Oklahoma!

The Brief

Colorful and romantic musical classic from the cornfields. Oklahoma! was originally written for Broadway, but already in its premiere year 1943, composer and librettist duo Rodgers & Hammerstein received offers from film producers. The film version came in 1955 and closely follows the stage production. All the most famous songs are included, including "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'", "I Cain't Say No" and "People Will Say We're in Love". The film was the first to be made in Todd-AO format (70mm). The precisely choreographed dance sequences – filmed in endless corn and maize fields, during outdoor parties with colored paper lanterns and in a poetic dream sequence – fully utilize the visual power of the format. The story is set in the time just before Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Ranch girl Laurey and cowboy Curly have feelings for each other, but neither will admit it. To show her apparent indifference to Curly, Laurey says yes to going to the big dance with hired ranch hand Judd. Complications and jealousy arise. Laurey's dilemma is mirrored by a more comic and carefree love triangle between her friend Ado Annie and her two suitors. A 70mm copy is no longer available, so we are showing the film on an original Technicolor 35mm copy from the archive.