One Touch Of Venus (1955)

A recently uncovered statue of the Roman goddess Venus (Janet Blair, BURN WITCH BURN) arrives at a New York museum after being purchased by a millionaire (George Gaynes). But when a barber (Russell Nype) places a ring intended for his fiancee (Mildred Trares), the statue comes to life and causes havoc. The 1948 film version with Ava Gardner gutted all the charming Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash songs save about three songs including the show's breakout hit, Speak Low. This production restores all the cut songs and is more faithful to the original 1943 Broadway show. As a Venus, Janet Blair is no Ava Gardner but she sings (Gardner was dubbed) and dances and gives a delightful performance. S.J. Perelman's and Ogden Nash's book retains the wit and appeal that was misguidedly revamped for the 1948 film. As an archival record of the original stage production, this is a keeper. Directed by George Schaefer. With Laurel Shelby, Iggie Wolfington and Louis Nye.