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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มี.ค. 2013
- John Raitt and Jan Clayton recreate their famous duet from the 1945 stage production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's CAROUSEL in TV show "A Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein"(28 March 1954): Songs "You're A Queer One, Julie Jordan" and "If I Loved You".
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Probably the most perfect love duet in the history of musical theater. The dialogue inserted only makes the song and scene more poignant than the duet alone. It gave me chills to hear them sing and act it. Between Raitt's voice, Clayton's acting, the melody's deceptive simplicity, yet so beautiful and perfect for the complexity of the situation ---- well, it just doesn't get better than this.
In the past couple of weeks, I've seen the Lincoln Center production and two Broadway revivals of this scene, plus a few of just the scene, not the entire show and keep coming back to this one. There is something so pure about Jan Clayton and Raitt's voice is just right. They were perfectly cast.
When I was a kid, Jan Clayton played the mom on Lassie. I had no idea she was such a wonderful singer. She is absolutely adorable in this clip.
I see that most of the comments are about this musical but in case you didn't know, I came here because this was on all of the TV networks at the same time when it aired! All 4 channels played this! Can you imagine switching the channel back then and its the same show? I bet the TV repairmen got some calls that night, " It won't switch TV channels!". Lol. "General Foods 25th Anniversary Show: A Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein is a two-hour TV special broadcast live on March 28, 1954, on all four major TV networks of the time, DuMont, CBS, NBC, and ABC. The special was hosted by Groucho Marx, Mary Martin, Jack Benny, Ed Sullivan, and Edgar Bergen with his puppet Charlie McCarthy.
@msgfrmdaactionman3000 Thank you so very much for the back story. You must be quite "mature."
I believe that DuMont eventually became FOX.
I love the look of Jan Clayton when she is watching John Raitt!
He was a total stud, she was a total sweetheart; they are headed for total disaster and the love that suddenly flames up between them is so totally real all l could do is watch them in total wonder. Damn this was good!
Too overcome to hide her feelings, can barely try.
John Rait’s voice is tremendous, but it is Jan Clayton who makes it work, magical performer !
The most exquisite scene in musical theater history. When I saw this original production, I could not get out of my seat at the end as I was in tears.
Thank you for your memory. This I believe was a golden age of the Broadway musical.
How old ARE you?
I agree with you 100%. Was there a DVD or CD made of this wonderful musical ?
This is the definitive version of "If I Loved You". One of the greatest love songs of the 20th century (IMO).
Word.
This performance of IF I LOVED YOU is taken from a mid-50s TV special celebrating the careers of R&H. The show was simulcast on ABC, NBC, CBS, and the now-defunct Dumont network.
So this is how it was done! Utter simplicity, great vocal mastery, and both acting with nothing but their feelings to propel their love.
The most believable, utterly captivating scene to make love at first sight seem destined.
Julie and Billy did in 15minutes what Wagner took 4 hours to make us believe.
Us? I'll take Wagner.
"Better than" is bullsht.
@suchabadkitty1293 it's really a matter of personal preferences, which are influenced by many factors. It's really not possible to say one preference is somehow better than another.
Although I probably wouldn't ever bring Wagner into the argument. Whatever his political beliefs, he was a musical genius who turned the Western world's beliefs about composition on its head.
That's a bit overstated. Your opinion, true. But Wagner was amazing, IMO.
Steve, I agree with you. Wagner may be a genius, but he leaves me cold. Rodgers and Hammerstein are geniuses of a different variety. They manage to be accessible and relatable to a vast cross section of people. They deal with ordinary, human emotions which may not be grand enough for opera fans and musical elitists, but they are good enough for generations of audiences young and old from all corners of the globe. Wagner has never had that kind of appeal. By the way, Stephen Sondheim, another musical genius, dislikes opera.
No one ever sang this song better than John Raitt, and he sounds different than on the original cast album. His sound expanded over the years. There are arguments from the comments I have read here about Jan Clayton. She was the perfect Julie, her characterization is completely on target.
I think what I love the most about this performance is that it was created by the masters themselves. These performances have the direct seal of approval from R&H. Actors are always free to interpret a performance but when I watch this it gives me an appreciation for what R&H wanted in a performance. We are seeingq and hearing this performance just as R&H created it. This is the finest theatrical mastery.
I just saw the Broadway revival and wanted to go back to see Raitt and Clayton perform this exquisite scene. How lucky we are that their effervescent, sensitive, thrilling performances were recorded.
Joshua Henry was fantastic on all levels.
Absolutely incredible! The best Julie and Billy EVER!
If there is truly a "gold standard" in musical theater,
there is it! While Raitt is excellent, Clayton is merely
phenomenal. Her line readings and facial expressions
convey a depth seldom seen in theater - straight or
musical. How lucky we are that these great original
performances are not lost to us.
Carousel is their best work... which is saying something. No one can touch Rogers and Hammerstein...
Rodgers and Hammerstein---The BIG ampersand.
What a wonderful, magical performance. I.think I wasn't breathing as I watched. Thank you.
Absolutely shimmering!!! There are some people who only know Jan Clayton as the first mom on Lassie. By the time she took that role, she already had years of acting and singing success, especially on the stage. John Raitt was dashingly masculine with tremendous presence. Ms. Clayton had such shy appeal here. Let's all remember that they were singing here LIVE, with no "clip on" body mics!!! They both had to execute this LIVE in front of an audience, and they aced it. This, to me is a musical "oil painting!!!" This magnificent song gives me the same "goosey flesh" as does another song for which Oscar Hammerstein also wrote the lyrics... "Make Believe" from Showboat. Both songs have that same "make you swallow" tension, as the performers initially hide their feelings for each other. Then, they can't help it, and let their guards drop. Meanwhile we are all watching and quietly rooting for them. Oh my!
John Raitt was one of the very best Broadway musical actors ever. He sang with passion and expression.
@David Leist And range! Fans of his daughter have no idea that she has always lived in his shadow.
Both great in these roles. John Raitt brings an unsettling combination of passion, dark intensity, danger, vulnerability, and tenderness to this role. Unsurpassed and brilliant.
Magnificent. Moving. A masterpiece. Musical perfection.
Ms. Clayton has the most expressive face. Such innocence, fear, surprise, and love. And Raitt's eyes are amazing (and then there's the fine, fine singing).
look at the expression on her face as she watches him as he starts to sing. even though it's a TV Recreation this is incredibly moving
Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beautiful song (albeit against some heavy competition)
My favorite musical of theirs.
I understand it was theirs, too.
As a NYer, Broadway was just a subway ride in on the 7 line. As a youngster I grew up on My Fair Lady, reprisals of Showboat, South Pacific and of course Carousel. I saw John reprise the role in 1965 at Lincoln Center. What a voice.
Wow. Who knew Jan Clayton could sing? Marvelous. And John Raitt cant be equaled.
John And Marge Raitt we’re good friends of mine. John was the kindest and most lovable man I have ever known. To know him was to love him!
This is marvelous. I never heard of Jan Clayton. Her performance is so brave - so vulnerable, but assured, too. She is a queer one. I can't imagine any other actress giving this interpretation, or a director allowing it. The performance, itself, could seem amateurish and naive. This Julie doesn't seem very bright - she is the opposite of worldly. So unsophisticated, but angelic. She reminds me of depictions of some angels in medieval art.
As a child, I loved Jan Clayton in Lassie, as Jeff Miller's mom!
John Raitt's amazing high notes are powerhouses of sound!! Absolutely marvelous!
Here we can feel the power of a truly great song in the hands of two marvelous singing actors. Jan Clayton steals my heart away.
Mine, too. She's wonderfully expressive!
I've watched this almost every night for a week or so, and am just amazed, watching Ms. Clayton, to realize that she was almost 37 (Raitt was 37) when this was filmed. She could be 20. I have been watching as many performances as I can find, and no one is nearly as expressive. She just does Julie perfectly!
Both John Raitt and Jan Clayton were born in 1917 So.they were 37 when it was filmed and both were marveleus acting singing and looking their parts
As Billie says, the stars were out that night. Memorable performances by Jan Clayton and John Raitt with Rodgers’ music and Hammerstein’s lyrics perfectly conveying the emotions. A pinnacle of Broadway.
I so miss John Raitt, and yes, many others from those musicals of decades ago. So many treasures! So wonderful to see them again! Thanks ever so much to all of you on TH-cam ♥!
Absolutely beautiful. So gorgeously sung and movingly acted, both of them. Jan Clayton is astonishing, so touching and sweet and lovely and John Raitt is a heartfelt Billy. They make you believe in their mutual need and desire.
This is a treasure and perhaps the crowning achievement in traditional American music. Carousel is our American masterwork. We don't give the respect to our old music like we should. Our pop music is not American music. But Carousel embodies a true American spirit of hope, love, and forgiveness. I cry every time.
Superb! She especially makes us believe.
Wow--I only knew Jan Clayton as the haggard mom in the original tv Lassie--Had no idea she introduced one of the greatest broadway tunes ever!
Not haggard. Maybe she was plain ... a small-town farmer. The first TV Lassie show was just about the first TV show that I was stuck on. I wanted to be Jeff's friend.
Bonnie Raitt's dad and Lassie's mom -- imagine how talented their kid would be!
Quite simply the greatest musical ever written, with probably the finest voice of the musical theater, John Raitt.
Even in a re-creation for TV, the acting is so good in this and the sexual tension is palpable. I like the movie but John Raitt is simply the best.
The greatest musical of all times. And, both Rodgers & Hammerstein said the of all their work, this was their favorite.
That song honours the war generation and shows why they were the best generation, never to return. I can't even perform it without feeling inadequate-I am not worthy.
+Richard Mansfield how exactly does it, "honour the war generations"?
Thanks for asking. My Mum and Dad did the White Rock players (Dame Hilliier) at that time and this type of theatre was their life. It was wholesome, not like today. Did you know that Aunt Em in the Wizard of Oz would not argue with that lady who stole Toto because she was a Christian lady. Now, Izaac Z does that song on Ukelele and uses it to preach to kids. My point is that this media is safe for kids. Not like today. Are you a show person,perhaps. Glad to meet you.
- Richard Mansfield, PG, BC
Strange how you say wholesome. Carousel is my favourite R&H show for its grit and darkness. And the lovely music of course.
+dfsnsdfn Grit and darkness are intellectually satisfying, and many WWII vets saw what the SS did, etc., at that time, so grit is OK. I am talking about the sexual purity.
Sexual purity? That was NOT Oscar Hammerstein and Richard Rodger's intent with Billy and Julie's relationship at all.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T THINK REAL LOVE IS THIS ~REAL~ .......... YOU'RE NOT IN LOVE~!~
This is so special. See how they look at each other
Such a beautiful voice. She played the MOM on "LASSIE" series.
I just realized that... I had no idea she was such a musical talent.
I've never seen this version before. I have never heard of Jan Clayton either. But I am impressed with this version. I usually like to watch the film version of the song but this is a great version.
What a Blessing to discover this Item shared on TH-cam today, it has been hidden from the public for over 60 years, ( hidden in the Film-Vaults of Broadway and Television producers all this time )...John Raitt was a Top Broadway Star of the First magnitude. And Jan Clayton was an actress, that went on to play the mother to the actor Tommy Rettig on Television's First season of "Lassie"...The first Season of Lassie from the 1950's is my Favourite....Thank You to TH-cam, and to the Host of this TH-cam Channel for sharing this "remarkable recording of this duet from "CAROUSEL" introduced by the talented Mary Martin...
TakeYourSeats It was on the R&H anniversary line of DVDs. That's been around for 10 years minimum.
An outstanding actress. She creates a real person.
Classic Broadway.
The music in the opening is the overture to Carousel. And yes, the announcer is Mary Martin aka "Peter Pan" as well as the original Nellie in "South Pacific" and the original Maria in "Sound of Music" on Broadway. Also the real-life mother of "JR", Larry Hagman.
I was so confused when I found out that Peter Pan was played by a woman!
Beautifully sung and acted. What a treat!
JAN CLAYTON WAS ALSO PLAYING IN "LASSIE" AT THIS TIME....NO ONE KNEW SHE COULD SING...BEAUTIFUL VOICE...
Beautifully said and sung, both of them,, how human they sound,,,,,JRT
Jan Clayton's voice is just amazing!
what a gem.
Jeff's Mom on Lassie. Who knew? Actually my mother had the full cast recording with Jan Clayton and John Raitt. It was a set of 78 rpm records.
I don't know how long I've searched for this most beautiful, and complete showing of the two wonders that sang this song to one another! Dear fvydt; you've made me day, week, etc! This is spectacular! I'm so grateful, and in your debt!
varadero
varadero1839
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This is the first time I've seen this entire sequence, and I've been playing and singing selections from Carousel since I was 13. I love this! I'm 73 now, and rarely sing anymore.
Rodgers and Hammerstein innovated along with their music and lyrics/book. This scene introduced the concept of the extended conversation leading to several songs. Audiences had not seen this approach before. "Musicarole" had it right. This is the most exquisite scene in musical theater.
Back in the 1960s when I was in college "Summer Stock" was very common, as Broadway went dark in the summer. Such a production came to the Carter Barron Amphitheater in DC and it was Carousel. The cast was full of promising young talent and two Broadway stars -- John Raitt and Jan Clayton. I had never cried in public except in pain. But the beauty of this production and the voices of John Raitt and Jan Clayton touched my heart and turned on my tear ducts -- and I didn't try to hide it. Now I show tears at all sorts of beautiful art -- and Carousel started it all.
You are in good company. Stephen Sondheim was Oscar Hammerstein's protege and Hammerstein was a sort of foster father to SS. Oscar and his wife took Stephen to see Carousel with them and SS says he broke out crying after the first act, completely soaking Oscar's wife's fur coat.
I'd forgotten about Jan Clayton. Fine version. It's worth the entire clip just to see and hear my beloved Mary Martin. Thanks for thinking of me, Doug.
My favourite scene too.
Oh God, I love this. Just the best.
Woww.. Thank you for sharing this precious video. I never thought I could hear and watch the original cast version. Wonderful..
I've never seen this before. One of my most favourite songs sung so beautifully. Wonderful.
My goodness. This was on network TV in 1954. Imagine, walking up to the tv, turning to NBC, and seeing one of its 'culture' programs and spectaculars. This was a year before I arrived on the scene.
And, the quality of the Broadway shows. People had the choice of many shows then. "Carousel' was a major hit and was turned into a very popular movie. Both Clayton and Raitt were major actors and singers from the era but both were passed over for the movie. IMO both do a better version of this, and the other, songs.
When I think of 'great America' this show comes from that era, when our nation was truly 'great'. That era is gone, of course, but our hope for the future, like the characters in Carousel, remains strong. We just can't sing.
Thank you for presenting the original Billy and Julie (John Raitt and Jan Clayton) performing, If I Loved You, from Carousel, opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theater, April 19, 1945, closed May 24, 1947, running for 890 performances. Inspired by Molnar's Liliom, Carousel used a "tragedy turned redemption " theme to tell the story of Billy Bigelow using crime as a motivation for supporting himself, Julie , and their unborn child. When killed in a robbery attempt, Billy enters heaven and is, later, sent back to Earth to see his daughter graduate from high school before going back to heaven. Fantastic musical fare.
The amazing Mary Martin (Peter Pan) doing the intro; and Bonnie Raitt's dad. Fab. Jan Clayton played the mom in the early version of the Lassie TV series.
beautiful music....unknown music for me
It's a beautiful play, but very disturbing. The character of Billy Bigelow is NOT a nice person. It's not a musical comedy.
Some things don't change. Girls go for the Billy Bigelows. With John Raitt singing, I can almost forgive them.
John Raitt so superb!!! Actor/singer.....also so good in the film Pajama Game with Doris Day- they had some great songs- remember Raitt singing "Hey There" ??? mermorizing...his daughter Bonnie Raitt quite the pop star in her day......
Wonderful.
Sublime.
Chills 😊
God, she's amazing!
When it's good it last and become new again when new artist perform it again when they are talented and can sing and act.
@janicemurphy7878 Such artists no longer exist.
Hard to believe in my lifetime we have gone from this to "WAP" as far as popular music.
Fank God this is preserved!
Magnificent!
Never fails to move. Perfection in every sense.
Wow! Sooo beautiful..sigh
Bravo, bravo
simplicity......and it is beautiful!
For all these many years I only knew Jan Clayton as Jeff Miller's mom and didn't know she was a stage actress and singer. Although I'm used to seeing the film version, I enjoyed seeing this production.
You know that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the debut of 'Carousel', right?
Oh yes, not too many people know that John Raitt sired someone named Bonnie Lynn.
THANK YOU! I sure needed this today!
There is only one other couple that does as good a job as these two In Carousel. These two are outstanding. I watched all of the rest I could find on here. Might have fancier sets that is it!
I love this clip. Thank you. I touched my screen and this magical moment appeared! Amazing. Superb performance.
Thanks for sharing this!
Add Jan Clayton to the short list of performers who "own" a role. Think of Harrison in MY FAIR LADY, Brynner in KING AND I,
etc. Her "Julie" is not only well-sung, but incredibly acted -down to the smallest nuance. You DON'T see this kind of performing on Broadway anymore. (Most performers are "killing time" waiting for a TV or movie gig). Not Jan Clayton - she's completely
THERE and in the moment. A Performance for the Ages! Yes, Raitt is damn good, but Clayton is GREAT! (Sorry, poor folks
of HAMILTON).
Down to the smallest nuance!
Amen.
No offence, but Miss Clayton is such a brilliant actress that she radiates a rather wooden leading man and transforms into a reluctant, but fully realized romantic lover.
Both performers transcended the heights.
Absolutely delightful.
The movie soundtrack album was hanging around when I was a small child. Among the zillion covers: the five octave voiced singer Annie Haslam, from her first solo album, "Annie in Wonderland" in 1977.She later did it on 3 live albums, "Under Brazilian Skies", "Live in Philadelphia" (both from 1997) and "One Enchanted Evening" (2001). I put the last versi9n with this charming performance in my Haslam playlist. Thanks for the upload!
Jan Clayton was a very committed Christian woman. What a voice. She had a role in a Wagon Train episode with Ward Bond.
Beautiful. And the daughter of the amazing John Raitt is Bonnie Raitt. 💖
Ironically, I knew of John because of Carousel and Pajama Game first. So Bonnie was John's daughter rather than the reverse of today.
Thank you
John Raitt is the best Billy. There has never been another finer.
Brilliant. 🎉
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said.
Thanks it helped a lot
Tom Vanderbilt "The Carousel Waltz"
Sinatra came to see Raitt night after night...Bonnie's dad...😢😮😂❤Joanie Noëldechen.
These performers knew how to act, and deliver the song in character. Saw the 1994 revival at Lincoln center, and, Audra McDonald did not, just sang big and operatic. Julie Jordan was a frail, prim, factory worker. There was never a better Julie Jordan than Jan Clayton.
+Douglas Sharpe You are so right. I got to meet Jan Clayton not long before she died and she was a very warm and caring person. I remember she told me to call her anytime and after giving me her number, she told me she was listed in the phonebook if I ever lost it. I remember talking to her about CAROUSEL and I am quite sure that she would have been unhappy with that revival. She clearly understood the role of Julie and it shows in this performance.
I saw that 1994 production, too. Unlike you, I loved it. In fact, it was one of the most memorable performances I've ever seen. Now, I do love Jan Clayton--her singing and acting are unequaled. John Raitt is great too. You are mistaken about one thing. Audra McDonald didn't play Julie Jordan. She played Carrie Pipperidge, a very different sort of character, with a lively exuberant personality. Julie was played by an actress named Sally Murphy.
nswlh You are right, Julie was Sally Murphy, but, Audra's delivery was not in character with Carrie Pipperidge either... she was a politically correct casting choice.
"Politically correct"? Is that code for she's African-American? You must be the only person in the world who thinks she was miscast. Let's agree to disagree, shall we? We both love the music. Have a nice day.
"Politically correct casting choice"? It wasn't enough to just criticize McDonald's interpretation of Carrie for you, which is fine, different strokes for different folks. But you have to go one extra and plant the seeds of doubt into her casting because she's black. That always happens when black, Latinos, Asians, etc. get opportunities usually reserved for white people.
For me the best performance of the duet. In recent years I prefer Kelli O Hara and Nathan Gunn
I like Kelly, but Nathan not so much. Raitt and MacRae are the best Billys. Love Jan Clayton in this. Perfect.
@@Makeji
I.agree.I prefer Raitt and Gordon and the women Jan Clayton Kelli Shirley Jones and Barbara Cook. But not so much Samuel Ramey with her because he was very operatic.. For me Raitt and Clayton are still the best
@@dianaaljadeff2983 I keep coming back to this watching her. I first saw the movie when it came out when I was 9, so have been in love with the show most of my life. After seeing this version however, I can no longer watch Shirley Jones...lovely voice, but weak interpretation. Love Gordon MacRae still, but Raitt IS Billy (it was his Broadway debut). Despite his skill, he's still raw. As for Kelli, I've been thinking about her and she comes across as too worldly in a way. She wouldn't fall for Billy. I don't care for a baritone singing the role. Just got the CD of the original cast recording and his Soliloquy gave me chills.
@@Makeji
I agree.I think that Gordon Mc Rae and Shirley Jones looked and sang the parts very well but dont convince as actors.The producers wanted Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland and Barbara Cook would have played Carrie.But the composers wanted Shirley Jones só Barbara Cook was out because they didnt want another soprano and Barbara Ruick was cast .
I think that Garland Sinatra and Cook would have been better actors.Barbara played both Carrie and Julie on stage with success..
They would have lowered the songs keys for Garland and Sinatra but they.would convince more as actors because Billy and Julie arent Curly and Laurie when Gordon and Shirley were excellent Their singing was amazing in both movies but in Oklahoma they were better than in Carousel. Of course I would have cast John Raitt in.the movie
Beautiful rendition!, although Shirley Jones may have the best female version. John Raitt and Gordon Macrae are equally incredible, followed by Robert Goulet. ►Please note, musical trivia fans!: "Soon you'd leave me, off you would go in the MIDST (not 'mist') of day . . ." is clearly enunciated by both singers. This is good to know, since "midst of day" (as per the original show lyrics) makes so much more sense than "mist of day," as sung by many subsequent cover artists (Sinatra, Jones, Goulet, et al.).
You are dead wrong about "midst." The original word in the score is "mist." NOT midst. Therefore, the two singers here are singing it wrong, and the others sang it correctly.
I find Clayton much more expressive than Jones. Watching her face just as she finishes singing is just wonderful -- she manages fear, hope, surprise at her boldness, all at once. And Raitt, when he finishes singing -- so very expressive!
it's 'mist'. ... great *comment fail*, though!
Vocally, Shirley Jones was only adequate at best.
Jan was a connsumate singing actor. Everything about her delivery is in character!
Carousel was the first musical I ever saw (the movie) Maybe that's why it's my favorite.. John and Jan however were a bit better then Gordon and Shirley.
They were the original.
The movie is supposedly known as one of the worst film versions of any musical. And I agree. So many problems with it
I believe the phrase "a bit better" would be an understatement. Just a personal opinion :-)
I agree. Except this recording does not do them justice. He especially has a great voice.
This recording was made before HI FI really took off in the 50's and was made from a film that was on a TV program. This would account for the not so good recording. It seems to have been taken off a television monitor - picture and sound. John also was my favorite stage singers. Too bad he was only in one movie with Doris Day, Pajama Game. I was only a young teenager but I remember there were applause after he sang "Hey There" into the Dictaphone.