Summary of "Carousel (1956) Went Terribly Wrong"

In the video titled "Carousel (1956) Went Terribly Wrong," the host delves into the flawed film adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein's beloved musical "Carousel." The discussion begins with a historical context, highlighting the immense success of the duo's previous works, such as "Oklahoma" and "South Pacific," which set high expectations for their later adaptations. Despite its captivating score and themes of hope and redemption, "Carousel" was notably the only film adaptation of their musicals that failed to receive any Oscar nominations.

The video outlines the challenges faced during the production of "Carousel," including the decision to shoot in the new widescreen format, Cinemascope 55, which ultimately detracted from the film's intimate storytelling. Key scenes, particularly the romantic duet between the leads, were shot from a distance, making them feel impersonal. Additionally, the film struggled with inconsistent aesthetics, alternating between real locations and studio sets, which led to a jarring viewing experience.

The host critiques the screenplay for not adequately addressing the darker themes of domestic abuse and redemption present in the original stage show, and highlights poor casting choices, notably Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae, who lacked the depth to portray their troubled characters convincingly. The video also discusses the film's mixed reception upon release, as it was overshadowed by the success of "The King and I," which premiered shortly afterward and garnered multiple Oscars.

Overall, the video serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of adapting complex stage musicals to film, particularly when creative control is compromised. Despite its flaws, "Carousel" is still acknowledged as a beautiful yet tragic story deserving of a modern revival.