Ella Peterson works in the basement office of Susanswerphone, a telephone answering service. She listens in on others' lives and adds some interest to her own humdrum existence by adopting different identities for her clients. They include an out-of-work Method actor, a dentist with musical yearnings, and in particular playwright Jeffrey Moss, who is suffering from writer's block and desperately needs a muse.
Acting
Judy Holliday's last film—pure comedic genius, heartbreaking timing.
Score
Comden & Green's final musical—witty, hummable, underrated.
Costume
Helen Rose's Technicolor wardrobe pops like candy.
Director
Vincente Minnelli
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the final film of the legendary MGM Freed Unit,解散 the golden age of studio musicals.
Judy Holliday originated Ella on Broadway but was so ill during filming she needed oxygen between takes; she never made another movie.
US
