Watch Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls is a charming and lively musical film released in 1955. It is an adaptation of a 1950 Broadway production of the same name, which itself was based on characters and stories from a series of short stories written by Damon Runyon in the 1920s and 1930s. The movie was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and stars Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine.

The story is set in New York City, and it revolves around two main characters: Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) and Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando). Nathan is a smooth-talking swindler who runs "The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York," an underground gambling operation that he tries to keep secret from his fiancée of many years, Miss Adelaide (Vivian Blaine). Sky is a suave and worldly gambler who is notorious for his ability to charm women and win big bets.

The film starts with Nathan struggling to find a new location for his illegal crap game after the police shut down his last operation. He needs $1000 to secure a venue, so he offers Sky a bet - he thinks he can't get a wholesome mission worker named Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) to fly with him to Havana for a dinner date. Sky takes the challenge and wins, but he falls for Sarah along the way. Meanwhile, Nathan deals with his own problems as he tries to keep Miss Adelaide happy and maintain his business, which is being hunted by the police.

The musical numbers in Guys and Dolls are memorable and catchy. They include "Luck Be a Lady Tonight," "A Bushel and a Peck," "Adelaide's Lament," and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat." The dancing and choreography are also well-done and entertaining, with standout performances from the cast members.

Marlon Brando's singing skills may not be as strong as those of his costars, but his acting is impressive. He brings depth and complexity to the character of Sky, making him more than just a slick gambler. Jean Simmons plays Sarah with a mix of innocence, determination, and a bit of pluck, making her both likable and relatable. Frank Sinatra delivers an enjoyable performance as Nathan, displaying his trademark crooning voice and urban swagger.

The film's production design and cinematography are also noteworthy. The busy streets of New York are rendered in colorful and vivid detail, and the scenes in Havana have a lush and exotic feel. The costumes are stylish and flashy, capturing the glamour and glitz of the 1950s.

As a whole, Guys and Dolls is a delightful musical that stands the test of time, thanks to its catchy tunes, witty script, and spirited performances. It's a perfect example of the classic Hollywood musical genre and a fine showcase for the talents of its cast and crew. Even if you're not a fan of musicals, this one is worth watching for its charm and entertainment value.

Guys and Dolls is a 1955 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 77.