About Hello, Dolly!

"Hello, Dolly!" is a 1969 American romantic comedy musical film produced by 20th Century Fox and directed by Gene Kelly. The film is based on the Broadway production of the same name and tells the story of Dolly Levi, a chatty, charming, and cunning woman who meddles with others' affairs, especially for matchmaking.

Plot Summary

Dolly Levi, a matchmaker from Yonkers, New York, seeks a wife for grumpy Horace Vandergelder, a well-known half-a-millionaire. However, unbeknownst to Horace, Dolly plans to marry him herself. Amid tasking romance, witty dialogues, and memorable music, hilarity ensues.

Making / Production

This spectacle was directed by Gene Kelly, known for his innovative style in musical film-making. The film was shot in CinemaScope and utilized elaborate sets, costumes, and choreography to tell the story.

Actors

• Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levi - Streisand aptly captures the essence of meddlesome yet endearing Dolly with her incredible comic timing and vocal skills.
• Walter Matthau as Horace Vandergelder - Matthau played the grumpy Horace Vandergelder to perfection, demonstrating impressive range and comedic talent.
• Michael Crawford as Cornelius Hackl - Crawford gave an earnest performance as Horace's adventure-seeking clerk.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was based on the 1964 Broadway play of the same name by Michael Stewart.
• Despite not being a box office success, the film has gained a cult following over the years for its iconic musical numbers and performances.

Awards

"Hello, Dolly!" won three Academy Awards in 1970, including Best Art Direction, Best Score of a Musical Picture (Original or Adaptation), and Best Sound.

Quotes

• "Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow." - Dolly Levi
• "Some people paint, some sew. I meddle." - Dolly Levi

Music, Soundtrack

• "Hello, Dolly!" - Performed by Barbra Streisand and Louis Armstrong
• "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" - Performed by Michael Crawford and Company
• "Before the Parade Passes By" - Performed by Barbra Streisand and Company