MovieChat Forums > Hello, Dolly! (1969) Discussion > Lucille Ball as Dolly?

Lucille Ball as Dolly?

posted 17 years ago by mikwalen
13 replies | jump to latest

Hi! I heard that at one time, Lucy was being considered (perhaps very briefly) as Dolly in the film. When you consider that her singing voice is probably about the same as Carol Channing's (deep, husky), and her incredible comic ability - it might have been fun? I wasn't wild about her as MAME, but that's a very different role from Dolly.

This is not to knock Streisand or anyone else that ever played it - it's just a "what if"? type question. Just wondering what everyone's opinions might be!

[–] mlec91283 17 years ago

I agree - I think Lucille Ball would have been a terrific Dolly. She would have really effectively portrayed the scheming matchmaker with a heart of gold; she is a really gifted comedienne. And I'm pleased to see that someone else also thought Lucille Ball would have been good for the part; I always thought that her singing voice was comparable to Carol Channing's, and considering that this film was released a good five years before Mame, Lucy's voice might have been smoother (listen to her musical foray in the play Wildcat, she does passably well in that). I don't really feel Streisand was best for this role; too often in the film she comes across as overly manipulative and her interpretation of the role does not lead me to sympathize with her plight. I much prefer her as self-effacing, vulnerable Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, because this film hints at the arrogance she possesses. In short, Lucy would have been great.

[–] mikwalen 17 years ago

Great comments, mlec91283!! I think she would have looked great in the period dresses, she could have done the choreography required, and she would have been funny and heart-warming. And as you said, her voice is comparable to Channing. I read in a biography about Lucy that Dave Merrick actually did invite her to play the role on Broadway after Carol Channing left the cast - as we know, he wanted to use big name replacements - and Lucy supposedly told him that she would consider it only if he could promise her the role in the film. He said that he couldn't, and that was the end of it. I would have enjoyed seeing her in the role!

[–] mlec91283 17 years ago

I never knew that she was actually invited to take over the role on Broadway. I feel that if she had portrayed the character on stage, she would have had a greater chance at landing the role in the film adaptation. What a lost opportunity!

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] mikwalen 17 years ago

Wow! I never thought of that, what a combo that would have been!! Lucy and Jackie as Dolly and Horace!!!!

[–] markvanal 17 years ago

Does anyone remember MAME? A croaking toad sings better.

[–] SilverCreedWolf 17 years ago

Have you EVER heard Carol Channing sing? With the proper training and practice, Lucy would have been, without question, the better singer.

JOE TYRIA
Creed Wolf Productions
Silver Creed Wolf Music (BMI)
[email protected]

[–] mikwalen 17 years ago

Thank you, SilverCreedWolf! That was my idea too - Lucy's voice would certainly be no worse than Channing's. She certainly would be at least the same as Channing.

[–] SilverCreedWolf 17 years ago

And she already had the red hair! LOL!

JOE TYRIA
Creed Wolf Productions
Silver Creed Wolf Music (BMI)
[email protected]

[–] SimplemindedSociety 12 years ago

Channing had a vibrato,Lucy didn't. Big difference. Lucy talked her way through songs. She would have to be dubbed for Hello Dolly.

[–] niptuckchick 17 years ago

It's a possibility that Lucille Ball was considered. She was also considered for the role of Scarlett O'Hara. I didn't see her doing that either.

I positively loved her in Mame. Perfect for me anyway. I'm a huge Lucille Ball fan from waaaaay back.

[–] lroy77 13 years ago

Ha ha ha ha! Apparently you've never seen her in Mame. Not bad, but there are better singers.

[–] Blueghost 12 years ago

That would an interesting choice for Dolly.