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A celebration in 28 parts of 50 years of film musicals

'I had to write a song about oats and horses. The name of the film was Purple Sage in the Twilight, so I wrote a song called "Purple Sage in the Twilight". Tremendous hit. Sold a million.' (Jule Styne)

Douglas Fairbanks Jr examines some of the odd and unexpected ways in which songs in musical films became hits.
Also taking part: Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin, Joshua Logan, Johnny Mercer, James Stewart, Mel Torme.

Contributors

Presenter:
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Interviewee:
Harold Arlen
Interviewee:
Sammy Cahn
Interviewee:
Saul Chaplin
Interviewee:
Joshua Logan
Interviewee:
Johnny Mercer
Interviewee:
James Stewart
Interviewee:
Mel Torme
Producer:
Mel House
Producer:
John Billingham

BBC Radio 2

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About this data

This data is drawn from the Radio Times magazine between 1923 and 2009. It shows what was scheduled to be broadcast, meaning it was subject to change and may not be accurate. More