Oklahoma! (1955)

Overview
Filmed in technicolour, "Oklahoma!" is a 1955 musical movie adjusted from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's phase musical of the very same name. The film was directed by Fred Zinnemann, beginning a pattern for huge spending plan Hollywood variations of Broadway musicals. The plot is embeded in the Oklahoma area in the early 1900s and revolves around the romantic pursuits of handsome cowboy, Curly McLain and the lively farmer's child, Laurey Williams.

Plot
The film opens with Curly McLain (portrayed by Gordon MacRae) singing the iconic "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin". He rides to farm girl Laurey Williams' (played by Shirley Jones) house to welcome her to the social. Nevertheless, she declines his invite out of her coy and flirtative nature. Laurey is also being pursued by the farm hand, Jud (Rod Steiger), whom Curly views as a threat. This love triangle forms the core of the movie's drama.

Laurey ultimately goes to the social with Jud out of spite for Curly, resulting in stress among the 3 characters. This is further accentuated when Curly asks Jud to leave Oklahoma for Kansas, mentioning it better for Jud's dark personality. Stress increase to their peak when, intoxicated, Jud makes advances towards Laurey, causing Curly to intervene, causing a fight in between the 2 males.

Subplots and Themes
Adding humour to the intense plotline is the comical secondary romance in between Ado Annie Carnes (Gloria Grahame) and her two suitors, cowboy Will Parker (Gene Nelson) and peddler Ali Hakim (Eddie Albert). Annie's indecisiveness between the two men is a consistent source of hilarity.

The movie also touches on community characteristics, resolve the dispute between farmers and cowboys, and showcases lavish dream ballet sequences choreographed by Agnes De Mille. The subplot serves to lighten the intense environment of the primary plot and includes depth to the movie.

Ending
In the end, love dominates all. Curly and Laurey confess their love for each other, resulting in a wedding, and there's a final showdown with Jud. Ado Annie ends up with Will, providing a pleased ending to the subplot too. The film concludes with the neighborhood celebrating Oklahoma's statehood.

Critics' Response
"Oklahoma!" gotten important and industrial honor for its unforgettable tunes like "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin", "The Surrey with the Fringe On Top", "I Cain't Say No", and the charming title tune, "Oklahoma!". The film also gathered a great deal of applauds for its fantastic choreography, dynamic color work, and exceptional efficiencies by the cast, especially by MacRae, Jones, and Grahame. It won an Academy Award for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture.

In conclusion, the 1955 classic "Oklahoma!" is a classic piece of art that masterfully combines music, dance, romance, funny, and drama. It paved the way for much more musical movies to come from Broadway phase to the silver screen.

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