Last week, I popped in a DVD of Call Me Madam and had me a good cry. When my mom was in hospice, this is one of the movies we all watched together so it brings up a lot of tender memories for me. But I had been thinking about it lately because it is a comedy about a different era of diplomacy. And one that didn’t take itself too seriously, either. In point of fact, the movie begins with a disclaimer:
This story of the past, 1951, takes place in two mythical countries…
One is called Lichtenburg, the other the United States of America.
It is the story of a legendary Washington socialite, famous for her wonderful parties, who was appointed as ambassador to a small, European nation. The Sally Adams character of the movie, written for and played by Ethel Merman, is based upon the real life “Hostess with the Mostest”, Perle Mesta, who served as Ambassador to Luxembourg from 1949-1953. Mrs. Mesta was the daughter of an Oklahoma oilman, William Skirvin, and the widow of a steel baron. A feminist and a Democrat who gave generously to help Democrats get elected, she seemed to have more money than Midas and her parties were the creme de la creme. Perle Mesta had the knack for getting difficult people to get along and have a good time with one another. Ceiling Cat knows, even in the best of times, Washington is awash in big, bristling egos, so this is never a small thing. But I am thinking Mrs. Mesta’s own ego must have been pretty secure and her sense of humor healthy because she didn’t react to the gentle roasting from this musical comedy by calling in lawyers. That is surely to her credit.
But here is the not-very-fictional Sally Adams to explain how Perle Mesta, known for her fabulous shindigs, was chosen as an Ambassador — and mind you, this was in the chilly depth of the Cold War. “Making nice guys out of stinkers” (as the song says) is a skill that could surely be used in Washington today.
The film also stars Donald O’Connor as the Ambassador’s young press attache. In the story, he has the misfortune to fall for a princess, resulting in one of the best dance numbers of all time, his drunken balloon dance. O’Connor practically levitates in this. It is my favorite musical comedy dance scene, and my mother really liked it, too. Enjoy!
“Call Me Madam” is shown sometimes on Turner Classic Movies and is also available as a DVD. Search it out — it is worth having.
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