Carmen Jones (1954)

Contemporary version of the Bizet opera, with new lyrics and an African-American cast.

Director:

Otto Preminger

Writers:

Oscar Hammerstein II (book) (as Oscar Hammerstein 2nd), Harry Kleiner (screenplay)

Stars:

Harry Belafonte, Dorothy Dandridge, Pearl Bailey

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Harry Belafonte	...	Joe
Dorothy Dandridge	...	Carmen Jones
Pearl Bailey	...	Frankie
Olga James	...	Cindy Lou
Joe Adams	...	Husky Miller
Brock Peters	...	Sergeant Brown (as Broc Peters)
Roy Glenn	...	Rum Daniels
Nick Stewart	...	Dink Franklin
Diahann Carroll	...	Myrt
LeVern Hutcherson	...	Joe (voice) (as Le Vern Hutcherson)
Marilyn Horne	...	Carmen Jones (voice) (as Marilynn Horne)
Marvin Hayes	...	Husky Miller (voice)

Storyline

At an all-black army camp, civilian parachute maker and "hot bundle" Carmen Jones is desired by many of the men. Naturally, she wants Joe, who's engaged to sweet Cindy Lou and about to go into pilot training for the Korean War. Going after him, she succeeds only in getting him into the stockade. While she awaits his release, trouble approaches for both of them. Songs from the Bizet opera with modernized lyrics.

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Plot Keywords:

strong female character | african american | desertion | boxer | two word title | 

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Genres:

Drama | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 October 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Oscar Hammerstein's Carmen Jones

Filming Locations:

Southern Pacific railroad crossing at 8746 E Los Angeles Avenue, aka California Highway 118, Moorpark, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$750,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Otto Preminger Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording) (magnetic prints) Mono (optical prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Diahann Carroll,

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Goofs

The story takes place circa 1944, but all of the women's fashions and hairstyles are strictly 1954; when Carmen & Frankie are talking outside the Chicago Pawn Shop, 1950s era automobiles passing by can clearly be seen reflected in the showcase window.

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Quotes

Joe: Thanks, but I don't drink.
Carmen Jones: Boy, if the army was made up of nothin' but soldiers like you, war wouldn't do nobody no good.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits and end title are set around a flaming rose.

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Connections

Version of Carmen (1918)

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Soundtracks

STAN' UP AN' FIGHT
(uncredited)
Music by Georges Bizet
Lyrics Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on "Toreador Song"
Performed by Joe Adams (dubbed by Marvin Hayes); reprised by chorus in fight scene

User Reviews

They Don't Make 'Em Like They Use'ta

In school I heard of Natalie Wood but not Dorothy Dandrige. I heard of James Dean, but not really Sidney Portier. So how nice it is to see such a film on my own to know that it existed and is as worthy of favorable acclaim as the rest.

I saw this on A&E and was blown away! I am so disappointed to not see films of this caliber nor actors getting work to really challenge their skills like these actors did. This all star cast was superb and intense. They sweat, they cried, they had veins sticking out of their heads literally...so into their roles. The opera singing is something I don't think will be seen in black cinema today. If so, it'll probably be ostracized. "Carmen Jones" represents the missing link in black films today, the true element of quality, character and story.

I MUST buy this and have it for other to see, even if it is 15 years later!

Lil