Guys and Dolls

Starring: Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine
Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Musical
Box Office: $-
1955

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:To try and collect desperately needed money, gambler Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) bets fellow gambler Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) that he cannot convince Salvation Army missioner Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) to accompany him to Havanna for the night. As Sky and Sarah depart for Havanna, however, the scene turns from a simple bet into something more.

Review:

Tim: I am really not a big musical guy and I admit I was pretty skeptical going into this movie. I mean, a film that's based on a popular play, about gamblers who sing and dance? Come on, even the title, Guys and Dolls immediately turns me off to the film. However, I reluctantly gave it a try, and I have to admit, this is a very good movie.

Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra make a very good team, both giving amazing performances. However, it should be mentioned that while Sinatra is great, he can't hold a candle up to Brando. By the end of the film, we really don't care much about Sinatra's character at all- but Brando- we can't take our eyes off of him.

Most of the music in the play I could have done without. I did enjoy the song, "Luck be a Lady Tonight," and "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" is one of the greatest songs of all time (in my humble opinion). I simply love it.

Guys and Dolls is the perfect example of a stage musical that can flawlessly make the transition to the big screen. Although the movie is quite long and slow at times, it is entertaining enough to keep us interested. Brando is by far the brightest star in this film, and his character Sky Masterson is simply one of the coolest characters to ever grace the screen. Even if you don't think you'd enjoy it, I recommend a viewing of this film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Moulin Rouge, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Shall We Dance?, Singing in the Rain, The Score