Remembering Ralph Blane.
Composer and Lyricist Ralph Blane died Monday at the age of 81 at his home in Oklahoma. He is best known for his work with Hugh Martin. Together they wrote songs for Broadway and Hollywood. They are best known for songs in the MGM classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis." That starred Judy Garland and featured the songs "The Trolley Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Boy Next Door." (Originally aired 10/31/89)
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Other segments from the episode on November 17, 1995
Author Philip Roth.
Writer Philip Roth. best known for his books, Goodbye, Columbus, and Portnoy's Complaint, has won this year's National Book Award for fiction for his new novel Sabbath's Theater. Roth has been criticized in the past for his treatment of Jewish themes. Some readers think his satirical take in his writing is anti-Semitic. His book Portnoy's Complaint, (1969) a sexual autobiography of a young lawyer, was labeled obscene by some because of its descriptions of masturbation and sexual conquest.
Beatles Doc is Worthy if not Authoritative.
TV Critic David Bianculli previews next week's Beatles documentary. The six hour series features new music by the Beatles. The recordings use archive tape of John Lennon.
Film and Television's Garry Marshall.
TV producer, writer, director and actor Garry Marshall. He's considered a "One man Who's Who" of Television. He's written for The Lucy Show, The Danny Thomas Show, The Tonight Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Jack Parr Show, and Love American Style. He created 14 prime time sitcoms including Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, The Odd Couple. During one week in 1979, Marshall boasted four of the top five rated TV shows. As a film maker, Marshall directed Beaches, Overboard, Nothing in Common, The Flamingo Kid, Frankie and Johnny and Pretty Woman.
A Liberal Fantasy.
Film Critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie "The American President." It was produced and directed by Rob Reiner and stars Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. Also featured are Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfuss and Michael J. Fox.
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Songwriting Team Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine's Unconventional Arrangement.
Songwriters Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. They wrote the songs for the 1944 Judy Garland film classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis," including "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." A musical based on the film is opening on Broadway this week.
How Vincente Minnelli Shaped Movie Musicals.
Stephen Harvey, associate curator in the Department of Film of The Museum of Modern Art. The museum is currently showing a retrospective of the films of director Vincente Minnelli, including "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "An American in Paris." Harvey has written the companion book to the retrospective.
The Story Behind 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'
Songwriter Hugh Martin co-wrote the Christmas tune that Judy Garland made famous in the 1944 classic Meet Me in St. Louis. Martin, who recently released a memoir, explains how he came up with his famous lyrics.