Second Takes -- Billy Wilder

Nov. 4, 1948: "A Song Is Born" opens in Los Angeles.

Nov. 5, 1948: The Times reviews Howard Hawks' remake of "Ball of Fire" as a showcase for jazz musicians Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Barnett, Lionel Hampton and Mel Powell.

Comments

[Arye Michael Bender]

Two quick comments:

(1) Very fascinating to watch the growth of Billy Wilder into the full bloom artist of the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Until your Wilder month, I have the mistaken impression that Billy Wilder arrived from Berlin, wrote a few pictures, then directed 'Double Indemnity' and remained at that level for the majority of his career. Clearly, as a contract writer/director at Paramount, he rode the waves of each assignment the best anyone could.

Very intriguing to see his career as it unfolded, rather than viewing it all with hindsight. Good stuff!

(2) Amazing how much Danny Kaye looks like Forrest Tucker in the ad above.

[Chris Morales]

Hi Larry:

Thanks very much for the Daily Mirror!

Just double checking something- "Ball of Fire" (one of my favorites-a retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
came out in 1941, I believe.

Thanks,

Chris