Bells Are Ringing: Just in Time

This is a special feature that accompanies the film THE BELLS ARE RINGING. While I often skip the extras on DVDs, this one is well worth seeing, as you get some interesting insights into the film--in particular, you learn that Hal Linden WAS in the film, though you probably missed him the first time! In addition to Linden's narration, the film has a few interviews but unfortunately, so many of the particulars involved with the film are now dead (such as director Minelli, Judy Holliday, Dean Martin and many others). Frank Gorshin appears in one of the last things he did before his own recent death. A good and worth seeing supplement to the film, but it sure could have been longer and more detailed--it was just too little of a really good thing.

This short film was made by Turner Entertainment, about the making of the 1960 musical comedy romance, "Bells Are Ringing." Hal Linden emcees and narrates. It has some film clips and interviews, especially with the great writing team from the Broadway musical and the film. Betty Comden and Adolph Green tell us how some of their creative work came about.

Linden also highlighted Judy Holliday's wonderful stage and film career. She might have given us many more wonderful films but for her death at 43 from cancer. She was dying from cancer when the film was being made. Jean Stapleton and Frank Gorshin comment on the film and working with Holliday. She was known, respected and loved for her incredible generosity.

Linden notes that this was the last MGM musical for Vincent Minelli and Arthur Fried. Serious movie fans will enjoy this short for its history and information.