MovieChat Forums > Mister Roberts (1955) Discussion > The dubbing in the palm tree scene--why?

The dubbing in the palm tree scene--why?

posted 14 years ago by tmaj48
4 replies | jump to latest

When this movie used to be shown on broadcast TV, a different song was played
while Mr. Roberts marched towards the palm tree; afterwards, Roberts walked away
silently. All current versions, including the TCM showings and the DVD, now have
"Stars and Stripes Forever," and Roberts walks away singing along flatly and
idiotically ("Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Daaahhhhh"). Why the change? The singing
seems silly and somewhat out of character, too; I preferred Roberts just strolling away coolly.

I'm not crying, you fool, I'm laughing!

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

I came here to make the same observation! I've noticed this discrepancy for years and finally decided to comment on it. Glad to see there are others who remember the music was different -- and none of that wholly inappropriate "da-da-da" stuff from Fonda. I also thought that other march music fit Fonda's walking in the scene much better -- especially as he climbs the stairs. And you're absolutely right, having Fonda walk away coolly and silently is vastly more fitting to the character than having him make those asinine sounds.

So, which soundtrack was in the original film? The previous one was all I ever saw or heard for decades, until the past ten years or so. I'd love to know what the reason for this change was. The fact that it seems to be Fonda's voice making that "da-da-da" sound makes me think this is some alternate version dating from 1955. But then perhaps it's only a Fonda sound-alike. Whatever the case, I'd love to know what happened.

[–] rekcilorf 12 years ago

I have a copy of the original stage play. It definitely has "Stars and Stripes forever", but not the silly singing at the end. The directions say "Roberts exits singing softly to himself". I imagine the other song was usd in some TV presentations because of some copyright issue (just a guess, I have no real evidence).

[–] ZevII 12 years ago

I agree, it sounded awful. Same thing with the overly-loud dubbing when the sailors returned from liberty.

[–] rekcilorf 12 years ago

You've got to wonder whether it was Ford or LeRoy who directed these segments? Ford must have had editorial control at this stage of his career, but maybe his illness prevented him from doing these secens better.