Bells Are Ringing

Bells Are Ringing is a charming musical-comedy film that premiered in 1960, featuring the iconic Judy Holliday in her final film role alongside Dean Martin and Fred Clark. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, a master of the motion picture musical, and written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Bells Are Ringing has the heart and vivacity that defines classic Hollywood musicals. This film is an adaptation of a popular Broadway stage play that had Judy Holliday reprising her Tony Award-winning role.

The storyline is timeless and revolves around Ella Peterson and Jeffrey Moss. Holliday portrays Ella, an endearing telephone answering service operator who cannot help but meddle in the affairs of her clients. Working for her cousin Sue’s company, Susanswerphone, Ella enjoys adopting different personas to help fix the scenarios she overhears on the other end of the line. She embodies various characters, including a venerable old lady, a young boy, or a glamorous bombshell, depending on the need of the hour. Gifted with an intuitive heart, she lends just the right measure of advice, assistance, or excuse-making to her diverse clientele.

Among these clients is the charismatic playwright, Jeffrey Moss, portrayed by Dean Martin. A once-successful writer, Jeffrey is suffering from a creative drought, until he starts receiving thoughtful and encouraging notes from an anonymous fan he assumes is an old lady. Unbeknownst to him, it is Ella – adopting yet another persona – who’s been giving him the inspirational boost he needs to overcome his writer's block. This narrative thread presents moments filled with delightful humor, enhanced by Martin's well-known charm.

The overarching plot begins to thicken as Ella falls for the enchanting voice and tragic plight of Jeffrey, whom she's never met in person. Her meddlesome tendencies take a romantic turn as she ventures out of the confines of her job description, transforming the story into a light-hearted romantic escapade. Meanwhile, Martin's character appreciates the mysterious support, finding himself drawn to this protagonist he doesn't realize he already knows.

In addition to Dean Martin and Judy Holliday, Bells Are Ringing also features Fred Clark, Jean Stapleton, and Eddie Foy Jr. in supporting roles, all of whom deliver remarkable performances. The movie features Fred Clark as Larry Hastings, a film director who is one of Susanswerphone's clients, while Jean Stapleton plays Ella’s cousin and coworker, Sue, who remains blissfully unaware of Ella's extracurricular activities.

The magic of the movie is truly set into motion by the film's catchy and well-designed musical numbers that include popular songs like "Just in Time" and "The Party’s Over." André Previn composed the film's memorable score, magnifying the wistful fantasy of Hollywood with the gritty charm of New York City. The choreography is lively and made more enchanting by the expressive performances of Holliday and Martin. The film’s production design contributes to this visual language, with the telephone service office serving as a vital backdrop steaming with urban liveliness. Among the movie’s various nominations and recognition, it bagged an Academy Award nomination for its musical score.

Despite touching on themes of phone privacy and voyeurism, the film remains light-hearted and humorously treats Ella's interventions. It provides a then-contemporary view of the burgeoning telecommunications industry, painted with a light, comedic brush. It showcases the changing cityscape of New York in the late 50s and early 60s, making it a visual treat for those interested in mid-20th Century America.

With its earnest performances, endearing storyline, and memorable music, Bells Are Ringing is a feel-good movie that speaks volumes about the era it represents. It offers a nostalgic feel for a bygone era, but its themes of love, ambition, and personal transformation remain timeless and universal. This film is a joy for fans of Hollywood's Golden Age and guarantees a deeply satisfying, light-hearted viewing experience.