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Paul Hubschmid, Bagdad, 1948. The sinegr was liucky to be replaced in this Universal programmer dross. The Swiss-German Hubschmid (billed as Paulo Christian) was not so fortunate. And quickly returned to Berlin – for the rest of his 106 screen roles…. from Funeral in Berlin to (wait for it…) I Am Looking For A Man.
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Howard Keel, Show Boat, 1950. MGM had been trying to mount the filmusical since the mid-40s and used the 1946 Jerome Kern biopic, Till the Clouds Roll By, as a Show Boat test. Among Kern’s Broadway hits in the film, Lena Horne appeared as as Julie Laverne in one number, Kathryn Grayson and Martin were Magnolia and Gaylord in another. Grayson, alone, won the film.
- Marlon Brando, Guys and Dolls, 1955. Tony’s very name must have pompted producer Samuel Goldwyn’s ridiculous suggestion ofstarring the other singing Martin – Dino-and his partner, Jerry Lewis! Brando got $200,000 and a new Ford Thunderbird. And posters pontificating: Brando Sings!
- Frankie Avalon,Guns of the Timberland, 1959. During the casting days, Alan Ladd – the star and the producer – mused over Martin, Van Heflin, Edmond O’Brien and his daughter Alana Ladd. Alana, only, appeared in the film. (The second of her four films with Daddy).
Birth year: 1913Death year: 2012Other name: Casting Calls: 4