Merry Andrew (film)

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Merry Andrew is a 1958 American musical comedy starring Danny Kaye, directed and choreographed by Michael Kidd. The story, based on a Paul Gallico short tale, follows Andrew Larabee, a lovable but unconventional schoolteacher who loves archaeology. He goes to Sussex to hunt for a Pan statue to win his father’s respect and help secure his fiancée Letitia’s approval for their wedding.

Plot in simple terms:
- Andrew’s traditional headmaster father dislikes his free-spirited teaching style, though students love him.
- While digging near the Gallini circus, the land is being taken by Lord Elmwood. The circus is told to pack up.
- The Gallini brothers mistake Andrew for a contractor, and he ends up helping the show, especially when the ringmaster is ill.
- Andrew is pressed into acting as Antonio the clown. He uses clever tricks and becomes a crowd favorite.
- Letitia’s engagement to Andrew conflicts with his new circus fame and Selena, a member of the Gallini group, catches his eye.
- A cave-in traps Andrew and Selena; a Pan statue is discovered by Angelina the chimp, creating more complications.
- Family pressure forces a wedding, but Andrew realizes he truly loves Selena. In the end, Letitia and Andrew’s brother Dudley marry, Andrew and Selena become a couple, and Andrew’s father gives his blessing.

Cast and music:
- Danny Kaye as Andrew Larabee
- Pier Angeli as Selena
- Music by Saul Chaplin; lyrics by Johnny Mercer

Production and release:
- Screenplay by Isobel Lennart and I.A.L. Diamond
- Release date: premiere in Singapore February 1958; U.S. release March 20, 1958
- Running time: 103 minutes
- Budget: $2,485,000; Box office: about $3,530,000 (MGM records show a loss of around $837,000)

Reception:
- Bosley Crowther of The New York Times called it light, cheerful entertainment and praised Kaye’s charm.
- Variety noted strong musical numbers and a happy mood, but felt some comedy and pacing weren’t always on the same level.