No, I mean Band of Angels. Bad as Poitier's "singing" in Lilies of the Field may be (haven't seen it in a while), I think it's even worse in Band of Angels. When the singing voice appears to come out of his mouth, it's so so clearly not a match for Poitier's speaking voice. The movie is based on a Robert Penn Warren novel that is probably pretty good. The movie is kind of fun, unless you just find it totally offensive. It is totally offensive, but it's so crazy that for me it's kind of fun (although I wouldn't blame anyone who would be appalled that anyone could find it fun, even in a campy way).
It's sad that Yvonne DeCarlo, who was a good actress (and she could sing), did not find many truly good movie roles. There's just no way that she can help seeming a bit ridiculous in the movie. Actually, Poitier is probably the best thing about it, except when that other person's voice seems to come out of his mouth (not his fault).
I'm linking a review (by Glenn Erickson, aka DVD Savant) of the DVD. |
