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.
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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