Mitzi Gaynor was a renowned actress who made waves in Hollywood during the 1950s with her strong acting abilities and mesmerizing looks. She passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 93 due to natural causes.
Mitzi Gaynor was a multi-talented personality who could sing, dance, and act. She was cast in various musical films. The actress’ Hollywood career lasted for only 14 years, but she was able to leave an indelible mark on the viewers’ hearts in this short span.
Following her film career, Gaynor also appeared in several television specials, where she displayed her talent as a theatrical and concert performer. Here are the top 10 movies you can watch to witness the on-screen magic of the actress.
Ranking the 10 best films of Mitzi Gaynor that you should watch
1) South Pacific (1958)
Mitzi Gaynor played the role of a US Navy nurse named Nellie in this romantic musical film. Directed by Joshua Logan, South Pacific tells the story of U.S. Marines and Navy personnel as they prepare for battle against the Japanese forces in the South Pacific islands during WWII.
Lieutenant Joe Cable asks French planter Emile de Becque for help on a dangerous reconnaissance mission, but de Becque hesitates because he loves Navy nurse Nellie Forbush. At the same time, Cable falls for a local girl named Liat.
When de Becque finally decides to join Cable on the mission, it leads to tragic outcomes. Along with Mitzi Gaynor, the film starred Rossano Brazzi, John Kerr, and Ray Walston.
The movie was a commercial and critical success, with Gaynor receiving a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Motion Picture Actress – Comedy/Musical.
2) The Joker Is Wild (1957)
This biographical drama follows singer and comedian Joe E. Lewis as he goes from being a struggling performer to a successful nightclub star. His journey is tough, especially after a violent run-in with the mob, which nearly kills him.
After he recovers, Lewis must work hard to rebuild his career and personal life. Frank Sinatra starred as Joe E. Lewis in this film, directed by Charles Vidor. Mitzi Gaynor portrayed his wife Martha Stewart.
The rest of the cast included Beverly Garland as Cassie Mack, Eddie Albert as Austin Mack, Jeanne Crain as Letty Page, and Barry Kelley as Captain Hugh McCarthy. The Joker Is Wild performed decently at the box office and received positive reviews for its amazing performances.
3) Les Girls (1957)
Les Girls marked Mitzi Gaynor's second release in 1957. The film is a musical comedy about three women who were formerly part of a dance troupe. One of them, Lady Sybil Wren, played by Kay Kendall, is sued by her ex-roommate Angèle Ducros, played by Taina Elg, for revealing secrets about their past in her memoirs.
Sybil's book discusses Angèle's affair with their boss, Barry (Gene Kelly), and her suicide attempt after he left her. Their other roommate, Joy, played by Mitzi Gaynor, also gets dragged into the drama.
In court, Angèle claims that Sybil had the affair instead, which leads Barry to testify and tell the truth. This George Cukor directorial received several awards and was praised for its colorful musical numbers.
4) There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)
Mitzi Gaynor was able to shine on her own in this film, which featured an impressive ensemble of Ethel Merman, Donald O'Connor, Marilyn Monroe, Dan Dailey, and Johnnie Ray. Helmed by Walter Lang, the movie follows the lives of the Donahue family, who are dedicated to show business.
The story focuses on Molly (Merman), and her husband, Tim (O'Connor), both being vaudeville performers. As they raise their children, who also want to work in entertainment, the family faces many ups and downs. There's No Business Like Show Business is remembered for its iconic soundtrack and dance numbers.
5) We're Not Married! (1952)
We're Not Married! is a comedy film about five couples who find out they are not legally married, even though they thought they were. The trouble begins when they learn that their marriages were performed by a justice of the peace who wasn’t authorized.
Each couple deals with the shocking news in different ways and faces various challenges in their relationships. As they go through misunderstandings and funny situations, they must decide whether to remarry and show their love for each other.
Mitzi Gaynor portrayed the character of Patsy Reynolds Fisher, the wife of Willie Fisher, played by Eddie Bracken. The anthology movie was directed by Edmund Goulding and also starred Ginger Rogers, Fred Allen, Victor Moore, Marilyn Monroe, David Wayne, and Eve Arden.
6) Take Care of My Little Girl (1951)
Based on Peggy Goodin’s novel of the same name, Take Care of My Little Girl chronicles the life of Liz Erickson (Jeanne Crain), a naive recent high school graduate, as she attends Midwestern University with her best friend Janet (Beverly Dennis).
The two aspire to join the elite Tri-U Sorority, but Liz quickly prioritizes sorority life over her education. While she befriends Tri-U members and is pledged, Janet faces rejection and leaves the college. Liz then faces the reality of college life and has to handle the situation alone.
Mitzi Gaynor appeared in the role of Adelaide Swanson, Liz’s roommate at the university. The movie was helmed by Jean Negulesco and garnered positive reviews from critics.
7) My Blue Heaven (1950)
My Blue Heaven marked Mitzi Gaynor’s debut in the film industry. The musical drama follows radio star Kitty Moran (Betty Grable), who loses her baby in a car crash and finds out she might not be able to have more children.
She eventually decides to adopt a child along with her husband Jack (Dan Dailey). But when the orphanage director is hesitant because of their show business background, they consider the black market to get a baby.
Gaynor starred in the film as Gloria Adams, the understudy of Kitty, and made her presence felt in her very first film. Henry Koster was the director of this movie which also featured David Wayne, Jane Wyatt, and Una Merkel in pivotal roles.
8) The I Don't Care Girl (1953)
Mitzi Gaynor stepped into the shoes of vaudeville performer Eva Tanguay for this biographical film directed by Lloyd Bacon. The story is told from the point of view of Eva’s former partner Eddie McCoy (David Wayne), who recounts their history to writers.
Eddie discovers Eva singing while she works as a waitress and offers her a job. After falling for singer Larry Woods (Bob Graham), Eva leaves him upon learning he is married. Ultimately, she breaks away from Eddie and is signed by producer Florenz Ziegfeld for his Follies. Other actors who played important roles in this film include Warren Stevens, Craig Hill, and Hazel Brooks.
9) For Love or Money (1963)
Mitzi Gaynor made her final appearance as an actress in 1963’s For Love or Money. Directed by Michael Gordon, the romantic comedy movie follows wealthy widow Chloe Brasher, played by Thelma Ritter, who decides to give control of her daughters’ trusts to lawyer Deke Gentry, not realizing he is on her shortlist.
To ensure her daughters receive their trust, Deke must get Chloe to approve each daughter's husband, as stated in her late husband's will. Chloe then picks matches for her daughters: IRS investigator Harvey for Bonnie, prison administrator Sam for Jan, and womanizer Sonny (Gig Young) for Kate (Gaynor).
10. The Birds and the Bees (1956)
Directed by Norman Taurog, this screwball comedy film tells the story of George "Hotsy" Hamilton, a naive vegetarian heir who returns home to Connecticut after spending three years in the Congo.
Trending
On a luxury cruise ship, he catches the attention of many women, especially Jean Harris, played by Mitzi Gaynor, a beautiful con artist traveling with her father, Colonel Harris. Although they plan to trick George, Jean unexpectedly falls for him.
After George learns the truth and breaks up with her, Jean disguises herself as ‘Countess Louise’ to get back at him and try to win him over again. The Birds and the Bees became popular for its soundtrack created by Harry Warren and Mack David.
Reply
