Pal Joey Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A smooth-talking singer juggles a sugar mama and a chorus girl while trying to open a nightclub, resulting in romantic and financial shenanigans.

🍿 Pal Joey: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Joey Evans

The film introduces Joey Evans, portrayed as a charismatic but morally ambiguous entertainer. He’s talented and charming but known for exploiting people, especially women, for personal gain. This sets the stage for a story driven by his ambition and questionable choices.

Vera Simpson: A Lucrative Opportunity

Joey’s life takes a turn when he encounters Vera Simpson, a wealthy widow and former chorus girl. Seeing her wealth and influence, Joey manipulates Vera into becoming his patron. Vera, drawn to Joey’s charm, funds his dream of opening a nightclub.

The Allure of Linda English

Amidst his manipulative relationship with Vera, Joey finds himself attracted to Linda English, a young and seemingly innocent chorus girl. This introduces a romantic conflict, testing Joey’s commitment to Vera and his ambition to achieve success through her money.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joey Evans (Frank Sinatra): A charming but morally flexible nightclub singer and emcee looking for his big break.
• Mrs. Vera Prentice-Simpson (Rita Hayworth): A wealthy, former chorus girl who becomes romantically involved with Joey and helps him financially.
• Linda English (Kim Novak): A young, innocent chorus girl who captures Joey’s attention and complicates his relationship with Vera.
• Gladys (Barbara Nichols): A chorus girl at The Barbary Coast who is suspicious of Joey’s intentions and past.
• Ned Galvin (Bobby Sherwood): A bandleader and friend of Joey’s who is also interested in Linda.
• Mike Miggins (Hank Henry): The owner of the Barbary Coast club where Joey works.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joey Evans: “After all, two years is a long time between… drinks.” – Joey says this with a sly, suggestive tone hinting at his past relationship with Vera and his intentions for the future.
• Joey Evans: “Who’s the mouse with the built?” – Joey Evans says this is a crude and objectifying line when first spotting Linda English, revealing his shallow nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $5,660

💥 Pal Joey Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Pal Joey! It’s such a classic, even though the plot feels a little dated now. Sinatra is just so smooth and charismatic, it’s hard not to get caught up in his charm. The musical numbers are a highlight, especially ‘The Lady Is a Tramp’. However, I wish Kim Novak had a stronger presence; her character felt a little flat next to Hayworth’s.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic musicals”
  • “Frank Sinatra admirers”
  • “Viewers interested in 1950s cinema”
  • “Those seeking romantic dramas with a touch of cynicism”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild thematic elements (manipulation, romantic entanglements)”
  • “Suggestive dancing”
  • “Some dated attitudes and gender roles”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Pal Joey is a vibrant musical that benefits from Sinatra’s effortless charisma and Hayworth’s captivating presence. While the plot is predictable, the performances and Rodgers and Hart score elevate the viewing experience. Kim Novak is not convincing as an ingénue.
• The New York Times: “The film is a pale imitation of the groundbreaking stage production. Sanitized to please mainstream moviegoers it loses all of its cynical bite and wit. Sinatra still manages to shine in his musical performances.

Audience Reactions

Sinatra’s performance and the classic songs make it worth watching.: Viewers praise Sinatra’s charisma and the timeless Rogers and Hart songs, even if the plot feels somewhat predictable.

Overall Consensus: A classic musical with memorable performances and music, although some find the plot and character development lacking.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture Actor – Musical/Comedy)- 1958

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rita Hayworth received top billing over Frank Sinatra, despite Sinatra being a bigger star at the time. Sinatra’s response was, ‘Ladies first.'”
• “The film is based on a Broadway show from 1940, which was in turn based on short stories by John O’Hara in The New Yorker.”
• “Many of the songs featured in the film were interpolated from other Rodgers and Hart musicals, as the original Broadway show’s score was considered too cynical for the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Pal Joey?

As a classic film, ‘Pal Joey’ is available through various means. Check streaming services like Prime Video or Apple TV for rental or purchase options. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) are also widely available online and in stores. Availability may vary based on your region, so consult local listings for the most current information.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Pal Joey, you might like these similar films:

• Guys and Dolls (1955): Both films feature Frank Sinatra in a musical adaptation exploring themes of romance and ambition within a vibrant urban setting.
• Sweet Smell of Success (1957): Shares a cynical view of ambition and morality in the entertainment industry, although ‘Pal Joey’ is a musical.
• The Apartment (1960): Explores the complexities of relationships and moral compromises in a corporate setting with a cynical undertone, similar to Joey’s choices.

🛒 Pal Joey Related Products

• Frank Sinatra – A Voice on Air 1935-1955: A comprehensive collection showcasing Sinatra’s early radio performances, offering a glimpse into his formative years.
• Rita Hayworth: A Photographic Retrospective: A book filled with glamorous photos, showcasing Hayworth’s legendary beauty and style.
• Sinatra – Ultimate Duets: A must-have CD that compiles Sinatra’s greatest duet recordings with legendary artists of his era.
• Kim Novak: The Prime Of Her Life – Autographed: Autographed photo of actress Kim Novak in the prime of her life.

🎧 Soundtrack

Pal Joey features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Lady Is a Tramp” – performed by Frank Sinatra
• “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” – performed by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Jo Ann Greer)
• “My Funny Valentine” – performed by Kim Novak (dubbed by Trudy Erwin)
• “There’s a Small Hotel” – performed by Frank Sinatra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Zip – Rita Hayworth – Stereo – Pal Joey

Ever wondered what ‘Zip’ sounds like in stereo? This version featuring Rita Hayworth (sung by Jo Ann Greer) and Frank Sinatra is a must-listen! The clarity is impressive for its time.

Frank Sinatra There’s A Small Hotel Pal Joey Played On A Garrard 301 Turntable

Want to know a bit about the movie’s production while listening to Sinatra sing ‘There’s A Small Hotel’? This video is perfect! It’s interesting to hear about the billing order and Sinatra’s classy response.

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