starstruck

Naturally, the casting of Caucasian actors in Asian roles (see also "The Good Earth," "Dragon Seed," Charlie Chan, Mr. Moto, etc.) is a thing of the past. Casting Edward G. Robinson as a Chinese hit man is equivalent to doing a revival of "Flower Drum Song" with Hugh Jackman and Britney Spears. However, the plot of "The Hatchet Man" is well-thought out and surprisingly respectful of Chinese culture in America. Okay, they're killing each other, but is that any worse than, say, "The Godfather" series as relates to Italian-American culture? At least that don't have the Chinese characters saying things like, "Oh, me velly solly." Plus, the ending (which I won't spoil) is absolutely right and decidedly welcome.

I remember nothing about this show, which was on when I was seven years old, but for some reason, the theme song stays with me to this day: "King Kong/You know the name of...King Kong/You know the fame of...King Kong/Ten times as big as a man!" I can't remember my niece's birthday, but I remember that stupid song. Why?

And the debate goes on -- Judy vs. Betty. While I'll admit that Betty's bombast is generally appropriate for the brassy nature of her character, I was ready to smack her about the eighth time she popped her eyes. Still, you could believe she was Annie Oakley (as least the show's version of Annie), whereas if Judy had played the part, even at the height of her powers, it would have come across as a Judy Garland vehicle. You would always be watching "Judy", not "Annie". That being said, I kept thinking as I watched it, "Judy could have done this number better" ("They Say It's Wonderful", "I Got the Sun in the Morning") or "This is definitely a Betty number" ("Anything You Can Do", "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun"). Overall, I'd say Betty did a more-than-creditable job. As for Howard Keel, I never care for him unless he has a mustache.

One final comment -- with all the Judy/Betty comments, did no one think to comment on the positively Neanderthal treatment of Native Americans in this movie? No wonder the libretto had to be re-written for the Broadway revival!