Producers' Showcase (TV Series) Our Town (1955) User Reviews

Sinatra, Newman, E.M. Saint, Riddle, Van Heusen/Cahn

[lorenzotedesco · 10/10 · 28 April 2006]

Who could ask for anything more? OK I haven't seen this version of Thorton Wilder's "Our Town" in over a decade. And I was only 4 years old when it first aired. So much of this production is wrong. Yes, wrong. I've read that Wilder didn't like this version. It certainly was not in keeping with his (Wilder's) view of this production and its values which were anything but sentimental.

Sinatra as the prototypical New Englander? Paul Newman singing? A musical of this largely misunderstood though often produced play? It borders on "Springtime for Hitler" lunacy.

But wait a minute. How many chances do you get to watch Sinatra in his prime singing "Our Town", "The Impatient Years", and "Love and Marriage"? The latter two are still associated with him while the first song is largely forgotten. Sinatra's singing anything in 1954/5 is worth the price of admission. What can you say about Van Heusen, Cahn, and Riddle? They knew how to write for Sinatra. And where can you hear/see Paul Newman sing? I have seen this telecast two or three times at the Museum of Broadcasting in Manhattan. What a treasure. Why don't they make TV shows like this any more? They had higher aspirations for TV in 1954 and today's viewers are paying the price every evening as they click through the guide to see what's on.

I think Wilder purists would disagree, but I think the added songs did occasionally help this one.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 19 February 2024]

This television version of Thornton Wilder's classic play "Our Town" is unusual in that it added songs to the play...something some purists will no doubt dislike. However, some of the songs were quite good...and having Frank Sinatra in the cast and singing many of these songs sure didn't hurt!

Now I want to talk about Sinatra. He's generally very good (though occasionally he spoke a bit quickly)...but I couldn't believe that the producers didn't get the sound better. Often, his lovely singing was overshadowed by music that was overly loud. It was much worse when it came to his narration...as I had to struggle to hear him atop that music.

As for the rest, they are very good. Now, although still young, you'd expect Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint to be exceptional...and they are. Most of the supporting actors are also really good, though a few of them should NOT have done any singing....though believe it or not, Saint and Newman were just fine in their number together.

Overall, despite the singing, the producers tried to keep it "Our Town"....and this included sets that looked like Broadway sets. And, as a result, the story is still pretty timeless and enjoyable.