Recent Listening: Ben Franklin in Paris
Robert Preston as Benjamin Franklin??
Is your initial reaction to that about the same as mine - “gag me with a spoon”?
I’ll try to be fair to Mr. Preston, and admit that my reaction is probably ill-founded based on many fictionalized characterizations of Ben Franklin. How is it that I know Ben Franklin acted and talked exactly like Howard Da Silva rather than Preston? The image I have of Franklin is a witty, urbane, disarmingly charming lecher. Preston is certainly charismatic, but not charming. He was perfect for Harold Hill or Centauri, who got what they wanted with bluster. It doesn’t fit the standard image of Ben Franklin.
So given that type-casting Preston may not be fair, I’ll take it as a given he may have been pretty good. He projected strong stage presence from the movie screen. He must’ve been phenomenal on Broadway.
The book and lyrics were by Sidney Michaels, who won a Tony for his script, and music by Mark Sandrich, who apparently never had another musical after this. Two songs were by Jerry Herman. It ran 215 performances in 1964.
From the synopsis, I find myself surprised that the book won a Tony. The plot concerns Franklin’s life as a diplomat, and culminates in his securing support for the American Revolution from the French. Along the way he has political intrigue, romance, and a turncoat son who supports the British. It must’ve been better than this indifferent description makes it sound. Mandelbaum notes that the “script borrowed liberally from Franklin’s famous aphorisms,” which probably greatly added entertainment value.
There are several good songs. Jerry Herman did not write the show’s best songs. The entire score is very listenable, but the high points are mostly character songs for Franklin/Preston.
Overture - This show has a good overture, a collection of engaging melodies.
I Invented Myself - invited to talk about his many inventions, Franklin is asked what his greatest invention was. He explains, “the public me … out of bits and specks … but the damn thing works!”
Half the Battle - a rousing march about having a good attitude. You could call this the “I Whistle a Happy Tune” number. I could live without the seven year old kid Franklin sings the reprise with. Unfortunately, he sings like a seven year old. I suppose it’s supposed to be cute.
Hic Haec Hoc / God Bless the Human Elbow - two drinking songs, first sung separately, then as a round. The first turns Latin 101 into a drinking song (complete song lyric: “Hic, haec, hoc / In vino veritas”). The second is Franklin’s drinking song. Drinking to the human elbow? Why not? He’s right - we’d all be in a mess without elbows.
The Finale - is interesting. It involves Franklin telling a thought experiment about a fly that was caught in a cask of madeira for 20 years, and then emerged, flying away as if nothing had happened. He uses the story to wish he could be pickled in madeira for 200 years to see if Americans will love the gift of Liberty they’d been given without having to sacrifice for it. Cute perhaps, supposedly inspiring, but ultimately too pat.
Considering what tomorrow is, you know what show I’m listening to next.