I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The Worst Film Ever

Simply Perfect

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

This is the story of a soldier, Joe (Harry Belafonte) and a fiery lady, Carmen (Dorothy Dandridge) and their unlikely relationship which begins with Joe trying to transport Carmen to the brig...and ends up with the pair falling in love.If you are looking to see a classic opera translated into more modern times and with entirely new lyrics, then "Carmen Jones" is definitely for you. However, regardless of its all-black cast, this is clearly a film that is for very select folks! You hate opera well then the film will be a tough sell! As for me, I would have enjoyed the music OR the story. The total package didn't hold my interest. But this does NOT mean the film is bad or poorly made...it's not. It's all a matter of personal taste.

This modern re-working of Bizet's Carmen is a must-see. Carmen Jones retains Bizet's music while setting the story in the late 20th century). Dandridge owns this film with her wildly entertaining--and empathetic--portrayal of Carmen.I wish the cast had been able to (all) sing their own parts. The highlight for me was Pearl Bailey's big number when she is first introduced, but all of the songs are really well written to accompany Bizet's opera. Overall, I liked it a lot. A "race" movie that transcends race, and reminds that all people hurt the same way and laugh the same way. This is a sparkling example of a what a movie musical can be and how it can better its viewers while remaining impeccably entertaining.

There's obviously tragedy in store for Dorothy Dandridge's soft-looking beauty here who messes with the wrong guy and lives to regret it in this all black version of the Bizet opera which focused on a bullfighter and senorita. The setting has been moved to a World War II military factory where Carmen sets her eyes on Joe (Harry Belafonte), a handsome solder assigned to escort her to a military prison for starting a fight while on duty. Is her interest in him strictly because of wanting her own freedom or is she genuinely interested in him, going out of her way to break him up with the sweet Cindy Lou (Olga James) who longs for a husband and home just like her parents had. But as quickly as she lands him, Carmen is bored, getting involved with a prize-fighter and forgetting all about Belafonte.Beautifully filmed with gorgeous music (but a few awkwardly translated lyrics), this musical tragedy is definitely a period piece. Still, Dandridge, the most gorgeous femme fatal since Rita Hayworth, shines, and if someone was deserving to win the Oscar over Judy Garland that year (and definitely the winner, Grace Kelly), it would be her. Pin-ups of her look gorgeous to this day, and when Halle Berry got into the off-the-shoulder blouse and tight black skirt, it was as if time had stood still and the real life tragic Dandridge was back in the land of the living. Both written and filmed biographies of the now legendary star make it obvious that she was the total opposite of her character, and that Rita Hayworth quote, "Men went to bed with Gilda and woke up with me" could definitely be replaced with Carmen instead of Gilda.Belafonte is an eloquent hero, his fall from grace obvious the moment he sees her in the commissary as she sings "Dat's Love" while gazing longingly at him. James is sweet and angelic, while in other supporting roles, Pearl Bailey and Brock Peters have some memorable moments as well. Bailey tears up "Beat Out That Rhythm on the Drum" while Peters shows both emotion and flaws as Belafonte's sergeant. There will be curiosity over the presence of the beautiful Diahann Carroll in a small role, but she has very little to do.It is obvious that there was a great deal of affection between Dandridge and director Otto Preminger as he gives her the most beautiful of close-ups and treats her like a movie goddess. Their second film together, "Porgy and Bess", is sadly very difficult to find, although clips do turn up in documentaries and various tributes from time to time. "Carmen Jones" may have its flaws (and even ripe for parody, especially with some of its music infamous for appearing in the "Hamlet" musical on "Gilligan's Island") but it gave us the powerful presence of the still gorgeous Dorothy Dandridge whose star went out way too soon.

Otto Peminger deserved an Oscar for best director. Unbelievable....flawless musical. Dorothy Dandridge stole the show and she certainly deserved the Oscar for best actress. Harry Belafonte was excellent as well. Pearl Bailey, Diahann Carroll...excellent cast. The scenes where Belafonte chases Dandridge atop a moving train appears to have been done without stunt doubles. When Dandridge clambers over a half-submerged jeep,her athletic ability is on full display. It was a novelty to have an all-black cast throughout - many actors,many extras. This movie was epic. A must-see for any film buff. It's a tragedy that Dandridge did not star in many more films - such a gifted actress. Those were the days when racism prevailed. This film is a treasure.