Movies - Porgy and Bess

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	Movies - Porgy and Bess

Porgy and Bess is a 1959 movie based on George Gershwin's opera of the same name. It is set in the fictional Catfish Row in 1930s Charleston, South Carolina.

The film was marginally successful when released, winning an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award. Ira Gershwin and the Gershwin estate was unhappy with the film, however, and rescinded the rights to the film in the 1970s. As a result, the film has never been on video or DVD, and few public screenings have been permitted, albeit begrudgingly. It is believed that the original negative is in dire need of a restoration.

Though Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge starred in the movie, their voices were dubbed in songs. Robert McFerrin sang for Poitier and Adele Addison for Dandridge. Ironically, singer Diahann Carroll had her voice dubbed for the role of Clara by Loulie Jean Norman, though Carroll was a talented Broadway singer and actress. Inez Matthews also sang the role of Serena, although the movie audience saw Ruth Attaway onscreen.

Awards

1960 Oscar for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture
1960 Golden Globe for Best Musical
1960 Grammy for Best Soundtrack Album, Original Cast - Motion Picture or Television

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