Blu Ray Review: Flower Drum Song (1961)
The first American film to have a predominantly Asian cast (and the last until The Joy Luck Club over 30 years later), Rogers and Hammerstein’s hit 1958 Broadway musical comedy translated effectively to movies. Nancy Kwan, James Shigeta, Miyoshi Umeki, Jack Soo, and Benson Fong were, and still are, noteworthy actors from a variety of different projects. African American actress Juanita Hall rounds out the cast in a role that was originally intended for Anna May Wong who sadly passed away before production).
Miyoshi Umeki plays Mei Li, a Chinese immigrant who has been betrothed to Sammy Fong (Jack Soo), a nightclub boss. However, Sammy is currently involved with one of his showgirls, Linda Low (Nancy Kwan). The complications ensure when Sammy tries to connect her with a wealthy man (Benson Fong) as a possible partner for his son (James Shigeta). Meanwhile, the rich man’s son is interested in Linda, who uses that opportunity to test Sammy. Jack Soo and Benson Fong are especially strong in their standout roles. James Shigeta is handsome and appealing. Umeki and Kwan are an attractive delight.
Putting things into historical perspective, this film broke new ground for Asian actors during a time when white actors playing such roles (“Yellowface”) was more predominant, even as late as the early 1960s. The film was a huge box office hit, and its soundtrack album performed high on the Billboard charts.
Along with the pleasant songs and dances, and well-drawn characters, there is a wry comical attitude to the proceedings that is an irresistible throwback to another form of entertainment. And the issues that the narrative deals with center on the different cultures and their conflicts in a comical vein. The elder Chinese are acclimated to American life, but still don’t respond well to the colloquial slang of their American-born children. And the response to the Americanized club owner Sammy Fong to the Chinese immigrant Mei Li is met with a sardonic “we don’t get people like this anymore!”
Kino Lorber’s blu ray is a brand new 2k master that includes a wealth of wonderful extras. There is a fascinating, informative audio commentary by Nancy Kwan with film historian Nick Redman, A documentary on the adaption entitled A Classic Evolves: From Print to Stage to Screen, another feature on the casting of the film, and some segments discussing the film’s score, costumes, and composers Rodgers and Hammerstein.
The blu ray can be ordered at this link: FLOWER DRUM SONG