She was a great entertainer. The song, No Business like Show Business, I often watch it on youtube. The movie was a memory from my childhood. Thanks for doing this.
What an interview. I would love to sit and talk with those two men and hear more stories. I encountered Ethel Merman a few times in New York back in the 1970's. Once when she approached me to ask directions and another when I sat at the table next to hers at King Dragon. My partner and I ate in silence as we eavesdropped on her conversation which included a few choice comments about the new Sondheim show "Sweeney Todd." What an unforgettable lady and talent she was.
Now that is a restaurant table worth eavesdropping on - I would have made great efforts to eat my meal silently, especially if it were something crunchy, or indeed, soup! 🤣🤣🤣
Ethel Merman had friends. She did not die alone. She did not self destruct or become involved with alcohol or drugs. Ethel just kept going. It is interesting that Ethel remained friends with her girlfriends from her youth before she became famous. She remained loyal and kept in touch with them for a lifetime. Her girlfriends were everyday people and she knew she could trust them. Ethel was also dedicated to her mother and father. Tony Cointreau was independently wealthy and wanted nothing from Ethel except friendship. Ethel knew that and knew she could trust him and James Russo. I think Ethel was very careful about allowing people into her life. If you broke her trust or used her in any way...she gave you the keys to the street. In spite of her "tough gal" persona, I think she was extremely vulnerable when she loved or cared for someone.
Ethel Merman always brings a smile to me. She was way before my time but growing up in 1970s New Jersey I would see her on the tv and she was always hilarious. She was so funny in It's a Mad Mad World, great movie. I remember talking to my Mother about Ethel Merman ounce. My Mother was a great singer and piano player and I said I saw Ethel Merman on the TV and just loved her! My Mother went off about how much she loved her also.
Saw Ethel singing in a "short" film from 1930 on vintage tv today. She had a beautiful, lyrical, and expressive voice, not like in later years bringing down the house - when she became brassy and big I don't know, but she had a beautiful voice when young.
Fascinating comment. I found Merman's voice rather grating - I'm not convinced what she did can accurately be termed 'singing'. She projected in a way that was very effective in big theatres/for live performances, and for big, blowsy big screen performances. But that foghorn approach could be startling on chat shows!
Ethel Merman was not a classic beauty with a model's figure - she had something much rarer and far more magical: STAR QUALITY. When that little lady walked into a scene, a room or onto a stage, everyone sat up and paid attention! That quality is pure gold, God-given, and cannot be bought or faked. I feared the worst about these two men, at first glance they're like those cliched gay 'walkers' who sucked up to a star then dined out on it for years. But it seems I misjudged them. They talk of Ethel Merman with such knowledge and genuine respect and affection, I cannot help but be moved and enchanted by their stories. She was a lucky lady to have such good friends.
I wonder if Tony remembers Bob purchasing a kinetic sculpture to place in Ethel's hospital room, to provide her with psychological relief. that sculpture was designed by my father, who Bob thanked deeply for helping his mother find peace in her last days. I wish i had been more attuned to all this but i was absorbed with my own concerns and my father was not doing well himself. still, i will always have a soft spot for Ethel even though as a kid she was of course the butt of jokes.
No mention is made of Ethel Merman's acting in motion pictures. She reprised her Broadway role in Call Me Madam in its movie version. She was one of many stars who appeared in Its a Mad,Mad,Mad, World. If I was the interviewer, I would have included her film work along with her stage work!
there will never be an other miss merman absolutely one of broadways best. never got the awards she deserved how she was over looked for a tony for gypsy is a travisty of justice
Why hasn't anyone written and produced a movie - obviously a comedy - about Ethel's 24-hour marriage to Ernest Borgnine? Isn't that the ideal scenario for a movie???
"She became famous on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun"". Excuse me??? Ethel Merman became famous a hell of a long time before Annie. How about "Girl Crazy" )more than 15 years before AGYG), "Red Hot and Blue", "Anything Goes", "Du Barry Was a Lady" and "Panama Hattie", to name just some of her shows before "Annie Get Your Gun". I hate sloppy research. It demeans the subject.
Mandeley100 Manderly, these are the people we depend on for this information. I get you. Historically, by omitting the 32-bar standing ovation of "I Got Rhythm" was like forgetting that Our National Anthem was written! Bad news to me. Thank you. Abbe
She may have had lead roles without being a star, or a star among stars. Fame arrives at a certain point in a career, not at the beginning, depending on the person.
I'll bet their collection of Ethel's writings and belongings must be worth a mint. Hopefully, they got all that stuff appraised and insured. It was an interesting insight into the personality of a Broadway legend.
LSU PhiDelt, you must be a miserable person. This is an intriguing insight into the life of the legendary Merman, and these two gentlemen are interesting and generous with sharing their personal lives.
The documents they have should be in Lincoln Center and the Museum of the City of New York for all to see and research ..her father’s very complete papers of her career are there. Her great bio Brass Diva was researched with the Merman collections. Hopefully, Tony will donate the many boxes so more are secured and available for research of the great Broadway and #1 Broadway Diva!
Great interview! I would love to know if there’s anything in Ms. Merman’s diaries about Richard Carlson from when they starred together in Stars in Your Eyes, or about the production in general. (I’m writing a book about Carlson.)
Tony Cointreau was from a wealthy family and was independently wealthy at an early age. Tony and James only wanted friendship from Ethel. Ethel knew this and trusted them. Ethel remained friends with her fellow girlfriends from her youth (before she became famous) all her life. She trusted them. None of them had ulterior motives about using Ethel for money or career opportunities.
Wow. The first guy looked unusually young....in a Dorian Gray sort of way. The other guy look his age, naturally. Still, I was enthralled at their stories. Amazing.
really tiresome to hear the negative personal comments about the guests and friends of Merman's. Instead of appreciating the insight and personal one on one anecdotes about one of our greatest stars some people quibble about his wig and personality.
The sad creatures making those comments give the rest of the world a window into their inner personalities. Not a pretty sight. At least we can move on and forget about them but their p*unishment is that they have to live as themselves 24/7. There is no reprieve or escape from themselves.
ok..I think Ethel is fine and have much respect for her accomplishments but I can't imagine listening to an entire album of hers. She is no Judy Garland ;)
Hadn't known she lost a child. I'm sure doctors advised patients (even years ago) NOT to drink while prescribed medications like barbiturates or amphetamines. Unfortunately shit happens.
There is something special about gay friends of celebrities, like courtiers, and the celebrities encourage them, name their favorites, or demote them at will. Celebrities are our royalty, but the real kind because they earn it.
Stereotypes exist. Self-regarding, vain, shallow, insincere, logorrheic. Laughing at ones own witless drivel, though no one else does, as there are no punchlines.
Maybe that's what Populism is. When unhappy people who didn't get enough college don't like shopping because they don't get paid enough to have fun at Macy's
This is truly wonderful. I could listen to these two men forever. A great tribute to a great woman.
Thank you for posting these wonderful gentlemen sharing their memories of their beloved friend Ethel Merman .
Ethel Merman...1st class entertainer and star! Like Bette Davis, she put her all into anything she did.
Theatre Talk was WONDerFUL !!! ~~ It is missed.
I don't care what you think about the guests.
To be able to see Ethel in person, live, doing Gypsy, is a memory anyone could brag about and treasure.
yes she was a real personn
She was a great entertainer. The song, No Business like Show Business, I often watch it on youtube. The movie was a memory from my childhood. Thanks for doing this.
This is a fascinating retrospective on one of entertainment’s legendary icons. Thank you for posting it!
I appreciate Michael Riedel reminding the guest to finish his story after each sidetrack or interruption.
😆
That is a great journalist, worthy of the term!
I saw her in an episode of That Girl and she was playing herself...it was a sweet show and she seemed so down to earth
Ethel Merman proves that a rather unpleasant vocal quality and a great attitude and work ethic will get you very far. Respect.
This interview is amazing... it sweeps you away to another world.
I loved this! Those guys were so lucky to have known her
Stumbled upon this interview. Fascinating insight into a bygone era.
Its so nice she had these guys as friends - huge stars can feel so alone sometimes too - im glad Ethel had such genuine people to fall back on
Great interview!
Oh when I was young Ethel merman was playing in our home constantly.
Those diaries need to published in a heartbeat! I'd absolutely kill to read them
I enjoyed this interview.
everyone needs a couple of friends like Jim and Tony in their lives!
What an interview. I would love to sit and talk with those two men and hear more stories. I encountered Ethel Merman a few times in New York back in the 1970's. Once when she approached me to ask directions and another when I sat at the table next to hers at King Dragon. My partner and I ate in silence as we eavesdropped on her conversation which included a few choice comments about the new Sondheim show "Sweeney Todd." What an unforgettable lady and talent she was.
Now that is a restaurant table worth eavesdropping on - I would have made great efforts to eat my meal silently, especially if it were something crunchy, or indeed, soup! 🤣🤣🤣
Ethel Merman had friends. She did not die alone. She did not self destruct or become involved with alcohol or drugs. Ethel just kept going. It is interesting that Ethel remained friends with her girlfriends from her youth before she became famous. She remained loyal and kept in touch with them for a lifetime. Her girlfriends were everyday people and she knew she could trust them. Ethel was also dedicated to her mother and father. Tony Cointreau was independently wealthy and wanted nothing from Ethel except friendship. Ethel knew that and knew she could trust him and James Russo. I think Ethel was very careful about allowing people into her life. If you broke her trust or used her in any way...she gave you the keys to the street. In spite of her "tough gal" persona, I think she was extremely vulnerable when she loved or cared for someone.
yes
What a lovely show nice to see that she was so respected and loved by her friends..I loved Ethel in everything she did what a voice 🤓😃
Ethel Merman always brings a smile to me. She was way before my time but growing up in 1970s New Jersey I would see her on the tv and she was always hilarious. She was so funny in It's a Mad Mad World, great movie. I remember talking to my Mother about Ethel Merman ounce. My Mother was a great singer and piano player and I said I saw Ethel Merman on the TV and just loved her! My Mother went off about how much she loved her also.
I never saw her on stage, but her role in It's a Mad...Wold was brilliant. She made that movie work. No other actress could have done it.
she played the same screaming woman in a lot of movies she was bst asically the besct on stage
She totally made that movie!!
Saw Ethel singing in a "short" film from 1930 on vintage tv today. She had a beautiful, lyrical, and expressive voice, not like in later years bringing down the house - when she became brassy and big I don't know, but she had a beautiful voice when young.
Fascinating comment. I found Merman's voice rather grating - I'm not convinced what she did can accurately be termed 'singing'. She projected in a way that was very effective in big theatres/for live performances, and for big, blowsy big screen performances. But that foghorn approach could be startling on chat shows!
Ethel Merman was not a classic beauty with a model's figure - she had something much rarer and far more magical: STAR QUALITY. When that little lady walked into a scene, a room or onto a stage, everyone sat up and paid attention! That quality is pure gold, God-given, and cannot be bought or faked.
I feared the worst about these two men, at first glance they're like those cliched gay 'walkers' who sucked up to a star then dined out on it for years. But it seems I misjudged them. They talk of Ethel Merman with such knowledge and genuine respect and affection, I cannot help but be moved and enchanted by their stories. She was a lucky lady to have such good friends.
Facinating. Verrrrrrry Facinating!! ❤️❤️❤️
A great interview. Very interesting.
Lovely interview!
i met these guys before when meet ethel in 1970 as young boy she would remember me going to all new york and other performances for the next 13 years
I wonder if Tony remembers Bob purchasing a kinetic sculpture to place in Ethel's hospital room, to provide her with psychological relief. that sculpture was designed by my father, who Bob thanked deeply for helping his mother find peace in her last days. I wish i had been more attuned to all this but i was absorbed with my own concerns and my father was not doing well himself. still, i will always have a soft spot for Ethel even though as a kid she was of course the butt of jokes.
This was really great! Thanks for sharing!
FANTASTIC ! so interesting on so many levels ! p.s. SHE WAS A GREAT STAR !
I loved Ethel's eyes more than her voice....such a spirit inside...
Loved this! Thanks for posting. But some promising lines of conversation were stepped on and just died.
These men are so elegant and warm. Wonderful people
Ethel's ashes were reclaimed by the family and respectfully interned in a family plot.
Wow! Where is it?
Love this lady. Ethel was a gem
"Wanna go? Who the hell is he?" Brilliant!!
her assessment still holds true today - what a no talent that guy is
Tony looks amazing for 70.
No mention is made of Ethel Merman's acting in motion pictures. She reprised her Broadway role in Call Me Madam in its movie version. She was one of many stars who appeared in Its a Mad,Mad,Mad, World. If I was the interviewer, I would have included her film work along with her stage work!
What a great interview.
there will never be an other miss merman absolutely one of broadways best. never got the awards she deserved how she was over looked for a tony for gypsy is a travisty of justice
the woman who learned love at the hands of Ernest Borgnine -she is incredible!
Sardi's is the best place. I've had beautiful food there with some beautiful people. Ethel Merman a great woman
Why hasn't anyone written and produced a movie - obviously a comedy - about Ethel's 24-hour marriage to Ernest Borgnine? Isn't that the ideal scenario for a movie???
Wait, Tony Cointreau was 71 years old here? Gosh he looked 50 at most
He was born in 1941. This interview was from 1979.
@@randywatts6969 ehhh nope. How would they have done this interview in 1979, talking about the fact Ethel died in 1984?
Charming gentlemen. Wonderful article. I'd like to know more about their own careers.
"She became famous on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun"". Excuse me??? Ethel Merman became famous a hell of a long time before Annie. How about "Girl Crazy" )more than 15 years before AGYG), "Red Hot and Blue", "Anything Goes", "Du Barry Was a Lady" and "Panama Hattie", to name just some of her shows before "Annie Get Your Gun".
I hate sloppy research. It demeans the subject.
:) I am an Ethel Merman impersonator. I love her, she was a million, gazillion times better than ANY of these Broadway 'singers' now
Mandeley100 Manderly, these are the people we depend on for this information. I get you. Historically, by omitting the 32-bar standing ovation of "I Got Rhythm" was like forgetting that Our National Anthem was written! Bad news to me.
Thank you.
Abbe
She may have had lead roles without being a star, or a star among stars. Fame arrives at a certain point in a career, not at the beginning, depending on the person.
3 husbands not a mention,, of one husband who was an academy and Emmy award winner.
@@pepelemoko01 that’s because it was a terrible experience marriage for Ethel.. Sad but true..
I'll bet their collection of Ethel's writings and belongings must be worth a mint. Hopefully, they got all that stuff appraised and insured. It was an interesting insight into the personality of a Broadway legend.
I imagine they have. They are smart guys.
theatertalk I also imagine that they wouldn't want to sell it... ever...
+Vania Vieta My guess would be it'll got to the New York Public Library since she was such a New York girl.
LSU PhiDelt, you must be a miserable person. This is an intriguing insight into the life of the legendary Merman, and these two gentlemen are interesting and generous with sharing their personal lives.
these guys are great!
Little Ethel was so beautiful!!!!
Great Voice
Such a sad ending
The song title was, Since Maggie Dooley Learned the Hooley Hooley
The documents they have should be in Lincoln Center and the Museum of the City of New York for all to see and research ..her father’s very complete papers of her career are there. Her great bio Brass Diva was researched with the Merman collections. Hopefully, Tony will donate the many boxes so more are secured and available for research of the great Broadway and #1 Broadway Diva!
Ethel willed those documents and chose not to do others. It was her choice as it should be.
Great interview! I would love to know if there’s anything in Ms. Merman’s diaries about Richard Carlson from when they starred together in Stars in Your Eyes, or about the production in general. (I’m writing a book about Carlson.)
Tony Cointreau was from a wealthy family and was independently wealthy at an early age. Tony and James only wanted friendship from Ethel. Ethel knew this and trusted them. Ethel remained friends with her fellow girlfriends from her youth (before she became famous) all her life. She trusted them. None of them had ulterior motives about using Ethel for money or career opportunities.
Goodness! That fella certainly looks good for his age.
Wow. The first guy looked unusually young....in a Dorian Gray sort of way. The other guy look his age, naturally. Still, I was enthralled at their stories. Amazing.
I think he's a devotee of plastic surgery.
really tiresome to hear the negative personal comments about the guests and friends of Merman's. Instead of appreciating the insight and personal one on one anecdotes about one of our greatest stars some people quibble about his wig and personality.
The sad creatures making those comments give the rest of the world a window into their inner personalities. Not a pretty sight. At least we can move on and forget about them but their p*unishment is that they have to live as themselves 24/7. There is no reprieve or escape from themselves.
She was a very complex woman, no doubt about it. She may have bee shy and spiritual, blah blah, but she was also raunchy as hell and extremely brash.
Did you know her, asswipe? I thought not.
Ethel’s son definitely resembles her.
YES I have had the brain tumour but still alive the seizure experienced it all
She also made a max fleisher screen song cartoon.back in the 1930s.
i thought they were siegfried and roy ,i was waiting for the white tigers ?
Since Maggie Dooley Learned the Hooley Hooley www.loc.gov/jukebox/recordings/detail/id/4986/
ok..I think Ethel is fine and have much respect for her accomplishments but I can't imagine listening to an entire album of hers. She is no Judy Garland ;)
Ethel would tell a bawdy joke at a dinner party but on Sundays she was a devout Episcopalian.
THIS is a diva. So many who followed Merman over the years and were termed divas by the media, were merely pale imitations!
Hadn't known she lost a child. I'm sure doctors advised patients (even years ago) NOT to drink while prescribed medications like barbiturates or amphetamines. Unfortunately shit happens.
There's no business like show business, but this isn't show biz.
bertolt brecht wanted merman for mother courage.
Merman was not bisexual!
Mother Theresa was like a second mother to him ?!?!
There is something special about gay friends of celebrities, like courtiers, and the celebrities encourage them, name their favorites, or demote them at will. Celebrities are our royalty, but the real kind because they earn it.
Insecurity? In a performer? Nahhhhhhhh. They're never needy.
Se sounds like a fun person. Not the idea I had of her.
Tony Quantro, or whatever his name is -- my gawd -- is that an Eva Gabor wig you're wearing?
All you are achieving with that ungracious comment is letting the world get a window into your real personality.
@@Salutimondo Nonsense. It's a legitimate question. Not my fault he has no taste -- or eyesight apparently.
Is it Cringey that Susan rarely ever gets to speak on any of these?
It certainly was for me.
Thanks, Susan
ETHEL!! BETTE!! BARBARA (STANWICK)!! THE WORLD JUST ISNT THE SAME!!
These two old queens are a little creepy the way they’re into Ethel to this extreme degree
Tony should steer clear of all open flames... high risk of melting.
oh the world in which we live.... sad
Cannot abide " HANGERS On " ...
This is the complete opposite to ed very thing I've read about her.
Like when she would shout dirty Jokes at people.
Tony Cointreau looks as if he's made of wax.
+sopranosd I have a wig just like his, I love it!!
+Deb Chancy I need to get one too. :) Just think how chic we'll look!
Good skin!
Probably because he made of plastic
@@1aikane You made of shit
oh my. Tony Cointreau does NOT look his age at all. He kind of looks plastic. Work Miss Thing....u betta be an old rich ass queen! yaaas!
Brent Fabian Rayburn - you sound jealous .......
Do some research. She is rich!
Oh, Brother!
If he had any more work done or anymore botox or wore anymore make-up he would just disappear. He doesn't even look real. It's so creepy.
Stereotypes exist. Self-regarding, vain, shallow, insincere, logorrheic. Laughing at ones own witless drivel, though no one else does, as there are no punchlines.
2 creepy guests.
Why? Because they've led fascinating lives amid interesting people and you're a troll who no one gives a fuck about?
I'm in Compensation (Pay & Benefits in the old days). You can tell the folks that didn't study in College and who are unhappy with their pay
So these guys weren't born in time to watch The Facts of Life
Maybe that's what Populism is. When unhappy people who didn't get enough college don't like shopping because they don't get paid enough to have fun at Macy's
Where are the happy people. Maybe were ending an unhappy period. I hope so
💬👌 Cool but We uneducated were waiting for { Mad, Mad, Mad, World } 😁❕ G~G.