It's a charming film, Three Coins in the Fountain. I hope you're enjoying it, I certainly am.
Another little story point came to mind incidentally about that title song which everyone seems
to have adored in the 1950s. Frank Sinatra was a very good friend of Jules Stein. Now
Jules Stein composed the melody for Three Coins in the Fountain. Sammy Kahn wrote the lyrics.
Jules Stein asked Frank to record this as a favor and Frank did so. He received no billing on the
film. I don't know if you noticed this in the credits but what is rather interesting is that
Frank Sinatra said he'd do it for a painting. A painting which was worth considerably less than
his fee. So it was a friendship gesture and of course Frank Sinatra's singing of the title song
was the big hit and also with Jules Stein and Sammy Kahn earning the rights to the song themselves,
they made quite a lot out of Three Coins in the Fountain, one of the most popular films released
by 20th Century Fox in the 50s. Why? Two things. One, it was very much the traditional romance and
secondly it had those gorgeous backgrounds in Rome and to a lesser degree Venice. Later on tonight,
Portrait of Jenny. I hope you're looking forward to that and now we return in a few moments to
Three Coins in the Fountain and this will be the last interruption before we reach the end of the
film thanks to the goodwill of these very special advertisers. I feel like going to Rome immediately.
I think Three Coins in the Fountain and perhaps Roman Holiday must have convinced millions of
people that all roads should lead to Rome. I hope you've enjoyed the film tonight. Coming up very
shortly we have the wonderful Portrait of Jenny. I'll be back in just a moment. I'm so excited about
what's coming up in only a few minutes time and that's the David O. Selznick production of Portrait
of Jenny from the lovely novel by Robert Nathan. One of the most exquisite romances I've ever seen
and one I urge you not to miss. I have seen it so many times now and each time it's like seeing it
for the first time. I have that wonderful feeling of wonder and joy. It's gorgeous.
Now coming attractions. This is a very important time for me to tell you about a few things that
are coming up that I think are very special. Next Friday night my series Golden Years of British
films. I'm presenting Carol Reed's great movie Odd Man Out from the novel by FL Green.
It's a tremendous film. James Mason nominated this as the best thing he ever did and I think
you might agree with him. It's got a great cast that includes Robert Newton and Kathleen Ryan
in her movie debut. I love Odd Man Out very much. It's suspenseful. It's very moving and the
performances are just out of this world all under the direction of Carol Reed. It's a tremendous
experience so put that down on your must-see list for the week. It's probably the best movie of the
month on television. That's how highly I think of it. But close behind are two other special
movies that I'm presenting for you next Saturday night. Our first movie next Saturday night is an
old friend and a film I'm sure you'll enjoy again. Separate Tables from the two one act plays by
Terence Rattigan. Two Academy Award winners in this one, David Niven, best actor and Wendy
Hiller for best supporting actress. Actually I would have given Deborah Carr one as well because
I think she's at her best in Separate Tables. It's a wonderful film with only one terrible thing
about it. Something I detest so much that I'd get rid of it if I could but because I wouldn't do
anything to a film other than show it as it should be shown, my hands are tied. What is that one awful
thing? Well maybe I'll be prevailed upon next Saturday night to divulge the terrible secret.
Following Separate Tables, a real treasure, a little known treasure, Spencer Tracy and Catherine
Hepburn. She was a bashful bride. He walked in his sleep. Well that's promising isn't it? The film is
called Without Love and it's about a couple that marry really full of platonic and business reasons
and end up falling in love. In the cast, Lucille Ball, magnificent Keenan Wynne, Carl Esmond,
Patricia Morrison and Felix Bressart. Without Love is a movie you will adore. I adore it myself
and I'm sure there'll be many others who'll feel the same way about us. That's a lovely program
isn't it? Next Saturday night on the Golden News of Hollywood and as for this week there'll only
be two interruptions in Separate Tables and in a few minutes time the beautiful portrait of Jenny.
This program was proudly presented by Honda.
Portrait of Jenny, a remarkable film, a film that I love and I'm quite certain that if you love this
film there is nothing more to say.