New Faces (1954)

"New Faces" (1954) is a kaleidoscopic cinematic experience that ushers you into the bustling world of Broadway. This film ingeniously intertwines a mosaic of skits, sketches, songs, and dances into a loose but compelling narrative that mainly serves as a vibrant stage for an array of diverse performances. At the heart of the plot is Ronny Graham, a performer-cum-producer, grappling with financial turmoil on the brink of opening night. His predicament can only be resolved by a hefty investment, which comes with its own set of eccentric conditions; a rich Texan is ready to save the day, provided his daughter gets to feature in the show, and he gets an exclusive preview. This narrative backdrop sets the stage for a remarkable ensemble of talents, marking the dawn of their stellar careers. Eartha Kitt's mellifluous voice charms with four extraordinary songs, including the captivating "C'est si bon" and the whimsical "Santa Baby". These performances seamlessly weave through a series of humorous skits such as "Trip of the Month", "Snake Charmer", "Crazy Man", and the provocatively titled "Oedipus Goes South". Ronny Graham and Mel Brooks, still in his Melvin Brooks days, are the creative forces behind most of the sketches. The influence of Brooks' signature comic style is evident, especially in the audacious "Oedipus" skit. The film also features a burlesque parody of "Death of a Salesman", a testament to the effortless wit of the writers. "New Faces" leaves a lasting imprint on Brooks, elements of which can be traced in his later work "The Producers". In essence, "New Faces" is an effervescent celebration of performance, humor, and the timeless allure of Broadway, wrapped in a narrative that's as entertaining as it is unconventional.

New Faces is a comedy movie featuring Ronny Graham and directed by Harry Horner.

New Faces is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Film Detective and it's also available on Cultpix, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy New Faces on Amazon Video.