"Pass That Peace Pipe" Joan McCracken - Good News (1947)

[@hotmarriedgays]

And with this, Joan McCracken walks off with the whole movie.

[@kennethbrady]

totally. what a TALENT.

[@lizaelliott6862]

Not surprising that she was my favorite person in the movie :)

[@theOlLineRebel]

Such a horrid shame she hardly had any roles and then died so young!

[@JohnSmith-sq3lo]

Yeah, she really did steal this entire movie. I almost wish it’d been longer so there could’ve been more scenes with her.

[@SurferJoe1]

You could not be more correct. I watch this film every time TCM airs it, just for this scene. Amazing and wonderful.

[@KlausOppermann]

One of the best musical production numbers ever made! Joan is really great!

[@KlausOppermann]

greatentertainersarchives.blogspot.de/2016/06/forgotten-ones-joan-mccracken.html She sadly died in 1961, from a heart attack brought on by her diabetes.

[@Caesar13ism]

Agreed. So much about the number is great. The area is so small yet they're perfectly spaced, and when they go into that deep syncopation (beating on the bar stools!) it's just amazing.

[@josephvitielo1693]

To bad she did not play with Kelly or Astaire at Metro

[@Grlsinger47]

I love this dance. Joan was a bundle of energy. Her partner in this, Ray McDonald, was a top-notch dancer in his own right. Like Joan, he died young and is forgotten by many.

[@ethannielson942]

This scene alone should have gotten Joan McCracken nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars. Unbelievable! Many people don’t realize that she was Bob Fosse’s first wife. He left her for Gwen Verdon.

[@SurferJoe1]

Thank you for that; I had always wondered.

[@pattysims7236]

@Ethan Nielson Absolutely 💯 👏 if you want to know more about Joan...there's a book called "The Girl who Fell Down " unfortunately Joan passed from complications of diabetes...but she taught Bob a lot in the time they were together and no bad feelings occurred...and Bob and she remained friends...she had her own life and enjoyed it regardless of how sadly short it was. I think the movie was just too long, but this scene is one of the best dance sequences in any movie! She made a splash on Broadway in Oklahoma by "falling down " for comedic effect and hence the name of the book!❤️‍🩹💝😇

[@rogerpropes7129]

@@ethannielson942 Second wife

[@donaldwarren463]

@@ethannielson942 , probably everyone in this scene is now gone ... even the youngest would be pushing 100 , Joan was Great and sadly not used enough in film..

[@Camop-iz9kt]

I'm always amused how big the sets suddenly become when the dancing part begins!

[@vickieoglesby536]

I agree...joan mcraken killed this..she was fantastic!!

[@SkyBlue1031]

It hardly ever gets better than this. I could watch this a million times.

[@TeeAreEff82]

I LOVE Good News, and this is my favorite dance number. Joan McCracken KILLED this!!

[@theOlLineRebel]

Good News is a true underappreciated gem. So glad some years back I bothered to watch it. Such great songs - and arrangements! It's a true underdog that deserves more attention. Bubbling under the oft-listed great musicals.

[@josephvitielo1693]

Rivals Gene Kellys dance numbers in his musicals

[@Pancakeshouse85]

I can't stop watching this number.

[@TheNervousnation]

+Pancakeshouse85 I am personally responsible for ~50 views

[@ccaammiinniiito2]

@Pan...Neither can I. And I'm a product of the MGM/Broadway musical period. Still, I don't know the name of the male dancer with McCracken. Do you?

[@Pancakeshouse85]

Unfortunately I don't know. I was thinking they'd have to be in the cast list but I know not everyone was credited back then. I see in the list that Mel Torme actually acted in this. I knew he was a composer but I didn't know he also acted. Aside from acting with Judy Garland, I mean.

[@PrincessJax268]

His name is Ray McDonald.

[@PrincessJax268]

His name is Ray McDonald.

[@ralfsiebert-filmcreator-ffm]

Ray McDonald - Sometimes I wish I could time travel and tell him in person how great he was. He died way too soon, otherwise I could have done that while he was still alive.

[@kapuso7kapamilya2]

I truly love this brilliantly-choreographed & remarkably-knockout song-and-dance production number- Pass That Peace Pipe - in 1947 MGM's Good News.How vivacious, high-spirited,& marvelous Ms Joan McCracken was! I can consider this well-shot & truly-amusing scene as one of the most high-octane & top-rate dance numbers ever-performed in cinema. While watching this video I can't help but to salute MGM's Excellence in Musicals & in A-list of Bright Stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

[@Fantomas4616]

you are so right. But remember... easy as it looks like... this might have been hard work (hours of rehearsal) and possible many takes to film this.

[@deepalmer3960]

Joan McCracken was talented and charming. I loved her!

[@GordonSpot920]

Without any doubt whatsoever, the greatest dance routine ever seen on the Silver Screen!

[@catherinecrawford2289]

To me, the greatest is Bobby Van hopping down an entire street. Look it up if you haven't seen it, phenomenal.

[@Carthaginian60]

I admire you enthusiasm for the movie, but the greatest dance routine ever? Seven Brides? West Side Story? Any of the Astaire or Kelly movies?

[@valeriebellomo6988]

Yes..1 of 'em

[@waldolydecker8118]

Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan would describe what you have as, "irrational exuberance." Fred Astaire famously said the greatest dance routine ever on the silver screen was the Nicholas Brothers 1-take dance routine that was part of the finale in "Stormy Weather." Hard to contradict the guy who arguably would know more than anyone about silver screen dancing.

[@rogerpropes7129]

​@@waldolydecker8118 He also said that Tommy Rall was the best dancer in Hollywood, though he was sadly overlooked. [see 'Kiss Me Kate'] (I forget who once said that Mickey Rooney was the best actor in Hollywood--food for thought?).

[@art2liv4]

Watching Fosse/Verdon got me interested in Joan McCracken, wow!

[@jordanmoore2663]

art2liv4 me too!

[@Ditto463]

Me too!

[@craigrussell9894]

Its such a shame that the big C robbed the world of a fantastic dancer "Joan McCracken" I first saw her in Hollywood Canteen 1944 and when she mixed ballet with swing ,,man she was just effin' just pure MAGIC, and this pipe passing number was just as good but not better though..a beautiful lady,dancer an all rounder in fact..yeah ..!..

[@valeriebellomo3573]

Me too!!!! She's great! and a little doll too!

[@dawnlittle2501]

Me too, never heard of her or this movie before. Wow! Glad to learn about both.

[@valeriebellomo3573]

The number of people on this tiny set is amazing...Zero missteps

[@Chuck0856]

They could NEVER film something like this these days -- how sad.

[@Capcoor]

Oh, because it wouldn’t be politically correct?

[@pearcemartins3881]

@@Capcoorthat is correct

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Our current is so deadly serious and lost their sense of humour - tragic! Hopefully, this too shall pass.

[@deannameza9764]

This is one of Favorite Musical Movie and Numbers, This Dance screen is Wonderful. 👍👍👍

[@katylake212]

Love this number! McCracken, though, didn't have the best life. It was a big secret she was a lifelong diabetic, and it was from a heart attack brought on by diabetes complications that took her life. The thing about her I find most sad is that after she was cremated, her family held onto her ashes. As I recall from her bio, "The Girl Who Fell Down", an aunt or another relative died, and McCracken's ashes were somehow lost during the estate sale. The poor woman didn't even have the chance for a respectful funeral. What a freaking shame!

[@valeriebellomo6988]

Yes..and married to Fossee who was a serial cheater...could not have Been EZ

[@kennethwayne6857]

Interesting. The lovely dancer and choreographer Carol Haney had diabetes and died way too young.

[@davidahlstrom7533]

Joan was the wife of Bob Fosse (All that Jazz), who paid for her medical bills even after they were divorced. A terrific dancer, Joan also has a great scene in Hollywood Canteen (1944).

[@jipjob1]

She has past but wouldn’t be nice to see her more musicals! So talented and so cute! RIP you were a blessing for the musical world!

[@jettrink7510]

Joan McCracken... the definition of a great girl

[@Stellaluna88]

My mom was just a teen when this movie was released. I love seeing young people during this era.

[@drednm]

Joan McCracken and Ray McDonald. One of my all-time favorite production numbers.

[@valeriebellomo3573]

This number is so uplifting!!!! Happy!!

[@michaeljayklein500]

MGM at their very best! This is a masterpiece.

[@Arbed6]

One of my-and now, my 15 year old daughter's- favorite musicals lol. In fact, we're watching the dvd right now! Pass that Peace Pipe is my favorite number, and Babe Doolittle, my favorite character !

[@TheNervousnation]

I just have to watch this 63 more times. I got this.

[@valeriebellomo6988]

The amount of people in this number is astounding...how did they do it perfectly??

[@markschildberg1667]

Lots of rehearsals and two or three weeks of filming.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Discipline and perfection.

[@jacklynlopez2323]

One of my favorite numbers, I love how she gets down in the dance number!!

[@poetcomic1]

This is the cure for whatever ails you. I'm grinning ear to ear every time.

[@necktieguy1]

What a great song and dance number. We will never see this on that show about dancing and stars. Thanks for this post. Don't ever take it away.

[@valeriebellomo3573]

this number is so fabulous. She is a doll!! And what a dancer!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RToni]

I miss those kind of musicals.

[@triciajohansen9295]

Joan was a doll! Very talented!

[@groovygirl23]

The thing I love about classic film musical numbers is the lack of cutting. You see how great the dancing was in totality. Ms McCracken's life ended sadly -- Fosse dumped her for Gwen Verdon after she'd help launch his choreography career and she died just shy of her 44th bday from complications from diabetes. But this brilliantly shows her show-stopping talent and is a joy to watch. An interest p.s. - her first husband was gay and after they divorced, he became Capote's partner for life. Capote based Holly Golightly partially on Joan.

[@valeriebellomo3573]

Yes. Fosse a bum in my book. He hurt lots of gals.

[@Tmanaz480]

Wonderful camera work. The huge 3 strip camera, no zoom lenses, long takes. Bravo.

[@Juliaflo]

Lest we all forget, Joan McCracken was in the original Broadway cast of 'Oklahoma!', billed as 'Sylvie--The girl who falls down'.

[@gtlfb]

Good News is the most completely joyous of all the great MGM musicals, and this may be the most joyous number in it. Watching it is like taking a happy pill.

[@susanlloyd7395]

That honor surely belongs to "Singin' In The Rain."

[@ismailveli3631]

''Happy pill'' is the perfect way to describe it and I agree. When tired or moody I watch this film and I suddenly feel better.

[@chocolatesouljah]

Ismail Veli so joyous!

[@theOlLineRebel]

@@susanlloyd7395 Well, OP did state "joyous", which is indeed arguable. Except of course sometimes June is just despondent in it. But SITR also has times of "not so joyous". SITR (just watched it AGAIN) is without doubt the greatest musical movie ever made - and I call it the best movie, period!

[@michaelperez8744]

When I was a kid I saw this on TV and thought that was what college was going to be like! Needless to say I was severely let down....

[@valeriebellomo3573]

Me too. Funny how we bel all that silly stuff...lol

[@ElleCee62978]

Dude, you’re not alone

[@MyPaloma2023]

Love this energizing musical number. I first heard this song on an "I Love Lucy" show! :^)

[@luvvinallmusik5748]

My favorite song/number from the movie

[@bestfriends6596]

I love Joan McCracken! After what she's been through later on in life with the diabetes and health issues, she really had tons of talent! Though her singing may have been a little mushy at times, her jaw dropping dancing really covered it up!

[@valeriebellomo3573]

Compared to my singing..I thought she sounded great.

[@TheNervousnation]

Just dropping in. ..yep, this awesome.

[@valeriebellomo6988]

Ya know....for the amount of people in this number,,,,,it truly is great ...and almost no missteps

[@TheDisneyLover58]

I love it! She is full of life and spirit! That's how dancing should be.

[@ccaammiinniiito2]

@TheDisney...Agreed. But then again, Ann Miller gave her audience 1000 percent. As did Vera-Ellen. As did Carol Chaney. As did Gwen Verdon. The list is long. But those were the days of great musical productions, weren't they?

[@ashleyregina]

Joan McCracken is an icon.

[@valeriebellomo6988]

Number is flawless...

[@2004mojo]

. Joan McCracken, who was the 2nd wife of Bob Foss, died much too soon. What talent. She died a month before her 44th birthday in 1961. This was her only major musical role.

[@ccaammiinniiito2]

@2004...So many wonderful dancers now gone and little remembered. Carol Chaney, for example, was another of many who're gone but little remembered. And remember Vera-Ellen?

[@MotherBenn]

It was Carol Haney who fell ill during The Pajama Game on Broadway. Her understudy Shirley MacLaine went on for her and became a star. A month into the run of The Pajama Game, Haney injured her leg, and MacLaine took over the role. She was spotted by Hollywood producer Hal Wallis, who had come to the show to see Haney, and MacLaine got a film contract that launched her career, while Haney never became a Hollywood star.

[@Juliaflo]

I remember reading and hearing about it then/ Miss McCracken appeared the original cast of 'Oklahoma!' as 'The Girl Who Falls Down'.

[@lonestar1]

She also did a number in “Hollywood Canteen” in a cameo playing herself.

[@DelGuy03]

"This was her only major musical role" on film specifically. She had several musical roles on stage.

[@pattysims7236]

Sometimes this section of the movie isn't played bc the station shortens parts of the movie on tv...check the time for the movie...I found most of the rest of the story slow and was Very disappointed that theyd cut several parts of the movie...especially this scene...only reason i watched it!

[@johnlynch4901]

Just doesn't get better than this

[@lonestar1]

Stupendous! Thanks for posting. Its amazing to think that most of these dancers were under contract to MGM. If there are any around today reading this _ THANK YOU - for your amazing talent and the energy you gave to these musicals. They could not have been made without you.

[@luiscaro2526]

What a swing !!!.

[@Marybaklava]

My favorite part of this whole movie is the part just before this when Joan gets out of the car the way she does and what she says to herself as she does. You have to see the movie to know what I mean. "Well"......

[@juanmonge8]

She would have been great in the Jane Powell role in "Royal Weddings". And I think that she would have been great in the "Pirate" opposite Gene Kelly. Not only is she a great dancer she is funny and personable.

[@isukaman4092]

She;s terrific.

[@stephenindc9102]

Great production ... wonderful long takes. At 2:12 the camera shakes slightly, but in time to the music ... it's almost as if the camera can't quite take in all the incredible energy being generated. This is fun for the fun of it. ... And, of course, Joan is amazing.

[@SoFkwHat]

What a girl , so full of life . It always looked like the whole crew were enjoying the whole experience. Life ? Yahooooo. Had to edit because iv'e just realised this is a lost art we will never see the likes of this again not to this intensity anyway.

[@valeriebellomo6988]

Shes just cute as a little button!!!

[@prestonyelvington1654]

Some people just do not get it. You are not supposed to take a comedic musical seriously. It is just for fun. Geeeeze!

[@deewilson3239]

It's OK unless they disrespect your people

[@1derfullBeast]

Who the heck is disrespected here? Go"woke", go broke!😂 ​@@deewilson3239

[@deanouellette1868]

God, when she looks straight at the camera...

[@kennethwayne6857]

Her persona almost literally jumps off the screen at you!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

See that you pop star hacks ? It's called SINGING and DANCING. p.s. Duckman brought me here.

[@aca9874]

Same here

[@mattjindrak]

Cornfed brought me here

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@mattjindrak TV was better when it was still appealing to boomers.

[@mattjindrak]

@@ricardocantoral7672 nah

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@mattjindrak It was. There was a wider spectrum of pop culture being lampooned. Today, it's nothing past the 80's.

[@roquat1]

I love how the soda jerk places the sodas on the counter on the beat, hesitating when the dancers do...

[@valeriebellomo3573]

I love love love this number!!!

[@frankdielsi306]

Great Number!!!!

[@TheNervousnation]

Yep! Still the best ever.

[@francishedges3903]

Joan and Ray are Fabulous dancing together in this number...I only found out that Joan was once married to dancer turned director Bob Fosse..😁

[@all-world-all-time]

From the American Film Institute Catalog: "A biography of director and lyricist Arthur Freed provides the following information about the film: Robert Alton staged the film's two production numbers." "Pass That Peace Pipe", music and lyrics by Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane and Roger Edens, was nominated for the Best Original Song Academy Award.

[@valeriebellomo6988]

I mean they all have timing perfect!

[@EliTessadroo]

wonderful girl !

[@chessmaster124]

Those were the Wonderful MGM years....

[@valeriebellomo6988]

Agree. She is awesome!!

[@isukaman]

She was a very talented woman.

[@shawnsanders4056]

This can be heard in an episode of I Love Lucy

[@youyong28]

Joan McCrackin was fantastic, but don't overlook Ray McDonald. He was oneof the great Hollywood dancers at MGM.

[@Elainerulesutube]

Love this!

[@gargantuaism]

The Mertz's sang this on I Love Lucy.

[@kellyfitz8821]

People always ask what musical is my favorite. And I say, it’s not a fair question. If you want to talk low budget, B musical, it’s gonna have to be Good News every time. Nothing beats Joanie McCracken! Her energy and the words and music from two of MGM’s finest can’t be beat! I always recommend it to my friends who are looking for something other than the usual American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain stuff. Then they say who is that or is that really June?

[@j.w.2391]

Remember loving this number as a Teen in the 80s. Not sure that the Indigenous community would appreciate the Number any more...Yikes. Joan McCracken is a pure delight through the whole film. Her preference for Broadway rather than Hollywood deprived us of more performances ! Hard to believe that she was often chronically ill, had diabetes and passed of a heart attack at 43 !! I went to University with someone who actually looked and sounded like her !

[@TheNervousnation]

nothing brings me more joy

[@kyrtuck]

I first heard this song on the Muppets Show.

[@yokoblue3208]

このシーンを見ただけで元気になるぅ♪

[@YourJellyFishAteMyTV]

Joan.. walks in.. sings, dances, steals all the purses, luggage, happy meals, parrots etc.

[@1sweetalaskan]

I love this dance number and have watched it at least a dozen times. Joan McCracken is an electrifying dancer! The other dancers are truly amazing as well. I wish there was a way to find out who some of them are, as I don't see their names listed anywhere. For example: the redhead in the green sweater who looks sad in the hanky scene here. With her hair style, she looks more modern. Also the brunette in the green jacket who is angry with her boyfriend near the beginning of this dance segment, and who reminds me of a darker haired Angela Lansbury. She is in or near the front in several scenes in this dance segment. Is there anyway we can find out the names of the dancers?

[@tallpaul521]

Yes...God Bless her.

[@davemorris8304]

Warren Howie Hughes1 month agoWithout any doubt whatsoever, the greatest dance routine ever seen on the Silver Screen! I agree entirely - a true tour de force! Her singing voice was patchy but she more than makes up for that with one of the greatest one take performances of all time.

[@epiphaniecleveland5993]

This is what I call danse with the starts 👏👏👏👏👏

[@19ccj65]

Amazing!!

[@19ccj65]

....and I might add, seeing this makes me really happy.

[@lockwoodm78]

As one movie critic wrote, "Joan McCraken dances "Pass That Peace Pipe" with a wicked gleam in her eye." She was a brilliant Broadway dancer who graced many stage musicals, including the original production of "Oklahoma". There's a very good biography of her entitled "The Girl Who Fell Down" by Lisa Jo Sagolla. Well worth a read!

[@triciajohansen7124]

Mischievous 😎

[@isukaman4092]

Today this song would probably be considered p-i.

[@JoshAragon]

Fabulous dancing but the camera work is amazing

[@edreid7872]

Used in a I Love Lucy episode...💓

[@ryanhenretty2129]

Love!!!!!

[@hebneh]

Yes, musicals are supposed to be fun (and are), but in this same film, the opening number (the Tait College fight song), "The French Lesson", and "Lucky in Love" are not only enjoyable but they actually have something to do with the story. "Pass That Peace Pipe" is just an interlude that gives everybody a chance to cavort energetically in the malt shop. It's not a bad thing, mind you, as I said before.

[@TheNervousnation]

Back for another view~!

[@cinemamadness6920]

The good days

[@jamesryan6008]

This song was originally meant for the movie "Ziegfeld Folies" but for whatever reason, it wasn't used.

[@adam32492]

Some how these Broadway dancers like Joan and Gwen Verdon are under appreciated by Hollywood. As I understand it, this originally was supposed to be in the Ziegfeld Follies with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland but at least here, Chuck Walters who directed the film, also choreographed it to maximize Joan as a dancer

[@JClark-34695]

They all look as though they're truly enjoying every moment of this. Is it possible with all the hard work involved, or is it just great acting? I certainly hope it's the former.

[@brucer9572]

Joan McCracken, with type 1

[@user-eo9ie7zn9p]

Daddy on board...Joanie Noëldechen. 😮 Mrs. Fosse is Joan...🎉 WGNJMN

[@timemachine5641]

I love this song, this is my favorite song in the movie! With that said, these are the stiffest background dancers I've ever seen in any MGM musical lmbo.

[@SoFkwHat]

@Ed Miller Agreed .