Carmen Jones poster & wallpaper

Brock Peters, Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge

Few actresses have captivated the camera as powerfully as Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones. Her polished beauty plays in irresistible contrast to her title character's leonine sexuality and f...( read more  read more... )luid emotions; a man can't decide from moment to moment if he wants to save her from doom, build her a castle, or never let her out of bed. Of course, that's the problem with the boys in this semi-experimental adaptation of Bizet's opera, Carmen. Straight-arrow Joe (a strapping Harry Belafonte), an obedient corporal on a Southern military base during World War II, is all set to go to flight school and marry his hometown sweetie, Cindy Lou (Olga James), when his troublemaking sergeant orders him to accompany Carmen to a civilian court. In short order, Joe is swept up in Carmen's carnal anarchy and her craving for release from lousy options in life. An impulsive act of violence ensures that Joe's future is gone forever, putting Carmen in the difficult position of destroying their relationship to save him. Oscar Hammerstein II took Bizet's music in 1943 and rewrote the book and lyrics. The result is largely a smashing success with a few missteps (the bullfighter in Bizet's piece becomes a heavyweight boxer here, which breaks up a certain grace in the story) and a couple of perfect stretches (the long prelude to Carmen and Joe's first embrace, set on Carmen's hoodoo-ish home turf). Despite the fact that both Dandridge and Belafonte were singers, their vocal performances were dubbed by LeVern Hutcherson and Marilyn Horne. (Yes, it is a little disconcerting to hear another voice come out of the more familiar Belafonte's mouth.) Otto Preminger directed with his usual eye on economy of action and production, as the numerous musical numbers tend to be shot in lengthy, single, carefully choreographed takes. The result can be a little visually static at times, but the passion behind the singing pulls everything through. --Tom Keogh

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83% liked it

4,248 ratings

Unrated, 105 min.

Directed by: Otto Preminger

Release Date: October 28, 1954

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DVD Release Date: January 22, 2002

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Stats: 181 reviews

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Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Carmen Jones Carmen Jones Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Poster designed by Saul Bass Designed by Saul Bass Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Dorthy Dandridge Carmen Jones "Carmen Jones" and "Joey" Dorothy Dandridge Carmen Jones Carmen Jones
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Flixster Reviews (181)

  • panafricamarket
    November 13, 2009
    panafricamarket
    DOROTHY DANDRIDGE
    For role in 'Carmen Jones', Dorothy Dandridge was the first black actress to be nominated for Best Actress academy award in 1953. She also appeared in the Marx Brothers 'A Day at the Races' and 'Porgy & Bess'.







    DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, for her role in Carmen Jo...( read more)nes, she was the first black actress to be nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award in 1953.
  • Ghw12158
    June 23, 2009
    Ghw12158
    amazing performance by dandridge
  • anumba1thaduke
    April 28, 2009
    anumba1thaduke
    One of my top favorites!
  • eteric01
    February 9, 2009
    eteric01
    Love this classic musical of a love affair gone bad.
  • cigale08mpls
    December 6, 2008
    cigale08mpls
    I first saw Carmen Jones at age 9 and have been in love with this film every since!

    Dorothy Dandrige and Harry Belofonte provide outstanding performances in this black adaptation of the origional film, Carmen.

    Dandrige's portrayal of Carmen exceeds even the highest expectat...( read more)ions. Carmen is a free spirited jook womyn of sorts who you will hate and have pity for at the same time.

    Joe's (Belofonte) decent into obsession with Carmen makes a smooth progression and you will be shocked by this gentle characcter's dark side by the end of the film.

    Extra treats include cameo appearances by Diahnne Carrol and Pearl Bailey!

    Definately a must see for classic musical lover's!
  • hypathio7
    July 3, 2008
    hypathio7
    want to see this because it won best comedy or musical picture at the golden globes
  • ajul1975
    May 28, 2008
    ajul1975
    Great movie to own! Blackploitation at its finest!
  • Ltybabygrl05
    February 19, 2008
    Ltybabygrl05
    Love Dorothy Dandridge
  • michaelvwgordon
    December 17, 2007
    michaelvwgordon
    This was one of the first great musical I ever saw. It set the standard. Dorothy Dandridge was stellar! So was Harry Belafonte
  • seleh87
    November 25, 2007
    seleh87
    one of the best movies ever.....to tell u the truth old movies rock.

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  • What was the first movie that was made in color, that had an all black cast?  Answer »
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