Danny Kaye “Salud” from “Merry Andrew” (1958)

Exhilarating musical number from the obscure but wonderful film, based on the Paul Gallico story “The Romance of Henry Menafee.” Danny Kaye is accompanied by the beautiful Pier Angeli and the legitimate opera star Salvatore Baccaloni. Music by Saul Chaplin, arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. Lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Choreography by Michael Kidd. Filmed in CinemaScope by Robert Surtees. Film is copyright by MGM and is excerpted here under the Fair Use section of US copyright law.

View the original trailer on TCM here: http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/index.jsp?cid=155303

Duration : 0:4:44


[youtube b3OKvHGPS9Y]

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25 Responses to Danny Kaye “Salud” from “Merry Andrew” (1958)

  1. EverettMcGill80 says:

    Sorry penciltest2, …
    Sorry penciltest2, but I believe there isn’t one Danny Kaye type at all nowhere in sight… Movies of that age are unique… If you wanna make them, let me tell you, it’s quite impossible… People wouldn’t see it in our fast and weird world… And that makes me sad… But let’s be happy that there’s youtube, so we can see such special and precious moments like this one…

  2. MisterScott99 says:

    Yes, I’ve pictured …
    Yes, I’ve pictured this show often as a stage musical, which would be great. A few more numbers perhaps. Staging the circus acts could be a challenge. As you point out, a performer with the range of Danny Kaye is probably out there but how to find him? This number is so impressive, the way Kaye switches between drama, clowning, and really competent dancing so seamlessly. Idol and shows like it encourage specialists. We need a generalist competition!

  3. penciltest2 says:

    Isn’t this a great …
    Isn’t this a great number?? — I had forgotten this film had some good numbers. Unfortunately, the first time I saw it on commercial tv, they cut the numbers out of it. I grew up thinking that this would have been a good musical. — And wouldn’t it make a great stage musical now??? A little story re-write and a Danny Kaye type, it’d be fun. — Wait there ain’t no Danny Kayes of today. See America?? Stop encouraging American Idol!

  4. dynomatik says:

    jajajaj great!!
    jajajaj great!!

  5. caracararedwing says:

    and big, big …
    and big, big credits to Tommy Rall (red shirt): such great timing, energy, beauty.

  6. aminlad says:

    Dany Kaye was s …
    Dany Kaye was s chool of entertainment
    he made all look, sound and felt wonderful

  7. PeppermintGlow says:

    Happy oregano =D
    Happy oregano =D

  8. mom63423 says:

    What a beautiful ” …
    What a beautiful “tarantella”!

  9. Ridade1020 says:

    Wonderful!Reminds …
    Wonderful!Reminds me very much of my own family when they´ve got something to celebrate! I just luv’it!

  10. 57silverhawk says:

    I can’t believe I …
    I can’t believe I found this on YouTube! Thank you SO much for posting it! My mom had the soundtrack record album when I was a kid, and we always loved this song. Watching the performance is a real treat!

  11. kiamor63 says:

    I love this song. …
    I love this song. But to hear and to watch this video is a real pleasure. Danny Kaye was divine.

  12. Elgranbajo says:

    awesome: Both …
    awesome: Both Baccaloni and Kaye were genious!!!!!!!

  13. jayburlington says:

    I have always loved …
    I have always loved this film!!!

  14. billmills says:

    Kaye had many great …
    Kaye had many great films with lots of terrific comedy and music, but this has to be one of the best, if not the single best, dance number he ever did on film! Brilliantly choreographed. His timing and moves were at their best in this number. Thanks for posting it!

  15. Maestrojosh87 says:

    Yeah. He was an …
    Yeah. He was an artist. Especially when it came to dialects.

  16. MisterScott99 says:

    Definitely …
    Definitely double-talk. Listen to how he throws in names of Italian foods. Clearly politically incorrect for today, but Kaye’s talent was profound. He could do that, and hilariously, in virtually any language.

  17. Maestrojosh87 says:

    From 2:54 to 3:15 …
    From 2:54 to 3:15 is that real Italian or Italian double talk he’s singing? Because I think that’s what it sounds like.

  18. pierangelifan says:

    Thank you for this …
    Thank you for this lovely video! I have never seen this musical. I am a huge Pier Angeli fan and I will always believe that she will always be the most beautiful actress that ever lived.

  19. jjddaass says:

    great vid i love …
    great vid i love this movie its a must see if u are able to find it

  20. problembaerli says:

    what a great song, …
    what a great song, what a nice performance. danny kaye was a real master of light feeted but high quality comedy. immortable!

  21. hyhopes says:

    Master of comedy, …
    Master of comedy, song 7 broadway musical.
    Enjoyed it 45 yrs ago and still unforgetable.

  22. owlet70 says:

    salud et gorgonzola …
    salud et gorgonzola! KAye was so good at word games and funny accents, it always looked as if he spoke the language,so talented!

  23. MisterScott99 says:

    Aha! Thanks for the …
    Aha! Thanks for the spelling suggestion. On the record album it’s spelled “Salud”

  24. aminlad says:

    amazing fellow…. …
    amazing fellow….
    great salude
    we miss him

  25. bman66 says:

    I haven’t seen …
    I haven’t seen Merry Andrews in years. One of my Danny Kaye favorites. Ima-gonna-raise-ah-my-glass to you and say….salute!