Gypsy

Although I didn't see the Ethel Merman version (wasn't born at the time!), I do have the soundtrack and prefer Roz' version. Ethel Merman warbles and maybe onstage that's just fine and dandy. But in a movie or on a record? I'm sorry. I can't take it. Maybe it would have been "fair play" for the producers to allow her to take the role to film but from what I've read, she could be difficult. Having produced plays that cost nowhere near what a major motion picture would cost, I have been driven almost to the point of homicide by difficult actors and actresses. And although you'd rather have the best actor for the part, sometimes it's better to settle for second best and leave the headache where you found it. Rosalind Russell had a reputation for being easy to work with and very professional. I'd take that any day!