YEAR: 1953
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Ethel Merman stars in this Oscar winning film about a Washington D.C. hostess who is appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Lichtenburg, Europe's smallest country. John DeCuir as Art Director helped design the sets for this Hollywood Golden Age musical comedy.
The film won an Academy Award for “Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture”. The category name of this Oscar was changed to “Original Song or Adaptation Score” in 1970.
SUMMARY
Boisterous, fun-loving, and popular Washington D.C. hostess Sally Adams is appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Lichtenburg, Europe’s smallest country. In Lichtenburg, the Duke and Duchess are negotiating a political marriage for their niece, Princess Maria in exchange for a substantial dowry. However, the country is desperate for funds, and turns to the inexperienced ambassador for a much needed U.S. loan. Sally refuses to talk money, that is, until she meets the ultra charming Gen. Cosmo Constantine. Meanwhile, Sally’s press attaché Kenneth Gibson falls head over heels for Princess Maria.
AWARDS
Won Oscar:
Best Music Scoring - Alfred Newman
Won Golden Globe:
Best Actress - Comedy/Musical - Ethel Merman
DIRECTOR
Director: Walter Lang
ART DIRECTOR/ARTIST
Lyle R. Wheeler
Walter M. Scott