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Two Sisters from Boston

Two Sisters from Boston is a musical directed by and produced by for , featuring and as the titular sisters pursuing dreams in early 20th-century . The story, set in 1903, centers on Boston socialite Abigail Chandler (Grayson), who fabricates tales of operatic success to her family while secretly performing as "High C Susie" in a house, only for her younger sister Martha (Allyson) to arrive and orchestrate a path to the amid comedic mishaps and romantic subplots. Released on June 6, ( premiere), the black-and-white film runs 112 minutes and blends operatic selections with vaudeville-style humor, highlighted by supporting performances from tenor as a famed singer, comedian as a saloon owner, and a young in a romantic role. The film showcases MGM's signature Technicolor-like polish in monochrome, drawing on period settings to contrast Boston's refined Back Bay society with New York's gritty entertainment districts. Key musical numbers include Grayson's operatic duets with , such as the "" piece based on Mendelssohn, emphasizing the era's crossover between and popular song. Critics noted the picture's lighthearted , with praising its mix of "operatic and " elements that catered to audiences seeking post-war diversion. Originally titled during production, it marked early screen appearances for actors Marjorie Davies and Marina Koshetz, and benefited from Pasternak's expertise in musicals following hits like . Reception was generally positive for its star power and tuneful score, though some reviewers, such as those in , critiqued the plot's contrivances while appreciating the leads' charm—Allyson as the plucky sibling and Grayson as the aspiring diva. With a score of 54% based on contemporary accounts, the film endures as a snapshot of musicals, blending sibling solidarity, class satire, and showbiz ambition.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Two Sisters from Boston originated as an original work by Myles Connolly, conceived as a light comedy exploring the contrasts between high society and the burlesque world. Connolly, a prolific Hollywood writer known for blending humor with social observation, completed the initial draft emphasizing whimsical family dynamics and cultural clashes. Additional dialogue was later contributed by James O'Hanlon and Harry Crane to refine the comedic timing and integrate musical elements, with the script bearing the working title Brighton Beach during early development. In mid-1945, the project was assigned to producer , a veteran of MGM musicals including the successful Anchors Aweigh (1945), who saw potential in adapting Connolly's story to blend opera sophistication with vaudeville exuberance for post-war audiences seeking escapism. Pasternak's unit at emphasized the film's period authenticity, setting the narrative in early 1900s New York and to highlight the era's theatrical contrasts between elite opera houses and rowdy Bowery saloons. Direction was concurrently given to , Pasternak's frequent collaborator from Universal and recent projects like Music for Millions (1944), with Koster tasked to capture the story's lighthearted tone through dynamic staging of musical sequences. MGM approved a budget of $2,223,000, reflecting the studio's optimism for musicals as profitable diversions amid wartime recovery, with costs allocated toward elaborate sets, costumes, and a star-studded cast. Pre-production advanced rapidly in 1945, with script revisions finalized by early summer to align with the film's thematic focus on sisterly ambition and class disparity; principal photography commenced in June 1945. Casting briefly referenced the leads, selecting and to embody the contrasting sisterly personas central to Connolly's vision.

Casting

Kathryn Grayson was cast as the aspiring opera singer Abigail Chandler due to her renowned operatic soprano voice, which had been prominently featured in her previous MGM musical Anchors Aweigh (1945), allowing her to handle the film's highbrow musical sequences effectively. Director Henry Koster specifically selected Grayson for her superior singing abilities, noting that she was "the better singer" among the leads, which helped establish the film's contrast between refined operatic elements and comedic burlesque. June Allyson was chosen to portray the more vivacious and comedic sister, Martha Chandler, to inject energetic humor into the narrative, marking her evolution from roles to leading lady status following her success in (1944), where she similarly played a spirited sibling in a musical . Koster praised Allyson as "the better actress," leveraging her natural comedic timing to balance Grayson's more serious vocal performance and underscore the film's tonal shifts from propriety to lively entertainment. This pairing, encouraged by producer during development, highlighted the sisters' contrasting personalities to drive the story's blend of romance and . Lauritz Melchior was selected for the role of the opera impresario Olstrom to bring authentic operatic credentials to the production, drawing on his decades of fame as a leading tenor at the since the . At age 55 during filming, Melchior's real-world expertise in Wagnerian roles added credibility to the film's opera scenes, enhancing the juxtaposition with its lighter comedic moments. was hired as the burlesque pianist Spike to provide comic relief, capitalizing on his vaudeville roots and signature gravelly humor in musical numbers that grounded the film's high-society satire in accessible entertainment. Peter Lawford was cast as Lawrence Tyburt Patterson, Jr., a youthful member of , as an contract player transitioning from bit parts to romantic leads, infusing the film with fresh, boyish charm to complement the sisters' arcs. Edward Arnold portrayed the stern patriarch Mr. Chandler, chosen for his authoritative screen presence in family dynamics, often seen in roles as controlled businessmen or protective fathers that emphasized the film's themes of rebellion against tradition. These casting choices collectively shaped the film's tone by contrasting polished operatic grandeur with earthy comedy and romance, creating a dynamic ensemble that appealed to diverse audiences.

Filming

Principal photography for Two Sisters from Boston commenced in June 1945 at the Studios in , and continued through October 1945, with additional scenes shot from October 30 to November 1. The film was shot in on 35mm film by cinematographer Robert Surtees, who captured the period setting through elaborate studio sets and costumes that recreated the gritty 1900s saloons and opulent houses central to the story. Music director oversaw the score, blending original songs by and Ralph Freed with classical adaptations, including an arrangement of the Andante movement from Felix Mendelssohn's in for a key operatic . The dance sequences emphasized the energetic, burlesque-style movements in the scenes to contrast with the formal elegance of the numbers. The production encountered challenges common to late wartime , such as lingering material shortages from that impacted set construction and costume fabrication at . Coordinating live vocal performances proved demanding, particularly in balancing Lauritz Melchior's precise operatic technique with Jimmy Durante's spontaneous ad-libs, while Kathryn Grayson's requirements influenced the pacing of musical scenes.

Synopsis

Plot

In 1903, Abigail Chandler, a socialite from a prominent family, leaves her stuffy Back Bay relatives to pursue her dream of becoming an opera singer in . Unable to afford proper voice lessons and living expenses, she takes a job performing as "High C Susie" in a called The Golden Rooster, while writing letters home falsely claiming success with the . Her aunt Jennifer and uncle Jonathan, alarmed by circulating rumors of her lowly employment, dispatch her younger sister to to verify the truth. Upon arrival, Martha discovers Abigail's deception and, to avoid scandal, temporarily joins the chorus at the Metropolitan Opera herself, though she inadvertently causes a disruption during a performance. Determined to help her sister escape the burlesque scene, Martha secures an invitation for Abigail to perform at a high-society reception hosted by the Pattersons, where she meets Lawrence Tyburt Patterson Jr., a wealthy opera enthusiast who becomes romantically interested in Martha instead. Meanwhile, at The Golden Rooster, the establishment's owner—a former opera aspirant—learns of an opening for a soprano at the Met due to an ailing performer and pushes Abigail to audition, with Martha taking a job there to support her. Tensions rise as the family considers hiring an investigator to probe further, and romantic entanglements complicate matters, particularly as 's affections shift toward . The situation culminates in an unconventional audition at the , disguised as a formal event, where dignitaries attend expecting refinement but witness a blend of antics and 's vocal prowess. Abigail's performance impresses the representatives, securing her the role and leading to family reconciliation upon learning the full story. and pair off romantically, and makes her legitimate debut at the , affirming the value of pursuing one's true path despite appearances.

Musical numbers

The musical numbers in Two Sisters from Boston blend , , and operatic styles to underscore the film's contrast between high society and lowbrow entertainment, with most original songs written by composer and lyricist Ralph Freed. These sequences feature the lead performers showcasing their vocal and comedic talents, advancing character development and romantic subplots while providing . In addition to the original tunes, the film incorporates adapted classical pieces reimagined as faux operas to highlight the protagonist's artistic ambitions. The film opens with the burlesque number "There's Two Sides to Ev'ry Girl", performed by , , and an ensemble of chorus girls in the saloon setting, which introduces the rowdy atmosphere of Abigail's secret life. This upbeat ensemble piece sets a lively tone for the narrative's exploration of identity and aspiration. Kathryn Grayson delivers a standout solo in "Nellie Martin", a poignant that reveals her character's hidden operatic dreams while she performs in disguise at the , blending heartfelt lyrics with her soprano range to contrast the venue's rough atmosphere. Jimmy Durante takes center stage in the comedic "The Firechief's Daughter", a high-energy number accompanied by dance routines that inject chaos into the proceedings, emphasizing his role as the saloon's eccentric proprietor. The 's humorous delivery and provide levity amid the sisters' struggles. Romance advances through the duet "G'Wan Home Your Mudder's Callin'", sung by Allyson and , which captures flirtatious banter in a lighthearted style typical of musicals, furthering the subplot between their characters. The ensemble performs "Down by the Ocean" in a whimsical beach fantasy sequence, offering escapist fun and visual spectacle as a brief respite from the film's central conflicts. This number highlights the cast's synchronized choreography and contributes to the movie's vibrancy. At the climax, Grayson and perform an adapted version of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with newly added lyrics by Fain and Freed, staged as a faux to satirize the opera world while fulfilling the elder sister's audition dreams. The sequence merges classical instrumentation with vocal embellishments, underscoring the film's theme of artistic reinvention. The finale features "After the Show" by Fain and Freed, performed in a reconciliatory ensemble that ties together the sisters' journeys and resolves the romantic and familial tensions.

Cast and credits

Cast

portrayed Abigail Chandler, an aspiring opera singer who disguises herself in a setting. played Martha Chandler, the supportive sister who enters the world of alongside her sibling. Lauritz Melchior appeared as Olstrom, the famed opera tenor. was cast as Spike, a comedian who assists the sisters in their endeavors. took on the of , a charming suitor and performer who becomes entangled with the protagonists. Edward Arnold depicted Mr. Chandler, the stern patriarch of the family. Among the supporting cast, performed as the Sheik, a dancer featured in the film's comedic sequences. Harry Hayden appeared as Uncle Jonathan, while played Sophie, contributing to the ensemble of secondary characters in the story.

Production credits

Two Sisters from Boston was directed by , who helmed the musical comedy with a focus on blending operatic elements and lighthearted antics. The film was produced by , a frequent collaborator with Koster at known for his work on musicals. The screenplay was written by Myles Connolly, with additional dialogue by James O'Hanlon and . Cinematography was handled by Robert Surtees, whose period lighting techniques enhanced the film's early 20th-century settings. was completed by Douglass Biggs. Music direction was overseen by , who adapted operatic sequences from composers like and . The original songs were composed by (music) with lyrics by Ralph Freed, including numbers such as "There Are Two Sides to Every Girl" and "Nellie Martin." Art direction was led by and Daniel B. Cathcart, contributing to the film's opulent stage and urban backdrops. Costumes were designed by Helen Rose under the supervision of . Choreography was provided by Jack Donohue.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release in June 1946, Two Sisters from Boston received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who praised its blend of operatic elements and comedy while noting its formulaic nature as typical musical fare. The New York Times described the film as a "light film" that showcased Grayson's lyric voice and grace in both arias and honky-tonk tunes, alongside Jimmy Durante's standout comedic performance as the funniest and sweetest personality on screen. echoed this sentiment, calling it "both an operatic and a low comedy treat," with Grayson and handling the straight singing effectively, and commending the cast's chemistry, though it deemed the production standard for the studio. Critics highlighted the strong vocal performances and humorous interludes as the film's strengths, but offered mixed views on its predictability and originality. noted the plot's conventional setup, while acknowledged the ensemble's appeal in delivering escapist entertainment. June Allyson's energetic comedic timing, particularly in scenes with , was frequently singled out for its captivating quality, marking a notable showcase for the rising star. Overall, the consensus leaned positive for the musical numbers and humor, reflected in an average user rating of 6.6/10 on from 768 votes (as of November 2025). In modern retrospectives, the film is regarded by and historians as charming escapist fare emblematic of post-World War II musicals, with director citing it as one of his favorites for allowing deeper character exploration and praising Allyson as the better actress alongside Grayson's superior singing. This critical warmth underscored its appeal to audiences seeking lighthearted diversion.

Commercial performance

Two Sisters from Boston had its general release in April 1946, with a premiere on June 6, 1946, at the Capitol Theatre. The film was distributed by Loew's . In terms of financial performance, the film earned $3,334,000 in domestic rentals from the US and , alongside $1,127,000 from international markets, for a worldwide total of $4,461,000. Produced on a of approximately $2,223,000, it generated a of $605,000, representing a 27% . This positioned Two Sisters from Boston as a moderate hit for in a year crowded with competing musicals, where positive reception of its star-studded cast contributed to solid attendance.

Legacy

Cultural impact

The film significantly boosted the careers of its lead actresses. , already established at , solidified her status as the studio's premier star through her portrayal of the aspiring singer Abigail Chandler, leveraging her voice in elaborate musical sequences that highlighted her vocal prowess alongside tenor . , playing the comedic sister Martha, had a significant role that further advanced her ascent to leading lady status and capitalized on her girl-next-door appeal in musicals. , in an early supporting role as the affluent suitor Lawrence Tyburt Patterson Jr., showcased his debonair charm and British-accented sophistication, foreshadowing his rise to stardom in the late and . As a quintessential MGM musical, Two Sisters from Boston exemplified the studio's hybrid style blending operatic grandeur with comedy, featuring fictional arias adapted from classical works like Mendelssohn's and Liszt's , juxtaposed against antics led by . This formula influenced subsequent productions by merging music with lowbrow humor to appeal to diverse audiences, contributing to the genre's evolution toward lighter, more accessible spectacles in the immediate era. Its commercial success paved the way for similar hybrid musicals. The film's musical elements left a niche but enduring legacy in popular music. A dialogue sample from the movie appears in "Don't Fall" by the English post-punk band The Chameleons, from their 1983 debut album Script of the Bridge, integrating a snippet of the film's operatic banter into the track's atmospheric intro. Beyond entertainment, Two Sisters from Boston reflected post-World War II American cinema's emphasis on themes of social mobility and escapism, portraying the sisters' journey from Boston's rigid high society to New York's vibrant, class-blurring entertainment world as a metaphor for upward aspiration amid economic recovery and cultural shifts. This narrative resonated with audiences seeking optimistic tales of reinvention, underscoring the musical genre's role in providing relief from wartime austerity.

Home media and availability

Following its theatrical run, Two Sisters from Boston entered television syndication as part of MGM's film library package distributed to local stations starting in the late , where it aired frequently in late-night programming slots and contributed to its growing cult status among classic film enthusiasts. By the 1990s, it became a staple on (TCM), with regular broadcasts and on-demand availability continuing into the 2020s, allowing broader access to audiences interested in musicals. The film received its first official home video release on DVD through in July 2010, produced as a manufactured-on-demand edition sourced from the original negative to preserve its visuals and audio. This edition, featuring the full 112-minute runtime in its original , has been praised for its fidelity to the 1946 production and remains the primary option for collectors. As of 2025, Two Sisters from Boston is periodically available for streaming via TCM's on-demand service for subscribers, though it is not consistently offered on major platforms like or . Digital rentals or purchases may appear sporadically on services such as Amazon, but availability fluctuates based on licensing agreements with Warner Bros., the current rights holder for the MGM catalog. No official Blu-ray edition has been released by 2025, despite ongoing fan advocacy in online communities calling for a high-definition upgrade. The original elements are preserved in ' archives, with digital remastering efforts in the supporting the DVD transfer; unofficial colorized versions, often using AI enhancement, have circulated on platforms like since the mid-2010s, though these lack studio approval. Bootleg copies occasionally appear in gray-market channels, but official distribution remains limited to the 2010 DVD.

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