New Faces

New Faces is a 1954 American musical comedy-drama directed by Harry Horner and John Beal. It serves as a film adaptation of the successful, critically acclaimed stage revue of the same name that had debuted on Broadway in 1952. The movie retains much of the charm of its Broadway predecessor, providing audiences with an entertaining balance of music, wit, humor, and a touch of drama. The cast features various stage performers who did the broadway show and had started making a name for themselves, including Ronny Graham, Eartha Kitt, and Robert Clary. The film also benefited from the creative input of the original stage production team.

Ronny Graham takes on the role of both lead performer and principal scriptwriter, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. He juggles different roles with impressive ease, equally at home delivering punchy lines or bursting into song. His charismatic presence on screen allows him to dominate his scenes, but he knows how to pull back to let his co-stars shine.

Eartha Kitt, a sensual, charismatic singer with a distinctive voice, brings her talent to the celluloid medium for one of the first times in this movie. New Faces provides her with several opportunities to perform sultry musical numbers, adding a dash of seductive charm to the comedy proceedings. Kitt draws the audience into her spell with her magnetic performances, embodying both the glamour and emotion of the music.

Robert Clary, who would later gain fame for his performance in the TV series "Hogan’s Heroes", shows off his comic chops and musical talents in this film. Demonstrating the full range of his skills, Clary shines as a performer capable of both pulling off a pratfall and nailing a song and dance sequence. His performance helps inject the movie with energy and hilarity.

The film is packed with sketches — some comical, some more serious. They are expertly woven together, creating a patchwork of parodies, social commentary, and outright humour that is a joy to watch. One of the central themes is a clever satire of theatrics, television, and movie tropes — a commentary that remains surprisingly fresh today.

While the musical numbers could have been traditional Broadway fare, they're anything but. They span a range of styles from jazz and exotic numbers to ballads and catchy ensemble pieces, showcasing the diverse musical talents of the cast. The soundtrack is as much a character in the film as any of the cast members. It keeps the pace perky and provides an exciting backdrop for the vignettes playing out on screen.

Director Harry Horner does an excellent job translating the stage production to screen. While many theatre adaptions can sometimes feel static or confined, New Faces feels vital and cinematic, in part due to Horner's deft touch. Behind the camera, Horner guides his actors through engaging performances and expertly frames the musical numbers to create a rhythmic visual experience to match the auditory. Co-director and film actor, John Beal, brought his knowledge of the screen, creating a synergy between the two directors that made New Faces a success.

New Faces is not only an entertaining musical comedy-drama but also a fascinating historical piece, providing a snapshot into the popular culture of the mid-1950s and showcasing the early work of actors who would later become household names. Offering an enjoyable blend of music, comedy, and theater, this movie is bound to captivate anyone who appreciates classic cinema, performing arts, or just a well-told collection of theatrical vignettes.

In essence, New Faces serves as a vibrant, funny, and somewhat nostalgic journey into the era's stage revue, capturing all its energy and style whilst also highlighting sensational performances from its exciting ensemble cast.