Out of the Blue
1944. The El Maraca set in the film, “Manhattan Escapade” practically
filled an entire studio. It was one of the most extensive sets ever constructed
at Monolithic Studios, authentic right down to the running water in the faucets
behind the bar. There was such attention to detail, in fact, that Monolithic
building crews joked that if the picture tanked, they could just throw open the
doors and go into the nightclub business without a pause and recoup the loss.
Monolithic Studios had been at somewhat of a loss as to how to present their
“discovery,” Miss Violet Waters, into their mainstream films—and the
nightclub setting of “Manhattan Escapade” provided the perfect vehicle for
Violet’s debut.
As the white dinner jacketed emcee took the staff, a hush fell over the El
Maraca revelers. “...and now, for your sheer enjoyment, Violet Waters and her
rendition of “Out of the Blue (And Into Your Arms)’!”
And as the curtains parted, Violet sang her heart out—and into the hearts of
audiences lucky enough to see the full version of “Manhattan Escapade.”
Starting with only a pinspot on her face and the tremolo of a clarinet, Violet
proceeded to convey emotions through simple gestures and the subtle bending of a
note—and film historians to this day use this scene as an example of the
perfect blend of color, lighting, camera movement and talent to create an
indelible, incredible mood.
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Gene® is a registered trademark of The Ashton-Drake Galleries® and was created by Mel Odom. I have no affiliation with these or any other doll companies.