There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)
(Walter Lang, US 1954, 117 min., DCP)
Nineteen Irving Berlin songs form the backdrop for this prewar, showbiz musical. Entertainment family The Five Donahues (Ethel Merman, Dan Dailey, Donald O’Connor, Mitzi Gaynor, and pop sensation Johnnie Ray) grow up onstage, performing across the country, until the children become old enough to attend boarding school. When they return and reunite, the children have their own paths to pursue: Tim (Ray) wants to become a priest; Katy (Gaynor) wants to strike out on her own; and Steve (O’Connor) becomes infatuated with both rising singer Vicky Parker (Marilyn Monroe) and the bottle. The five struggle with balancing their act and their family—and may have to choose between the two.