Milky Way Big Band
| Milky Way Band | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Stanley Donen |
| Produced by | Lou Bunin |
| Written by | Stanley Donen |
| Starring | Marlene Dietrich Jack Haley Anita Gordon Red Skeleton Charlotte Austin Donald O’Connor Mel Blanc |
| Music by | Songs and Score: Percy Faith Lyrics: Joanie Scott Walter Scott Sr. |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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Milky Way Big Band (Lou Bunin’s Milky Way Big Band) is a 1966 American stop motion musical film. Directed by Stanley Donen, the film stars Marlene Dietrich, Red Skeleton, Jack Haley, Anita Gordon. Most of the characters are portrayed by Stop motion animated puppets created by Lou Bunin.
Plot Summary
In a vibrant and whimsical Stardust City, where stars twinkle like disco balls and music flows through the air like cosmic stardust, Little Sally Satellite dreams of uniting her family for the grandest performance ever: "The Galactic Gala." With her radiant red outfit that sparkles under the city lights, Sally skips home to share her vision with her mother Betty, a pop and blues sensation in a striking blue ensemble. As rehearsals begin, the Milky Way Big Band comes alive with an eclectic mix of jazzy tunes. Aunts Lulu and Lucy dazzle in pink and green respectively, belting out heartfelt swing numbers while uncles Timmy, Shaun, and Simon bring their unique flair with bluesy ballads and infectious tap dancing. The family is excited about the upcoming show until two troublemakers—Vern Cometer in black and gray and his bumbling sidekick Varn Cometer in white—hatch a plan to kidnap Little Sally during the gala's climax to sabotage the performance. With the stage set for chaos, Vern and Varn concoct an elaborate scheme using their musical talents to lure Sally away during a dazzling number called "Varsity Drag." However, unbeknownst to them, Sally's friends—the Jetters—are always on alert. This lively group of performers includes Paula, Paul, Jimmy Ann, Mary, Sheldon, Marielle, Eric, Henry, Greg, Jane, and Sharon who are determined to protect their friend. As the night of "The Galactic Gala" approaches, tensions rise. The family prepares with heartwarming songs like "Another Spring, Another Love," sung by Aunt Lulu as she dedicates it to her husband Shaun. Meanwhile, Betty delivers a spirited performance of "Personality," reminding everyone of the importance of individuality. On gala night under shimmering starlights as everyone gathers at Stardust Theater for what promises to be an unforgettable show; Vern and Varn make their move during "Tonight I Belong to Me," believing they've outsmarted everyone. But just as they think they've captured Little Sally amidst the spectacle of lights and laughter—enter The Jetters! With synchronized dance moves that weave seamlessly into "Out I Go," they spring into action. In a thrilling twist filled with humor and camaraderie as they rescue Little Sally from the clutches of Vern and Varn right before “A Space Star is Born,” where both families come together on stage. Ultimately realizing that teamwork trumps rivalry; little Sally shines brighter than any star above Stardust City as she joins her family alongside The Jetters. In this uproarious finale filled with dazzling costumes and upbeat numbers including “Space Fever” sung by Lulu alongside Little Sally; not only do they save the day but also discover that their true strength lies in unity through song. As they close out their first show together with joyous celebration echoed by all of Stardust City—the Milky Way Big Band proves that no matter how far apart you drift among galaxies or dreams—you can always find your way back home when music brings you together.
Voice Cast
- Marlene Dietrich as Lulu Satellite, wearing pink and singing jazz
- Jack Haley as Simon Satellite, wearing purple and tap dancing
- Anita Gordon as Lucy Satellite, wearing green and singing swing
- Red Skeleton as Timmy Satellite, wearing orange and singing blues and telling jokes
- Charlotte Austin as Betty Satellite, wearing blue and singing pop and blues
- Donald O’Connor as Shaun Satellite, wearing yellow and singing jazz, tap dancing and telling jokes
- Mel Blanc as Sally Satellite, wearing red and singing pop and jazz, telling jokes and tap dancing and also sounding like Tweety Bird
- George S. Irving as Vern Cometer, wearing black and gray and kidnapping Little Sally
- Dick Shawn as Varn Cometer, wearing white and gray and kidnapping Little Sally
- The Scotts as The Jetters
- Victoria Scott as Paula
- Tyrone Scott as Paul
- Natalie Scott as Jimmy Ann
- Sally Scott as Mary
- Greg Scott as Sheldon
- Jane Scott as Marielle
- Donald Scott as Eric
- Simon Scott as Henry
- George Scott as Greg
- Molly Scott as Jane
- Lucy Scott as Sharon
Song List
- Another Spring, Another Love sung by Marlene Dietrich as Lulu
- D-A-B-B-A means Sweet sung by Company as Satellites
- Varsity Drag sung by George S. Irving as Vern Cometer and Dick Shawn as Varn Cometer
- This Evening Children sung by Marlene Dietrich as Lulu
- Personality sung by Charlotte Austin as Betty
- Tonight I Belong to Me sung by Scotts Family as The Jetters
- Out I Go sung by Mel Blanc as Little Sally
- Salamander sung by Marlene Dietrich as Lulu
- Space Fever sung by Marlene Dietrich as Lulu and Mel Blanc as Little Sally
- A Space Star is Born sung by Company as Satellites and Scott Family as The Jetters
