Vladimir Nabokov

NABOKV-L post 0014203, Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:58:36 -0800

Subject
FW: Dolly & "Daddy" in Russia
Date
Body

Dear List,

I was chasing "Monroe" in the archives and came upon a question raised
recently by DN and Oleg Dorman regarding Marilyn Monroe's use of the name
Lolita in her rendition of "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." Just for the heck of
it, here's what I found.

The original song was written by Cole Porter* and made Mary Martin as Dolly
Winslow a star. The original lyrics begin: While tearing off a game of
golf, I might make a play for the caddy, but when I do I don't follow
through . . . .

But in the Marilyn Monroe version these lyrics are preceded by My name is
Lolita and I'm not supposed to play with boys! What? Mon coeur est a papa.
You know, le proprietaire. No!

Marilyn Monroe sang this song in "Let's Make Love" in which she starred with
Yves Montand. She does not play Dolly Winslow, but a showgirl named Amanda.
The film was released in 1960 so the lyrics were apparently altered to refer
to the novel. The recording that Oleg Dorman heard was apparently from the
soundtrack to the film. Cole Porter's lyrics were re-written for the film by
Geri Halliwell.

The odd coincidence of Russia,* Dolly, Winslow and Lolita seems to be just
that.

Carolyn

* For those interested in the original song, it was written for the musical
"Leave it to me" which began its run in New York on Oct. 3 1938 and played
for 291 performances. I was unable to determine the circumstances of the
song but it is sung by Dolly (Mary Martin) during the second act which
takes place in Russia. I have copied out a synopsis and the cast list:


Bathtub manufacturer Alonzo P. Goodhue, socially and politically the best
horseshoe pitcher in Topeka, Kansas, is appointed U.S. Ambassador to Russia,
largely through the manueverings of his ambitious wife.  An envious J. H.
Brody, publisher of the Paris and Chicago World-Tribune, orders his best
correspondent, Buckley Thomas, to see that Goodhue is disgraced and
recalled.  As it turns out, the unassuming Goodhue is himself anxious to be
shipped home, and so he and Thomas join forces.  Goodhue delivers an
antagonistic speech, kicks the German Ambassador in the belly, and atttempts
to assassinate a Prince ‹ and in each case he is proclaimed a hero. 
Finally, Thomas, realizing that only good deeds go unrewarded, has Goodhue
deliver an optimistic speech expressing hope for a unified world.  Goodhue
is promptly recalled.  Other characters include Colette, Thomas' old flame,
and Dolly, an incorrigible flirt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------



Cast

William Gaxton (Buckley J. "Buck" Thomas)
Victor Moore (Alonzo "Stinky" Goodhue)
Sophie Tucker (Mrs. Goodhue)
Tamara (Colette)
Mary Martin (Dollly Winslow)
Goodhue's Daughters: April, Mildred Cheneval, Ruth Daye, Audrey Palmer, Kay
Picture



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