Carousel

Carousel is a beautiful movie of thrilling music, swirling skirts, and colorful settings. But in the midst of all the beauty, not to mention the bigger, better Cinemescope and stereophonic sound, much of the intimacy of a personal drama is lost.

Although the panoramic scope of the camera lacks the intimacy and intensity of the stage production, the acting and singing still convey the tenderness and the bitterness of the story. Heading the cast are Gordon MacRae, whose voice has never been stronger, and Shirley Jones, whose charm is matched only by her singing. In support of the two who play Billy and Julie are Cameron Mitchell as an adequately evil but beguiling schemer, and the Metropolitan's Robert Rounseville as Mr. Snow. And when Julie's aunt Nettie, Claramae Turner, sang "You'll Never Walk Alone," the audience had a good collective cry. With the help of such effective portrayals, the story of sweet Carrie's marriage to a carnival barker is still moving.

The cast and the Rodgers and Hammerstein score overcome the frequently distracting photography, the travelogue scenery, and some distractingly phony sets, to carry the plot forward. The photography can be helpful in the large scenes like the clambake or in the choreography numbers. But when MacRae sings the Soliloquy he is lost, if not drowned, in the midst of miles of surf, sand, and rock formations.

Although cinemascope is more hinderance than help and the transfer from stage to screen is still awkward, Carousel remains a touching and beautiful story.