Ella Peterson is a Brooklyn telephone answering service operator who tries to improve the lives of her clients by passing along bits of information she hears from other clients. She falls ...
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Title: Bells Are Ringing (1960)
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Cast
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| Judy Holliday | ... | ||
| Dean Martin | ... | ||
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Larry Hastings
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Eddie Foy Jr. | ... |
J. Otto Prantz
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Sue
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Ruth Storey | ... |
Gwynne
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Inspector Barnes
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Blake Barton
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Francis
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Olga
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Bernard West | ... |
Dr. Joe Kitchell
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Steve Peck | ... |
Gangster
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Gerry Mulligan | ... |
Ella's Blind Date
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Ella Peterson is a Brooklyn telephone answering service operator who tries to improve the lives of her clients by passing along bits of information she hears from other clients. She falls in love with one of her clients, the playwright Jeffrey Moss, and is determined to meet him. The trouble is, on the phone to him, she always pretends to be an old woman whom he calls "Mom." Written by Will Gilbert
Plot Keywords:
answering service | playwright | marlon brando imitation | times square manhattan new york city | manhattan new york city |Taglines:
The screen is singing M.G.M. is bringing Broadway's Bell-Ringer of a Musical to the World!Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
22 December 1960 (West Germany) See more »Also Known As:
Esta rubia vale un millón See more »Box Office
Budget:
$2,203,123 (estimated)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
(Turner library print) (copyright length)Sound Mix:
4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System)Color:
Color (Metrocolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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(1956) (uncredited)
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Performed by Judy Holliday
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Sydney Chaplin won the 1957 Tony Award (New York City) for Supporting or Features Actor in a Musical for "Bells are Ringing" for his portrayal of Jeff Moss. See more »Goofs
After she talks on the phone to Jeffrey Moss, Ella stands up from the switchboard and walks around the room singing. When she returns the switchboard has changed place. See more »Quotes
Ella: I'm going back where I can be me, at the Bonjour Tristese Brassiere Company!See more »
Crazy Credits
Joan Staley in the credits as " Blonde in Susanswerphone Ad". See more »Soundtracks
I'm Going Back(1956) (uncredited)
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Performed by Judy Holliday
See more »
Since the play, "Laurette," was never realized, the movie version of "Bells are Ringing" serves as Judy Holliday's "final" performance.
It's to her credit that she comes off as well as she does. The film is extremely stagey, and looks contrived and bloated, despite a most competent cast and director.
Yet Holliday is buoyant, full of fun, and energetic--all hallmarks of her theatrical persona.
I've read Holliday's complete bio, and am amazed she was able to overcome the tremendous obstacles she endured, from her sad childhood and family relationship through the communist "witch hunt" period--which left her saddled with protest pickets that followed her around--to failed marriages, lack of employment, and care giving responsibilities for her child and parent. All the while working wherever she could and keep smiling.
In many respects her career is quite similar to that of Montgomery Clift. Both apparently gave their best work on the stage, night after night before live audiences, rather than on film. Had both stayed in the theatre, their respective careers and lives might have remained more stable and healthy--and be alive today.
"Bells are Ringing" is a final tribute to a great talent, an Oscar-winning actress and comedienne who graced the stage and screen with a radiant presence and winning demeanor. Fortunately, as long as her films are shown, Judy Holliday will live and be rediscovered by future generations.