MovieChat Forums > The Glass Bottom Boat (1966) Discussion > Arthur Godfrey's performance

Arthur Godfrey's performance

posted 17 years ago by verotas
6 replies | jump to latest

Writing a book on Arthur Godfrey, I know this was his most important film appearance. Mr. Godfrey was never noted as a great actor, nor did he claim such. His huge broadcasting career was built on being very natural, just himself.

I would love to see any comments about his performance as an actor, whether as Axel Nordstrom (Doris Day's father here) or in his few other appearances as an actor, such as with Ed McMahon and Rosalind Russell among others.

Many thanks - Lee Munsick, Vero Beach FL

[–] Bilwick1 16 years ago

Unfortunately, we'll never know the depths and range of Godfrey's acting ability, because he kept getting nosed out of some important roles: The Man with No Name in A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, Virgil Tibbs in THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, even the title role in a early, never-filmed version of GANDHI. Some people feel it was those stories about him and the Jews (denied by his defenders, I should add) that kept the plum roles just out of his reach.

[–] cnicknz 14 years ago

Or perhaps it was because people didn't want to work with him because he could be obnoxious, domineering, childish and mean-spirited.

[–] poetcomic1 9 years ago

Funny list but the stories about the 'Jews not allowed' in his Miami hotel have been proven false. He probably insulted every conceivable type of human being at sometime in his irascible career.

[–] rdfarnham 11 years ago

Godfrey zoomed to stardom in the 1950s with his "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" Radio and TV shows. He made playing the ukulele a national fad and was popular for more than 10 years. People who appeared on his shows commented that he was petty, nasty, self-centered and egotistical. A friend who worked as a stage hand said that he was the most obnoxious "star" he had ever had to work around. He kept his attitude hidden from the public until the morning of October 19, 1953. He had a young singer named Julius LaRosa who appeared frequently and, as the quantity of LaRosa's fan mail started to outstrip Godfrey's, he got jealous. Just after LaRosa finished singing "Manhattan" on the radio show Godfrey announced publicly that it was LaRosa's "swan song" and fired him live and on the air. Godfrey's popularity started to wane after that. Though he continue on radio and TV for many years thereafter his popularity never recovered.

[–] Blueghost 8 years ago

I know this post is nearly ten years old, but I'm going to reply anyway.

I think it was just his presence. He seemed very relaxed in front of the camera, as if if wasn't' there or it didn't matter to him. That's the vibe I get. And I guess that translates to a solid performance.

[–] TheFearmakers 8 years ago

"I said MERmaid, not WHALEmaid."

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