The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, & Little Richard!

Book Vs. Movie: “The Girl Can’t Help It” 
The Garson Kanin Play Vs. the Jayne Mansfield Movie

The 1956 Technicolor film The Girl Can’t Help It is often remembered for Jayne Mansfield’s curves and Little Richard’s title song, but it originated from Garson Kanin's short story Do Re Mi. This satirical piece critiques the music industry and the manufactured nature of fame, suggesting that anyone can become a star with enough money and manipulation. Directed by Frank Tashlin, the film follows a down-on-his-luck music manager (Tom Ewell) hired by a mobster (Edmond O’Brien) to turn his disinterested girlfriend (Mansfield) into a music sensation. Between the short story and the movie, which did the Margos like better?

Have a listen to find out!
In this episode, the Margos discuss:

• The original sort story vs the Broadway musical starring Phil Sylvers
• The life and career of Jayne Mansfield
• How important Little Richard is to rock and roll. 
• The cast includes: Jayne Mansfield (Jerri Jordan), Tom Ewell (Tom Miller), Edmond O’Brien (Fats), Julie London (herself), and Ray Anthony as himself. 

Clips Featured:

• Intro to the movie
• The Girl Can’t Help It (1956 trailer) 
• “Jayne walking”
• “Eddie Cochran on TV”
• “Jayne and Little Richard”
• Music by Little Richard

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