Summary

Summing up Richard Rodgers's lasting popularity New York Times drama critic Brooks Atkinson wrote, "He is the greatest. And everyone knows it because his music is in the air every day of our lives." Having published his first song when he was only fifteen years old, Rodgers went on to create some of the most instantly recognizable and most beautiful melodies in the history of the American musical. Such standards as "Manhattan," "With a Song in My Heart," "Isn't It Romantic?," "My Funny Valentine," "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "Shall We Dance?," and "The Sound of Music" do not even begin to suggest the number of enduring songs he created. Rodgers's immeasurable contribution to twentieth-century music is the subject of a worldwide centennial salute that celebrates the breadth and versatility of his work, which encompasses theater, television, radio, records, and film. Television made the composer a familiar face -- to go with the famous name -- with Rodgers appearing on tributes, talk shows, and variety series where his songs were performed for an eager public. In addition, there were television adaptations of his musicals ranging from collaborations with Lorenz Hart like "A Connecticut Yankee" and "Dearest Enemy" (which had been their first full score for Broadway) to Rodgers's personal favorite, "Carousel," which he wrote with Oscar Hammerstein II. Rodgers & Hammerstein's one original work for television, "Cinderella," with Julie Andrews in the lead, became one of the highest-rated specials in history. All of these programs are included as part of the Museum's contribution to the Richard Rodgers 2002 Centennial. Also being screened are a long unseen episode of "The Tonight Show" saluting Rodgers; a rare 1951 special, "An Evening for Richard Rodgers," featuring Mary Martin; a little-known, locally produced revue, "Rodgers and Hart Revisited;" and highlights of Rodgers songs from "The Ed Sullivan Show."

"Cinderella" (starring Julie Andrews) This enchanting version of the classic fairy tale is the only musical written expressly for television by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Julie Andrews stars as the hapless heroine whose Fairy Godmother (Edie Adams) uses magic to help Cinderella make a splash at the royal ball. Songs include "In My Own Little Corner," "A Lovely Night" and "Ten Minutes Ago." Although the musical was originally broadcast in color, only a black-and-white copy survives. Includes commercials and promos. (1957; 90 minutes)