Call Me Madam (1953)

65% of users liked it
(40 ratings)

Ethel Merman reprised her role as a socialite turned diplomat in this screen adaptation of Irving Berlin's hit Broadway musical. Sally Adams (Merman) has made it her business to know everyone worth knowing in Washington D.C., and her penchant for parties pays off when she's appointed United States… More Ethel Merman reprised her role as a socialite turned diplomat in this screen adaptation of Irving Berlin's hit Broadway musical. Sally Adams (Merman) has made it her business to know everyone worth knowing in Washington D.C., and her penchant for parties pays off when she's appointed United States Ambassador to Lichtenburg. Once she is installed in her new position, she falls in love with suave Foreign Minister Cosmo Constantine (George Sanders), while Princess Maria (Vera-Ellen) has her head turned by Sally's press attaché, Kenneth (Donand O'Connor). Call Me Madam is a showcase for Merman's roof-raising musical comedy style, and here she gets to sing a handful of Berlin tunes, including "You're Just In Love," "Can You Use Any Money Today?" and "Hostess With The Mostes' on the Ball." Vera-Ellen's singing was dubbed by Carol Richards. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 54 min.
Directed By: Walter Lang
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

On DVD: Apr 20, 2004

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, Variety
The great Ethel Merman recreated her Broadway role in this Irving Berlin musical, which won an Oscar for scoring.
Paul Brenner, Filmcritic.com
undiluted Merman at her "mostes."
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Fine Merman musical which recreates her Broadway success.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
There are only three reasons to see this one, a rare Ethel Merman starring role, song and dance numbers by film legend Donald O'Connor and politically savvy dialogue.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Ethel's big show. A surprise to see George Sanders singing so well and Wera-Ellen is always a welcome addition to any film but this one goes on a little too long. Still big brassy entertainment, could it be anything else with the Merm front and center.

Cast

            Ethel Merman as Mrs. Sally Adams

            Donald O'Connor as Kenneth

            Vera-Ellen as Princess Maria

            George Sanders as Cosmo Constantine

            Billy De Wolfe as Pemberton Maxwell

            Helmut Dantine as Prince Hugo

            Walter Slezak as Tantinnin

            Steven Geray as Sebastian

            Ludwig Stossel as Grand Duke

            Lilia Skala as Grand Duchess

            Charles Dingle as Sen. Brockway

            Emory Parnell as Senator Gallagher

            Percy Helton as Sen. Wilkins

            Leon Belasco as Leader

            Oscar Beregi Sr. as Chamberlain

            Nestor Paiva as Miccoli

            Torben Meyer as Rudolph

            Richard Garrick as Supreme Court Justice

            Walter Woolf King as Secretary of State

            Olan Soule as Clerk

            John Wengraf as Ronchin

            Fritz Feld as Hat Clerk

            Ernö Verebes as Music Clerk

            Hannelore Axman as Switchboard Operator

            Donald Dillaway as Newspaper Reporter

            Johnny Downs as Cameraman

            Frank Gerstle as Newspaper Reporter

            Lal Chand Mehra as Minister from Magrador

            Gene Roth as Equerry

            Melinda Wood Allen as Cameraman

            Charles Conrad as Newspaper Reporter

            Sid Marion as Proprietor
See full cast