical genre via music and dance. Fosse definitely created more notable dances for film, but his style is perceptible here. As for the direction, there are awkward moments, but the dance performances are thankfully captured in full form. The plot includes an odd element relating to knife-throwing, of all things, but otherwise nails the romantic comedy form.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Krank Up The Comedy
Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis play Luther and Nora Krank, a married couple who live in a suburban Chicago neighborhood where Christmas is celebrated as a big deal. But this year daughter Blair (Julie Ganzalo) is headed for Peru with the Peace Corps. This is a significant heppening, because the family has celebrated Christmas together for twenty-three consecutive years.
Luther decides that he and Nora should forego Christmas this one year, and book a tropical cruise. Such a radical idea takes some getting used to, but the two of them finally commit to the trip and inform all their neighbors and Luther's coworkers. It doesn't go over well. In fact, it is viewed as a betrayal and something akin to un-American, but Luther and Nora stick to their guns.
Allen and Curtis work well together as husband and wife. The greater cast includes a large number of recognizable actors, and they play their parts well. The story is very funny, including plenty of visual and physical humor. And the soundtrack is very enjoyable.
A big twist in the story ratchets up the antic humor. And there actually are some tender moments in this madhouse of a comedy.
Trivia at St. Nick's (2024)
Two For The Trivia
This Hallmark holiday film offers little in the way of surprising developments or surprising dialogue. Still, it follows some traditional Hallmark story lines.
Celeste (Tammin Sursok) looks forward to the annual Christmas trivia tournament at a local bar. She really wants her team to win, so when their ringer---a two-time Jeopardy champ---has other plans. She is despondent. The new offensive coordinator of the university's football team is added to the roster solely to meet the requirement of six players. Celeste harbors resentment toward the football team, because she feels it receives undue attention, whereas her department (Astronomy) and academics, in general, is underappreciated.
New team member Max (Brant Daugherty) turns out to be a nice guy, so he gradually grows on Celeste. As the tournament progresses, they share various experiences and she realizes he is more than a dumb jock.
Comedic chemistry between the two leads is adequate, but any romantic chemistry feels mostly manufactured. Two cleverness points for naming the female lead Celeste, which means "heavenly".
Elsbeth: Subscription to Murder (2024)
Two Tickets To Tosca
This first episode of season two is delicious! First, there is Nathan Lane's portrayal of the snooty, pretentious opera buff, Phillip Cross. His motive for murder is perfectly perfect. And yet, the character is relatable and one can identify with his frustrations and his dedication to the art form. Yes, in fact, it is justifiable booricide.
Other highlights of this episode include the meta joke about coming off a summer break, and the "bad cop" joke that pertains to officer Buzz Fleming.
And I have to comment on Phillip's study. It is so full of charm and operatic momentos that I want to live there.
Ringers off!
A Brush with Christmas (2022)
A Palate For Palettes
This GAF holiday romance is about two artists who have chosen other professions. Charlotte (Jillian Murphy) runs the family restaurant, but secretly wishes she had time to indulge her true passion: art. Wyatt (Joseph Cannata) does commercial building renderings, but has always wanted to explore his more creative side.
When Wyatt visits an old friend during the Christmas holiday, he meets Charlotte and they hit it off. Charlotte hopes to submit an entry in the local Christmas art contest, but tosses her unfinished canvas when she realizes she needs to devote all her time to the restaurant, where she is also the head chef. When her incomplete painting appears on a wall at the contest venue, marked "anonymous", she is puzzled. How did it get there? And how does she feel about that?
Burgeoning romantic feelings are kept in check by the fact that Wyatt will leave after the holiday. When, in fact, he receives an offer for a dream job in London, it looks to spell the end of their infatuation.
The two lead actors are believable in their roles. Also watch for Farrah Aviva, who plays Charlotte's friend and coworker, Ella, with enjoyment and energy. And Michael Strickland, who plays Wyatt's friend David in a role that is too small.
I really appreciated the fact that the artwork around which the story revolves is, in fact, worthy of attention, giving the story authenticity.
I Walk Alone (1947)
Strong Central Characters
Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas team up for this significant film noir story about two partners in crime who meet up again when the one (Lancaster) is released after fourteen years in prison. Before Frankie Madison went in, the two made a pact, so he expects the other, Noll Turner (Douglas), to honor that deal.
But the intervening years have changed "the business" and society in general. Turner, who old friends call "Dink", has effectively gone straight, running the Regent Club, where his girlfriend, Kay Lawrence (Lizabeth Scott), sings and plays piano. Frankie has a chip on his shoulder, partly because Dink never came to visit him during those rough years. Dink's plan is to discover Frankie's state of mind, then handle him, because there is no one he can't handle with his superior mind and his smooth talking
But Dink is a little too smooth. While keeping Kay interested, he has cultivated a relationship with socialite Alexis Richardson (Kristine Miller), who is his pipeline to the upper crust of society. It's a noxious relationship, but each gets what they want.
Wendell Corey plays the part of Dave, the third partner, who is now under the thumb of Dink. In his second big-screen role, Corey provides a nuanced performance that plays a pivotal part in the balance of power. He works for Dink as the club's accountant. The best scene of the film is when Dave explains to Frankie the complex financial structure of the Regent.
Lancaster, in one of his earliest roles, gives the film a raw energy that contrasts with Douglas's restrained, internalized power. Together they are terrific. But Lancaster's acting also exhibits subtlety. Note how the recently released convict looks at the bed in his new place with the sensual intensity of one who has been denied comforts.
For her part, Lizabeth Scott sizzles, like a combination of Bacall and Hayworth, though Trudy Stevens provides her singing voice.
Footsteps in the Dark (1941)
In Like Flynn
This is a pleasant comedy-crime story. It is always fun to see Errol Flynn's smiling face. Here he plays the part of a financial advisor who moonlights as a crime novel writer, while shadowing the local police to get story ideas. Frances "Frank" Warren (his real name) has kept his writing profession from his wife (Brenda Marshall) and her mother, but one night a friend of his wife sees him cavorting in a club with a local stripper and phones the wife to tell her.
Frank, who is trying to solve the murder of a man he had just met, has to deal with his wife's suspicions, the inept local police (Alan Hale and William Frawley), and the characters he is investigating. Warner Brothers apparently thought this film would be the first installment in a series, but it never became that popular. It might not be another "Thin Man", but "Footsteps in the Dark" is a good setup for sequels, with most of the supporting cast being assets.
The Anonymous (2024)
Blind Man's Bluff
This game show has elements of reality play that other social games have, like "Survivor" or "Big Brother". The contestants live in a communal building called the "Square House". They spend much of their living time in the "Round House", a large ring with a central open space, where eliminations occur. And they spend some of their time in underground bunkers called "Hideouts", where they communicate anonymously via text-like messages.
Overseeing the process is a host alleged to be A. I. The competition includes two types of games: some that contribute to the overall prize pot (which is $100,000 maximum) and some that determine who is the "Anonymous". While they are in their hideouts, their identities are unknown; they use screen names. And we all know that people who communicate anonymously online often behave differently than in real life.
The idea is to form bonds, but to strategically use your anonymous communications to confuse the other players. Periodically, they players take a test where they guess the identities that the other screen names belong to. You become the "Anonymous" if your identity is the least identified. And you get to choose which player is eliminated from the game.
This is a game of deception. And it is a mind game. Good players have analytical skills, but also know how to use their gut feelings. Among the contestants in the first season are a board game champion, a professional poker player, a lobbyist, and some with ties to other reality shows.
This game will appeal most to viewers who like reality game shows or games of deception, like "The Mole".
'Twas the Date Before Christmas (2024)
Let The Games Begin
Hallmark kicked off its "Countdown to Christmas" with this holiday romance. Jessie (Amy Groening) "meets" Bryan (Robert Buckley) on a dating application and asks him to accompany her home for Christmas. He accepts, and the family is led to believe Bryan is her boyfriend, but they are merely on an extended blind date.
It doesn't take an Einstein to deduce where the story is going, but there is the usual complication, which involves a real estate deal. But most of the story is heartwarming. Jessie's family accepts Bryan, and he participates in their "family Christmas Olympics". The games provide a format for the "date" which feels real and looks like fun.
This was a good way to start Hallmark's season-long holiday fest.
Anyone But You (2023)
Love Down Under
The meet-cute in this rom-com takes place in a coffee shop. Ben (Glen Powell) plays the chivalric knight who helps the damsel in distress, Bea (Sydney Sweeney). The early scenes struck me as inauthentic, meaning that the dialogue and the actions of the characters did not feel what they would actually say or do.
However, things get authentic very quickly. And the story arc felt very Hallmarkian, which is not necessarily bad; it just depends upon one's preferences. Actually, the story line is literally Shakespearian, being an adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing." Does that mean that some Hallmark romances have stories that mirror Shakespearian themes?
One of the best scenes is when Sydney, traveling by plane, puts herself in a compromising position (quite literally). Be sure to watch the final credits, which are also very entertaining.
Powell and Sweeney are quite attractive. And they work well together. They don't just meet cute, they be cute.
New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization (2021)
An Inventive Adventure
An eclectic mix of word and song that accentuates the Great American Songbook, but diverges widely with side trips to Scotland and France, for example. The program is whimsical, like Bill Murray: moving, then comedic, sonorous and silly, like a personal postcard from Greece, where Murray and his conspirators speak to all who will listen.
Call it a documentary or a concert. It is both. And those who might appreciate an evening of art that is both comfortable and elevating, should check it out.
Murray's associates are Jan Vogler, Mira Wang, and Vanessa Perez. Together they make beautiful and memorable music.
The Age of Innocence (1934)
Captures The Times
Irene Dunne and John Boles star in this adaptation of the Edith Wharton novel. A flashback takes the viewer back to the age of Victorian morals, when propriety and social order were the prime values of society.
Newland Archer (Boles) is engaged, but finds himself helplessly attracted to Ellen (Dunne), the cousin of his fiancée, May (Julie Haydon). The upper crust of polite society are constrained by even the appearances of impropriety, so he cannot act upon his feelings. But he must. More than the others in his circle, he dares think beyond what is expected of him. In this sense, the story is about the individual versus society.
But it is also about the agency of women. Ellen chastises herself continuously for even having her inappropriate feelings. Society, in the guise of protection, binds women to strictures. Newland asks if they must "bury" a woman just to protect her virtue.
Boles and Dunne are good in their roles. The surrounding cast is equally strong. Julie Haydon stands out; her portrayal of May is luminous and vulnerable: just the way it must be to create conflict within Newland and Ellen.
The emotions in the film are restrained in accordance with the story. But the viewer can still feel the passions that are expressed in small gestures and cloaked phrases.
Something Borrowed (2011)
Does Love Always Win Out?
Rachel and Darcy (Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson) have been best friends for most of their lives despite having such disparate personalities. Rachel is thoughtful and demure, while Darcy is an impulsive party girl. Complications ensue when Rachel admits she used to have a crush on Dex (Colin Egglesfield), Darcy's fiancé. Flashbacks show how Rachel and Dex first met, and how Rachel denied her feelings.
As the story progresses, various characters are confronted with difficult situations. Morality is debated. Eventually, the conflict between duty and love defines the quandary that some characters face. And it looks like there can be no escape from impending disaster.
But this is a rom-com, in part. When the story finally resolves, viewers may have various opinions regarding the morality of the ending.
The acting, however, is good. Watch for Ashley Williams, who plays the part of Claire, a young woman who is determined to win the heart of Ethan (John Krasinski), who will have none of it.
Our Relations (1936)
Double The Fun
Good writing is largely responsible for the entertainment provided by this story of mistaken identities. Stan and Oliver both have identical twins in this excellent comedy film. One set of twins is married, and the other two are sailors aboard the S. S. Periwinkle, which happens to dock where the first two live. The brothers are unaware of the coincidence, so when locals confuse their identities, they are clueless to what is happening.
It's a clever plot, and it stands up well in this film that is a step above most of the Laurel & Hardy films in terms of length and production values. Viewers can see how well the duo could support more traditional and full-length formats. Fortunately, they are surrounded by a first-class cast, also.
Personally, I enjoy the musical numbers that Stan and Ollie perform in their films, so this film could been a little better with the addition of song and dance by the witty wags.
Carriers (2009)
Humanity On The Line
This film starts in the middle of a drama: the world has been ravaged by a pandemic, few people are left alive, and a foursome is traveling by car to the coast. On their way, they are mindful of scarce resources---like gasoline---and wary of any contact with other survivors, who may be infected.
Chris Pine and Piper Perabo portray one couple, Brian and Bobby. They are in love, but their relationship is straining under the pressures of daily existence. Lou Taylor Pucci and Emily VanCamp are the other couple, Danny and Kate, whose bond is less defined and more uncertain.
When the rules of society break down, you make your own rules. Clearly, survival is a brutal and unforgiving task in the new order. When they meet people on their journey, the results are tragic and existential. We see transformations in their characters, forged by nearly-impossible decisions that must be made.
We also learn about the relationship between Brian and Danny, who are brothers. Among their fondest memories are the family vacations spent at the beach every summer. We come to see that the journey to the coast is an unconscious attempt to return to an old order, childhood memories, and a way of life long gone.
There is no moral to this story. It is an accounting. But there is tension. The viewer wonders if any of them will make it and, if they do, will they be the same persons they were. Other post-apocalyptic films have given the protagonists an antagonist to battle; here the battle is within.
Last Christmas (2019)
Yule Gibbons And A Comical Creche
The insanely talented Emma Thompson co-wrote this script about a young woman in London whose life is off track. Kate (Emilia Clarke) doesn't get along with her family, she makes poor personal choices, and she has no healthy relationships. Events in her life seem to happen randomly, including a chance meeting with a mysterious man named Tom (Henry Golding), who gently steers her toward a different view of life.
The film's soundtrack is primarily by George Michael and his group Wham! It's a clever conceit. Besides, they are wonderful tunes.
As a result of this film, I am now a fan of Emilia Clarke (she of the autonomous eyebrows), who perfectly captures the whimsical nature of her character, and is so expressive in the film's tender moments.
The film's writing is excellent: it features wonderful dialogue and an imaginative story arc.
This is a film about...
Disownment, atonement and moments of joy.
Feelings and healings, a girl and a boy.
It is one of the better holiday films, but it is also suitable year 'round.
I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007)
You Go, Mother Nature. No Really, Go!
I don't mean to heckle Heckerling, but it seems like the director is trying to capture the magic of "Clueless" with this film, but falls short. The wonderful Michelle Pfeiffer is the protagonist here, playing the part of Rosie, a single mother to a precocious child, as they both try to fit in socially. Saoirse Ronan plays daughter Izzie, speaking a dialogue that is a little too cute. And the scenes are backed by a jukebox that constantly plays songs having little relevance.
Paul Rudd plays Adam, the younger man Rosie can't resist. And he deserves a lot of credit for his portrayal. His dancing scene is the highlight of the film.
On the other hand, Mother Nature (yes, that Mother Nature) keeps popping up like a member of the Greek chorus that just won't leave the stage. Tracey Ullman plays the sarcastic goddess adeptly, but the role adds nothing to the story.
Due to its shortcomings, this film cannot "fetch" anything higher than a "6".
America Says (2018)
Another Survey Show
Two teams of four compete against each other in this gameshow with similarities to "Family Feud" and others. A team has to guess the top seven responses that a group gave to a prompt, like "When I think of my childhood, I think of _____". The difference from other shows is that the contestants are given the first letters to the answers. Also, the length of the blank following the letters indicates the length of the answer, and the size of the font indicates how popular the answer is.
John Michael Higgins hosts the show. His generous spirit and upbeat personality create a positive vibe. He is also intelligent and witty, adding humor.
Because of the clues the contestants get, it might sound like the game is too easy, but players are always under time pressure, and as the clock winds down it becomes more difficult to provide correct answers. Also, the human brain makes it more difficult to come up with outlying answers. For example, if asked to "name things you see on construction sites", contestants might forget to name people, like "workers". And construction sites in New York City might differ greatly from construction sites in a small city. Also, high rise construction sites are very different from highway construction sites. Another example of cognitive "blindness" arises when an answer is based on a different meaning of a clue word, or a different interpretation of a clue word. For example, if asked to list the best gift you ever received, some common answers might be "a pet" or "a car" or "jewelry", but gifts can be nonmaterial, like "friendship" or "love".
The team that wins gets a shot at $15,000. They have to come up with ten answers (to four questions). Having to get all ten makes this the hardest task, by far.
This is an entertaining show and the game difficulty is just right; trying to guess the answers is not too difficult or too easy. And viewers of all ages can participate in the guessing.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
An Impressive Project, Mixed Results
I never saw the source material for this futuristic sci-fi story about a mecha-technician who finds the partial remains of a cyborg in a junk pile, and uses his skills to reboot and rehab her. Christoph Waltz plays Dr. Dyson Ido, the finder, and Rose Salazar plays the found cyborg he names Alita. It is2563, three hundred years after "The Fall", and they live on the remaining inhabited world, under the shadow--physically and metaphorically---of Zalem, a floating city.
Alita has no memories of her past, but she discovers she has physical abilities that save her and her friends when there is danger. The world she lives in will remind viewers of other sci-fi films. A familiar trope can be seen as pleasant homage or annoying copy, depending upon one's point of view.
But "Alita" includes plenty of CGI that is impressive. Rarely does an effect seem unpolished or incongruous. Alita herself is CGI, built on a performance capture of Rose Salazar's gestures and facial movements. It is impressive, and it integrates well into non-CGI spaces and next to non-CGI actors. Still, I must admit I was never totally immersed in the action because of Alita's CGI essence.
As for story, the running time is packed with it, allowing less time for character development. That may be why I feel that the film lacks the charm of, say, "Firefly".
The ending is an abrupt cliffhanger, which gives little satisfaction, especially since a sequel will probably never resolve the cognitive dissonance of the final scene. Alita must stand on the threshold of a story that will never be told, and we must live with that choice.
Oklahoma! (1955)
A Musical Classic
This film is successful in various ways. First, it is very effective in opening up the stage musical, which is critical in a film where most of the action is outdoors. Secondly, it includes the wonderful dance of Agnes de Mille, who successfully integrated dance into the overall story. Thirdly, it brought the talented Shirley Jones to the big screen.
The best aspect of "Oklahoma!" is the singing of Jones and Gordon MacRae. Their performances are stellar, elevating the two leads to iconic status, and bringing life to the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. And what music it is! Every song (except maybe one) is hummable and delightful.
The one exception is "Pore Jud is Daid". Like many musicals, this one has its dark aspect: the presence of a character, Jud (Rod Steiger), who can be considered a villain. Though Jud adds dramatic import, one can contend that the narrative focuses too much and too long on his story.
I would also second guess the casting of Gloria Grahame as Ado Annie. However, the other roles are wonderfully acted. Gene Nelson deserves special attention for his multi-faceted performance. But it is Jones and MacRae who lift this performance on their shoulders and place it among the best musicals of all time.