We don’t often recommend movies as part of Cultural Attaché, but this is a rare exception and a rare opportunity. Mitzi Gaynor, who beat out many a leading lady when she was cast as Nellie Forbush in director Joshua Logan’s adaptation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical South Pacific. Now as part of celebrating the film’s 60th anniversary, there will be a one-night only screening of the film. Before it unspools, Ms. Gaynor, who is now 86, will do both a rare public appearance and a Q&A session about her experiences making this classic film. The event, presented by TCM, takes place at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Tuesday night only.
Recently we’ve spoken to Billy Porter, George Takei and author Todd S. Purdum about the continued significance of this musical. It’s powerful anti-racism message is sadly all-too-topical today. But there’s also the pure joy of such songs as “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,” “There is Nothing Like a Dame” and the romantic classic “Some Enchanted Evening.”
