▪▪GILBERT,
SULLIVAN and FORD
TEF ENTERPRISES, LP Proudly Presents
the Original Ford Show Productions of Gilbert and Sullivan's
Classic Operettas...
In 1959, at the height of the Ford Show's popularity -and ratings- Ernie Ford
stunned the world of network television and classical opera when he announced
his plans to produce and broadcast a condensed version of Gilbert and Sullivan's
revered operetta, "The Mikado". Little did it matter that Ernie's training at
the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory was in
classical voice and opera, and
included a Conservatory performance as Koko -most thought it absurd folly at best.
Gilbert and Sullivan devotees -The Savoyards- thought it came close to
sacrilege. Many predicted a complete failure, and possibly the beginning of the
end of The Ford Show.
The New York Times review pretty much set
that
record straight.
Dateline - New York Times ~ April 17, 1959:
"Tennessee Ernie Ford came up last night with a charming little sleeper; a
thirty-minute version of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta "The
Mikado". The result was a delightful sampling of G&S, presented with
professional taste and style worthy of a major production. The Top Twenty,
regular singing group on Mr. Ford's program, showed themselves to be much more
versatile than might be expected. The costumes and sets can only be described as
absolutely beguiling. The only complaint about last night's 'Mikado' was
that it didn't last twice as long. Mr. Ford certainly fooled those who might
tend to think of him only as a Peapicker."
When Ernie and
the Ford Show cast repeated their operetta success the following year with
Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore", the reaction was equally brilliant.
Daily Variety raved..."Ernie
Ford's version of H.M.S. Pinafore was deliciously irreverent. Spiced with
Ernie's patented narrative, it was Gilbert & Sullivan by way of
Tennessee....A gem of a narrative-and a vital approach to the overall stylized
treatment. Credit writers Howard Leeds and Norman Paul for an outstanding job,
and a tip of the old straw hat to Ernie Ford for putting it across."
Now, TEF
Enterprises takes great pride in presenting both classic Ford Show productions
of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" and "H.M.S. Pinafore"
on one Collector's Edition DVD. Completely restored with fully digitized audio
tracks, interactive menu features and complete cast, crew and musical score
credits, this Premiere DVD brings these memorable shows back to life again!
Click here to add this great chapter of The Ford Show Classics on DVD to your library today!
àTEF
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