Red, Hot, and Blue

Anxious to repeat the success of Anything Goes, producer Vinton Freedley signed its three stars and its three writers for his next musical, Red, Hot and Blue! But after overhearing Freedley promise Ethel Merman that hers would be the most prominent role, william Gaxton and Victor Moore bowed out and were replaced by Bob Hope and Jimmy Durante. The show, which seemed to be aiming for Of Thee I Sing-type political satire, offered Miss Merman as Nails O’Reilly Duquesne, a manicurist-turned-wealthy widow, Hope as Bob Hale, her lawyer and love interest, and Durante as Policy Pinkie, the captain of the polo team at Larks Nest Prison. Pinkle is released to help win a Congressional committee’s approval for Nails and Bob’s national lottery in which the first prize goes to the four. The Supreme Court, however, declares the lottery unconstitutional on the grounds that it might benefit the American people. Though no red hot smash, the musical served to introduce three certifiable Cole Porter standards: “It’s De-Lovely,” “Down in the Depths,” and “Ridin’ High.” It is also remembered for the battle of the billing, which was resolved by crossing the names of Jimmy Durante and Ethel Merman above the show’s title. Note that Vincente Minnelli’s name is misspelled twice.

Music

Cole Porter

Lyrics

Cole Porter

Book

Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse