"Oklahoma!" reviewed at MGM studios, Culver City, Ca, 16.08.1955 |
This article first appeared in |
| Written by: Hollywood Reporter, Published 10.10.1955 | Issue 42 - December 1995 |
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The all-time champ stage musical "Oklahoma!" is likewise
a motion picture blockbuster. Coupled with the new Todd-AO
process, a two-to-one gigantic screen dimension of Cinerama-like effect,
and a new terrific six-track sound system, the Dick Rodgers - Oscar
Hammerstein 2d classic piece of America will undoubtedly be a financial
mopup at roadshow prices and an entertainment treat for many years to come. The strenghts of the vehicle in this case actually overrides the process, since "Oklahoma!" unfortunately does not furnish the best audience - participation type of material for a showy Todd-AO debut. Also, the finished picture evidences in number of instances some photographic "bugs" inherent with any brand new camera and lens. But despite the blurriness of the photography in a few spots, and despite the fact that there are even fewer instances of the systems promised feeling of depth, this production is a milestone in what will unquestionably be a much used, and possibly much abused, film art form. The bug-eye lens, mammoth screen and incredibly superb sound presage a new era in picture making on huge canvasses. Not counting all the coin that went into developing Mike Todd's Todd-AO system, "Oklahoma!" cost around $ 6.000.000. With the financing of the system, the Magna Corp. has around $ 11.000.000 total in this initial film, but it now looks like a small investment in comparison to the likely huge return "Okla." will bring. |
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