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

Features Dorothy Dandridge's only Oscar nominated performance.

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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 (1914)

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Soundtracks

CARMEN JONES IS GOIN' TO JAIL
(uncredited)
Music by Georges Bizet
Lyrics Oscar Hammerstein II
Sung by chorus

User Reviews

A powerful display of Dandrige's appeal...

Dorothy Dandrige's roles went beyond that of sex symbol to being a parody of female sexuality… Carmen Jones is a powerful display of her appeal…

Based on Bizet's operatic masterpiece, Otto Preminger's film is the story of a GI about to go to flying school (Harry Belafonte), a noble young man who loves the cigarette-maker Carmen very dearly…

Filled with passionate songs and a first-rate supporting cast, the movie is filled with exciting musical numbers that are necessary to the film… But as impeccable and skillful the supporting cast is, this is Dandrige's magnetic star of enduring international appeal… Her Carmen is a flame of fire, isolating in a few moments the essence of her attraction… Her enigma sustained throughout a career notable for its startling changes of tempo and direction…Her shapely figure, blazing eyes, with the air of the unexpected add up a touch of melancholy to even the most routine sequences… Her performance was a parable of love and its power to destroy if misused…