ESSENTIAL MOVIE SONGS - The Honourable Mentions Part 1. More later this week.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 200

MOST ESSENTIAL

MOVIE SONGS

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Here are some songs you might have expected to find included among the Essential 200 Movie Songs, but – for various reasons- were ineligible…

Today’s list features songs that were standout moments in their respective films. These movie songs were ineligible because the songs were not created for the movie, but for the stage musicals they came from originally. They are listed in random order.

GREASED LIGHTNING

John Travolta

(‘Grease’- 1978)

 

“Greased Lightning” was a memorable highlight in the film version of “Grease”, but the song was first heard in the initial 1971 stage musical.

AND I AM TELLING YOU I’M NOT GOING

Jennifer Hudson

(‘Dreamgirls’- 2006)

 

Jennifer Holliday wowed audiences in the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” in 1981 with each performance of the show’s defiant anthem. The screen adaptation saw Jennifer Hudson earn her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her breathtaking performance of the epic “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”.

WHEN YOU’RE GOOD TO MAMA

Queen Latifah

(‘Chicago’- 2002)

 

“Chicago”  opened on Broadway in 1975. Queen Latifah delivered a powerful portrayal of Matron “Mama” Morton when the musical was made into an Academy Award winning motion picture.

AMERICA

Ensemble

(‘West Side Story’- 1961)

 

“West Side Story” became 1 of the longest running stage musicals and is often reintroduced to new audiences thanks to revivals. The show opened on Broadway in 1957. “America” is a standout moment in the film version which starred Rita Moreno and Natalie Wood.

DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE

Barbra Streisand

(‘Funny Girl’- 1968)

 

The image of Barbra Streisand on a steamer in New York harbour is an iconic big screen memory. The 1964 Broadway production made Barbra Streisand a household name and launched her recording career. She reprised her role as Fanny Brice for the film version 4 years later.

I DREAMED A DREAM

Anne Hathaway

(‘Les Miserables’- 2012)

 

The musical “Les Miserables” opened in Paris in 1980. The show premiered in London’s West End 5 years later on New York’s Great White Way in 1987. Anne Hathaway’s execution of the showstopper “I Dreamed A Dream” was a mighty (and Academy Award winning) emotion-packed performance in the film version.

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose & Sharon Leal

(‘Dreamgirls’- 2006)

 

The film ‘Dreamgirls’ included some new songs written for the screen version, but “One Night Only”- a climactic number - was from the theatrical production.

PEOPLE

Barbra Streisand

(‘Funny Girl’- 1968)

 

“People” had audiences talking about Barbra Streisand when she performed the ballad on the Broadway stage. In the film, the actress/singer delivered a defining and tender interpretation of the song. Streisand was given the Best Actress Oscar (in a rare tie- with Katherine Hepburn) for her portrayal.

PINBALL WIZARD

Elton John

(‘Tommy’- 1975)

 

“Tommy” began life as a 1969 album by rock band The Who. The rock opera was then presented as a film. Where The Who performed “Pinball Wizard” on the group’s double album, Elton John sang the song in the movie and on its soundtrack album.

CABARET

Liza Minnelli

(‘Cabaret’- 1972)

 

Liza Minnelli gave the film version of the musical “Cabaret” a perfect closing sequence. As Sally Bowles, she belts out the title song with power and determination. The song was first heard in the 1966 versions of the stage show.

SUMMER NIGHTS

Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta

(‘Grease’- 1978)

 

A party favourite to this day, “Summer Nights” is an uplifting snapshot of how men and women give conflicting accounts of a summer romance. Both Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta inject the song with bubbly fun. The song was part of the original stage productions prior to the screen adaptation.

MY MAN

Barbra Streisand

(‘Funny Girl’- 1968)

 

The musical based on Fanny Brice’s life opened in 1964. “My Man” had long been a standard by the time the film version was released, but Barbra Streisand gives her all in her interpretation. She packs so much raw emotion that it remains 1 of cinema’s most unforgettable closing scenes.

TIME WARP

Ensemble

(‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’- 1975)

 

The film adaptation of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was unleashed only 2 years after the musical’s West End debut.”The Time Warp” is the musical’s highlight.