Calypso Joe
| Calypso Joe | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Edward Dein |
| Screenplay by | Edward Dein Mildred Dein |
| Produced by | William F. Broidy |
| Starring | Herb Jeffries Angie Dickinson Ed Kemmer Stephen Bekassy Laurie Mitchell Claudia Drake |
| Cinematography | Stuart Thompson |
| Edited by | Thor L. Brooks |
| Music by | Richard Hazard |
Production company | William F. Broidy Productions |
| Distributed by | Allied Artists Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 76 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Calypso Joe is a 1957 American musical film directed by Edward Dein and written by Edward Dein and Mildred Dein. The film stars Herb Jeffries, Angie Dickinson, Ed Kemmer, Stephen Bekassy, Laurie Mitchell, and Claudia Drake. The film was released on June 9, 1957, by Allied Artists Pictures.[1][2][3]
Plot
The story is about a woman named Julie, an airline hostess. She has decided to marry a South American millionaire named Rico Vargas, despite the efforts of her former boyfriend Lee Darling, a television star, to win her back. Rico's sister, Astra, tries to make a move on Lee, who responds only to make Julie jealous. Just as the plane carrying Julie and all the credited musicians and bands is about to take off, Calypso Joe smuggles Lee on board so he can have a chance to change Julie's mind.
Cast
- Herb Jeffries as Calypso Joe
- Angie Dickinson as Julie
- Ed Kemmer as Lee Darling
- Stephen Bekassy as Rico Vargas
- Laurie Mitchell as Leah
- Claudia Drake as Astra Vargas
- Murray Alper as Transfer Man
- Linda Terrace as Lady T
- Charles Keane as Pilot
- Genie Stone as Television Actress
- Robert Sherman as Co-Pilot
- Lord Flea as himself
- Duke of Iron (Cecil Anderson) as himself
Production
Filming started 18 March 1957. It was part of a short-lived "calypso wave" of films with a calypso theme that sought to replicate the success of Rock Around the Clock (1956) only with calypso music. Others included Calypso Heat Wave and Bop Girl Goes Calypso.[4][5] The film was shot at KTTV Studios.[6]
Bill Matons, a singer who performed under the name "Calypso Joe", tried to stop Allied Artists using the title Calypso Joe.[7][8]
Release
Calypso Joe was rushed into release to be the first calypso film.[5] The film was released on a double bill with Hot Rod Rumble.[4]
The film was given a "B" rating by the Legion of Decency "for suggestive costuming."[9]
Reception
Variety wrote "With upwards of a dozen tunes and/or production numbers, Calypso Joe should please those who like their calypso. Film abounds in exploitation value."[4]
The film was not a box office success. Neither was Calypso Heat Wave or Bop Girl Calypso.[10]
References
- ^ "Calypso Joe (1957) - Overview". Turner Classic Movies. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
- ^ Hal Erickson. "Calypso Joe (1957) - Edward Dein". AllMovie. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
- ^ "Calypso Joe". Catalog.afi.com. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Calypso Joe". Variety. May 15, 1957. p. 7.
- ^ a b "Race for market with calypso films". Variety. May 1957. p. 3.
- ^ "New York Soundtrack". Variety. April 3, 1957. p. 7.
- ^ "Calypso Joe warns AA on use of title". Variety. April 3, 1957. p. 11.
- ^ "Calypso Joe sues AA". Variety. June 12, 1957. p. 4.
- ^ "Hollywood's Gone Far from cowboys that only kissed their horses". Variety. June 19, 1957. p. 5.
- ^ Doherty, Thomas Patrick (1988). Teenagers and teenpics : the juvenilization of American movies in the 1950s. Boston: Unwin Hyman. p. 100-101.
External links
- Calypso Joe at IMDb