Just to clarify, this "Naked City" is not the 1948 film, it's the television show of a decade later. That was the first incarnation of a trendsetting TV program that later came back on a different network with a somewhat different cast - and different music.
The music here is by George Duning, a solid Hollywood craftsman. The words and narrative are by lyricist Ned Washington. And the spoken narration is by radio actor John McIntyre, who took the leading role in the first season of the police drama.
Those of you who are looking for crime jazz, look elsewhere. This is a solid middle-of-the road effort, and the first voices you hear will be those of Jud Conlon's singers, who were perhaps best known for backing Bing Crosby. They present the title tune along with future teen idol James Darren. This was before Darren hit it big with Gidget, so his name is nowhere to be seen on the cover.
Gritty, this isn't. It is closest in concept to, and appears to have been inspired by, Gordon Jenkins' Manhattan Tower. Radio actor as narrator - check. Story in song - check. Singing lovers - check. Throw in a gangster named Big Harry, and you have The Naked City.
The plot involves Lt. Dan Muldoon (McIntyre) playing guardian angel for a Broadway hopeful voiced by Jo Ann Greer, a band singer and vocal double who is a superb vocalist and the best reason for hearing this record. She is being menaced by Big Harry, and the whole thing ends up in a chase. I suppose that's what is depicted on the cover, although if so, Big Harry must have been the only mobster in New York history to wear Pat Boone-style white bucks.
Naturally, this being the 50s and all, the story ends with the ingenue leaving the big city behind for her cowpoke boyfriend (played by Darren, improbably). "Give me solid food, solitude and you," she tells him. (Not sure what she was being fed in New York; must have been a liquid diet.)
I doubt that this plot came from one of the televised episodes, which were written for the most part by the famous Hollywood screenwriter Stirling Silliphant.
The record is particularly recommended to all the fans of Manhattan Tower and anyone who wants to hear fine singing (by Greer; Darren isn't that good).
REMASTERED VERSION
I've heard this record before, but in the 12" format. The female singer is pretty good. I never knew Bobby Darren was on it, but I had wondered if the male singer ever "made some noise" in showbiz. (pun intended)
ReplyDeleteYou reccommend it to fans of Manhattan Tower.
I think it will appeal to fans of just plain odd, as well.
@ DZONDZON,
ReplyDeleteThis is the 12-inch record; that was the only format it appeared in. The singer is James Darren, not Bobby Darin. James had hit records of his own, although he never was as popular as Bobby.
Oh, I meant to write James Darren.
ReplyDeleteRemastered version (Apple lossless):
ReplyDeletehttps://mega.co.nz/#!uVFz3KqS!SYNz9i5gw395OYEeS1m67npZ4B9E-89uEubji3pi6eA
I would love to see your record collection some time. The items you select to share with us indicate it must be large, varied, detailed, fantastic. Thanks for all the records you share. And thanks for sharing The Naked City. I've loved this album for many, many years but my copy is in dreadful condition --- and I've found it impossible to find a good condition replacement. I'm very sad that the recording industry which would spend money to mount a large and expensive record only production such as this is long gone. But it makes me very happy to find you are around sharing this material, keeping it alive for those of us who remember, and hopefully for those who haven't yet experienced it. Thanks for all of it Buster.
ReplyDeleteLarry - My record collection is all of those things, if only fantastic in its disorganization. Thanks so much for your wonderful note! Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteListen Buster, This a real treat for me, Naked City, close up to being number one, favorite show. Eight million thanks.
ReplyDelete